Congress debates, votes on cap-and-trade energy bill today
June 26, 2009 at 12:01 pm by Thomas Wheatley in NewsThe U.S. House of Representatives has begun debating one of the most monumental energy and environmental bills it’s ever considered.
The legislation, the so-called Waxman-Markey bill, is a measure to help curb global warming by pushing for more energy efficiency, renewable energy standards, and limiting carbon emissions from industries and utilities. Its most controversial provision includes placing a cap-and-trade policy in which carbon emissions could be bought and sold. The Associated Press has a concise rundown of the bill.
Environmentalists have heralded the bill as a necessity at a time when climate experts say action must be taken within years. The Sierra Club has its list of its advantages — as well as what could be improved — on its website. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy applauded lawmakers for its efforts, but said the cap-and-trade policy could essentially create a polluters’ market.
U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., has said he’d vote against the legislation. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., reportedly will vote for the bill based on how many calls he receives opposing or supporting it. We’re trying to gauge what other members of the Georgia delegation are thinking. Erick Erickson of Peach Pundit and Newt Gringrich’s American Solutions have urged readers and supporters to tell their representatives to vote “no.” George Israel of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, echoing much of the same “sky-is-falling” rhetoric that’s been rolled out any time an environmental change has been proposed, recently wrote that it would cause of loss of 2.5 million jobs nationwide.
A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll showed strong support — nearly 75 percent — for placing a cap on carbon emissions. But in the same poll, only 52 percent of respondents supported the proposed cap-and-trade concept. The New York Times‘ Economix blog has a great rundown about how the cap-and-trade policy could impact families.
A vote on the bill is expected around 2 p.m. You can view the live debate via CSPAN. Kate Sheppard of Grist is tweeting the action. You can find out how to contact your representative here. We’ll update throughout the day
June 26th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Vote NO against this massive tax increase
June 26th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I am voting no!!!! to this. People can hardly get by now.
June 26th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Melinda, are you a member of Congress? No? Then call your duly elected representative and tell *them* to vote no.
June 26th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Through lies, manipulation, intimidation and bribes, Obamas jobs killing, economy killing bill passed!
Obama’s Cap and trade is another giant step towards Marxism — and the corruption, poverty, enslavement, destruction and despair that Marxism entails.
Obama is working much faster than Hugo Chavez at imposing Marxism. No wonder the Russians are gloating:
From Pravda: “…the American descent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people…” Google for the article. You’ll be surprised.
We are NOT hapless sheeple! We must do whatever is necessary to defend ourselves and our children from the Marxist dictatorship that’s being set up in Washington.
June 26th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
You crazy-ass, angry rightwingers need to get your story straight about Obama. Is he a Marxist or a Facist (note – he can’t be both, they’re theoretically opposites)? Is he a strong leader, or is he weak? C’mon folks, you need to do better than just throw out shop-worn screeds on the internet while your head’s catching fire.
June 26th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
This is a dark day for anyone with children in the U.s. This bill will create one job and lose 3.
Wow. I can’t believe they got this past the senior citizens. Wake up gramps!!! This will cause unimaginable suffering to those who are on a fixed income. wow. I can’t believe the dems voted for this, at a time like this.
Obama & co. is passing laws like crazy. immigration is next.
June 26th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Today is indeed a sad day. We’re being raped, yet all the sheeple can talk about is a dead alleged petifile. Its not about right, or left, but about our liberty and freedom, that no longer exists.
June 27th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
CAP and TRADE is ENRON forced onto everyone.
CAP and TRADE puts the entire U.S. economy on the shoulders of the Chicago Climate Exchange(CCX)
CAP and TRADE lowers the standard
of living on the middle class and raises taxes.
CAP and Trade is the most damaging plan for America.
What carbon emission caps will Obama have for the volcanos in Alaska?
What melted the ice caps on MARS?
What dried up the lake on MARS?
Man made emissions?
CAP and TRADE is a hugh tax so that the government can collect
BILLIONS for government expansion.
Just say no to CAP and TRADe(TAX)!
June 28th, 2009 at 12:41 am
@ atlpaddy – Marxism before Engels? After Lenin? How about any of the dozen or so different schools of thought on Marxism?
Obama can’t make up his mind either, because he has elements of both.