Oct. 1--WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers from both West Virginia and Virginia voiced concerns Wednesday over a new climate bill proposed by the U.S. Senate.

"The climate legislation proposed today by Senators (Barbara) Boxer and (John) Kerry is a disappointing step in the wrong direction and I am against it," U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., said. "Requiring 20 percent emission reductions by 2020 is unrealistic and harmful -- it is simply not enough time to deploy the carbon capture and storage and energy efficiency technologies we need. Period."

Rockefeller said he will oppose any climate bill -- or cap and trade legislation -- that directly threatens West Virginia

"Our nation cannot survive without energy from coal and any viable climate policy must solidify our future by focusing on technology to make coal cleaner faster," Rockefeller added. "I will continue studying the bill and all of its implications for our state and the coal industry. This is by no means the defining word on climate legislation in the Senate. I remain adamant in my conviction not to support any bill that might threaten the economy, workers or families across West Virginia."

Rockefeller is a member of at least six Senate committees that will have jurisdiction over climate legislation, including the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which Rockefeller chairs

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., said he was encouraged by the greater focus on clean coal technology, but still concerned about the proposed bill.

"I will continue to work with my colleagues to strike a balance that treats West Virginia's interests fairly as the legislative process moves forward," Byrd said. "However, I will actively oppose any bill that would harm the workers, families, industries or our resource-based economy in West Virginia."

Byrd said he was glad to see that Kerry and Boxer included provisions he and other senators recommended related to carbon capture and storage techniques.

"While this is an encouraging sign, we have a long way to go on this legislation," Byrd said. "Many issues have yet to be addressed. There is still a tough road ahead."

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.,was still reviewing the legislation Wednesday, spokesman Kevin Hall said.

Hall said other versions of the climate bill are expected to be introduced as the process moves through the Senate. Hall said Warner, and several other "coal state" senators, signed a letter earlier this month stating their intention to work for climate legislation that includes measures to encourage the early deployment of carbon capture and technology sequestration.

"That will help ensure coal remains a part of America's energy portfolio," Hall said.

U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., also has some concerns about the climate change legislation, spokeswoman Jessica Smith said.

"Senator Webb is committed to finding workable solutions to address global climate change," Smith said. "At the same time, he believes that any climate legislation must protect American workers and business against undue hardship. He has some concerns about the legislation being debated in Congress. Among them, he has concerns that the vehicle of cap and trade could invite market manipulation and even create perverse incentives and cheating within the system. He also believes global warming requires a global solution. Without the firm commitment of all major emitters -- including China which has now surpassed the United States in CO2 emissions -- this challenge will not be solved."

-- Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

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