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franchise law, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stepped in to fill the void. In 2007, the FCC issued its First Order preempting local government's jurisdiction over the franchising process with respect to new entrants in a local cable market. NLC and several partner organizations are challenging the decision in a lawsuit that is pending in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The case has been fully briefed with the Court, and oral arguments are scheduled for February 2008 with a decision expected no later than June 2008. In November 2008, the FCC issued a Second Order to address the franchising process with respect to incumbent cable providers. NLC also opposed this order for similar reasons as the First Order and has asked the FCC to reconsider its decision and to block implementation of the Second Order; that request is pending. (Christina Fletcher Loftus, loftus@nlc.org, 202.626.3173) Energy Legislation Becomes Law With NLC's support, Congress and the President enacted historic comprehensive energy reform legislation aimed at moving the U.S. toward greater energy independence and security, increasing the production of clean renewable fuels, and increasing the energy efficiency of products, buildings and vehicles. The Energy Independence and Security Act (H.R. 6) authorizes a new $10 billion Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to provide grants to cities, counties and states for innovative practices to achieve greater energy efficiency and lower energy usage. The legislation also raises the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for cars, light trucks, and SUVs sold in the United States for the first time in 32 years to a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon. (Carolyn Berndt, berndt@nlc.org, 202.626.3101) Climate Change Proposals Receive Attention in the Senate Congress considered several similar climate change bills last year. America's Climate and Security Act (S. 2191), which passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee last year, would limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, manufacturers, petroleum refiners, and other sectors of the economy. The bill also would reduce total domestic emissions by 18 to 25 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, and by 62 to 66 percent by 2050. The Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007 (S. 2307) is aimed at helping federal, state, and local officials adapt to the possible consequences of global warming. The bill, which passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Technology Committee in December, would establish a "national climate service" within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assess the impacts of climate change at state and local levels. Both climate change bills could see action on the Senate floor early next year. (Carolyn Berndt, berndt@nlc.org, 202.626.3101) Authorization for Water Projects Becomes Law Over President's Veto With NLC support, Congress overrode the President's veto of the Water Resources Development Act (H.R. 1495). This bill authorizes more than $23 billion for Army Corps