Things are different on Capitol Hill as Republicans adjust to their new minority status. The good news is that environmentally challenged lawmakers are not able to create as much mischief. The bad news is that our GOP champs are also hampered and typically must find a lead Democrat to help them pass new legislation.
Quick out of the Gate
Senator John McCain (AZ) and Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (MD) are the lead GOP co-sponsors of the Climate Stewardship Act in each house.
Rep. Vernon Ehlers (MI) is the GOP co-sponsor for the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act, to restore the scope of the Clean Water Act to include non-navigable waters such as wetlands, ponds, playa lakes, and intermittent streams. Ehlers has also introduced the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Implementation Act of 2007, a comprehensive bill addressing invasive species, coastal health, wetlands, habitat protection, toxic substances, sewage treatment, and so on.
Rep. Tom Petri (WI) and Gilchrest are the GOP co-sponsors of the Salmon Economic Analysis and Planning Act, which authorizes two sets of studies—one from the National Academy of Sciences and another from the Government Accountability Office—of the costs and benefits of removing four lower Snake River dams to restore the salmon fisheries.
Rep. Jim Ramstad (MN) is the lead GOP co-sponsor of the Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act, which would give permanent wilderness protection to the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Will They Ever Learn?
Unfortunately, there is one major disappointment as a result of a Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has created to prevent foot dragging by Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), now chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee—and a long-time foe of climate legislation.
Instead of taking this opportunity to appoint a well-rounded slate of Republicans that includes strong climate champs like Rep. Gilchrest—who asked to be on the committee—Minority Leader John Boehner (OH) named six other Republicans with no record of interest or accomplishment in fighting global warming.
REP says: Shame on Boehner!
Also in this issue: Proud to Praise 'Em!
