In October 2007, U.S. Senators Joseph I. Lieberman (Independent-CT) and John W. Warner (Republican-VA), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Private Sector and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming and Wildlife Protection, introduced S. 2191, America’s Climate Security Act of 2007. Following action by the Committee on Environment and Public Works, the modified legislation was later introduced as S. 3036, the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008. In response to the introduction of global climate legislation, the Natural Gas Council (NGC) undertook a study to review the potential impact on natural gas. Our model runs were being completed just as Sen. Barbara Boxer (Democrat-CA) introduced her substitute amendment to S. 3036, but they are consistent with the offsets outlined in her proposed changes.
Using 2005 as a baseline, S. 3036 would seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by approximately 20 percent by 2020 and over 60 percent by 2050. Our analysis demonstrates the goals of the legislation can be met through 2030 if the technology and offsets are available, but there will be significant costs.
The analysis was conducted by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) using the National Energy Model System (referred to as NEMS-NGC version). NEMS-NGC used alternative input assumptions provided by the Council.
The Natural Gas Council includes the American Gas Association, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, and the Natural Gas Supply Association.
