Cord Byrd: “There are a number of other tools that are under development, and these, in my judgment, should be further explored for…”

“There are a number of other tools that are under development, and these, in my judgment, should be further explored for inclusion in the proposed treaty in order that our own economic growth not be penalized by the treaty. These tools include joint implementation involving partnerships among industries in the developed and developing countries. There are, as well, many areas where other U.S. programs and initiatives could be enhanced to further the same objectives, such as cooperative technology ventures and enhanced research and development of both fossil fuel development technologies and alternate fuel technologies. These tools and programs may also have an advantage in encouraging the developing world to make meaningful binding commitments. So they should be explored as a natural companion to provisions establishing binding commitments. The purpose would be to level the competitive playing field so that the United States is not placed at a disadvantage and to help insure that all the world's economies will share the responsibilities to tackle the global warming problem.”