Domenici Addresses Chinese Delegation, Pleased to See China Begin to Engage on Climate Change
June 5, 2007
06:17 PM
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today addressed a delegation of Chinese lawmakers during the opening session of a National People’s Congress-U.S. Senate Parliamentary Group summit.
Domenici, a proponent of a global approach to climate change that includes China and other developing nations, used his remarks to praise efforts by President Bush and the Chinese government to put forward proposals that address global climate change.
“President Bush’s statement last Thursday on a global climate change policy emphasizes the necessity of pulling together all developing nations in order to form a consensus on this serious issue. I am pleased to see that China developed a climate change proposal four days after the President’s address, and this illustrates to me there is a very real possibility that the United States and China can partner on this issue,” Domenici said.
“We are prepared to look at new ways to make technological advances together as we proceed. If the United States and China move forward together, instead of each waiting for the other to take action, we will make real progress,” he continued.
Earlier this week, Domenici reviewed the plan put forward by the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission, which calls for improving energy efficiency and relies on nuclear power and renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“I am pleased that China recognized the benefits of nuclear power. As a clean and efficient energy source, nuclear power is vital in addressing climate change concerns. Following the recent announcement of a collaborative program on nuclear safety, the U.S. should continue to work with China to promote nuclear energy.”
Domenici also noted that China’s proposal does not impose a mandatory cap and trade system.
“America’s job competitiveness and economic strength are at risk if there is an unequal burden placed on America’s business. While some have proposed a cap and trade system in our country, we cannot afford to adopt such a policy today. If the United States were to make sacrifices without China also doing so, we will be placing an unfair burden on our economy,” Domenici said.
The growing partnership between the United States and China continues this week as President George W. Bush joins Chinese President Hu Jintao at the G-8 summit to discuss global climate change policy.
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