Colorado is the focus of climate change debate

KUSA - U.S. Senators Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) are using Colorado to show the importance of climate change legislation.

The two will tour Rocky Mountain National Park Monday morning to see some of the effects climate change has had there.

After the tour, they will hold a field hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks to discuss those effects. Senator Udall is the chairman of the committee.

Both Senators were guests Sunday morning on Your Show.

"I think the evidence is overwhelming that climate change is taking place, and it is damaging our national parks," said Sen. John McCain.

"We ought to find ways to harness the sun and the wind, create new kinds of biofuels and upgrade our nuclear power capabilities," said Sen. Udall.

While the senators sit across the aisle from each other in Washington, they agree on most issues involving climate change including the Cap and Trade bill that has passed the House but is now stuck in the Senate.

While the senators agree on the importance of climate change legislation, they say there are problems with this bill.

"The bill's not perfect, but it is a beginning," said Udall. "The Senate now has to work its bill, and there are a number of elements we could put in the Senate bill that would improve the House bill including passing a renewable electricity standard for the nation."

Senator McCain said he would have a difficult time supporting the bill if it doesn't increase the nation's use of nuclear energy.

"Nuclear power has to be a part of any real way of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels," said McCain.

The Senators also stressed the importance of getting all countries, especially India and China, to commit to reducing greenhouse gasses.

To see more of the YOUR SHOW interview: CLICK HERE