Senate OKs More Climate-Shift Funds
The Senate approved a bipartisan measure Friday to restore $4.5 billion in funds for climate change programs over the coming decade that the Bush administration had sought to cut.
The amendment, offered by Sens. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) and James M. Jeffords (R-Vt.), covers a broad range of international and domestic programs that study and address problems associated with the Earth’s rising temperature.
It also provides additional authority for the State Department to enable the United States “to fully engage with the international community in ongoing and highly complex negotiations” toward a global warming treaty.
The Senate action by voice vote follows the Bush administration’s announcement that it was abandoning the global warming protocol negotiated in Kyoto, Japan, a decision that has triggered strong protests from allies abroad and environmental groups at home.
Environmental Protection Agency administrator Christie Whitman urged environmentalists Friday to quit fighting lost battles and work with the administration on doable alternatives.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
