Environment & Energy
Related: About this forumTX Oil Industry Wants Billions In Public $$ For Sea Walls To Protect It From Climate It Destabilized
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Like other oceanfront projects, this one would protect homes, delicate ecosystems and vital infrastructure, but it also has another priority: to shield some of the crown jewels of the petroleum industry, which is blamed for contributing to global warming and now wants the federal government to build safeguards against the consequences of it. The plan is focused on a stretch of coastline that runs from the Louisiana border to industrial enclaves south of Houston that are home to one of the worlds largest concentrations of petrochemical facilities, including most of Texas 30 refineries, which represent 30 percent of the nations refining capacity.
Texas is seeking at least $12 billion for the full coastal spine, with nearly all of it coming from public funds. Last month, the government fast-tracked an initial $3.9 billion for three separate, smaller storm barrier projects that would specifically protect oil facilities. That followed Hurricane Harvey, which roared ashore last Aug. 25 and swamped Houston and parts of the coast, temporarily knocking out a quarter of the areas oil refining capacity and causing average gasoline prices to jump 28 cents a gallon nationwide. Many Republicans argue that the Texas oil projects belong at the top of Washingtons spending list.
Our overall economy, not only in Texas but in the entire country, is so much at risk from a high storm surge, said Matt Sebesta, a Republican who as Brazoria County judge oversees a swath of Gulf Coast. But the idea of taxpayers around the country paying to protect refineries worth billions, and in a state where top politicians still dispute climate changes validity, doesnt sit well with some.
The oil and gas industry is getting a free ride, said Brandt Mannchen, a member of the Sierra Clubs executive committee in Houston. You dont hear the industry making a peep about paying for any of this and why should they? Theres all this push like, Please Senator Cornyn, Please Senator Cruz, we need money for this and that.' Normally outspoken critics of federal spending, Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz both backed using taxpayer funds to fortify the oil facilities protections and the Texas coast. Cruz called it a tremendous step forward.
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https://climatecrocks.com/2020/01/05/petro-industry-begs-for-protection-from-climate-impacts/
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)Phoenix61
(17,006 posts)go to individuals. Its protecting our economy when benefits go to corporations. Of course corporations are individuals when it comes to political donations.
delisen
(6,044 posts)The fossil fuel industry, like the nuclear industry needs to pay its own costs.If the wealthy want taxes to pay, they need to raise taxes on themselves.
The battle over who pays the costs of climate destabilization is just beginning.
Subsidizing the fossil fuel industry is destroying health and habitat.
No more federal tax shell games.
people who think we just need to defeat Trump and life will improve are delusional. The fight is just beginning.
northoftheborder
(7,572 posts)All the tax breaks over the many years should be considered first. Even then, why should this industry, which has by and large caused global warming, be protected from it's own evils.
Listen to Blowback, Rachel Maddow's book, to raise your hackles.
safeinOhio
(32,690 posts)a perfect storm is moving in.