Claremore Daily Progress

Our View

Related Photos

July 1, 2009

BENCH SITTIN' — Protecting the environment

By Randy Cowling, Managing Editor

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?

Text Only
Our View
  • Burrage, Sean.jpg Senate Review

    This past week we learned a group of Jenks parents donated $1.1 million of their own money to their school district—not so the students could have “extras” like new computers or electronic note-pads, but to hire and keep teachers so they could reduce class sizes in their children’s schools.

    May 19, 2012 1 Photo

  • randyc3-28-12web.jpg Oklahoma Turnpike Authority technology not so accurate

    Technology is supposed to allow production to be easier, smoother, even reduce stress.

    April 12, 2012 1 Photo

  • Burrage, sean.tiff Senate review by Sean Burrage

    Hailey Mathis is studying political science and history at the University of Oklahoma. She’s one of a very select group of college students each year who have the opportunity to learn about government and public service through an internship at the State Senate.  

    April 4, 2011 1 Photo

  • randyc3-28-12web.jpg Should Rogers County follow Delaware County?

    Rogers County commissioners are awaiting legal counsel on how to proceed in paying a $22.5 million judgement to Materials Services Inc.

    April 5, 2012 1 Photo

  • randyc3-28-12web.jpg Spending money at home not a priority for commissioners

    Spending money money at home is a priority for any municipality. When a dollar is spent in Rogers County the sales tax accrued help provide services to every citizen.

    March 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • Randy Cowling Smith gets it done when people are not watching

    Excellent leadership is identified by concrete results.  In some instances it is difficult to determine who should receive credit for a success, when no one comes forward to accept the accolades.
    Claremore’s Jim Smith is one of t

    March 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • BAILEYDABNEY8-2009.tif Terry no kook, he is committed

    Randall Terry is no kook, he’s committed.

    March 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • Randy Cowling Garth may have done something Big!

    Our own Garth Brooks may have set the humanitarian world abuzz.
    In January, he won a lawsuit against Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital of Yukon for not using his $500,000 gift.

    February 16, 2012 1 Photo

  • Burrage, Sean.jpg SENATE REVIEW: What kind of state do we want?

    What kind of a state do we want Oklahoma to be?  Do we want to continue to be a state that ranks among the very worst when it comes to the resources we dedicate to education?

    February 11, 2012 1 Photo

  • Randy Cowling Courthouse security applies to everyone there

    District Judge Dynda Post has elevated a serious issue at the Rogers County courthouse — security.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo