June 30, 2009 — As Congress adjorned for its July 4 break it passed a controversial energy bill pushed by the Obama Administration.
Depending on which side of the political spectrum one listens to it either will raise everyone’s taxes and cost thousands of jobs, or it will pave the way for green energy jobs and take steps to save the environment.
HR 2454 — the American Clean Energy and Security Act bill narrowly passed in the House and faces stiff opposition when the Senate returns to Washington D. C. from its vacation.
Obama says the bill would create incentives to bring a clean energy transformation across the country. By 2020 the legislation would require all U.S. emissions to decline by 17 percent.
It establishes a new market where industry trades its greenhouses gases. If one produces too much it can get credits by giving it over to companies that don’t produce a significant amount.
Better known as cap and trade, the Oklahoma delegation opposed the bill in the House.
We all know how oil is king in Oklahoma. We all know that this legislation also pushes the U.S. toward less dependence on foreign oil and conservation.
For a state that depends on the dividends of oil, it’s difficult to embrace such words as conservation, energy efficient and lower gasoline prices.
The bill is likely to receive a major overhaul when it gets spit out of the Senate, if it does.
This legislation, while not the best, is something that Americans need to grapple with and find a solution.
It will not be easy. Anytime one looks to cut back on the basic resources it depends on, a reverberation of shock waves will begin.
Change is never easy. Dramatic change like this bill can be traumatic.
The question is do we want a cleaner, less polluted environment for our children’s children to breath?
If measures are not taken in the immediate future, everyone should look to purchase a supply of gas masks. The sky is not falling yet, but without a major shift in policy concerning emissions America along with the rest of its global neighbors will soon be forced to take even stronger steps to protect its citizens from the dirty air.
Instead of political posturing it would be refreshing to hear some intelligent discussion from our Oklahoma delegation about ways to reduce carbon emissions and create a cleaner environment.
That cannot happen as long as our leaders in the Senate continue to deny there is a problem.
There is no climate change conspiracy. There is no man behind the curtain creating an illusion of polluted rivers, lakes and streams.
It is a reality we face now and future generations will inherit, all because we were too stubborn or defiant to take action.
Those who suggest the climate problems and environmental blights are not man made, should harken back to the first chapters of Genesis, where Adam and Eve violated the only rule given them. When they did their pristine environment began to become polluted. From the beginning mankind has been its own worst enemy when it comes to the environment.
Isn’t it time we started protecting our environment instead of our pocketbook?
Our View
Related Photos
Discussion
BENCH SITTIN' — Protecting the environment
- Our View
-
-
BENCH SITTIN' - Freedom comes with responsibility
There some acts of defiance that bring attention to the act rather than the reason for being defiant.
-
BENCH SITTIN' - Proactive response best approach
In this day and age of health scares, Claremore Public School officials has found full disclosure is the best course of action.
-
Time for change in budgeting practice
Rogers County is one of the fastest growing areas in Oklahoma. With about 80,000 residents county commissioners are quickly discovering it takes more money to meet the needs of the bustling population growth.
Among the chal -
Proactive response best approach
In this day and age of health scares, Claremore Public School officials have found full disclosure is the best course of action.
-
Leadership Rogers County wants you
There is still time to be a part of the next class for Leadership Rogers County.
-
RSU: Why the success?
Rogers State University has been in the news a lot lately. New buildings. National honors. High-profile graduates.
-
They walked before us to make the road less bumpy
There was someone here before you and there will be someone that follows. There are people who paved the way, broke the land, opened the path, paved the road that we might make our journey with less bumps and potholes.
-
Gap across the wide Missouri completed
After much speechifying and positioning the crossing of the wide Missouri Street closure has been completed. Claremore City Councilors unanimously voted to close the street, which is east of the current Rogers County Courthouse, to make way for construction of a new $23 million facility.
-
BENCH SITTIN' - What is Obama thinking?
There are no second chances to make a first impression. Apparently President Barack Obama never learned this lesson.
-
The power of 13
No need to worry. Today has been a great day with no dark clouds hovering above.
- More Our View Headlines
-
