Chemical, steel companies cheer Senate Dems seeking climate bill protections
The Hill – Trade groups representing steel and chemical companies are applauding efforts by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and several other Democrats from manufacturing-heavy states to win industry protections in the upcoming Senate climate bill.
The cheers are another sign that architects of controversial climate legislation could receive buy-in – or at least neutrality – from various industry groups if they include enough concessions in their emissions-capping plan.
Brown and nine colleagues sent a letter Thursday to Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) – who are crafting the forthcoming bill – calling for measures such as free emissions allowances, limits on carbon prices and trade protections.
“We applaud Senator Brown and his colleagues for their steadfast efforts to ensure that clean energy legislation recognizes the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing as a priority for our economic and national security,” said American Chemistry Council CEO Cal Dooley in a statement.
