Top senators introduce comprehensive energy bill
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/05/12/art.kerry.lieberman.2shot.0512.gi.jpg caption=" Sens. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts (left), and Joe Lieberman, I-Connecticut (right), introduced a sweeping energy and climate change bill Wednesday."]Washington (CNN) - Two leading senators on Wednesday introduced a sweeping energy and climate change bill intended to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions while reshaping the energy sector for the 21st century.
Sens. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, and Joe Lieberman, an independent from Connecticut who sits with the Democratic caucus, said the proposal offered a broad-based approach that would end the nation's dependence on foreign oil while keeping U.S. industry competitive.
The bill addresses a range of energy issues including expanded nuclear power production, incentives for the coal industry to seek cleaner methods, money to develop alternative energy sources and programs to help U.S. industry in the transition to a low-carbon system.
On climate change, the bill seeks escalating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in coming decades that match the levels set as goals by the Obama administration and contained in a separate House energy bill passed last year.
Although few expect the Senate to pass the bill before November's midterm congressional elections, its introduction was intended to keep up pressure for progress on addressing America's long-term energy needs while complying with global efforts to deal with climate change.
A Republican backer of the measure, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, withdrew last week from taking part in Wednesday's announcement because of what he called political gamesmanship by Senate Democrats in stating they would seek approval of an immigration reform bill before the energy measure.
The real kicker is that even if we drilled off of every coast and all of the Artic, we would produce about 3 (yes T-H-R-E-E) per cent of our domestic needs. And its ALL sold on the world market, so much of it goes to say . . . Japan or Mexico (seriously we sell refined oil to Mexico).
We need a HUGE comprehensive energy bil that includes a ban on future oil drilling or the building of any more wells. Oil companies should be subjected to strict government regulation on safety and a "no cap" on cleanup and damages for any oil spill to come.
This is the time to start moving America off of oil in an accelerated fashion. We don't need oil as much as the oil companies want us to think we do. We already have alternative energy sources that work to replace oil. Our city buses run on natural gas and there are waiting lists for hybrid cars. America needs to catch up with the rest of the world in the elimination of fossil fuel use.
Oil and coal are dirty, dangerous, pollute our environment, and are ancient means of power. Let's take this perfect opportunity to make a giant leap away from oil.
Republicans will be nastier and lie more than ever on this issue. They are covered in oil money and are just as responsible for this oil spill in the Gulf as Cheney's Hallibution, Transocean, and the arrogant BP Oil Company.
We can end our need for foreign oil and can end the power and abuse heaped on us by the greedy oil companies.
Who are the top Senator's it can't be the guys in the photo because they are both a joke.
When did Kerrey become a "top" Senator? I must have missed that.
I'll withhold my judgment until I read the bill, but call me cautiously optimistic. We need some sort of bipartisan energy reform...
What I don't understand is why we are so against moving in this direction anyway. The first country to develop the next best renewable energy will reduce their deficit and relieve their taxpayers and citizens of being dependant on foreign oil and alleviate stress and pains within their economy plus add jobs for their people. The country that controls energy will always win.
Stevegee says it all. It is another big government scam designed to fill their pockets and empty ours. All smoke and mirrors.
Wow... as I read through these posts I am really surprised at the number of people with a socialist bent on life. All those who want the government to step in and ensure that no one gets ahead that worry about self regulation and want the government to do the regulation are in fact turning this country from free market to socialism. The very definition of socialism is that the government controls or owns the means of producing wealth. Remember this, when you want the government to regulate the other guy, it will also regulate you.
Bill May 12th, 2010 5:00 pm ET
"Wow... as I read through these posts I am really surprised at the number of people with a socialist bent on life. All those who want the government to step in and ensure that no one gets ahead that worry about self regulation and want the government to do the regulation are in fact turning this country from free market to socialism. The very definition of socialism is that the government controls or owns the means of producing wealth. Remember this, when you want the government to regulate the other guy, it will also regulate you."
Because unregulated capitalism has worked out so well. I guess some people would rather have huge global monopolies run their lives for maximum profit. To each his own. Have a nice day!
Temperatures are on the rise like crazy! The Northern Hemisphere has experienced a WILD growth in temperate since January!
It was 20 degrees in January and now it's pushing 90s here in the South! Why, it MUST be global warming!
Also, we're not doing enough to stop man-made global gravity change and man-made global plate tectonics change.