U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole decided a year ago that climate change was real.
As the U.S. Senate casts a historic vote on the first comprehensive bill aimed at global warming, the Salisbury Republican is an unusual supporter.
"I think it's very important that we move on this, because the costs of inaction are just too great," Dole said in an interview Thursday. "The data became more and more voluminous."
She was further persuaded by two Senate buddies — Independent Joe Lieberman and Republican John Warner — who talked to her about the impact of climate change on national security.
The bill will allow companies to "buy" credits in exchange for emitting carbon. Political analysts say that Dole's support for the bill, which is expected to fail, had "national ramifications."
U.S. Sen. Richard Burr opposes the bill, saying it would hurt the Southeast because of its effects on coal-powered plants. (N&O)
Comments
None of the above
June 6, 2008 - 12:36pm — James_ProtzmanLiddy voted for a bill she knew wouldn't pass. I'm mostly glad it didn't pass. I would have given the illusion of progress with no teeth whatsoever.
Re: Dole an unlikely backer of climate bill
June 6, 2008 - 9:24am — dahedgehogHow will the initial permits be distributed under this bill? Will they be auctioned off (good) or given away (bad)? Enquiring minds want to know...
Correction
June 6, 2008 - 9:12am — James_ProtzmanThere is evidence that she was supporting "free market solutions" to the climate challenge last fall. I suppose that's something.
Hmmmm
June 6, 2008 - 9:07am — James_ProtzmanDole is up for re-election. Burr isn't. 'Splains a lot.
J
PS Ryan, just because Dole "says" she decided that climate change was real a year ago, doesn't mean it's true. I can find nothing in the record indicated that change of heart happened any sooner than the May primary here in North Carolina. It would have been more accurate to write, "U.S. Sen., Elizabeth Dole says she decided a year ago ... "