The House recently passed a version of a plan that would sell emissions credits to polluters. Now the Senate will debate its own bill. Meanwhile, opponents raise red flags and push ideas they say are better and more understandable. Would cap-and-trade work?
Edited by Steve St. Angelo
Yes
On June 26, the House of Representatives passed comprehensive energy legislation that included,
By John Podesta
President and CEO of the Center for American Progress; former chief of staff to President Clinton
for the first time in U.S. history, a cap on global warming pollution. The bill, called the American Clean Energy and Security Act, would also boost investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, like wind and solar, to jump-start the transition to a clean energy economy. New investments in the clean energy technologies of the future would slash global warming pollution and reduce the use of foreign oil while also creating jobs....
No
In 1984, the late historian Barbara Tuchman wrote The March of Folly, in which she
By William O'Keefe
Chief executive officer of the George C. Marshall Institute and longtime energy industry consultant
chronicled the phenomenon of governments throughout the ages pursuing policies directly at odds with their self-interest. Tuchman used the term "wooden-headedness" to describe the tendency of leaders to assess situations using preconceived notions while ignoring or rejecting any contrary signs.
History may be repeating itself. Our leaders in Washington are exhibiting signs of "green"....
What do you think?
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R.L. Schaefer of CA 3:20PM September 18, 2009
Homer of VA 10:55AM September 02, 2009
Stanley Stuart feingold of NY 5:38PM September 01, 2009