US taking direct action on carbon: Abbott

The United States is taking direct action steps to reduce its emissions just like Australia, Prime Minister Tony Abbott says.

The Obama administration will reduce emissions from its power sector by 30 per cent by 2030, a significant pledge from the world's biggest economy and second-largest polluter.

The commitment has put pressure on Mr Abbott ahead of his trip to Washington next week, and he was asked in parliament if he will discuss the science of climate change with President Barack Obama when they meet.

The US and Australian government policies on climate change have something in common, Mr Abbott told question time.

"There is no carbon tax in the United States," he said.

"There is no emissions trading scheme in the United States."

The Abbott government is determined to ensure there will be no carbon tax and no emissions carbon scheme in Australia.

"What the United States is doing is taking sensible direct action steps to reduce its emissions, which is exactly what this government is proposing to do."

Mr Abbott said it was not sensible to protect the environment by damaging the economy, which is why neither the US nor Australia should have a carbon tax.