A vote in the US Senate last week has raised hope for the creation of mandatory emission limits, in what has been described as a ‘monumental sea change’ by environmental campaigners. The ‘Sense of the Senate on Climate Change’ resolution (Senators Bingaman (D-NM), Specter (R-PA), Byrd (D-WV), and Domenici (R-NM) was passed by a voice vote, underlining the Senate’s position on the contentious issue.

"This represents a monumental sea change on the politics of global warming. The White House has tried to block progress for four years, but the Senate is saying no, it's time to act," said John Adams, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) President.

The vote follows a growing determination within the Senate and various state authorities to push ahead with progressive environmental policies in spite of the Federal stance. Internationally, the US remains in an isolated position after years of denial over the science of climate change, and the refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. An earlier climate change proposal, the McCain-Lieberman Global Warming Pollution Bill, was narrowly defeated in the Senate in October 2004 but indicated a solid level of support.

"The center of gravity in the Senate has shifted on global warming," added David Doniger, Policy Director for NRDC's Climate Centre.

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