Climate 411

The voices of a new clean energy future – June 14, 2010

Denverpost.com – “Five Pillars of a New Sustainability”

By Henry Dubroff, a writer and entrepreneur, and by John J. Huggins, an entrepreneur and investor

“The environmental, economic and personal tragedy unfolding on the Gulf Coast is a clarion call to the country to redefine, expand and embrace the idea of sustainability.”

“There are five pillars of an economy that can grow and sustain itself for decades without bringing us to the edge — or perhaps over the edge — of an ecological catastrophe that was man-made and therefore utterly avoidable. Instead of tweaking a few regulations or adding a chapter or two to compliance manuals and pretending the problem has been fixed, the Deepwater Horizon debacle demands a major overhaul of our energy thinking.”

“Achieving a new balance of energy sources, environmental policies and economic stewardship won’t happen overnight. But “sustainability” broadly defined becomes both a solution and a goal for moving us forward toward a better future for ourselves, our children and our world.”

Also posted in Climate Change Legislation, Policy / Comments are closed

The voices of a new clean energy future – June 12, 2010

World Resources Institute – “Green Jobs and Competitive Industry: The Net Benefits of Climate Legislation”

By James Bradbury, Lutz Weischer, and Suchita Mathur of the WRI Climate and Energy program

“Without comprehensive climate policy, the country stands to lose green jobs and long-term competitive advantages that would come from increased energy efficiency and a strong domestic market for clean energy technologies.”

“The sooner Congress passes comprehensive climate policy, the sooner U.S. industry and government can begin building the road to a cleaner environment and stronger economy.”

Also posted in Climate Change Legislation / Comments are closed

The voices of a new clean energy future – June 11, 2010

Sanford News – “Senator Susan Collins: Oil spill is another reason for a clean-energy future

By Senator Susan Collins, Republican-Maine

“In addition to immediate changes in policies regarding offshore oil exploration and in the Coast Guard budget, this disaster reaffirms our nation’s need for a national energy policy. While oil will remain a significant energy source for many years to come, it is long past time to begin the shift to clean, renewable sources.”

Also posted in Climate Change Legislation / Comments are closed

Yesterday’s blog highlights

Grist highlights a new Stanford poll which shows sweeping public support for clean energy investment.

“The results, in sum, are as follows: large majorities believe in climate change and want the government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, make polluters pay, and support clean energy.”

On Green, Senator Lugar’s energy bill is presented as the

“ latest proposal to deal with energy and global warming”

though it

“would achieve roughly half the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions sought under the Kerry-Lieberman plan and a bill passed by the House a year ago. It falls short of the goal of the Obama administration as well.”

Also posted in Climate Change Legislation / Comments are closed

The voices of a new clean energy future – June 10, 2010

Richmond Times Dispatch – “Overturn EPA No; Legislation Gives Polluters Free Pass

By Trip Van Noppen, president of Earthjustice

“The Murkowski amendment is the wrong direction for our nation and for our Senate. It also is a diversion from the real task before the Senate: to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation. The Senate needs to stand up against this big polluter bailout and vote for America’s future.”

Also posted in Climate Change Legislation / Comments are closed

Yesterday’s climate blog highlights

Grist list five compelling reasons why a comprehensive climate and energy plan is superior to an energy-only bill.

“Anyone contemplating supporting energy-only over a comprehensive bill should bear these facts in mind. And realize that whether your top priority is national security, deficit reduction, job creation, or pollution reduction, a comprehensive bill clean energy and climate bill does a lot more for our country.”

E2 has President Obama’s reactions to the Murkowski resolution. The White House said that the resolution would

“increase the Nation’s dependence on oil and other fossil fuels and block efforts to cut pollution that threatens our health and well-being.”

The statement says that:

“Obama’s senior advisors would recommend that he veto the measure.”

Green also has the story of how the White House is less than pleased with the Murkowski resolution.

“[The] White House says that if the resolution, scheduled for debate and a vote on Thursday, reaches President Obama’s desk, his advisers will recommend that he veto it. That’s what is known as a veto threat and in this case it is not a bluff.”

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