The Senate's vote, 95-0, shows that there is a clear consensus that the Kyoto Protocol is an unfair and ineffective means of addressing global climate change concerns. As you also know, I support a comprehensive and balanced national energy policy that takes into account the importance of improving air quality. Consistent with this balanced approach, I intend to work with the Congress on a multipollutant strategy to require power plants to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury. Any such strategy would include phasing in reductions over a reasonable period of time, providing regulatory certainty, and offering market- based incentives to help industry meet the targets. This is important new information that warrants a reevaluation, especially at a time of rising energy prices and a serious energy shortage.
Coal generates more than half of America's electricity supply.
At a time when California has already experienced energy shortages, and other Western states are worried about price and availability of energy this summer, we must be very careful not to take actions that could harm consumers. This is especially true given the incomplete state of scientific knowledge of the causes of, and solutions to, global climate change and the lack of commercially available technologies for removing and storing carbon dioxide. I am very optimistic that, with the proper focus and working with our friends and allies, we will be able to develop technologies, market incentives, and other creative ways to address global climate change. I look forward to working with you and others to address global climate change issues in the context of a national energy policy that protects our environment, consumers, and economy. Identical letters were sent to Senators Jesse Helms, Larry E. Craig, Pat Roberts, and Chuck Hagel.