Prospects for Copenhagen

Things are looking grim for the US position as we head into Copenhagen in December. Climate legislation emerged out of the House this summer, but has been stalled in the Senate due to the focus on health care. Senators Boxer and Kerry promise to have a draft of their bill out by September 30. China overshadowed the US at the UN Summit with its pronouncement about their cuts to energy intensity. While China gave few details, it takes the wind out of the sails of the US argument that we shouldn't do anything until China takes action. The Economist features a good summary of the world stage at this time and the implications of pushing the Senate too hard. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the march to Copenhagen.