Changes

Estimates of the cost vary widely. A 15% cut in carbon emissions would cost the average American household about $1,600 a year, according to March 12, 2009, Congressional Budget Office testimony. Climate legislation passed by the House in June offsets most of the cost to consumers by returning some of the revenues to offset any significant spike in electricity costs.  

Estimates of the cost vary widely. A 15% cut in carbon emissions would cost the average American household about $1,600 a year, according to March 12, 2009, Congressional Budget Office testimony. Climate legislation passed by the House in June offsets most of the cost to consumers by returning some of the revenues to offset any significant spike in electricity costs.  

Environmentalists are pushing the proposal, but industry is opposed and prospects for final passage have dimmed, as the [[Recession of 2008]] and the the huge federal deficit make additional burdens on the economy problematic. The Democratic Caucus is split over the bill, with coal-, oil- and manufacturing-state Democrats raising concerns that a cap-and-trade system would disproportionately raise electricity bills for consumers and business in their states.<ref>see [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27251.html#ixzz0RXLbmjQq Lisa Lerer, "Vital signs weak for climate bill," ''Politico'' Sep. 17, 2009]</ref>

Environmentalists are pushing the proposal, but industry is opposed and prospects for final passage have dimmed, as the [[Recession of 2008]] and the huge federal deficit make additional burdens on the economy problematic. The Democratic Caucus is split over the bill, with coal-, oil- and manufacturing-state Democrats raising concerns that a cap-and-trade system would disproportionately raise electricity bills for consumers and business in their states.<ref>see [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27251.html#ixzz0RXLbmjQq Lisa Lerer, "Vital signs weak for climate bill," ''Politico'' Sep. 17, 2009]</ref>

Politically safe alternatives have been proposed. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved energy legislation with bipartisan support in June 2009 that mandates utilities provide 15% of their power from renewable sources by 2021. This legislation could furnish a bipartisan energy bill that leaves out cap and trade.  

Politically safe alternatives have been proposed. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved energy legislation with bipartisan support in June 2009 that mandates utilities provide 15% of their power from renewable sources by 2021. This legislation could furnish a bipartisan energy bill that leaves out cap and trade.