(Photo:tropical-rain forest-animals.com) 

Michael Grimm and Michael Allegretti, candidates for the GOP nomination for Congress in the 13th CD (Staten Island/Bklyn), have found an issue they clear-cut, flat-out disagree on: Cap and Trade.

Michael Grimm opposes the current legislation and has announced he has signed the Americans for Prosperity (AFP-MO) 'No Climate Tax Pledge.'

“The American people are taxed too much already, and now the federal government wants to impose yet another tax. I strongly oppose any legislation concerning climate change that will result in a net increase in government revenue," he said recently.

Mr. Grimm pointed out that his opponent in the GOP primary was in favor of the bill.

"By contrast, upon the passage of the Waxman-Markey bill, Michael Allegretti, a Washington lobbyist, went as far as calling it 'a major step for US domestic climate action.'" he stated, in a recent press release. 

"It was a major step, but in the wrong direction," Mr. Grimm added. "The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has scored the House plan as an $846 billion increase in federal revenue, which will weigh heavily on the American people already struggling to keep their heads above water. 
 

Michael Allegretti 

Michael Allegretti's camp wasn't pleased about having their candidate called a 'lobbyist.'

"The truth is, Michael Allegretti has never been a registered lobbyist," Allegretti Campaign Manager, Ray Riley said:

 "One would think that a former FBI investigator would have his facts straight.  But, as is the case in so many instances...such as his stance on the issues, his take on the feelings of the constituents in the 13th district, and his idea on his chances in this race...our primary opponent is flat-out wrong."

"Michael Grimm was referring to an objective assessment that Allegretti made in his capacity as a senior adviser on US Policy for  the Climate Group," Mr. Riley explained:

"And it was just that: an objective assessment of developments in United States policy, which Allegretti was overseeing at the time."

The Climate Group was founded in 2004 and has operations in Australia, China, Europe, India and North America, according to a Wikipedia entry, which further states:

The Climate Group was created in 2004 by CEO and founder Steve Howard to proactively engage with major companies and governments whose actions could have a meaningful impact on reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and whose leadership could provide an example others could follow.

According to Wikipedia, the group currently counts around 70 multi-national companies, cities and regional governments among its members, including the cities of New York, Miami, Los Angeles, the State of California, most Canadian and Australian provinces, and the City of London.

Members wishing to join must sign on to the group's leadership principles.

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair has supported the group's efforts and has appeared at a number of the organization's events.

A Facebook entry for the group provides these details:

• Industry: Environmental Services

• Type: Non-Profit Company

• Size: 96 employees

• 2009 Revenue: 9,000,000GBP (approx $10.8 million US)

Michael Allegretti is referred to as North American Director of Government Affairs and Director of Government Relations in various Climate Group press releases.

Mr. Allegretti and the Climate Group are firm advocates for Cap and Trade legislation.

He wrote the following in March 2009 in a press release:

"Representative Henry Waxman, Chairman of the US House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Committee, has introduced a major piece of draft legislation to create a domestic cap-and-trade program. The climate change component of the bill would establish an economy-wide cap and trade program to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions to 3% below 2005 levels by 2012, 20% below 2005 levels by 2020, 42% below 2005 levels by 2030 and 83% below 2005 levels by 2050.

"The domestic policy process has now started, but a long and arduous road remains ahead."
 

Michael Grimm 

About Cap and Trade, Mr. Grimm said:

 "Global warming should not be used as a justification to hike taxes on citizens and businesses, especially at a time when we should be cutting taxes.”

 Mr. Grimm instead advocates ‘green building’ tax credits which he claims will promote environmentally friendly development while creating green jobs.

 The 'No Climate Tax Pledge' Mr. Grimm has signed states he will oppose any climate change legislation that contains a net increase in federal, state, or local revenue.

 Americans for Prosperity has circulated the pledge to federal, state, and local officials.

 About 274 lawmakers and candidates, primarily Republicans, have signed the pledge, according to Wikipedia--prominent pledge signers include Senators Pat Roberts and Roger Wicker; US Representatives Michelle Bachmann, John Carter, Jeff Flake, Jim Jordan, Doug Lamborn, Lynn Westmoreland, Phil Gingrey, and Tom Price; and candidates Jack Hoogendyk, Pete Olson, and Greg Davis.
 
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a Washington-based conservative political advocacy group which advocates for limited government and free markets on the local, state and federal levels, according to Wikipedia-- it was founded in 2004 by billionaire David H. Koch of Koch Industries.

Democratic incumbent Michael McMahon, who will face either Micael Grimm or Michael Allegretti in November, voted in favor of the Cap and Trade bill (Clean Energy Security Act of 2009) which narrowly passed the House by a vote of 219-212.

 According to GovTrack, a website which tracks votes and legislation. the Clean Energy Security Acts (HR 2454) mandates that 25% of the nations energy be produced from renewable sources by 2025, creates new energy efficiency programs, puts limits on the carbon content of motor fuels, and requires greenhouse gas standards for new heavy duty vehicles and engines.

 According to GovTrack, the bill would give away most of the initial carbon credits, auction off some, and then use the proceeds to give subsidies to some industries,including coal, as well as to low-income taxpayers.

 The bill has been met with a mixture of concern, measured praise, and out­right criticism from business interests, environmentalists, and Democratic lawmakers who advocated for a stronger measure, according to GovTrack--while Republicans are fairly unanimously opposed.

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