Political Quotes

“I am disappointed that there was not an amendment addressing the Kyoto Protocol language in the State Department reauthorization bill. This language that calls for implementary the protocol will potentially have far-reaching ramifications. An issue of such importance should have been debated before the House. Under the Kyoto Protocol, by 2008 to 2012 the U.S. would be required to slash emissions of greenhouse gases to seven percent below the 1990 level--a level last achieved in 1979. Based on projections of the future growth in U.S. energy use, this would require a real cut in emissions of over 30 percent. In the meantime, major greenhouse-gas emitters, such as China, India, Mexico, and Brazil, would be able to continue business as usual. But while the Protocol sets stringent targets and timetables for developed countries, it left the important details of implementation for later negotiations. After three years, these negotiations have gone nowhere, the developing countries have repeatedly refused to even discuss the possibility that targets and timetables might apply to them, as well.”