Lobbyists belly up to the energy trough

New energy legislation in Congress debates various terrible solutions 9

This piece in the NYT is pretty depressing. It's about the main battles around the upcoming energy legislation. Here are the points of contention:

  • Ethanol subsidies
  • Coal and nuclear subsidies
  • CAFE standards

On pretty much all these issues, it's Big Money lobby vs. Big Money lobby, and every one of them is a distraction -- no help at best, a hindrance at worst. Where's the Big Efficiency lobby when you need it?

David Roberts is staff writer for Grist. You can follow his Twitter feed at twitter.com/drgrist.

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  1. JMG's avatar

    JMG Posted 8:37 am
    12 Jun 2007

    InterestingIf Pete "Big Nuke" Dominici is going to argue for a "Clean" energy standard including "clean coal" and nukes, then the nuclear industry loses any credibility it might have had as an alternative to coal.  If the nuclear industry is going to get in bed with Big Coal then it's clear that it's just the planet that will get screwed.

    Save the world: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 5% annually.
  2. randino Posted 10:20 am
    12 Jun 2007

    The real issue with the energy bill.Forget the liquified coal nonsense, ethanol, and future subsidies to the oil and nuclear industries.  The real target of the energy bill are the burgeoning local movements happening in city halls and state houses to deal with global warming.  The past is headed to the nursery of the future with a pillow in its hand.  
    Washington has a big problem. The problem is that it has lost control of the energy issue. Those who are trying to install a new energy regime have been most successful at the local level. The defenders of the status quo own Washington lock, stock and barrell. But that is not enough. They must restore control of the provinces, and that is what the energy bill is all about.
    I hope the damn thing collapses in flames. It would not cause me to lose a moment of sleep. How the legislation is shaping up right now, it reminds me of the title of the famous science fiction novel "Something evil, this way comes."
    Randy Cunningham

    Randy Cunningham
  3. chaudtheclod Posted 1:35 pm
    12 Jun 2007

    Obama's Position on CoalThis came from his office this afternoon:
    "Today's incorrect story in CongressDaily 'Senate Debate Is Likely To Test Party, Regional Priorities,' misstates Senator Obama's position on the development of coal-to-liquid fuels.  Senator Obama recognizes that global warming is one of the most significant problems that we face.  He supports an 80% reduction in carbon emissions from all sources by 2050 and a 10% reduction in the carbon emissions of transportation fuels by 2020.  Senator Obama supports research into all technologies to help solve our climate change and energy dependence problems, including shifting our energy use to renewable fuels and investing in technology that could make coal a clean burning source of energy.  However, unless and until this technology is perfected, Senator Obama will not support the development of any coal-to-liquid fuels unless they emit at least 20% less life-cycle carbon than conventional fuels.  If an amendment is offered on the Senate floor that would provide incentives for - or mandate the use of - coal-to-liquid fuels without these environmental safeguards, Senator Obama will oppose the amendment."
    http://www.heatison.org/index.php/content/blog_entry/obam ...
  4. FuriaFubar Posted 2:05 pm
    12 Jun 2007

    Obama backpedalingI agree the article is depressing. And Obama was pretty clear a few days (a week?) ago that he favored coal to liquid as a potential fix.  I flipped out and wrote him that was a poor idea and it wasn't fooling anyone.  Apparently Illinois has plenty of coal.  Maybe I should buy property in West By God Virginia?

    All the Best,

    Furia -

    http://www.xanga.com/furia_fubar
  5. JMG's avatar

    JMG Posted 2:50 pm
    12 Jun 2007

    Randy"Something wicked this way comes" by Ray Bradbury?

    Save the world: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 5% annually.
  6. randino Posted 10:34 pm
    12 Jun 2007

    Thanks, jmg.I stand corrected.
    Randy

    Randy Cunningham
  7. randino Posted 10:44 pm
    12 Jun 2007

    I am a Democrat,I come from a Yellow Dog Democrat family. I work on Democratic campaigns. I give money to Democrats. Do I trust Democrats?
    Hell no.
    You see Republicans tend to embrace their base. Democrats tend to run away from theirs. They remind me of the up and coming young entrepreneur who does not want to admit that he grew up in a trailer park.
    Environmentalists, African Americans, and union members seldom see their loyalty to the DP returned in the quantity in which they give. I think some environmentalists thought that it would be easy now the Dems are back in. The energy bill should disabuse them of this nonsense. We will need to kick plenty of Dem ass to get even a scrap of what we want.
    As far as this energy bill is concerned, I have to say in the spirit of horror films past, "This monster must die!"
    Randy Cunningham

    Randy Cunningham
  8. Chesapeake Climate Action Network Posted 5:43 am
    13 Jun 2007

    Join Us Tomorrow!Senate Democratic leaders have proposed an amendment to the new energy legislation that provides 10 billion dollars in direct federal government loans to support coal to liquid technology.  The Chesapeake Climate Action Network adamantly opposes coal-to-liquid technology because the coal to liquid process transforms coal from a solid to liquid form to replace gasoline to power cars while still producing twice as many Carbon emissions as traditional gasoline. Liquid coal further develops the coal industry and uses tax dollars to invest in heavily polluting coal-to-liquid technologies in an effort to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Our tax dollars would be invested in the dirtiest form of energy available, thus adding to the growing problem of global climate change. Democratic Senators have voiced his allegiance to curb climate change, but this legislation clearly serves to destroy our land while supporting the giant companies of coal producing states.
    Join us for a protest on Capitol Hill!! On Thursday, June 14th at 11am we will deliver 1 ton of coal to Senate Park in D.C. and hold a press conference to announce the harmful effects of the amendment. Please let me know if there's any way you will be able to help us spread the awareness of the harmful effects of coal to liquid technologies.

  9. Chesapeake Climate Action Network Posted 5:44 am
    13 Jun 2007

    Join Us Tomorrow!Senate Democratic leaders have proposed an amendment to the new energy legislation that provides 10 billion dollars in direct federal government loans to support coal to liquid technology.  The Chesapeake Climate Action Network adamantly opposes coal-to-liquid technology because the coal to liquid process transforms coal from a solid to liquid form to replace gasoline to power cars while still producing twice as many Carbon emissions as traditional gasoline. Liquid coal further develops the coal industry and uses tax dollars to invest in heavily polluting coal-to-liquid technologies in an effort to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Our tax dollars would be invested in the dirtiest form of energy available, thus adding to the growing problem of global climate change. Democratic Senators have voiced his allegiance to curb climate change, but this legislation clearly serves to destroy our land while supporting the giant companies of coal producing states.
    Join us for a protest on Capitol Hill!! On Thursday, June 14th at 11am we will deliver 1 ton of coal to Senate Park in D.C. and hold a press conference to announce the harmful effects of the amendment. Please let me know if there's any way you will be able to help us spread the awareness of the harmful effects of coal to liquid technologies.

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