Bush Warms to Global Warming

Aiming to polish his legacy, President Bush is mulling new climate policy that may include mandatory emissions caps, the Washington Post reports. The Post tracks his evolution from climate skeptic to advocate of higher fuel efficiency and a $37 billion investment in alternative fuels—although critics remain dubious of a president who skewered climate science and snubbed cap-and-trade policies for seven years.

After 8 corporations, including General Electric and DuPont, lobbied Bush to impose a cap-and-trade system this year—and the US rep at Bali talks was hissed and booed—Bush refused to back such a plan. Still, lawmakers see signs of hope. "The private conversations have been very encouraging," said Rep. Rick Boucher. "We believe if we produce a bill that reflects our criteria, I personally think the president would sign it." (More global warming stories.)