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Carbon Permit Allocation Debated in US Senate
In the latest obstacle to proposed U.S. climate legislation, key lawmakers on Thursday urged Senate Democrats to change distribution plans for carbon permits to offer more protection for coal-dependent utilities.
The lawmakers said the allocation scheme in the current Senate bill does not apportion permits in an equitable manner and will result in higher electricity rates for consumers in regions that rely mostly on coal for power generation.
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The 14 lawmakers who signed the letter mostly hail from heavy coal using states, including Senators Tom Harkin, of Iowa, Byron Dorgan, of North Dakota, and Robert Byrd of West Virginia. Senate Democrats are trying to craft a bill that could receive enough support to be approved by the chamber.
"We believe it is essential that we strive to formulate legislation that equitably distributes transition assistance across individuals, as well as states and regions and economic sectors," the Democratic Senators said in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Article continues: http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AB5Y220091112