Britain Proposes Law to Curb Greenhouse Gases

[RedEarth]

LONDON, March 13 — As nations and politicians in many parts of Europe compete to burnish their green credentials, the British government today proposed laws requiring a 60 percent reduction in total carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

If approved, the draft Climate Change Bill could affect many Britons in many ways. Government representatives might be summoned to appear before judges for failing to meet targets; households could come under pressure to switch to low-energy light bulbs and to install more insulation, and manufacturers could be asked to build televisions or DVD players without standby modes that consume energy even when the devices are not in use.

Indeed, in a land enamored of late-model cars, the internal combustion engine and regular low-cost flights to sunnier climes, some of the measures could be unpopular with voters even as they inspire politicians’ acclaim.

“This bill is an international landmark,” the Environment Minister, David Miliband, told reporters. “It is the first time any country has set itself legally binding carbon targets. It is an environmental contract for future generations.”

Although its contribution to global warming is relatively modest, Britain has strived to position itself at the forefront of international efforts to address what Prime Minister Tony Blair said today was “the biggest long-term threat facing our world.” ..........(other than shrub)

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/13/world/europe/13cnd-britain.html?ex=1331438400&en=bb03f87389a66c0b&ei=5089&partner=rssyahoo&emc=rss

[Wwagsthedog]

1. Does this mean that Parliament will shut down? nt

[Greeby]

2. Unpopular with voters?

Oh yeah, like New Labour has ever let that hold them back :eyes:

[intaglio]

3. This is likely to go through

It has cross party support

[razzleberry]

4. how would the provisions be enforced?

I just don't see the UK
sanctioning itself.

what does 'legally binding targets' mean?
do they get to ignore the targets,
as the EU apparently will do with the Kyoto protocol.