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The Energy Bill at Triple Speed

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As you may have heard, the climate change bill, your gateway to the world of cap-and-trade, successfully made its way out of the House Energy Committee – on its way to Ways and Means, Transportation, even Agriculture, the “cows doing what they do” people (in Rep. John Boehner’s memorable phrase). You can read more about the bill’s passage here.

But since this is Friday, and leading into a long weekend at that, here’s a fun sidelight to the climate change bill. Fearful that the Republicans would insist on a reading of the 900-page bill as a stalling tactic, the Democrats hired a speed reader. It didn’t happen, but our friend Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) didn’t want the day to slip away without hearing what the speed reader could do. That’s what happens here.

Enjoy - and Happy Memorial Day.

 

Comments

Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus said…
I do not agree with all this madness about climate change from fossil fuel CO2 gas emissions. Dr. Jerry Pournelle said it best at:

http://www.jerrypournelle.com/view/2009/Q2/view571.html#climate

"Without lower energy costs we will not climb out of our depression. It is important to make it clear that the debate is not over, there is no real scientific consensus on man-caused global warming, and destroying the economy in order to reduce CO2 output in the United States is all cost with almost no benefit. That debate must continue; and you may be certain, absolutely certain, that those who try to keep this a debate will be labeled 'deniers' and denigrated as fools."

Now yes, I am definitely pro-nuclear, and no, fossil fuel plants do NOT have a right to use the atmosphere as their sewer. BUT, this whole thing about climate change is still disputed.

I don't believe in any cap and trade system. rather, level the regulatory playing field. Just as nukes have to sequester their radioactive wastes, so also should fossil fuel plants have to sequester their wastes of combustion. No govt money for any source of energy. Just a level regulatory playing field. Solar and wind wouldn't be able to compete without govt subsidies. Coal and gas wouldn't be able to sequester their wastes, so they'd have to shut down. Nukes would win hands down.

Instead of common sense, our congress critters come up with cap and trade. Horse manure.
May 23, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Anonymous said…
How is insisting that the legislation you are voting on be read a stalling tactic. Aren't you supposed to read everything you sign? We know every rep doesn't have time to read it on their own.

To me, hiring a speed reader is insulting the legislative process.
May 26, 2009 at 1:43 PM
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