Guest list for Copenhagen climate meeting grows
Scott Segal, legal partner at Bracewell & Giuliani, notes that direct presidential involvement was crucial to passing the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990s. Segal believes involvement from the Oval Office will prove to be a key element again if anything on climate policy is to become US law.
“As to whether Obama’s attendance will transform the results in Copenhagen, it seems unlikely,” Segal said. “While speaking softly, China and India still seem steadfastly opposed to strict (emissions) targets for emerging nations, and progress on the major sticking points across the board remains slow.”
He does note that Obama's involvement in Copenhagen ultimately might help nudge along climate policy debate in Washington, DC.
I tend to agree with Segal. After so much fanfare and anticipation, it’s going to be hard for the Copenhagen meeting to fulfill broad, public expectations. Personally, I expect to see volumes written by the general media following the meeting, regardless of what happens.
What actually happens in Washington on climate after Copenhagen could prove as important to many oil and gas companies as whatever might happen in Copenhagen.
Labels: climate change, Copenhagen, Obama, United Nations