Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today met with the two Congressional sponsors of United States climate change legislation, Henry Waxman and Ed Markey.

In the US House of Representatives, Congressmen Waxman and Markey have been the key proponents of cap and trade emissions trading legislation, similar to the Rudd Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

Senator Wong said the discussions were an important opportunity to compare notes.

"The similarities between what is being proposed in the United States and what we are proposing in Australia are extensive," Senator Wong said.

"Both countries are trying to turn high polluting economies into the low pollution economies of the future.

"Both countries are proposing assistance to help today's industries make the change to a low carbon future while supporting existing domestic jobs.

"And both Australia and the United States face knee-jerk opposition and excuses to delay action on climate change."

Senator Wong said that the message from Congress and from the Obama administration is that progress in Australia is being watched closely.

"The message from the United States is clear. The Obama administration and key congressional leaders are deeply committed to passing their climate change laws as soon as possible," Senator Wong said.

"These climate change laws are seen as central to creating the jobs of the economy of the future, for protecting the environment, and for national security.

"It is clear to me that the best way we can encourage the United States to act on climate change is to continue making progress in Australia.

"The worst thing Australia can do is delay action on climate change, because that will only encourage delay in the United States and the rest of the world."

A high resolution image is available at www.climatechange.gov.au/media/pictorial/images/Rep%20Waxman-highres.jpg