Press Release

December 4, 2009
SENATOR CARDIN SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT GLOBAL CLIMATE DEAL
Bill Supports U.S. Climate Finance Contribution

 

 WASHINGTON, DC –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations (SFRC) and Environment and Public Works (EPW) committees, Thursday joined SFRC Chairman Senator John Kerry (D-MA), fellow Foreign Relations Committee members Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ted Kaufman (D-DE), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), in introducing the

International Climate Change Investment Act of 2009
.  This legislation addresses the global security risks of climate change and promotes our economic leadership and competitiveness by enhancing demand for American clean energy products.  The Act strongly supports a global agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark, later this month.

The

International Climate Change Investment Act of 2009
serves as the foundation for the United States’ international financial commitment by supporting key elements of a global climate agreement:  adaptation to climate change, deployment of clean energy technologies, and reduction of deforestation and forest degradation.  These provisions are intended to be incorporated into comprehensive climate change legislation, including S. 1733, the

Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act.
 
“Combating the effect of climate change is essential to our national and economic security, but it is a global problem that requires global action and coordination. As we draw closer to the start of talks in Copenhagen, I am pleased to join my colleagues in putting forward a bill that makes clear our expectations that any international agreement should contain strong verification and compliance mechanisms, along with a strong commitment to provide assistance for the developing world,” said Senator Cardin.
 
The

International Climate Change Investment Act of 2009
provides for a coordinated approach to addressing climate change around the world by:
 
·
        
Establishing a “Strategic Interagency Board on International Climate Investment” tooversee multi-agency contributions to international climate finance;
 
·
        
Establishing a detailed reporting and review system to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of assistance provided under this Act;
 
·
        
Recognizing that the United States cannot act alone in a global effort to address climate change, requires the State Department to prepare a report to Congress summarizing the progress toward an international agreement that includes verification and compliance mechanisms as well as a report on the progress of rapidly industrializing countries in achieving low-carbon development;
 
·
        
Authorizing funds to support key elements of the Bali Action Plan under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change:
 
o
  

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation Program: Provides assistance to conserve existing forests, reduce rates of deforestation, and build capacity in developing countries to participate in global carbon markets. Sets goal of achieving emissions reductions by at least 720 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020 and a cumulative amount of at least 6 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2025.
 
o
  

Clean Technology Deployment Program: Supports U.S. export markets byestablishing a clean technology deployment program to advance clean energy technologies and reduce energy poverty in developing countries.  Focuses on the role of the private sector by establishing an Expert Panel on Technology Deployment consisting of representatives of leading academic institutions, civil society, government agencies and business.  Ensures that investments are made in countries that are taking domestic action to reduce emissions and have robust compliance and enforcement with requirements for the protection of intellectual property rights. 
 
o
  

International Adaptation and Global Security Program: Provides new and additional assistance to the most vulnerable developing countries to develop and implement climate change adaptation programs. 
 
A copy of the bill can be found at


cleanenergyjobsandamericanpower.

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