Climate 411

On Grist, Frank Senso asks why the Gulf oil spill hasn’t done more to advance comprehensive climate and energy legislation. “A few weeks ago we talked to John Pemberton of Southern Company, who says that instead of furthering the debate over a climate bill, the oil spill as stalled it. The emotional power of the disaster will make congressional members less likely to compromise and take “small steps forward”: “We still have a long term energy debate in congress that is not going to solved with short term political decisions.”

Over at Treehugger, Brian Merchant speculates if utilities are supporting climate legislation in hopes of getting trading their support for exclusion from new EPA Clean Air Act regulations. Needless to say, he is opposed to this deal: “Giving the biggest, dirtiest polluters in the nation a license to dodge regulations in exchange for that is a tradeoff that’s simply not worth making.”

Christian Parenti of The Nation has a (lengthy but) good piece on Huffington Post stating that “the fastest, simplest way” to spur innovation and growth in clean energy and technology and away from fossil fuels, “is to reorient government procurement… to use the government’s vast spending power to create a market for green energy. After all, the government didn’t just fund the invention of the microprocessor; it was also the first major consumer of the device.”

Dot Earth has Nobel Prize winner Burton Richter discussing how President Obama and the Senate should work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“I would start with those parts of the economy where the way to make progress is clear, the potential gains are large, and the required regulations are relatively simple. To me this says: Start by focusing on cars, electricity generation and efficiency.”

E2 shows President Obama pushing Senators to include a cap on carbon in the final energy package they bring to the floor.

“’The president was very clear about putting a price on carbon and limiting greenhouse gas emissions,’ Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) said outside the White House after the 90-minute meeting between Obama and a bipartisan group of about 20 senators.”

Also on E2, Senator Merkley explains that

“President Obama has stressed the importance of including a “cap and trade” system in forthcoming energy legislation.”

Post-gazette.com – “We must change our oil-guzzling ways”

By Aaron Misera of Lower Burrel

“The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is obviously a terrible incident. However, it truly is a metaphor for America and our arrogance toward energy and environmental policy, not to mention the American lifestyle. Our unquenchable thirst for cheap, dirty, limited fuel pushes our ingenuity and technology to create a disaster.”

“Oil is limited, but our ingenuity and drive are endless, so let’s use these for the better of our society and change ourselves.”

NewHavenRegister.com – “China’s solar lead should spur US”

By Bruce Deegan of North Branford

“As the ongoing catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico continues, it’s pretty obvious how badly we need to begin moving away from dependence on oil and toward a future of cleaner, renewable energy. This would not only be a valuable source of desperately needed jobs, but also create a more sustainable future.”

“The time for dithering is over; now’s the time for Congress to enact a transformative energy policy that can sensibly and reliably meet the needs of our nation for the 21st century.”

The Voices of a New Clean Energy Future is a series from individuals who understand the importance of passing comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation – business leaders, politicians, policy experts, and concerned citizens like you. EDF is proud to highlight their voices and contributions to the climate and energy debate.