What’s the rush?
What’s the rush with “Cap and trade”?
This is what I was asking myself while en route to the mountains last weekend. The news was on the radio and the normal discussions were going on in regard to all things political. Currently, Legislation is being developed regarding “Cap and trade”Let’s take a look at it.
“Cap and trade” refers the Waxman-Markey legislation that, If passed into law, Each large-scale emitter, or company, will have a limit on the amount of greenhouse gas that it can emit. The firm must have an “emissions permit” for every ton of carbon dioxide it releases into the atmosphere. These permits set an enforceable limit, or cap, on the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that the company is allowed to emit. Now as far as the “Trade” It will be relatively cheaper or easier for some companies to reduce their emissions below their required limit than others. These more efficient companies, who emit less than their allowance, can sell their extra permits to companies that are not able to make reductions as easily.
OK. Very noble as I am up here with my laptop gazing at a Bass filled Lake. However, Is this an emergency? In my view, No it is not. There can be no doubt that this is going to raise energy prices and damage the already battered economy. Current estimates by the Non Partisan Congressional budget office suggest a price in the range of $872.8 Billion to $885 Billion for the years between 2010 and 2019. Others say it is going to be far higher. This bill will be charged to the energy user, Do not be fooled by anyone suggesting otherwise. In addition, This money will come directly out of the economy reducing peoples ability to spend more. There are those that suggest that our dependency of foreign oil will even increase! Adding to this, Nobody that signed on this in the House of Representatives even read it before the vote! The purpose of this legislation is to basically address the emergency of “Global Warming” now called “Climate change”. But does Global warming even exist? There are many skeptics who say that it does not. There are many that suggest that it does. Perhaps we as a nation should first do studies with ALL the experts except for only the ones that support this legislation. Add to that that I want to know how many backers of this stand to make money off this Bill passing and I don’t mean just Nancy Pelosi and Al Gore. I want names because I personally don’t buy it. But let’s assume I am wrong. What is the rush in passing something so large and profound? Should we not take our time and get it right the first time? And what if some of the critics are right in that we are heading for a cooling trend? I am all for cleaning up the evironemnt as much as possible. But I don’t think we should wreck our economy in the process.
DC Blows Hot Air in Another Power Grab?
[Congress] will apparently move forward with their enormous tax-and-spend bill known as Waxman-Markey this week and it’s all concealed in a cloak of green political correctness. The real purpose of the plan is to dramatically enhance the power of Washington politicians by giving them control over vast swaths of the U.S. economy.
So says Phil Kerpen, of Americans for Prosperity, in a scathing indictment of what is more commonly known as the cap-and-trade bill. That bill purports to rid the planet of its fever by placing limits on the greenhouse gases emitted by business and industry. Those who exceed the government-imposed limits will be fined, unless they can purchase “credits” from others who have not already exceeded their own limits. The costs, of course, will be borne by the consumer, as companies offset the increased cost of energy that will result (and remember, the Obama administration made clear that those costs would “necessarily sky-rocket”). (more…)
Senator Kerry Responds
In response to a letter from a constituent, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) responded:
Thank you for contacting me about alternative energy sources. I appreciate hearing your concerns on this issue.
Concerns over climate change and our continued dependence on foreign oil have made the switch to alternative energy sources imperative for our economic, environmental and national security. We must move toward a new alternative energy strategy that will stimulate the economy, create millions of new jobs, and assert America’s leadership in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. (more…)
