Climate Stewardship Acts
The Climate Stewardship Acts were three proposed laws in the U.S. Senate led by Senators John McCain and Joseph Lieberman to create a mandatory cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases. All three bills failed to pass.
Act 1 (S. 139, H.R. 4067) would have capped CO2 emissions in 2010 at the 2000 level. Some areas, like residential and agricultural zones or places deemed not feasible, would be exempt, so about 85% of U.S. emissions would be covered. It would also establish a climatology scholarship at the National Academy of Sciences. A major economic study warned the bill would reduce jobs, though later analysis criticized that study for unrealistic assumptions. A 2021 study suggested the early cost estimates were too high and that potential policy benefits were ignored. Other industry-funded papers from the 1990s and later reached similar conclusions.
Act 2 (S. 1151) reintroduced a version where the federal government would lead in researching and commercializing new energy technologies, especially nuclear designs. It would allow trading of emission allowances and create Climate Change Credits. This bill was defeated, 38 Yeas to 60 Nays.
Act 3 (S. 280) would strengthen the plan by gradually reducing the emissions cap over time, aiming for 2004 levels by 2012, 1990 levels by 2020, and 60% below 1990 levels by 2050. It was endorsed by groups like the National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense, and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, but it died after being sent to committee without a full Senate vote.
Other elements included the creation of the Climate Change Credit Corporation, a public-private entity to oversee the program, issue Climate Change Credits for emission reductions, fund compliance efforts, and help industries transition. Credits could be bought, sold, or used to meet limits.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 15:37 (CET).