House Of Representatives

Updated April 10, 2009

Report: Climate Provision Would Allow Global Warming 'Victims' to Sue

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FOXNews.com

The Washington Times reports that a provision in a bill authored by Democratic Reps. Henry Waxman of California and Edward Markey of Massachusetts would allow global warming victims to sue. 

An under-the-radar provision in a House climate bill would give plaintiffs who claim to be victims of global warming a way to sue the federal government or businesses, according to a report Friday in The Washington Times. 

The Times reported that Democratic Reps. Henry Waxman of California and Edward Markey of Massachusetts added it into a bill they authored.

The provision, which was just released, reportedly would set grounds for plaintiffs who has "suffered" or expect to suffer "harm" attributable at least in part to government inaction. The provision defines "harm" as "any effect of air pollution (including climate change)," according to the Times. Plaintiffs could seek up to $75,000 in damages a year from the government, with $1.5 million being the maximum total payout. 

The Times reported that Waxman is trying to accelerate passage for the bill through his committee, as the Senate begins drafting its own version. 

Click here to read the full story in The Washington Times. 

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