The Climate "Change" Bill

Energy Committee Chairman Henry Waxman

Originally posted on Policy Wonk

I seldom agree with GOP House Leader John Boehner but in this case, he is inadvertently right; this bill is a "pile of s**t."

Whether you want to call it the American Clean Energy and Security Act, the Waxman-Markley Bill, or H.R. 2454, what was originally supposed to be a grand effort to address our grave environmental problems turned into a watered down publicity stunt that accomplishes the bare minimum.
While the Republicans opposed this bill on principle (what that principle is I don't know), the whole thing, which was written by the new Chairman of the House Energy Committee (after being voted in to replace the pro-auto industry John Dingell), seemed like it came straight out of the Republican camp.

What is in the Climate Change Bill?

1) Renewable energy mandates. 6% of energy has to come from renewable sources like wind power by 2012 and 20% by 2020.
2) Emission cuts. Cuts on emissions: 3% by 2012, 17% by 2020, 42% by 2030, and 80% by 2040.
3) "Green" technology research and jobs. $190 billion for various "green" programs
4) Coal plant cuts. Cuts on coal plant emissions
5) Household mandates. Calls for more energy efficient households
6) Cash-for-Clunkers. Vouchers given for people who trade in older vehicles for "more efficient" ones.

What is Missing From the Climate Change Bill?

1) A global initiative. While the United States is one of the top polluters in the world, it is call global climate change for a reason. Without a global agreement that can be enforced and includes the United States, China, and developing nations, this is all for naught.
2) Enforcement. The bill allows companies to skimp on the set standards of the bill and allows them to miss the milestone goals. That like telling your child "you're not allowed to drive, but if you drive for less than two hours it's ok."
3) Guts. The Waxman-Markley bill is a gutless example of government reform influenced by corporate lobbyists. Not only does the bill allow "cap-and-trade," a system in which the largest corporations like those in the steel and coal industry can buy their way out of cutting their emissions.
4) Seriousness. The conservative pundits made a big deal out of the "cash for clunkers" program but in actuality this is one of the most worthless aspects of the bill. The cash for clunkers program allows people to trade in their old cars for new, more energy efficient vehicles. What does energy efficient mean? 22 MPG for cars and 18MPG for SUVs.
5) Lacks protection for environment. Cars and factories may be bad, but the bill does not address the cutting down of forestry in the United States and all around the world.
6) Does nothing to curb factory farming emissions directly. Countless reports have showed that the emissions from factory farms are the most detrimental to our environment, far more so than those from cars. This bill does not address that.

Originally posted on Policy Wonk. Check out more at www.polwonk.com