Senators Cantwell and Collins introduced the CLEAR Act today. McClatchy DC has details:

Rather than the voluminous “cap and trade” bills approved earlier by the House and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Cantwell’s bill runs less than 40 pages and has a significantly different approach. Groups and companies ranging from ExxonMobil to Friends of the Earth have shown an interest in her bill.

Cantwell’s measure, as opposed to other bills, has bipartisan support; Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins is an original co-sponsor. Republicans have branded previous Democratic bills “cap and tax” bills, warning they would result in high energy prices for consumers.

“The general public knows you have to make a transition and this will help them,” Cantwell said of her measure.

Cantwell’s approach is called “cap and rebate” or “cap and dividend.”

Senator Cantwell’s office has provided the following documents.

Here is the 39 page bill:

CLEAR Act – Leg Text 12.10.09-1 –

CLEAR Act, How it Works:

CLEAR Act – How It Works 12.10.09 –

CLEAR Act Powerpoint Overview:

CLEAR Act Powerpoint Overview 12.10.09-2 –

Supportive Quotes for Introduction:

Supportive Quotes for Introduction 12.11.09 –