Utilities amp up lobbying over climate debate

WASHINGTON

“It’s what industry does with legislation. They make it better for their bottom line,” said John Coequyt of the Sierra Club, an environmental group.

Buoyed by President Obama’s support, House Democrats want a “cap-and-trade” system requiring utilities to cut carbon emissions 20% by 2020 from 2005 levels or buy credits from lesser-polluting firms to offset emissions above the limit. Critics, including House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, say those costs will fall to consumers.

Climate change has become a boon to lobbyists on all sides of the issue, despite Obama’s attempt to lessen the influence of special interests. A Center for Public Integrity analysis shows interest groups involved with climate change hired 2,430 lobbyists in the past year, up 300% from five years ago.

USA Today