Page 2 The first budget period will be the U.S. proposal of 2008 2012. The parties to the convention rejected proposals that were neither realistic nor achievable. According to the State Department, having a full decade before the start of the binding period will allow more time for U.S. companies to make the transition to greater energy efficiency and/or lower carbon technologies. While implementation of this agreement has the commendable purpose of securing a cleaner and more livable environment, several important issues still remain. The economic impact of the agreement to U.S. industries, the outlining of a detailed emissions trading process, as well as the role of developing nations and their "meaningful participation" in this agreement are all issues that must be addressed. The President's FY 1999 budget request includes the Climate Change Technology Initiative (CCTI), which is a five year, $2.710 billion research and technology initiative, along with a $3.635 billion package of tax credits, which has as its purpose to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, $1.864 billion was requested for the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). As you know, this request is a result of Members of the Congressional delegation stating publicly at the conference in Kyoto that any agreement reached should be supported by a credible FY 1999 budget request. There is no doubt that the United States' commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the efforts of the State Department allow us to better prepare for the healthy well being of our people in the U.S. and throughout the world. This effort should be supported. FULL COMMITTEE HEARING RAYBURN 2318 3/5/98 STATEMENT CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON Thank you Chairman Sensenbrenner for convening this hearing on the Kyoto Treaty. The U.S. is heading down the right path by committing themselves to the reduction of emissions. I am pleased that the U.S. has agreed to cut 7 percent below their 1990 level of emissions through implementing new technologies, programs, and tax credits. In comparison, Japan has agreed to cut 6 percent and the European Union has agreed to cut 8 percent below their 1990 level of emissions. In order to implement these reductions, one of the noteworthy programs the Federal Government has created is the Climate Change Technology Initiative Program. This research and technology effort is led by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and also includes activities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and The FY 1999 budget proposes a combined $2.7 billion increase over five years for these agencies for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon-reduction technologies. These efforts will impact a number of key sectors. In addition, the budget proposes $3.6 billion in tax credits over the same five-year period for emission reduction practices. Each agency will implement different initiatives which will reduce emissions in several ways. DOE will allocate monies to increase the efficiency of lighting, refrigerators, air-conditioning systems and other building equipment and to improve whole building designs. EPA will allocate monies to promote greenhouse gas reduction and improve energy performance of facilities by increasing awareness of energy efficient technology that is applicable for both residential and commercial buildings. Also, EPA will do outreach to state and local entities to integrate climate change into programs and policies and engage developing countries in the implementation of climate change technologies. gas data and support biotechnology work. HUD will manage the PATH program which demonstrates housing technologies so that homes can be built cheaper and more environmentally sustainable. USDA will support additional research on the I believe that these agencies should be commended for their efforts to solve our emission problem. Only when all entities work towards the same goal can we find numerous solutions to deal with the reduction of emissions. Every individuals should be prepared to be part of the solution to reduce emissions. We must be prepared to spend money to implement energy efficient technologies in order to make our environment clean and safe. I would like to call your attention to the data released by the White House concerning the costs the average American household will have to pay to reduce emissions. If the Kyoto Treaty is implemented, the average American household's energy bill may see an additional $70 to $110 included over the next 15 years. This modest amount is fashion. We may see our gas prices go up 4- to 6 cent per gallon as well. For many, this may seem a hefty price to pay for reducing emissions, but this is an invaluable price to pay in order to save our nation from environmental disaster. I hope that we will do our best to preserve our environment for generations to follow. If not, our children will grow up in an environment where the air is dirty, the waters are muddy, and the temperatures are unbearably hot. Let us commit to maintaining a healthy environment. Thank you. |