Inslee named to global warming panel

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., who has lobbied for a federal response to climate change equivalent to the Apollo space program, was named Friday to a special House panel charged with offering solutions to global warming.

"I look forward to being a voice from Washington state as the policy framework for this revolution is crafted,'' Inslee said in a statement after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed him.

Inslee will be one of 15 members of the new committee, which under House rules will only serve an advisory capacity. Other committees will be responsible for writing legislation.

Even with its limited reach, the new committee marks a major milestone in attacking a problem that is a major worry for Americans, according to polls.

"I have great faith in their ability to lead our efforts to confront these serious challenges,'' Pelosi said.

"Global warming and energy independence are urgent issues that have profound implications for our nation's economic competitiveness, national security, environmental quality and public health. The wide-ranging expertise of these members will be critical in finding viable solutions that stimulate our economy, promote jobs, and protect our environment.''

Massachusetts Rep. Ed Markey will chair the committee. "We are facing an issue that will test the capacity of democracy to respond in time to affect the fate of the planet,'' Markey said.

"We have the technology, the ingenuity, and the experience to reverse the inexorable buildup of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. I look forward to working with my colleagues to find the consensus needed to move boldly and quickly.''

How much the committee -- and Congress -- will achieve on global warming is an open question.

The Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming will have two years and $3.7 million to attack the issue.

Rep. James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin will be the committee's ranking Republican.