HOUSE NARROWLY PASSES CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION

News Date June 30, 2009

Last Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed ground-breaking climate change legislation, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454). After heavy lobbying efforts from all sides, including the White House, the bill passed by the slim margin of 219-212. In the end, eight Republicans supported the legislation, with 44 Democrats in opposition (HR. 2454 Final Vote).

After battling House Democratic Leadership over the legislation, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) voted in favor for the bill. Chairman Peterson was successful in having his language included in this package. The new language included an exemption for agriculture from being included under the emissions cap, an offset program which will be managed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and a delay on a proposal to consider international indirect land use change for biofuel greenhouse gas thresholds, among other modifications to the legislation.

Prior to the final vote, several agriculture and farm organizations released statements regarding their position on the legislation. The National Farmers Union and the National Association of Wheat Growers encouraged Members of Congress to support the final legislation, while the majority of agriculture was opposed to the bill. Several groups applauded the efforts of Chairman Peterson, which included the National Pork Producers Council, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, yet could not lend their support for the final package. 

Looking ahead, the Senate will likely be working from the cap and trade plan as passed by the House on Friday. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has already passed an energy bill, the American Clean Energy Leadership Act, which includes many similar aspects, but does not contain a cap and trade provision. It is being reported that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will be assembling Senate Democratic leaders following the July 4th break to begin constructing their strategy moving forward. If it does not occur sooner, some believe the bill will be completed in September, with the legislation being on the Senate floor in October.