By Donna Beth Weilenman
Staff Reporter
President Barack Obama has announced a national climate action plan, challenging Congress to develop a bipartisan, market-based approach to cutting carbon pollution.
And several Benicians endorsed what they heard the president say.
“This plan begins with cutting carbon pollution by changing the way we use energy, using less dirty energy, using more clean energy, wasting less energy throughout our economy,” Obama said in an address Tuesday at Georgetown University, Washington.
He pointed out that the Clean Air Act of 1970 was signed into law by a Republican president, and strengthened by another. “This used to be a bipartisan issue,” he said, reminding his audience that the act passed through the Senate unanimously, and in the house by a vote of 375 to 1. Six years ago, greenhouse gases were added to the pollutants covered by that act.
Obama said that businesses have been involved in helping the United States generate its own energy.
The first nuclear power plants that have been built in 30 years are being constructed in Georgia and South Carolina, Obama said. For the first time in 18 years, the nation is about to produce more oil than it buys from other countries, and the United States out-produces other nations in natural gas.
“These advances have grown our economy, they’ve created new jobs, they can’t be shipped overseas,” he said. “And, by the way, they’ve also helped drive our carbon pollution to its lowest levels in nearly 20 years. Since 2006, no country on Earth has reduced its total carbon pollution by as much as the United States of America.”
He called those steps “a good start.”
But 40 percent of American carbon pollution comes from power plants, and no federal restrictions govern those emissions, he said. He announced that he’s directing the Environmental Protection Agency to develop, in full public view, new pollution standards for new and existing plants in ways that accommodate different states’ needs.
He sought to assure those who worry about the economic impact of his climate action proposals, by reminding them what Los Angeles air was like when he attended school there in 1979. “There were days when folks couldn’t go outside. And the sunsets were spectacular because of all the pollution in the air.” The Clean Air Act didn’t decimate the automobile industry as was predicted, he said, but air got cleaner.
Likewise, in 1990, some said addressing acid rain would escalate power costs and force businesses to close. When lead was removed from fuel, cancer-causing chemicals were taken from plastics, and toxic pollutants were removed from aerosols, refrigerators and deodorant, more doom was predicted, he said.
“None of it happened,” he said. “Don’t bet against American industry. Don’t bet against American workers. Don’t tell folks that we have to choose between the health of our children or the health of our economy.”
He said low-carbon, clean energy economy “can be an engine of growth for decades to come,” although he said the country also would continue producing fossil fuels, too. “America produced more oil than we have in 15 years,” he said. “What is true is that we can’t just drill our way out of the energy and climate challenge that we face.” He said the Keystone pipeline that would carry oil from Canadian tar sands to Gulf area refineries is being evaluated, to determine if its construction is in the national interest.
Becoming the top producer of natural gas is in the country’s interest, “because, int he medium term at least, it not only can provide safe, cheap power, but it can also help reduce our carbon emissions,” as well as create American jobs.
He said clean energy is supporting hundreds of thousands of “good jobs,” the economy is 60 percent bigger than 20 years ago, and carbon emissions are “roughly back to where they were 20 years ago.”
China and Germany also are racing to produce clean energy, but the president said, “I want America to win that race.”
He said his contentions are supported by more than 500 businesses, including General Motors and Nike, that issued a Climate Declaration. “Walmart is working to cut its carbon pollution by 20 percent and transition completely to renewable energy,” he said.
Obama said wind turbines generate enough electricity to power nearly 15 million homes, and solar panels produce more than four times the power, at a lower cost, than in past years.
He called for doubling energy from wind and sun, and directed the Interior Department to approve private, renewable energy capacity on public lands that would power more than 6 million homes by 2020.
He said the Department of Defense, the country’s largest energy consumer, would be installing three gigawatts of renewable power on its bases, producing the equivalent of burning 3 million tons of coal.
On the other hand, he said Congress should end tax breaks for larger oil companies, and invest instead in clean energy corporations.
Americans need to waste less energy in their vehicles, homes and workplaces, he said. By the mid 2020s, he said, vehicles should be able to go twice as far on a gallon of gas, and he called for setting the first standards for heavy-duty trucks, buses and vans.
Energy used in homes and commercial sites produce a third of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, and he urged upgrades to lights, windows, sensors and appliances.
He said federal agencies have reduced their emissions by 15 percent, and he promised that the federal level of government would have 20 percent of its electricity produced from renewable sources in seven years. His goal is to reduce carbon pollution by at least 3 billion tons by the end of the next decade, the equivalent of planting 7.6 billion trees and letting them grow 10 years.
He promised that the federal government would partner with local and state governments that are preparing for climate change – Florida’s efforts to restore the Everglades as a natural clean water delivery system; Texas’s water development bank against drought; New York’s fortification of its coastline against storms.
And he called for an end of public financing of overseas coal plants that don’t capture carbon emissions, for encouragement of global free trade in environmental goods and services, and for partnership with countries that also want to reduce their polluting actions.
He also urged individuals to educate themselves and speak up on the issue.
“We won’t get there overnight,” he warned, saying pollution has been building up in the atmosphere for decades. “It’s like tapping the brakes of a car before you come to a complete stop, and then can shift into reverse. It’s going to take time for carbon emissions to stabilize.”
I was heartened to hear the President address climate change,” said Kathy Kerridge, chairperson of Benicia’s Community Sustainability Commission and one of the longtime members of the Good Neighbor Steering Committee.
“The earth’s atmosphere is now at 400 parts per million of carbon dioxide, and many leading scientists have said we need to get that down to 350 ppm in order to have a planet like the one we evolved on.
“I endorse his efforts to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants,” she said.
“These are the biggest polluters and this is a politically possible way to limit this pollution. The Clean Air Act showed us that regulation can spur innovations and that American industry is capable of acting when they need to.
“I also applaud his efforts to improve energy efficiency,” Kerridge said. “This is not only good for human health, but also for the bottom line of those who conserve energy.
“Promoting more renewable energy helps us and our economy. The president and Congress should look to California to see what some of our energy standards are,” she said.
“Climate change is already having an economic impact on the United States and the world. The drought of 2012 is estimated by some economists to have reduced US economic growth by one percent,” she said. “Damage caused by huge tornadoes and hurricanes has an impact on our communities and as they get worse we will be spending more and more money on them. In 2012, there were more disasters that cost more than $1 billion dollars than in any other year except 2011.”
As far as Obama went in his talk, Kerridge said, “I would like to see the president go further. We need a carbon tax so that we all become responsible for our actions in emitting carbon dioxide.
“However I don’t believe that is politically possible at this point,” she said. “A carbon tax that uses the money for infrastructure projects, projects to reduce carbon emissions, and reduce the national debt would put us on the right track.”
Another member of the CSC and its founding chairperson, Constance Beutel, said, “I felt the president laid out a clear rationale for taking action. He reviewed the past national action taken in previous, and Republican, administrations that addressed environmental issues as bipartisan mandates for action and that we need to address climate change as a serious National Interest that impacts not only our generation but generations to come.
“That’s what we as Americans are good at, acting now to address needs of our children and grandchildren,” she said.
“By addressing one of the largest greenhouse gas sectors, energy production, the president goes a long way in taking substantive action,” she said.
Work needs to be done locally, too, she said.
“In May of this year, we learned just how badly we as a community did three years ago in greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
“Our commercial industrial area added 34 percent more greenhouse gas to our air in 2010 then in 2005,” she said. “We have a lot of work to do in order to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The president’s initiative, although long in coming, is important.”
Roger Straw also weighed in, citing portions of Obama’s address.
“President Obama laid it out succinctly in his speech: ‘So the question is not whether we need to act. The overwhelming judgment of science – of chemistry and physics and millions of measurements – has put all that to rest.
“‘Ninety-seven percent of scientists, including, by the way, some who originally disputed the data, have now put that to rest. They’ve acknowledged the planet is warming and human activity is contributing to it.’
Straw said Obama later wrote in an email that climate change is real and dangerous, “but Congress refuses to take action to fight back.”
“He’s absolutely right,” Straw said, “and as has been the case so often, he cuts through all the baloney to say and do the right thing.
“Our planet is on a crash course, and every possible means must be employed to slow down and reverse the quickening of climate change,” he said.
Straw added, “This clearly calls for executive action such as that taken by Obama today. I note that his speech came four months after he urged Congress to come up with bipartisan solutions to climate change in his State of the Union address, all to no avail.
“If only our legislative branches could add their own power, objectivity and authority, perhaps there would be more to hope for,” he said.
Bob Livesay says
The most important thing the President said was that the country would continue to produce fossil fuels. The voices heard in this article are the usually suspects. I would say with one exception they were very positive. There are two sides to the story. I do believe the President now understands the production of and use of fossil fuel. It is here to stay. The Keystone pipeline I do believe will be approved and move forward. Canada is in the process of new regulations on Alberta Tar Sand oil. That issue will be resolved with cooperation from both countries. I take a more positive approach to polution. I have watched what California has done over many years. Guess what we still have refineries and still more cars than any other area of this wonderful country and less polution. Now that is positive. A long running nuclear plant in California is closing and that energy must be replaced. It will be replaced by fossil clean burning and extraction of natural gas. As far as California goes keep your eye on the Monterey Shale oil field. It is lined in gold and we will extract it in a very clean way and it will burn cleaner. All because of California responsible regulations that will not be a deterrent to drilling for fossil fuel. Think positive on this issue and not negative.
Peter Bray says
Livesay: The only one being typically, chronically negative is you…”the usual suspects?” Everything you say is mired in your own self-agenda…Notice the President had something good to say about previous administrations and bipartisan cooperation…AND that the Keystone pipeline was under consideration to see if it was in America’s best interest. It DOES NOT get my vote any more than you do…Community leaders Kerridge, Beutel, and Straw are doing just fine, when did you do anything for this community but yarp negatively in these back pages? I’m writing my Congress members to get off their calcified butts and support his agenda –can you do as much? Or are your petroleum stocks weighing you way, way down? Same old story from Livesay, different day.You are NOT the Moses in anybody’s desert but your own. –pb
Bob Livesay says
Peter I suggest you read my comment again. It was very positive.
Bob Livesay says
Peter being that you like to use my name tells me that you read what I say. I just wish you would read what I say rather than assume because my name is attached it is negative. You do not agree with what my beliefs are but no need to continually try and demean Bob Livesay and DDL. I write what I think and do not personally attack you Peter can you do the same?
DDL says
”This used to be a bipartisan issue” 0bama
Well this did not help the cause:
“[So far, 34] companies that were offered federal support from taxpayers are faltering — either having gone bankrupt or laying off workers or heading for bankruptcy. This list includes only those companies that received federal money from the Obama Administration’s Department of Energy and other agencies.
How many Billions have now been lost?
petrbray says
DDL: You and Livesay oughta take your “Chronically Negative Show” on the road…I’m sure ticket sales would be enormous, somewhere…Maybe in Texas?–pb
DDL says
Peter,
I truly am sorry that you are so disturbed by facts.
petrbray says
DDL:
Your “facts” only come from a single side of the deck…I don’t recall you and Livesay being so “factual” when Darth Vader Cheney and his Marionette George W. Bush were in office…how does that work, anyway: Selected “factualists”? Who will the Repubs appeal to to broaden their base and actually win in 2016? Extraterrestrials?–pb
DDL says
Nice try, but I am not buying.
0bama is the President, so stop trying to blame Bush; old news, ancient history, amigo.
BTW, you do not recall, because I did not start posting here (or writing for the BH) until after 0bamy became president, and Mooch-elle began bilking to taxpayers for free vacations.
BTW II – I wrote an entire column in which I listed my areas of disagreement in regards to the handling of the War on Terror and other issues related to his Presidency. Guess you missed it. I will send it to you if you would like.
JillSJ says
“Moochelle” — classy. My question is, why is this former Benician still degrading our discourse?
DDL says
Also classy: “Darth Vader Cheney and his Marionette George…” — Peter Bray
Peter has a habit of referencing all Republican leaders in similar fashion, but that is not a problem for you is it?
Only when someone strikes at those whom you genuflect over, is it an issue.
And I did not say ‘Moochelle’, as that indicates a potential bovine reference. I said: “Mooch-elle”, because that is what she is, a moocher.
Where is there a residency requirement to post here? At least two other regular columnists do not live in Benicia.
petrbray says
Hey, hey, hey…you’re telling me George W. Bush was not a marionette? I saw the strings, man. Nobody could be that dull and represent anybody UNLESS they had a lot of money, and folks were really hard up…and Hey, I’ll be the first to admit, Gore was no shining fig, I’ll grant you that and after Clinton’s Zipper Tricks, well, i guess George as a strutting Bantam Hen looked pretty great until he got into office and started speaking publically as the Great Decider….But George W. was definitely NOT a rocket scientist…pb
DDL says
Peter said: Nobody could be that dull and represent anybody UNLESS they had a lot of money, and folks were really hard up…
wanna bet on that?
petrbray says
George W. Bush represented the ideology of no government and he proved he was really good at it.–pb
JillSJ says
Nice try, but I’m not buying. Bush and Cheney were elected officials. You don’t see anyone here or anywhere else mocking Laura Bush. That’s low and classless and anyone who engages in it is unworthy of a platform, especially when they don’t even reside in the town where the platform is.
petrbray says
Well, bummer!
DDL, where’d you move to? Do they have a paper there that needs a progressive, fun, liberal/Democrat voice? Maybe even 2 of them? Tell ’em I’m available! I even do a column every Friday in the Benicia Herald since 2008. I’m a regular contributor. Maybe they need some poignant input to balance out their other contributors….Lemmee know, fair’s fair, I’m ready to rock! – pb
DDL says
That’s low and classless
If anyone knows about low and classless, it would be you. Let’s consider this:
Your husband ‘mike’ was banned.
You (under the fake name ‘Real American’) were also banned.
The editor has twice put you on suspension for your continued rudeness and in appropriate remarks.
You also do not answer questions directed at you, while also bringing up irrelevant issues.
petrbray says
DDL: I forgot, but your local paper wherever you are, will really be won over when they get a load of my NEW BLOG: http://www.simpletonspath.wordpress.com
Hurry, I’m excited as a Liberal in a berry patch dying to make a jam sandwich…pb
JillSJ says
You are as misinformed as you are classless. Benicia is better off without you.
petrbray says
JillSJ:
So far as I know, DDL is still a Benician…and the Herald will lose readership if they don’t have equality in their Editorial pages…though Humor is still alive and well in Benicia, especially the online version…pb
JillSJ says
Nope, he’s gone, and good riddance.
petrbray says
DDL:
Nobody’s blaming Bush in this entry, I’m just noting your preferential style like Livesay’s for chronic unhappiness with Democrats and asking who your CandyMan or Woman is gonna be in 2016? Maybe Laughable Palin returns for her even Bigger Fiasco? Is she reading any newspapers these days?Maybe Boehner? McConnel? Or Bachmann? I’ve even forgotten her first name she is so non-descript. You guys have so many potential winners in the wings, why is your credibility, criticism, and whining over Democrats so sad?–pb
DDL says
Peter, did you notice that Democrats control the State house, the governorship, the Senate, the Presidency and for most of 0bama’s Presidency they also controlled the House?
The country is going to hell in a hand basket and the Democrats are carrying the basket.
You want me to bitch about Republicans? I would start with those in the Groupo de Ocho.
JillSJ says
Hooray for a GOP civil war!
j. furlong says
Calling the First Lady of the United States of America by a perjorative name is classless, to be sure. BUT, let’s get some facts straight. The President – any President – pays for private trips personally. What we DO pay for, as taxpayers, is the protection for the First Family of the United States, no matter WHO they are. This can be expensive, it is true, but given what our President and his family – ANY President and his family – sacrifice to our country is well worth the cost of protecting them when they want a break. Grow up!
DDL says
Real American/JillSJ stated:You are as misinformed as you are classless
I believe that ‘wood-stein’ termed that a non-denial denial.
Prove me wrong.
JillSJ says
Don’t have to prove a negative — especially negative nonsense from a non-Benician.
Now who’s guilty of “bringing up irrelevant issues”?
Thomas Petersen says
I see that the comments on this one have gone south again.
DDL says
It happens when probation periods are ended prematurely.
Thomas Petersen says
That’s helpful.
DDL says
Peter said: George W. Bush represented
Why is that anytime 0bama or Biteme are challenged or questioned, you bring up George Bush? Get over it Peter and accept the fact that current leadership in DC is a walking disaster.
petrbray says
DDL: Everything is in context, and in comparison to what precedes and follows it, and who are the accomplices or obstructionists, and what are they doing to aid or obstruct? All you Repubs do is criticize and what did you offer in the last two elections? A Palin Doofus and a MoneyBag and a Boy on a Schwinn…Enjoy what red states Governors you have and think hard about what you can find for candidates in 2016 and what your appeal will be to a decreasing voter base…Good luck. What community are you now a part of, I’d love to send them some liberal Editorials to entertain them. See my New Blog also: http://www.simpletonspath.wordpress.com – pb
DDL says
Peter stated: Enjoy what red states Governors you have
We do Peter and so do those residents of said states who believe a strong economy is preferred over a failing system.
Eight of ten best states economically are red; bottom ten are blue.
California…………. Number Forty Three
There goes those pesky facts again, mucking up a perfectly good slumber party.
petrbray says
DDL:
“eight of the ten best states economically are red…” Do you have any other parameters for measuring a state, or just economically? I can imagine a few genuine hellholes, but I’m sure from your “bottom-line only” assessments you’d make them Valhalla–Enjoy your community, wherever you are.–pb
DDL says
Petr stated:Do you have any other parameters for measuring a state, or just economically?
I seem to recall: “It’s the economy, stupid!”—Your crowd fell for that then did they not?
You might also consider: How are you going to redistribute the wealth if there is no wealth to redistribute?
petrbray says
DDL:
You confuse me with being a political fan of this moronic mental paralysis in Washington, DC and Sacramento, CA. I equate politics closely with baseball: moronic old dysfunctional geezers, scratching their groins and spitting on the field, pretending to know something about humanity and its wellbeing. They rally like-minded morons about them to contribute to their political coffers and buy hats, balls, posters, campaign buttons, shirts, and hot dogs while the rest of us try to earn a living despite their dysfunction. I’d rather watch Border Collies barking at the river. Good luck with all your endeavors. pb
DDL says
Peter stated: who are the accomplices or obstructionists, and what are they doing to … obstruct?
This sad song…………. Again?
This record is so old it is still playing at 72 RPM’s. This whine also is indicative of the supreme arrogance of the left, in that they actually believe that an unopposed 0bama would represent an improvement.
I could see it now: More Soto-minors on SCOTUS, Van Jones’, More Eric ‘I know nothing’ Holder’s. How about Bill Ayers as Secretary of Education?
How about more guns moving fast and furiously into Mexico or into Syria for Al Qaeda’s friends, courtesy of more dead ambassadors?
The checks and balances are the best thing our founding FATHER’s (yes, Father’s. 0Bama calls them ‘founders’ so as not to offend the feminista’s).
How much did that soiree to Africa cost? 60 million, 80, 100? 19 Limo’s, $3,500 a night rooms for the Mooch?
petrbray says
Oh, and I suppose you don’t travel with your wife as First Lady? If it’s any consolation, your and my votes for probably all issues local and national cancel each other out for the past 20 years and the next 20 also, so Livesay wins! Good luck with that!–pb
DDL says
PB:Oh, and I suppose you don’t travel with your wife as First Lady?
When I travel and my First Lady joins me, I use mileage points, not tax dollars.
petrbray says
Enjoy your take on the world, I can’t help you and Livesay any longer, I relinquish any mentoring responsibility for either of you. Good luck!–pb
DDL says
Peter said: I can’t help you and Livesay any longer
All those comments you have made, those were intended as help?
I appreciate the clarification.
petrbray says
You guys are so steeped in autocratic right-wing yowling, I thought for a moment or two you were malleable–No dice, enjoy your yowling—I have other fish to bake, fry, flambe…pb
DDL says
I have other fish to bake, fry, flambe…pb
Maybe we can exchange recipes? I make a great grilled salmon with fresh fennel.
petrbray says
Sorry, i can’t stand salmon…and rarely cook…wife Janice is an outstanding cook..I fetch groceries–pb
DDL says
PB: Sorry, i can’t stand salmon…
Geeze, I invite you to dinner and you want to pick the menu?
How about baby backs, slow smoked over mesquite with Buttermilk cornbread made with Hatch chilies?
Or is that too big of a carbon footprint for you?
petrbray says
You proposed swapping recipes, I didn’t see that as an invitation. You and Livesay seem to enjoy quasi-debating even if it goes up a tree and around the branches and down again like a dizzy squirrel..Sorry, I have other things to do at nearly midnight on a hot, frinking night–Cheers, am signing off…pb
Roger Straw says
Dennis – I think I will file this one away, as an indication of a rarely uncivil DDL comment, an uncut over-the-top sampling of your views. You write, “supreme arrogance of the left…. Soto-minors on SCOTUS…. Eric ‘I know nothing’ Holder…. Bill Ayers as Secretary of Education…. more guns moving fast and furiously into Mexico or into Syria… more dead ambassadors…. founding FATHER’s… (0Bama … feminista’s)…. that soiree to Africa… rooms for the Mooch?” Where’s the old careful phrasing of cleverly flipped left-wing agendas, Dennis? Did you leave it somewhere when you – evidently – moved? Or has Peter just flipped you out with his incessant bashing, clever critiques and catchy humor? (Yes, I repeat myself: shame on you all for playing this endless, ugly game in public. How about a more civil discourse here? Yes, for the most part, I’m opting out these days. I’ll check back in a couple weeks…. Oh, and I should add, Bob has been better lately – thanks, Bob.)
Bob Livesay says
Thanks for the positive comment Reverend Straw. I must add that since Mike, Real American and others have not been commenting lately there is no need to make comeback attacks. There is one exception who is still at it. I will not attack back. I am my own person and always have been. I have always felt that DDL and myself when a personal attack was taken to us we responded. I do not know why some folks just want to take on DDL. They get taken in by what he says and fall for the trap with very negative personal attacks. All brought on by individuals that seem to get all uptight about what he says. Very juvenile. They seem to sit waiting to jump at any opportunity to make personal attack comments. So Reverend I think any comment that is made by Dennis is for a very good reason. I commend him for out smarting the personal attackers. I do believe Reverend that Dennis is on the winning side on this. By the way the editor is the monitor on comments and no one else. Lets get back on topic.
beniciaherald says
And the editor is now back from vacation. So it is, indeed, time to get back on topic. Ed.
DDL says
Roger, did you also ask the same of Peter or Real-Jill?
Both Peter and Real-Jill have been way over the top for far too long.
I do have a tendency to fight fire with fire and I gave back to Petr on the same level he dished out to me, I do not offer any apology for doing so. If you want civility; ask it from them, as well.
I would challenge you to find a time when I struck the first cheap shot.
BTW, none of the shots that you have taken tendentious offense to are directed at any individual that posts here, which is what Petr (he spells it that way in some instances) and Real-Jill do incessantly, instead they are all directed at leadership in Washington.
petrbray says
Adios, Muchachas: I’m taking a break from all this juvenile banter and lightweight theater and am headed to the waterfront to converse with the ducks and gulls and any errant Border Collies I find. I have no time for armchair politicos who ought to run for elective office and feel the real heat of political theater. Take a break, Adolescent Slumber Parties are uphill from this useless chatter—Send your presumed political wit to the NYTimes, see if they respond–har har! –FYI: PetrBray@AOL.com was assigned by AOL, apparently there’s more than one of us and the full name went to someone else. Ask me if it really matters…pb
Bob Livesay says
I thought the article was worthy of some comments. I comment and guess what Peter Bray attacks me not the article. Peter you can personally attack me all you want. Trying to provoke me into your type of comments will not work. In the past I would have come at you full steam ahead. But I respect the new rules and will follow them. I suggest you do the same. I then believe we all can stay on topic and stop this personal attack stuff. Peter it does not do you any good to keep at me. I do believe everyone knows my leaning by now. I do not think they need any help. I would like to see your comment on the article.
petrbray says
Livesay: Follow my entries and you’ll see my comments on the article—Just read, Bob. – pb
Bob Livesay says
I did. Your comments with the exception of one are directed at Bob Livesay and DDL.
petrbray says
Good, then read my very first one…Duh…The balance is just confronting your continual downdraft, e.g., “the usual suspects,” is how you referred to Kerridge, Beutel, and Straw…You always begin with a demeaning of your opposition… What empowers you to be such a pompous autocrat? Sorry, you lose in credibility. Go figure why others oppose you as well. I fear you enjoy the attention, even if negative, and that is a sorry, juvenile state to be in. But it’s your sinking raft, not mine. Try another paddle.Try upstream for a change. You may find fewer muskrats to take on board–pb
Bob Livesay says
Again a personal attack on Bob Livesay
petrbray says
Nothing ever new from you Livesay, your 4th grade teachers ever note you had a problem with self-importance? Have you given thought to serious counseling? Even trivial, laughable counseling? Sorry, I can’t entertain you any longer today, I have far more serious work to do than be your reluctant mentor. Cheers–pb
Bob Livesay says
Again, again and again
Will Gregory says
Another perspective on Obama’s climate speech for the community to consider…
http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/06/26/obamas-plan-for-the-climate/
petrbray says
We always appear to be such a despicable species of cowards and greedy morons…I thought we were built in somebody’s “perfect image”…was that just great prose or what went wrong?–pb
Will Gregory says
From the above article:
He pointed out that the Clean Air Act of 1970 was signed into law by a Republican president, and strengthened by another. “This used to be a bipartisan issue,” he said, reminding his audience that the act passed through the Senate unanimously, and in the house by a vote of 375 to 1.
The article below shows a different picture for the community to ponder…
http://thinkprogress.org/climate-denier-caucus/
petrbray says
How many of those deniers ever completed a high school science class do you suppose? And the Congress members? These are not rocket scientists, but totems on a low pole…pb
Will Gregory says
From the above article:
“As far as Obama went in his talk, Kerridge said, “I would like to see the president go further. We need a carbon tax so that we all become responsible for our actions in emitting carbon dioxide.
“However I don’t believe that is politically possible at this point,” she said. “A carbon tax that uses the money for infrastructure projects, projects to reduce carbon emissions, and reduce the national debt would put us on the right track.”
The article below talks about why we need a carbon tax…sooner rather than later.
http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/17315-the-fossil-fuel-industry-must-pay-for-its-sins
Bob Livesay says
The middleclass will pay the price on carbon tax. Gas just went up in California today. We have the largest tax per gallon in the USA. Hi-Tech will give us the answers on extracting and producing our fossil fuels. More money needs to be put there. With President Obama putting the coal industry about out of business how are you going to charge those car batteries? Natural gas is the answer and should be going full blast for not only domenstic use but foreign sale. Carbon Tax is the anti fossil fuel answer to trying to stop drilling. It will not work.
Will Gregory says
More climate change news you can use….
From the article below:
“The U.S., by itself cannot reverse climate change,”…” But America needs to be the leader that persuades Europe, India, China, Japan and Russia to curtail emissions that threaten lifestyles and health.”
” Jackson envisions California as the model for change, recalling measures that remedied pollution once so bad in Los Angeles that ‘ planes turned around because pilots couldn’t see the runways.’ ”
http://www.contracostatimes.com/tom-barnidge/ci_23594805/barnidge-climate-change-hot-topic-lot-reasons
Will Gregory says
More climate change news you can use….
Thank you Mayor Patterson for being a leader on this very important issue. California has 17 of the 58 signatures already collected. Question: Will Supervisor Linda Seifert sign the pledge? Will Solano County’s other mayors and supervisors consider signing this document?
From the article below:
“In forming this Resilient Communities for America campaign” ….” the mayors are acknowledging the tragic reality that a certain degree of global warming is already baked-in,and that our nation’s high density urban areas are guaranteed a dangerous future of extreme weather, flooding, storm surges, blizzards and droughts.”
http://www.desmogblog.com/2013/07/04/resilient-communities-america-american-mayors-prep-climate-chaos
Bob Livesay says
It is simply called preparation. Been going on for centuries
DDL says
Peter stated: thought we were built in somebody’s “perfect image”…was that just great prose or what went wrong?
Nothing ‘went wrong’. It is called free will, something that does not exist on Tralfamador.
petrbray says
Shall we blame it all on “free will” or blatant greed, stupidity, lack of concern for others, immaturity, sloth, lack of self-discipline, and marginal or missing self-awareness? – pb
Will Gregory says
The words of Obama’s Energy Czar –Mr. Moniz may interest the community….
http://www.desmogblog.com/2013/06/28/obama-s-energy-czar-continues-back-dubious-coal-technology-part-climate-strategy
Will Gregory says
More on Obama’s climate speech and the “rules of science” for the community to contemplate…
http://www.desmogblog.com/2013/07/01/obama-s-climate-pledge-keystone-xl-fracking-double-standard
Will Gregory says
More on Obama’s climate speech -looking back– as we go forward, waiting, for a decision on Keystone for the community to consider…
As Friends of the Earth climate and energy program director Damon Moglen has said, “In order to address climate change, the president needs to focus on the ambitious development of renewable energy, energy storage and efficiency technologies while setting us on a path which clearly leaves behind the fossil fuel-based energy economy of the 20th century.”
Earlier this week, NRDC released a study showing that if the president approves Keystone XL it would be a direct and endlessly destructive decision and a complete affront to the rhetoric of his Georgetown speech.
“Our analysis clearly demonstrates that the Keystone XL pipeline would dramatically boost the development of dirty tar sands oil, significantly exacerbating the problem of climate pollution,” Susan Casey-Lefkowitz, director of NRDC’s international program, said in a statement.
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/07/25-9
Will Gregory says
More information on Obama’s pending decision on Keystone, for the community to consider…
In a speech last month at Georgetown University, Obama raised the hopes somewhat of those campaigners by saying it would be on the basis of carbon pollution and climate impacts that he would ultimately judge the proposal.
As The Guardian’s Suzanne Goldenberg notes:
It was the second time in just over a month that Obama has cited the environmental effects of the pipeline, following his mention of the project in his sweeping climate change address.
But the president once again was not explicit about whether he thought the pipeline would accelerate climate change.
Tar sands crude is far more carbon intensive than conventional oil, and campaigners have cast the pipeline as a test of Obama’s environmental commitment.
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/07/28
Will Gregory says
More on Obama’s recent climate speech for the community to consider…An excerpt from the article below.
In June, after more than five years as president, President Obama finally proposed a climate action plan for America. True to form, the president gave an eloquent speech, with strong words for those still in denial about the severity of the crisis we face: “We don’t have time for a meeting of the Flat Earth
Society.”
Unfortunately for all of us, the blueprint he presented is more PR than plan, and has zero chance of stabilizing the climate. To the contrary, it promises even more climate chaos by promoting fracking, mountaintop removal coal mining, offshore and Arctic oil drilling and tar sands exploitation. It also threatens future generations with the specter of more radioactive nuclear power.
http://ecowatch.com/2013/president-obamas-climate-action-plan-not-even-close/
Will Gregory says
More on president Obama’s climate change legacy– for our citizenry and our appointed and elected officials to seriously consider….
“With less than two years to go in office, President Obama has already sealed his fate with regards to his legacy on climate change.”
“When historians look back and assess his actions on what could be one of the biggest issues of his presidency, they will undoubtedly be using the term “disappointing” quite a bit.”
“But what is unique in this situation is President Obama’s constant public reminders that climate change is a threat to the United States, proclamations that are typically followed by an anti-environment executive action.”
“These past few weeks have given more great examples of the President’s bipolar disorder on climate change.”
“At the end of May, the Bureau of Land Management announced that it would issue a total of 28 new coal mining leases for the Powder River Basin. Greenpeace points out that the amount of coal that could be excavated and burned from just these new coal leases is enough to completely negate (and surpass) the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that would be cut by President Obama’s Clean Power Plan. In sum, Obama’s most ambitious action on climate change is already being made useless by his administration’s decision to lease more coal mining operations.”
“It seems like every action the president has taken to combat climate change has been met by an equal attempt to appease the dirty energy industry.”
Key questions: What will the legacy of our “green” local council leaders be– on crude-by-rail? Will our elected representatives appease our local dirty energy industry? Or, will they protect our small town atmosphere and the needs of the people over the profits of a private corporation?.
http://www.desmogblog.com/2015/06/13/obama-s-bipolar-approach-energy-and-climate-change
Will Gregory says
“For human beings… to destroy the biological diversity of God’s creation; for human beings to degrade the integrity of the earth by causing changes in its climate, by stripping the earth of its natural forests or destroying its wetlands; for human beings to contaminate the earth’s waters, its land, its air, and its life – these are sins.”
— Encyclical Letter of the Holy Father Francis on Care of our Common Home, June 2015
More new and information on president Obama’s climate change legacy– for our citizenry and our appointed and elected officials to seriously consider….
http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/07/07/keep-it-in-the-ground-obama/
Will Gregory says
Time to Wake Up!!
“We need to face up to the fact that there is only one leg on which climate denial stands: money. The polluters give and spend money to create false doubt (and to buy) political influence…. That’s it. Not truth, not science, not economics, not safety, not policy, and certainly not religion, nor morality. Nothing supports climate denial. Nothing except money. But in Congress, in this temple, money rules …in our arrogance, we here in Congress think that we can somehow ignore or trump Earth’s natural laws…with our own political lawmaking, with our own political influence, But we’re fools to think that.”
—-Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
”
More news and information on president Obama’s climate change legacy– for our citizenry and our appointed and elected officials to seriously consider….
Cries of Betrayal, Calls to Organize as Obama Approves Arctic Drilling
‘With this decision, President Obama has given Shell an open invitation to turn the Chukchi Sea into an energy sacrifice zone,’
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/22/cries-betrayal-calls-organize-obama-approves-arctic-drilling
Will Gregory says
Time to Wake Up!!
“We need to face up to the fact that there is only one leg on which climate denial stands: money. The polluters give and spend money to create false doubt (and to buy) political influence…. That’s it. Not truth, not science, not economics, not safety, not policy, and certainly not religion, nor morality. Nothing supports climate denial. Nothing except money. But in Congress, in this temple, money rules …in our arrogance, we here in Congress think that we can somehow ignore or trump Earth’s natural laws…with our own political lawmaking, with our own political influence, But we’re fools to think that.”
—-Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
”
More news and information on president Obama’s climate change legacy– for our citizenry and our appointed and elected officials to seriously consider
“Beyond Ironic, Obama’s Pending Arctic Visit Invites Charges of Hypocrisy”
“Just yesterday, Oil Change International and Greenpeace released a report stating plainly that in order to stave off “climate disaster,” Arctic oil must stay in the ground. Arctic drilling is “inconsistent” with efforts to keep global warming to less than 2° Celsius, according to the assessment, which echoed similar findings by other researchers.”
“The bottom line is that there is no room for Arctic oil in a climate safe world,” OCI’s Hannah McKinnon wrote. “By allowing Shell to drill in the U.S. offshore Arctic Ocean, the Obama Administration is ignoring the world’s best scientists, as well as millions of concerned citizens in North America and beyond.”
beyond-ironic-obamas-pending-arctic-visit-invites-charges-hypocrisy
RKJ says
It’s too late Will, we’ve past the point of no return. It’s a shame you didn’t speak up sooner.
Thomas Petersen says
People.
http://thehullabaloo.com/science-27/un-population-report-foresees-rapid-global-aging-1008.html