Gov. John Hoeven will join three governors and four local officials from around the country today on Capitol Hill to testify on the so-called cap-and-trade" bill before the U.S. Senate.

Hoeven, who opposes the legislation, is the only Republican to testify before the committee today. As part of an effort to curb climate change, the bill would set limitations on carbon dioxide emissions and establish a market for certain emitters to sell or buy carbon dioxide allowances.

Hoeven said he opposes the bill because it would increase the cost of power in lignite coal-reliant North Dakota, adding that Congress should instead aim to develop "a comprehensive energy policy that encourages the development of all types of energy."

That includes, oil, wind power, solar, coal and so on, Hoeven said.

In June, the state's all-Republican Public Service Commission estimated that the bill could double North Dakota power bills because of its carbon emission restrictions.

The Democratic governors from Washington, New Jersey and Colorado also will testify before the Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Public Works, chaired by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.

Other public officials testifying include the mayors of Trenton, N.J., Burlington, Vt., and Arlington, Va., as well as an Arkansas state representative - all Democrats.

Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., the ranking Republican on the committee and a leading opponent to the cap-and-trade legislation, invited Hoeven to testify before the committee.

The governor received Inhofe's invitation on July 14, said Don Canton, Hoeven's spokesman.

The cap-and-trade legislation narrowly passed the U.S. House in June, with Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., voting against it.

North Dakota Democratic Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan also have said they are not supportive of the current version of the bill.

Dorgan penned an op-ed piece that ran in the Bismarck Tribune on Sunday against the current version, primarily arguing against the proposed carbon dioxide market and the potential for dangerous speculation to emerge.

"I support capping carbon emissions," Dorgan wrote. "But it has to be done the right way, with targets and timelines that allow us to accomplish our goals without driving the cost of energy for homeowners and businesses out of sight."

Speculation regarding a potential Senate race between Dorgan and Hoeven intensified this summer when the governor said he would make a decision about whether to enter the race by Labor Day.

The hearing begins at 9 a.m. CDT. For more information, visit www.epw.senate.gov.

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or brian.duggan@;bismarcktribune.com.)