A new stance

The Waxman-Markey bill, passed at the end of last month, sets out the basis for a new negotiating stance and will boost prospects for reaching an agreement in Copenhagen in December, without having to wait for US approval

The end of last month saw the passing by the House of Representatives of the American Clean Energy and Security Act 2009, also known as the Waxman-Markey bill after its two Democrat co-authors. The bill is significant in the run up to international negotiations for a new climate change treaty at Copenhagen in December in that it sets out the basis for a new US negotiating stance, and delivers an important boost to the prospects of reaching some sort of agreement there. Up until now, international negotiations have been held back by other countries waiting to see what America will do. It ...