Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming

Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming
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Name	Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming
Type	Select committee
Chamber	United States House of Representatives
Formed	2007
Abolished	2011
Jurisdiction	United States Congress
Chairs	Edward Markey

Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was a temporary United States House of Representatives select committee created during the 110th United States Congress to address climate change, energy policy, and related environmental issues. The committee combined legislative inquiry with public hearings and briefing sessions to examine policy options linked to energy security and global warming. It operated amid debates involving the George W. Bush administration, the Barack Obama transition, and legislative efforts in the United States Senate.

History and Establishment

The committee was established in the 110th United States Congress by resolution introduced by Nancy Pelosi and supported by members of the Democratic Party. Its creation followed high-profile events such as the widespread attention to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, the 2006 United States midterm elections, and public campaigns led by figures including Al Gore and organizations like the Sierra Club. Congressional debates referenced prior legislative frameworks such as the Clean Air Act and policy proposals debated in the United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The committee operated against the backdrop of international negotiations including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change processes and debates following the Kyoto Protocol discussions.

Mandate and Jurisdiction

The mandate drew on congressional prerogatives articulated in rules of the House of Representatives and resolutions from the 110th United States Congress. It was charged to investigate policy options related to energy independence, emissions reductions, renewable energy deployment, and adaptation measures discussed at forums like the G8 Summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings. The committee held authority to request briefings from federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and to consult with research institutions such as the National Academy of Sciences and think tanks like the Brookings Institution and the Heritage Foundation.

Membership and Leadership

Membership comprised members from the Democratic Party and limited participation by the Republican Party in select hearings, with Edward Markey serving as inaugural chair. Ranking members and participants included figures from committees such as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Natural Resources, along with representatives from delegations including California's 7th congressional district and Massachusetts's 7th congressional district. The composition reflected interests tied to constituencies represented by members from states like California, Texas, Massachusetts, and Florida, and involved collaboration with congressional leaders including Steny Hoyer and John Boehner on procedural matters.

Activities and Investigations

The committee organized hearings, briefings, and field visits addressing topics such as renewable electricity, automotive fuel efficiency standards championed in discussions with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, carbon capture initiatives showcased by institutions like MIT and Stanford University, and impacts on coastal communities studied by researchers from NOAA. It examined testimony from scientists connected to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, industry representatives from firms comparable to ExxonMobil and General Motors (as witnesses), and advocates from nonprofits including Environmental Defense Fund and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Investigations considered technological pathways such as solar initiatives promoted by entities like SunPower and wind projects coordinated with regional bodies such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative partners.

Reports, Legislation, and Policy Impact

The committee issued reports summarizing findings on emissions trajectories, energy efficiency, and policy options debated during the 110th and 111th Congress. Its work intersected with landmark legislative efforts including drafts related to cap-and-trade proposals debated alongside measures in the United States Senate and legislative packages such as proposals circulated during the 111th United States Congress. The committee’s hearings informed deliberations on amendments to statutes like the Clean Air Act and influenced agency rulemaking at the Environmental Protection Agency and program development at the Department of Energy. Several members used committee findings to support major legislative initiatives pursued by leaders in the House of Representatives and to advocate in international forums including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conferences.

Criticism and Controversy

Critics from the Republican Party and industry groups argued the committee duplicated jurisdiction of standing panels such as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Science and Technology, invoking procedural disputes in the House Rules Committee. Conservative commentators and organizations such as the Heritage Foundation questioned the committee’s policy recommendations and the selection of witnesses, while some advocacy groups called for stronger action than the committee endorsed. Debates over funding, scope, and partisan balance culminated in votes during shifts in majority control of the House of Representatives, and the committee was dissolved amid reorganization following the 2010 United States House of Representatives elections.

Category:United States congressional committees