08:18 PM PDT on Friday, August 19, 2005

Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The political tide may be turning for Congress to curb greenhouse gases, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said Friday at the end of what she called a "heartbreaking" tour of the Alaskan wilderness.

"We saw devastation as far as the eye could see," said Clinton, describing the trees killed by spruce beetles that have migrated north, drawn by warmer temperatures.

AP

Scientists say that global warming has an increasing effect on the Arctic region with glaciers shrinking, temperatures of the arctic waters warming, and permafrost softening, and that nations must take action against global warming.

"It was very pronounced both in the Yukon and in Alaska, millions of acres," the senator said. "It was heartbreaking to see the dead trees interspersed among the rest of the conifers and pines."

Clinton, D-N.Y., spoke from Anchorage as she wrapped up a fact-finding trip led by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Senators Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and Susan Collins, R-Maine, were also with the group.

Research by climatologists at Columbia University and elsewhere have suggested that if sea levels do rise, coastal parts of the New York could see increased flooding and water-supply problems.

Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig of Columbia said climate change could also lead to more severe period of drought in New York, added energy costs, and worsening public health.

Clinton said that research, and the everyday experience of people in Alaska who recounted weaker winters and shrinking permafrost, is pushing lawmakers to take action to slow or halt the changes.

McCain and Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., have offered a bill to limit greenhouse gas emissions from utilities and industry and eventually cap U.S. emissions at those levels recorded in 2000.

During the trip to Alaska, Graham said he was still undecided on the legislation, but Clinton said Friday she thought key lawmakers are beginning to come around.

"I don't know exactly what the timing would be or what the vehicle would be, but I think finally we've reached a critical mass in the Senate," said Clinton.

One of the most influential opponents of the legislation is Alaska's own senator Ted Stevens, chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Opponents of the bill attribute warming to cyclical geophysical forces.

Even if such a bill made its way through the Senate, it would face much stiffer resistance from the House.

"I think for the first time we are poised to make some significant progress," said Clinton.