Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy & Natural Resources Chairman Pete V. Domenici today issued the following statement at the full committee hearing on climate change science and economics:

Chairman Domenici’s statement:

“I am pleased that the Committee is continuing its discussion on climate change.  It is clear that something is happening with the earth’s climate.  I am aware that many in the scientific community are warning us that something needs to be done.  I am also aware that there are equally qualified members of the scientific community who do not share those views.

“Nevertheless, I believe that it is prudent to heed the warnings we are hearing and begin to find ways of alleviating the human contribution to climate change.  With this hearing we will continue the search for meaningful, economically feasible answers that will produce real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

“It is clear to me that developing a system of mandatory controls on carbon emissions could be a daunting task.  Controls must be effective – they must produce positive emission reductions.  The cost of such controls should have the least possible overall negative effect on our economy and any burdens must be as equitable as they can possibly be.

“It is often said about legislation, ‘the devil is in the details’ and I am hoping that our witnesses today will help us identify some of the ‘devils’ we may encounter as we try to develop an effective response to climate change.”