Al Gore testified before Congress this week, urging lawmakers to take action on climate change. But is Congress listening? Join Ira in this hour of Science Friday for a conversation with Bart Gordon, Chair of the House Science Committee, about his legislative priorities. Can science and technology policy move forward given the current political climate?

Plus, the case for carbon trading. One approach for dealing with greenhouse gas emissions is known as 'cap and trade,' a system in which limits are set on emissions at existing levels and vouchers issued to allow companies a certain level of emissions. Companies that are able to reduce their emissions level can trade their vouchers to other companies that may not be as able tocut back on emissions. Or, by buying up vouchers and not using them, groups could effectively reduce the permitted emissions levels. While not everyone is convinced that the approach will be effective, a paper printed this week in the journal Science argues that it should outperform other plans for a 'carbon tax.' We'll talk about it.

We'll also look at who's winning the political primary campaign online. Though primaries and caucuses for the 2008 presidential race won't begin until next January, the campaign trail is heating up online, with candidates staking out web sites and blogs. Political mudslinging can be found on sites such as YouTube, including video ads not sponsored by any official campaign. We'll talk about the role of the internet in the coming political race.Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Bart Gordon
Representative, Tennessee's 6th District
Chairman, U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology
Washington, D.C.

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Bill Chameides
Chief Scientist
Environmental Defense
New York, New York

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Andrew Rasiej
Founder & Publisher
techPresident.com
Founder, Personal Democracy Forum
New York, New York

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth