WP,pg1: Climate Change Debate Hinges On Economics: LAWMAKERS DOUBT VOTERS WOULD FUND BIG CARBON CUTS

Climate Change Debate Hinges On Economics
Lawmakers Doubt Voters Would Fund Big Carbon Cuts
By Steven Mufson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 15, 2007; Page A01

Here's the good news about climate change: Energy and climate experts say the world already possesses the technological know-how for trimming greenhouse gas emissions enough to slow the perilous rise in the Earth's temperatures.

Here's the bad news: Because of the enormous cost of addressing global warming, the energy legislation considered by Congress so far will make barely a dent in the problem, while farther-reaching climate proposals stand a remote chance of passage.

Despite growing public concern over global warming, the House has failed to agree on new standards for automobile fuel efficiency, and the Senate has done little to boost the efficiency of commercial office buildings and appliances. In September, Congress is expected to start wrestling with more ambitious legislation aimed at slowing climate change; but because of the complexity of the likely proposals, few expect any bill to become law. Even if passed by Congress and signed by President Bush, the final measure may not be tough enough to slow global warming....

The potential economic impact of meaningful climate legislation -- enough to reduce U.S. emissions by at least 60 percent -- is vast. Automobiles would have to get double their current miles to the gallon. Building codes would have to be tougher, requiring use of more energy-efficient materials. To stimulate and pay for new technologies, U.S. electricity bills could rise by 25 to 33 percent, some experts estimate; others say the increase could be greater.

Most of the technologies that could reduce greenhouse gases are not only expensive but would need to be embraced on a global scale, scientists say. Many projections for 2030 include as many as 1 million wind turbines worldwide; enough solar panels to cover half of New Jersey, massive reforestation; a major retooling of the global auto industry; as many as 400 power plants fitted with pricey equipment to capture carbon dioxide and store it underground; and, most controversial, perhaps 350 new nuclear plants around the world....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/14/AR2007071401246.html?nav=hcmodule

Just like waving the flag and going to war is popular as long as it's not my kid getting dismembered, environmental concerns are popular as long as nobody has to pay for them.

and we will have all the money we need ....i know , i`m dreaming.

renewables and cutting carbon emissions will have big payoffs in the long run. A solar roof, for example, is a big expense up front but after a number of years it has paid for itself, and eventually saves the homeowners huge $$$.

Either pay now and prosper in the near future, or die. The choice is really that simple.

just takes the vast riches out of the hands of the oil companies and puts it into the hands of the renewable energy companies...THE CASH AINT GONNA DISAPPEAR...FOOLS!

so they are going to ignore the growth of that segment of the economy. Unless and until a megacorp gets into the green energy business big time and not merely green washing the foot dragging will continue.

Another economic benefit of going green is less environmental related illnesses like asthma, pollution related heart attacks, and loss of worker productivity to all the mercury and other neurotoxins frying the brains of babies before they are even born. One study estimated it is costing America hundreds of millions each year.

However you have to interpret correctly. By 'voters' they are not referring to you and me, they are referring to their corporate backers, the ones with the big bucks. Those votes. You and I, if asked to sacrifice for the good of all, would do so. People are ready and willing to do the right thing if their leaders are honest with them and explain to them what it is they are being asked to do and why they should do it. But we don't have any leaders like that. We have instead a cesspool of corruption in washington, elites who treat us like retarded children, and a system that is hell bent on driving itself right off a cliff as it celebrates its new gilded age.

work =======--working on this huge problem. reseashers, techies, workers

These discussions are so much easier than, you know, asking the voters for input.

and by then- it will be waaaaaay to late.