Gore highlights new US push on climate change

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hdwsB6MVaaKegyJAl0BvobAtvkOQ

Gore highlights new US push on climate change

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Al Gore will exhort US lawmakers to renew US leadership on battling climate change next week, as "green" groups push for quick, sweeping action from President Barack Obama and a friendly Congress.

Gore will testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday as Democrats -- who now control the White House and enjoy sizeable majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives -- seek to wield their new power.

"He understands the urgent need for American engagement and leadership on this issue. America must act decisively," ahead of December UN talks on the issue in Copenhagen, said Democratic Senator John Kerry, the panel's chairman.

Kerry "wanted to send a message that this is going to be a priority for the committee going forward this year. He wanted to set the tone, set the agenda," and get his colleagues' attention, said a committee staffer.

…