Agriculture, transportation and small businesses exempt from Boxer-Kerry

Only 2% of companies are covered by the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, but that 2% represents 70% of US emissions, says Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), the bill’s co-sponsor.

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With the United Nations signaling lower expectations for a climate treaty in Copenhagen, Sen. John Kerry is expressing confidence that the Senate will be able to vote on a bill before the upcoming Copenhagen climate talks in December.

Speaking to a group of young climate leaders on Tuesday evening, Kerry said natural gas and nuclear power will likely play a larger role in the Senate bill than they did in the House version, simply because they were necessary to get the 60 votes needed for passage. But Senator Kerry also said that despite those healthy incentives for natural gas and nuclear, “The market will end up deciding who the winners are.” Kerry then added adding that he’s willing to bet the winners will be efficiency and renewables brought on by an “extraordinary explosion” in wind, solar and energy efficiency.

“Don’t be scared of this,” Kerry said of the task that lay ahead. What people ought to be scared of, said Kerry, is that China, Germany and India are all moving ahead by building these new clean energy industries and growing jobs.

Despite strong opposition from some large corporations, and from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to any legislation that would put a cap on carbon emissions, several major corporations have voiced support for the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. Kerry cited companies such as Dupont, GE, Dow, American Electric and Cisco Systems that have all thrown support behind the bill, in part, because they recognize the incredible job growth potential of it.

“America’s competitiveness and America’s jobs will be created out of this revolution,” said Kerry.

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Image: James Jordan via flickr