Austin, TX

The ‘Climate Matters Act’ would establish a market driven cap and trade program. Doggett says the government would focus on big polluters like utilities and big manufacturers. “They will be involved in this carbon market, buying right to pollute and each year the requirements will get a little more stringent so they’re encouraged to move to non-polluting sources of energy,” said Doggett. He said money generated from the so- called carbon market would be used as incentives for developing cleaner technologies. “[to] Develop new green industries and help some of our poorer neighbors transition into this carbon economy with weatherization, low income heating assistance and the like,” he said. Some have criticized cap and trade programs as an inefficient way to lower pollution. The bill would also require countries such as China and India to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions or face U.S. trade sanctions. A similar energy bill recently hit obstacles in the Senate. Doggett said a key committee will hold a hearing on the bill within a month.

— Crystal Chavez