Democrats Feinstein, Obama Promote Anti-Environment Legislation
Likely, you’ve heard of California’s relatively progressive pro-environment legislation, AB 32, which, while rather weak , is the nation’s first statewide legislation that directly aims to tackle global warming, and as such represents a significant step.
Guess what? Democrat Diane Feinstein recently introduced, then withdrew, and is currently pondering the re-introduction of a bill that, under the pretense of utilizing a cap-and-trade system, would gut AB 32 by exempting power companies from the legislation’s regulations! You heard it right. Here’s a quote from the 18. January L.A. Times article:
Under the clause, power plants would be exempt from any state laws regulating greenhouse gases, including several in New England as well as California. Feinstein said she had removed it for now because “I know the environmentalists have concern.”
Further -
Feinstein’s office provided an analysis that it said showed that her bill would result in an 11% to 12% cut in national electric sector emissions from 2005 levels by 2020. TWELVE PERCENT? OVER FIFTEEN YEARS? Brother, that’s like using a teaspoon to bail out the Titantic and claiming success because you’ve emptied a vase.
The full text of the article can be found here: DIANE FEINSTEIN ATTEMPTS TO CREATE MASSIVE LOOPHOLE IN AB 32, ENDANGERS FUTURE GENERATIONS IN EXCHANGE FOR THE CONTINUING SUPPORT OF HER WICKED PAYMASTERS
(My sources at the L.A. Times tell me that the above article title was the original title, but was replaced due to space requirements)
Of course, this registered nary a blip in the greater eco-blogosphere (CORRECTION: Always on the ball Siel over at GreenLAGirl.com has vented her frustration at DiFi), as most prefer to criticize only Republicans (who created AB 32), paying blind allegiance to the Democrats as the “eco party”. Something I find very, very strange, considering Barack Obama’s wrong-headed plans for liquid coal.
For years, environmentalists have slammed the Republicans for being historically anti-environment, and most often quite justifiably. Now, are these same people going to make the calls to Feinstein to let her know of their disapproval? You, who read this, you are exactly who I’m talking about. Are you going to pick up your phone and call Feinstein’s office (202) 224-3841 to let her know that you will not support this undermining of your goals?
I’m betting no more than three of you actually do. I’m betting no more than three of you truly give enough of a damn to pick up that phone. If you do make the call, as I have, find out as much information as you can. During my call, a flustered aide argued that Feinstein’s national-level goal would reduce U.S. emissions and is stronger than California’s AB 32 - a point on which I disagree but which reinforces my suspicion that Feinstein is really simply grandstanding, trying to steal some of California’s thunder so that she can take credit for a national policy and reinvigorate her naive hopes for a future Presidential run.
Why are the Dems divided on environmental issues? Because their constituency has yet to make environmental stewardship a priority. They don’t have to pay attention because the issue will not in any way impact any election. We need to get a lot louder, real, real fast.
Tags: environment, Politics