Jim Inhofe: “I hereby introduce, by request, the Clear Skies Initiative to reduce harmful air pollutants. I am pleased that Senator…”

“I hereby introduce, by request, the Clear Skies Initiative to reduce harmful air pollutants. I am pleased that Senator Voinovich and I and our counterparts in the House have the opportunity to work with the President on one of his top legislative priorities. Clear Skies demonstrates the President's serious commitment to providing strong environmental protections for the American people. It is the most aggressive presidential initiative in history to reduce power plant emissions. Clear Skies will build upon the remarkable environmental progress we've made over the last 30 years. Since passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970 the nation's gross domestic product has increased 160 percent, energy consumption has increased 45 percent, and population has increased 38 percent. At the same time we've reduced emissions by 29 percent. President Bush understands that achieving positive environmental results and promoting economic growth are not incompatible goals. Moving beyond the confusing, command-and-control mandates of the past, Clear Skies cap-and-trade system harnesses the power of technology and innovation to bring about significant reductions in harmful pollutants. I look forward to working with the Administration on crafting a sound bill. I believe Clear Skies represents a good starting point for moving forward with the legislative process.”