Time Running Out on Climate Bill

Recent talks between large utility companies and environmentalists on Senate legislation seeking to limit carbon emissions from power plants are showing some signs of progress. But it may not be enough for those in Congress who hope to move forward soon with an energy package that includes a utility-focused carbon plan—Senate debate on energy legislation is scheduled to begin on July 26. “The schedule is not our friend,” said Senator John Kerry, a proponent of climate change provisions. One major point of contention in whether or not power companies accepting carbon caps should be still subject to Environmental Protection Agency's regulation of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Another issue is how a carbon-pricing program would allocate emissions credits to companies.