Posts Tagged ‘US Senate’

On Sept 22, 2010, S.3813 the Renewable Electricity Promotion Act of 2010 was introduced in the U.S. Senate. Since Congress has not been able to pass cap and trade, the “green/clean” special interests are looking for alternate ways to push their agenda. This bill would cause higher electricity prices and have a negative impact on the United States economy.

This bill introduced by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) would create a federal renewable electricity standard (RES) of 3% in 2012 and increases to 15% by 2021. Among the co-sponsors are both Colorado Senators, Michael Bennet and Mark Udall.

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Harry Reid announced yesterday, July 22 that he does not have the votes for a broad energy bill (aka climate change bill, aka legislation to curb US carbon emissions). Reid is still expected to introduce an energy bill next week that would implement offshore drilling reforms, promote natural-gas vehicles, promote energy-efficient houses and businesses, and perhaps include a target for electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar.

Meanwhile according to a New York Times article “Efforts to Block EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Regulations Back in Play” Dated July 23, 2010. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to allow a vote this year on a two-year postponement of EPA action to impose regulations on carbon emissions on stationary sources.

Additional information in Reuters article dated July 23 – “Senate climate bill in peril as Democrats delay action”

On April 20, an explosion of a BP oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in a ruptured well.  The ruptured well has been gushing oil for over two months. Instead of solid support for the cleanup and getting the best proposals to control the leak we see  …

• The Obama Administration imposing a six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling. In spite of a U.S.  District Judge ruling that the edict violates the law, the administration has appealed the injunction. It is estimated that 40,000 jobs are at stake if the moratorium is imposed.
• The Obama Administration is proceeding to work on a “comprehensive energy and climate bill”.  The Obama Administration continues to attack fossil fuels and push wind and solar.
• Congress is expected to use “backroom” tactics to pass Climate legislation.  After the outrage over the procedures used to pass the Health Care Legislation (Obamacare), it appears that Harry Reid is considering similar tactics to push this Climate/Energy Legislation thru.

Select “read the rest of this entry” for links to articles supporting these statements.

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On June 10, 2010 … the US Senate debated Joint Resolution 26 – a resolution to disapprove a rule submitted by the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) on December 15, 2009 relating to greenhouse gasses. After over 6 hours of debate the US Senate voted against the resolution 53 to 47.  You can view the entire session at CSpan Video Library


According to Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), because this (i.e., EPA action) is our worst option to reduce emissions and Congress needs time to develop a more appropriate solution, I have introduced a resolution of disapproval … I introduced this back in January … to halt the EPA’s regulations.  My resolution does not affect the science behind the endangerment finding, but it will prevent the finding from being enforced through economy-wide regulations.

 About the Opposition

Most of the comments by Senators opposing Resolution 26 were “red herrings” … about their confidence that the scientific findings were compelling, about fuel standards and about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of reasoned debate, we got political theatre! Did they read the bill?… did they read the EPA rule? … or did they use Barbara Boxer’s talking points to prepare their comments? Read the rest of this entry »

The Senate is scheduled to vote on S.J.Res 26 – A joint resolution disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act.  The Resolution is sponsored by Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).  If passed this resolution would block the EPA from using the Clean Air Act to regulate carbon emissions.  Check C-Span schedule for Thursday, the senate will be debating this for 10 hours according the The New York Times.  Click here for an article posted at Townhall.com on June 6, 2010