OVERNIGHT ENERGY: EPA makes case for global action on climate

EPA ADDS UP CLIMATE COSTS: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a report Monday saying that the United States stands to lose $180 billion by the end of the century due to climate change.

The report analyzes the potential benefits across the country and economy from international climate change policies that keep global warming within 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of pre-industrial levels, avoiding those billions of dollars in costs.

{mosads}”Based on rigorous peer-reviewed science, the report examines two possible futures,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy told reporters Monday. “One is that we don’t really do anything to reduce carbon pollution, and the second is one where we take global action now.”

Obama administration officials said the report is meant to make a stronger case to Congress, the American people and world leaders that the stakes are high in fighting climate change.

While the report does not seem to have changed any minds, congressional Democrats welcomed it nonetheless.

“This report reiterates that climate change cannot be viewed solely as an environmental issue, but must also be seen as an economic concern that has the potential to be financially devastating,” Rep. Frank Pallone (N.J.), top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said in a statement.

“EPA’s new peer-reviewed report shows in stark terms what the impacts will be on public health and the nation’s economy if we don’t take steps now to address dangerous climate change,” said Sen. Barbara Boxer (Calif.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Read more here

ON TAP TUESDAY I: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s clean air and nuclear safety committee will hear industry testimony on the impact of EPA carbon regulations on energy prices.

ON TAP TUESDAY II: Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, will participate in a Heritage Foundation event on the social cost of greenhouse gas emission policies. 

Rest of Tuesday’s agenda …

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will speak at the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy conference.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D), Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton (D), former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) and former EPA Administrator Carol Browner will speak at a Washington Post event called “Powering Cities.” 

A Senate Foreign Affairs Committee panel will hold a hearing on energy exports and how it affects U.S. allies and national security.

The House Rules Committee will meet for a procedural vote on the Interior and Environment spending bill and legislation to block an Obama administration power plant rule.

AROUND THE WEB:

If Canada’s Liberal Party takes control of the government in this year’s election, Leader Justin Trudeau pledged stronger relations with the United States, including an agreement on climate change, the Globe and Mail reports.

A British environmental group said hydraulic fracturing poses “significant” risks to public health and should be immediately banned across the European Union, the Independent reports.

Texas officials still have not decided whether to ignore the EPA’s climate rules for power plants, the Texas Tribune reports.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Check out Monday’s stories … 

-EPA looks to strengthen storage tank safety
-Canada charges six in 2013 oil train disaster
-Dem governors call for strong ozone rule
-EPA report touts big benefits to US from global climate policies
-House GOP leader sees gas tax as politically unfeasible
-Week ahead: Energy bills hit the House floor
-States look to act on nuclear power

Please send tips and comments to Timothy Cama, tcama@digital-staging.thehill.com, and Devin Henry, dhenry@digital-staging.thehill.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Timothy_Cama@dhenry@thehill

Tags Amy Klobuchar Barbara Boxer Climate change Environmental Protection Agency Gina McCarthy

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