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Coming to America: E.U.’s New Global Warming Trading System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Select Committee, 202-225-4081

Coming to America: E.U.’s New Global Warming Trading System

Select Committee Hearing Tomorrow is First Look on U.S. Soil at New Pollution Trading System

To read testimony and see pictures and video from the hearing, please CLICK HERE.

WASHINGTON (January 22, 2008) – Just a few hours after its release in Europe, a new global warming pollution auction-and-trade system will arrive on American soil tomorrow morning at a hearing before the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. A leading figure in the European Commission’s carbon market will appear before the Select Committee to discuss how the European Union has shifted from a pollution trading scheme where credits are given out for free to a system where companies must bid on credits.

“Because this administration has refused to push forward on global warming policy, we must look to the E.U. and other countries for lessons on global warming policy,” said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chairman of the Select Committee. “Europe has learned some hard lessons which can help America avoid policy pitfalls and reduce carbon dioxide emissions sooner and more effectively.”

The hearing will examine the role of auction or allocation systems for global warming emissions credits in a cap-and-trade climate bill. Along with several prominent witnesses from the United States, Peter Zapfel, Coordinator for Carbon Markets and Energy Policy, European Commission – Environment Directorate General, will cover these new developments in the E.U.

Information on the hearing is as follows:

WHAT: Select Committee hearing: “Cap, Auction, and Trade: Auctions and Revenue Recycling Under Carbon Cap and Trade”

WHO: Peter Zapfel, Coordinator for Carbon Markets and Energy Policy, European Commission – Environment Directorate General

Hon. Ian Bowles, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Dallas Burtraw, Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future

John Podesta, President and Chief Executive Officer, Center for American Progress

Robert Greenstein, Executive Director, Center on Budget Policies and Priorities

WHEN: 9:30 AM, Wednesday, January 23, 2008

WHERE: 2128 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC
or on the web at globalwarming.house.gov

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The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was formed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to increase the visibility and priority given to America's oil dependence and global warming challenges. It is chaired by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and will actively explore the solutions, science and progress on these pressing issues during the 110th Congress.

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