To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study on black carbon emissions.

SA 2456. Mr. CARPER (for himself, Mr. Merkley, and Ms. Klobuchar) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 2996, making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes; as follows:

On page 192, between lines 6 and 7, insert the following:

General Provisions, Environmental Protection Agency

black carbon

Sec. 201. (a) Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal agencies, shall carry out and submit to Congress the results of a study to define black carbon, assess the impacts of black carbon on global and regional climate, and identify the most cost-effective ways to reduce black carbon emissions--

(1) to improve global and domestic public health; and

(2) to mitigate the climate impacts of black carbon.

(b) In carrying out the study, the Administrator shall--

(1) identify global and domestic black carbon sources, the quantities of emissions from those sources, and cost-effective mitigation technologies and strategies;

(2) evaluate the public health, climate, and economic impacts of black carbon;

(3) identify current and practicable future opportunities to provide financial, technical, and related assistance to reduce domestic and international black carbon emissions; and

(4) identify opportunities for future research and development to reduce black carbon emissions and protect public health in the United States and internationally.

(c) Of the amounts made available under this title under the heading “Environmental Programs and Management” for operations and administration, the Administrator shall use up to $2,000,000 to carry out this section.