Clean energy bill will move economy forward

[sfc_oliver]

Not only jobs lost but the inflation when the energy companies start raising rates just to stay in business.

[Dan Moadus]

Remember, Obama promised this bill would kill the coal industry. Do you think the jobs lost in the coal industry, and the jobs lost when companies move overseas to escape these penalties will be offset by the promised "green jobs"? Not in your lifetime.

[sfc_oliver]

Hopefully the Senate will kill this Cap and tax bill.

[Rick Rowlands]

Thats one BIG paragraph!  I get lost half way through it.

[irishbobcat]

Clean energy bill will move economy forward
   Sep 6, 2009   Arkansas Democrat Gazette   
   J.D. LOWERY SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE LITTLE ROCK — Many Arkansas families are enjoying the day off this Labor Day, but for some, there have been too many days off lately. Since this time last year, our state has lost nearly 28,000 jobs. Fortunately, one part of the economy is growing and poised to grow even further: the clean energy and energy efficiency sector. After Labor Day, the U.S. Senate will consider clean energy legislation that will put a cap on carbon pollution, require that more electricity come from clean sources and create incentives for energy efficiency. When the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version earlier this year, it was the first time either chamber passed a clean energy bill. Under the legislation, a limit-or cap-will be put on the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that companies can emit. The limit will be high enough that it will only apply to the largest polluters, and those companies will have to find ways to reduce emissions. Some companies will be so successful that they'll end up significantly under the limit, allowing them to sell their credits to other businesses. This market-based solution will reward the most efficient companies and guarantee overall reductions. This clean energy bill will increase investment in the research and development of crucial technology pertaining to sustainable buildings. That means jobs for architects, engineers, contractors, electricians and plumbers; also, a recent study by the USDA claims such a bill would benefit agriculture, serving as a major benefit to Arkansas farmers, 20 percent of the state's economy. Many in Arkansas are already proving that it is possible to achieve economic success and beneficial environmental goals at the same time. Passage of this bill would mean more business for companies that construct new and renovate and retrofit existing buildings, in addition to the windrelated technology manufacturers that have recently decided to make Arkansas their home, due to the efforts of state officials and Governor Mike Beebe. As it stands now, the EPA estimates that the clean energy bill will cost the average American about a dime a day. While putting a price on carbon will increase costs somewhat in the short term, these costs will be mitigated by financial savings resulting from energy efficiency and use of new technology. This doesn't even consider the economic benefits of job creation and the reduction in the costs of carbon pollution. Furthermore, aswith all technology, the price for initial investment will drop drastically as techniques and research continue to improve products. One significant benefit of clean energy legislation is that it will help break our dependence on foreign oil. Opponents are trying to drive the fear that this bill will dramatically raise the price you pay at the pump. However, the EPA projects that under the billpassed by the House, gasoline prices would be only 25 cents per gallon higher by 2030-an average increase of less than three pennies per gallon per year. That pales in comparison to the dramatic two-dollar-plus price swing we've experienced here in Arkansas within the last year. No less significantly, this policy seeks to improve our national security using one simple concept: We cannot continue to send billions of dollars to countries that fund terrorism. A system like the one passed in the House would cut oil imports by $20 billion per year, according to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, keeping our money in the country rather than in the coffers of those who really don't care for us or our way of life. The convergence of economic, environmental and security issues has created a rare moment. We should not waste this opportunity because of fear generated by distortion or failure to obtain the facts. This issue deserves an honest debate and our full attention. There is no easy solution. Our attempt to solve this issue must be methodical and address the larger picture. This plan doesn't amount to a reduction of our quality of life, though we would do well to remember the needs of those individuals trying to make a living-not just faceless corporations-who could easily be left behind during this economic transformation without certain protections and compromises to keep costs down. One thing is certain. We cannot afford more of the same. Passage in the House signals that clean energy legislation in some form or another will pass sometime in the near future. It is time for the U.S. and Arkansas to lead for the benefit of our environment and the sake of our economy today. J.D. Lowery is a sustainability project manager for Viridian, a Little Rock-based independent sustainability consulting firm.    

Dennis Spisak
Mahoning Valley Green Party
Ohio Green party
www.ohiogreens.org
www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/