After a new report showed 2010 was tied for the hottest year on record, several key members within the U.S. Democratic party stated it was time for the country to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation.

In its latest report, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that global temperatures last year tied 2005 as the hottest on record.  The study analyzed temperature data dating as far back as 1880.  2010 also represented the 34th consecutive year global temperatures were above the 20th century average.

As The Hill reports, Senator John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) said it is time for the U.S. government to look at the science and pass a climate bill:  "How many times do we have to be smacked in the face with factual evidence before we address global climate change? Report after report keep confirming it's getting worse every year.  Will we find common ground and adult leadership or keep piling the science on a shelf to collect dust?"

Congressman Edward Markey (D-Massachusetts) said this report is yet another warning sign to move forward with new energy policy:  "This should serve as a wake-up call to Congress to take action to reduce dangerous carbon pollution and reduce the impacts of climate change."

Both Markey and Kerry authored climate change legislation last year.  Markey co-authored a sweeping climate and energy bill -- the American Clean Energy and Security Act -- which was narrowly passed in Congress last year.  However, it stalled in the Senate.  Kerry co-authored a senate version of the bill that was aimed to win the support of Republicans, but he was unable to generate enough votes to pass it.

Passing new energy policy may be difficult this year, considering the Republicans won a majority in Congress, and seem determined to oppose climate legislation.  Since the Republicans have taken control of the House of Representatives they have pointed particular attention on delaying the limited initiatives the federal government has installed to reduce emissions and tackle climate change. 

Unlike Senator Kerry, several Republicans question the validity of climate science, and even more belief energy policy aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy solutions would be detrimental for an already struggling economy.