Possible Introduction of Senate Climate Bill Next Week

Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) are planning to continue their push to advance climate change legislation with or without the support of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and may introduce a bill as early as next week. Questions remain as to Senator Graham's level of participation in the discussions but Senator Kerry insists that all three Senators are working together behind the scenes on the proposal. One of the main issues said to be holding up the introduction of the bill is the treatment of the revenue that would be generated from requiring oil companies to pay a fee or a penalty on the emissions from transportation fuels.  AGC and others transportation stakeholders contend that the money generated from this  or any other fee on transportation motor fuels  should be treated as a user fee and dedicated to the Highway Trust Fund to support a multi-year surface transportation bill.  AGC continues to deliver that message in meetings with Senate offices.  Support this effort by sending a letter through AGC's Legislative Action Center.