Obama Energy Chief Discusses Climate

While the Obama administration outlined its sweeping energy plans in recent months, Carol Browner, the energy and climate “czarina,” was a discreet figure, making few public appearances. That discretion may have helped to fuel doubts that the administration was really committed to seeking new climate legislation this year. But on Monday, Ms. Browner offered a glimpse of the administration’s strategy at an energy forum held by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. By her account, the administration is determined to move forward on climate change even in the face a crippling recession and global economic crisis. As opposition to a climate bill mounts, particularly from Congressional Republicans, Ms. Browner said such legislation would significantly strengthen the administration’s position in Copenhagen, where nations will negotiate a new climate treaty at the end of the year. “Copenhagen and the position we can take there will be driven by what we can do domestically,” she said. “The bill is absolutely essential to our position and what we hope to achieve.” “The president has been very clear that he wants to re-establish the U.S. as a leader on the issue of climate change and global warming,” Ms. Browner said...NY Times