Bush changes mind on Climate Change?

For the longest time, the current administration’s refusal to take a stand against global warming almost served as a rallying cry for ecowarriors and hushed support for unbelievers. But now come early reports that Bush may propose legislation to fight global warming in the twilight of his lame-duck year as president.

The Washington Times (a conservative newspaper) quotes a source close to the White House saying that the Bush administration may try and push for emissions caps of some kind before vacating office.

“This is an attempt to move the administration and the party closer to the center on global warming. With these steps, it is hoped that the debate over this is over, and it is time to do something,” said an administration source close to the White House who is familiar with the planning and who said to expect an announcement this week.

That doesn’t mean the path to solving climate change is clear: Republicans in Congress are reportedly said to be less than excited about Bush’s potential change of heart. Still, White House spokesperson Dana Perino stops just short of confirming that the administration is at least thinking about moving the issue forward.

“The embedded regulatory trajectory that we’re on is a train wreck,” Mrs. Perino said. “For those who want reasonable and responsible action, it is worthwhile to have a constructive conversation as we work to keep the developing nations in this process in a way that will work to solve the problem without harming the economy.”

The story claims that an announcement from the White House could come as early as this week. Even if that happens, it’s probably still too little, too late for places like Glacier National Park. — Ted Alvarez

Bush prepares global warming initiative (Washington Times)

Via Dateline Earth