KGL Bill Earns Praise From Both Industry and Enviros; Something’s Gotta Give

Yesterday, I noted that industry groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are saying some not-unflattering things about the climate bill being unveiled by Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) — something which ought to get environmental advocates a bit concerned about what’s in the bill. But now a funny thing’s happening: Environmental analysts on the left are also sounding cautiously optimistic about the legislation.

Here’s Brad Plumer’s take at The New Republic:

Later, he tweeted, “Surprised that rumored Senate climate proposal is pretty similar to House bill (for now). Expected so, so much worse.”

Brad Johnson at ThinkProgress posted a chart comparing the Senate proposal (or what we know of it) to the House bill — and while there are some important differences (and deficiencies in the Senate version), the overarching targets and contours are pretty similar.

So what does this mean? An optimistic take for environmental advocates is that Kerry, Graham and Lieberman have managed to strike exactly the right balance, one that will successfully reduce emissions and jumpstart our transition to clean energy without losing the support of the business community.

And for the pessimistic view, here’s Plumer:

Update: Twenty leading environmental groups just came out in support of the KGL efforts. Kate Sheppard has more.