Kerry, Lieberman, Graham Release Framework for Climate Change and Energy Independence Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) released their framework for comprehensive climate change and energy independence legislation.

"Over the past month, we have been working together to develop consensus on a comprehensive pollution reduction and energy independence plan. Support is building to simultaneously create jobs, protect our national security interests, and improve our environment. As you depart for Copenhagen, we wanted to provide an assessment of where we see the debate heading in the United States Senate," the Senators wrote today in a letter to the President detailing their outline.

"Our discussions have led us to develop a basic framework for climate action, which is attached for your consideration. We look forward to working with you in the coming months to enact comprehensive pollution reduction and energy independence legislation," wrote the Senators.

Audio of the joint press conference Senators Kerry, Lieberman, and Graham held this afternoon in the Capitol is available at kerry.senate.gov.

The full text of the letter to the President and the climate framework are attached.