Michelle Malkin » Why the national eco-tax is in trouble

Why the national eco-tax is in trouble

By Michelle Malkin • May 6, 2009 02:41 PM

Yesterday, I noted Henry Waxman’s debate-evading maneuvers to try and facilitate passage of the massive eco-tax/”climate change” bill.

The NRCC sent out a helpful fact sheet outlining why the radical green plan is really in trouble. You can thank opposition from Democrats in manufacturing and energy-producing states.

Tea Party activists, here’s your opportunity to reach across the aisle:

JUST THE FACTS:

After stalling actions in Congress in the face of political pressure on the national energy tax, tempers boiled over among party leaders:

“Tensions over the direction of a sweeping climate change bill boiled over in a House Democratic leadership meeting Thursday, as Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (Calif.) lashed out at Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.) for appearing to publicly downgrade the measure’s chances this year. ‘This is not helpful,’ Waxman told Van Hollen, citing reports that presented the party’s campaign chief as opposing aggressive action on the bill, sources familiar with the meeting said.” (Dennis and Newmyer, “Democrats Clash on Climate Change,” Roll Call, May 4, 2009)

Seeing one of his key campaign proposals on life-support in Congress, Obama drags Energy Committee members to the White House to resuscitate this job-killing proposal:

“Waxman declined to comment when asked if the markup would start this week, saying only that he remains committed to moving the bill by Memorial Day…. But with the climate bill in dire straits at the subcommittee level, Obama decided it was time to weigh in.” (Darren Samuelsohn, ‘We’re working out the issues,’ House Dems say after Obama climate meeting, New York Times, 5/5/09)

“President Barack Obama summoned 36 House Democrats to the White House on Tuesday to urge them to agree on climate and energy legislation that is under increasing criticism from Republicans and members of his own party.” (Dina Cappiello, “White House, House GOP Convene Meetings on Climate,” The Associated Press, 5/5/09)

Still Democrats Aren’t Willing to Support a National Energy Tax:

“But House Democrats have yet to reach a deal on key aspects of the far-reaching package, including credits to affected industries, a timetable for reaching reductions in carbon emissions and the specifics of a new mandate for renewable electricity.” (Dennis and Newmyer, “Energy Reform Limps Ahead,” Roll Call, 5/6/09)

THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF BAD POLICY:

Facing tough re-elections next year, Dems in manufacturing and energy-producing districts desperately distance themselves from the National Energy Tax:

Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT): “Matheson has already been taking political shots from both sides on the bill. For example, the National Wildlife Federation ran full-page ads in the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune on Tuesday urging voters to call Matheson and ‘tell him it’s time to target climate change.’ The National Republican Congressional Committee on Monday issued a news release attacking him and questioning whether he will “support a national energy tax that could burden thousands and kill jobs.” (Davidson, “Matheson says Democrats moving too fast on climate-change bill,” Deseret News, 5/5/09)

Rep. Charles Melancon (D-LA): “At this point Melancon said he can’t support the draft because it would shut down the state’s energy coast. Melancon’s vote could have a detrimental effect on getting the measure out of committee. ‘I believe this bill would create an undue burden on families who are already paying too much in energy bills and on an industry that provides thousands of Louisianians with good jobs,’ Melancon said.” (Gerard Shields, “La. Democrats Key Figures In Federal Emissions Debate,” Baton Rouge Advocate, 5/2/09)

Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA): “‘What I’ve seen so far is nowhere near where it needs to be for me to support it,’ Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) told POLITICO. ‘Any way you do it, it hurts Pennsylvania, especially western Pennsylvania.’ ‘I think cap and trade is bad policy,’ said Altmire.” (Alex Isenstadt, “Cap And Trade Hits Speed Bumps,” Politico, 4/27/09)

Rep. John Boccieri (D-OH): “‘My understanding from what I’ve heard is it’s going to cause a big increase in our utility bills.’ Boccieri said the White House has been lobbying him heavily, but, ‘in its present form, cap and trade would be devastating to Ohio.’” (Robert Wang, “Boccieri Holds Telephone Town Hall Meeting,” Canton Repository, 3/25/09)

Rep. Baron Hill (D-IN): “Among coal-district Democrats like Hill, whose southeastern Indiana seat tilts conservative, reservations about a climate change bill are equally apparent. ‘I just can’t support it with the way it’s being proposed,’ said Hill, noting that 96 percent of Indiana is dependent on coal. ‘The bill in its current form is going to increase the rates for the people I represent.’” (Alex Isenstadt, “Cap And Trade Hits Speed Bumps,” Politico, 4/27/09)

Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR): “Rep. Mike Ross, Arkansas Democrat and one of the moderate members whom party leaders will have to persuade in order to secure passage, said he was concerned about the price consumers would have to pay if utilities passed along the cost of buying carbon permits to customers. ‘If you don’t like $4-a-gallon gasoline, you’re really not going to like your electric bill sometime between now and 2030,’ he said.” (Tom LoBianco, “House Lawmakers Take Stands In Hearings On Climate Change,” The Washington Times, 4/22/09)

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Posted in: Enviro-nitwits,Tea Party

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Comments

#1

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:46 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

I love it when Dems eat their own!
#2

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:46 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

They do occassionaly listen to the voting bloc.
#3

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:46 pm, cpodug said:

Pas the popcorn
#4

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:47 pm, cpodug said:

Pass – oops
#5

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:50 pm, jkline23 said:

Nice job Michelle on the summary. As always, only the facts!

Is this the first domino in many that will fall in the future?

Sorry, not trying to offend anyone, I know dominos are black with white spots so please don’t take this comment the wrong way…
#6

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:54 pm, Joy said:

Dominos – I thought they were white with black spots….
#7

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:58 pm, letget said:

Are these people up for re-election in 2010? My mind says, tell the people what they want to hear to get re-elected. I hope some d’s are seeing the light.
L
#8

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:59 pm, Southpaw said:

Come on Congress Donkeys, this is NeroBamas vision, commit political suicide and throw yourself under dat bus.
#9

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:59 pm, Flyoverman said:

Never underestimate the power of the thugs to get their way. We need to keep the pressure on.
#10

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:59 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:54 pm, Joy said:
Dominos – I thought they were white with black spots….

Nah, thems dice!
Dominoes, mostly black, mostly.
#11

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:04 pm, Henry said:

President Barack Obama summoned 36 House Democrats to the White House

Thug-thizzle.
#12

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:05 pm, Ron said:

Moral of the story is, if you live in a district represented by a Democrat, call and make your opposition known, but don’t tell ‘em you’re a disgruntled conservative. Just tell ‘em you’re a voter who won’t vote for a Congressman next year who will raise you electric bill.
#13

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:05 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

Tea Party activists, here’s your opportunity to reach across the aisle:

Exactly. If the GOP leadership only reaches across the aisle to further liberal interests, we can reach across the aisle for broadly popular conservative interests.

Once again, I call for the younger conservative House Republicans to demand new leaders and/or caucus with conservative Dems on conservative issues. Don’t wait for Boehner or Cantor to lead. They won’t. Too busy “listening”.
#14

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:07 pm, Paul Revere said:

I am sure Pelosi is seething.
#15

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:15 pm, Jeff2161 said:

Well, let’s not be too hasty…Coal is the one major fuel we DO have an abundance of. I thought being self-reliant was our goal ?
#16

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:26 pm, Ragspierre said:

Paul R.:
I am sure Pelosi is seething.

Too bad she isn’t seething in the biblical sense…
#17

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:34 pm, txvet2 said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:15 pm, Jeff2161 said:

Well, let’s not be too hasty…Coal is the one major fuel we DO have an abundance of.

We have an abundance of petroleum too. It’s just that the Democrats have put all of the major undeveloped areas off limits.
#18

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:41 pm, bjc said:

*Momentum is building for the Dems to get dusted in 2010; Some of them are going to push back against these catastophic policies P-BO and the Clown Cluster are pushing through with the help of Nazi Pelosi and Harry Reid; Let’s hope the GOP commences with the beatdown.
*The lies are continuing to be exposed, whether it be ethanol or global warming; Some in the GOP are complicit in this and should be exposed as well(Corker,Grassley, McCain come to mind).
#19

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:46 pm, jkline23 said:

Do you think we will see McCain switch to the demoncrat party too?
#20

On May 6th, 2009 at 4:08 pm, mchristian said:

Why the national eco-tax is in trouble

You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.
Abraham Lincoln
#21

On May 6th, 2009 at 4:13 pm, 24Klady said:

Every year all over the southwest you see people die of the intense heat because they cannot turn on their air conditioners. Every year we see people die in severe cold because they cannot turn on their heaters. I couldn’t begin to imagine how many will die because they cannot afford to pay the bills. If this lunacy passes we should hold everyone that voted for it to charges of second degree murder for those that die in their districts.
#22

On May 6th, 2009 at 4:26 pm, dadinseattle said:

There is currently an outreach effort to teaparty groups to united and consolidate in our efforts to defeat bad legislation and bad legislators.

It is time to put an end to this type of nonsense originating in DC!
#23

On May 6th, 2009 at 4:40 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

H/T to http://www.icecap.us

http://ecoamerica.typepad.com/blog/2009/04/climate-advocates-working-against-themselves.html” rel=”nofollow”>Propaganda talking points from the left: (the cached version while it lasts…) (revealing that they’re getting worried and desperate – keep up the good work! AGW=BS)

Last month ecoAmerica gathered a group of climate communications social researchers and practitioners in New York to discuss climate change and what to do about it from a human perspective. Rather than just scaring people, the question becomes how can we help people to understand and appreciate climate change and what it means to them. Following is a brief list of tips:

• Don’t use the word’s “global warming” to describe our “climate crisis.” These words are politicized and polarizing. Their associations are inaccurate, confusing and abstract for most Americans.

• Coal and oil companies are branding themselves as “energy companies,” (all of the above) co-opting the word “alternative” and confusing the public. Advocates need to point out that the coal and oil companies’ words are inconsistent with their expenditures/deeds.

• Themes and messages that work:
o Always link climate and energy to other (non-environmental) concerns and values.
o Always establish credibility and relate to people first. Get to climate in your 3rd sentence vs. the first.
o Engage their hearts vs. heads. Be visual, emotional and realistic. Turbines!
o Say “pollution” vs. carbon. Use impacts, “we can all see with our won eyes.”
o Say “Safe, clean, energy that never runs out” vs. “alternative energy. “
o New energy solutions are a path to prosperity: “the fuel is free.”
o Patriotism works: American ingenuity; power of America.
o Say “new energy jobs” vs. green jobs.
o Emphasize health concerns: “the air we breathe; the water we drink.”
o Make generational legacy real: parents and kids, what we are leaving them.
o Use stewardship in protecting “majesty of their land/nature’s majesty.”

• Themes and messages that don’t work with most Americans:
o Framing solutions as losses (giving up, sacrifice).
o Trying to convert the public to become environmentalists.
o “Imagine” or a “Jetsons” future.
o Alarmism – gets people defensive right away.

Climate solutions advocates need to tell people what they can do, and provide clear solutions and a realistic path for both public policy and personal behaviors. They need to know that they can ask, even demand that government and industry provide us with a new energy future of stable and lower prices that creates new industries, provides domestic jobs that can’t be exported and doesn’t risk our national security. It is easy for most Americans to grasp the difference between 19th century energy sources and burning gas and oil that leads to health, economic and pollution problems. They also readily understand that 21st century energy sources will yield better prosperity, heath and security for America.

Americans think that environmentalists know about the environment, but not necessarily about the economy or our national security. They can point and shame when talking about pollution, but climate advocates have little credibility in other areas. If the climate issue is bigger than just a normal environmental issue, climate solutions advocates should be able to engage and really use spokespersons from other sectors to make the case – generals, doctors, businessmen, housewives and others.

Addressing our deteriorating atmosphere and all that portends means solutions advocates need a comprehensive approach. They need to be ahead of the game and lead domestically and internationally. Getting down into the details isn’t leading and it isn’t helping. The case is broad and clear and needs to be made from that perspective.

Over the coming months the battle for the atmosphere is going to hinge on something called “Cap and Trade,” which virtually no one understands. “Cap and Trade,” is already being rightfully branded as “Cap and Tax” or “The light switch tax” because that essentially is what it is.

Ultimately, if climate solutions advocates want to win, they need the right social policies as much as they need the right science. “Cap and Trade” needs to be set aside in favor of “Cap and Cash Back.” If we’re going to limit and reduce pollution with a market-based mechanism, who should get the benefit? The federal government? The polluters? Hand-picked ‘new energy’ companies?

If the government is going to use financial penalties to help stop climate problems, they should simply give the money back to Americans – not keep it and spend it. It’s our air, our money, and our future. Rather than tax Americans to solve global warming, we should pay them.
#24

On May 6th, 2009 at 4:43 pm, docflash said:

The chickens are coming home to roost for some of these people.What does that snaky Waxman have to gain from this for him to push so hard for it?
#25

On May 6th, 2009 at 4:48 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

mchristian said: You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.
Abraham Lincoln

Well I think Gore was counting on what P T Barnum is widely thought to have said: “There’s a sucker born every minute.”
#26

On May 6th, 2009 at 4:50 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

Oh man do I hope somebody discovers if how Waxman is getting a kick back for foisting this absurd crap.
#27

On May 6th, 2009 at 5:02 pm, dan708 said:

Obama: “I will have my eco-tax and I will have it NOW!! Bow down before The One and apologize for thinking for yourselves!”
#28

On May 6th, 2009 at 5:20 pm, txvet2 said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 4:50 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

You don’t have to look far. It doesn’t have to be a cash transaction. For instance, GE manufactures wind turbines and owns NBC/MSNBC. Tons of free exposure.
#29

On May 6th, 2009 at 5:21 pm, Old Country Boy said:

I think that it would be good policy for all conservatives, libertarians, and Repubs to honor and support any Democrat that follows conservative values (fiscal, defense, and constitiution) at any given point in time. Don’t demonize if they agree with basic conservative values as above, but forgive them if they tresspass on all your litmus tests. (I bet not one in 20 of you know what a litmus test is.) You will influence and win more important votes in congress, and maybe get some change overs.

Don’t threaten to run against them. Save that for the really bad socialist dudes and dudettes. Treat these conservative Democrats as if they were Repubs. That will infuriate the Dem party heads and Obama, and will make the blue-dog dems more conducive to pushing an agenda more palatable to the Repubs.
#30

On May 6th, 2009 at 5:30 pm, jkline23 said:

Litmus Test – A common pH test.

So what you are saying is “watch out for the political Hazing by branding all in one light.”

I aced science – too bad not english…
#31

On May 6th, 2009 at 5:59 pm, mchristian said:

Danceswithdachshunds said:
Well I think Gore was counting on what P T Barnum is widely thought to have said: “There’s a sucker born every minute.”

Or the old standby, Look, over there!
#32

On May 6th, 2009 at 6:03 pm, cicerokid said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:46 pm, jkline23 said:
“Do you think we will see McCain switch to the demoncrat party too?”

When did he leave it?
#33

On May 6th, 2009 at 6:23 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

Hmm…
Energy Tax… energy prices go up…
food and goods are made, processed and transported using … energy.

There’s a connection there somewhere.
#34

On May 6th, 2009 at 7:31 pm, rightwingrocker said:

The only “Climate Change” bill we need is one that requires those in Washington to follow the Constitution.

Only that sort of change in America’s political would bring about any sort of change that was worthwhile.

Otherwise, it’s government as usual.

Phht.

RWR
http://www.rightwingrocker.com
#35

On May 6th, 2009 at 7:50 pm, Dasher said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 3:46 pm, jkline23 said:

Do you think we will see McCain switch to the demoncrat party too?

ACU Rating
Specter: 44
McCain: 81

You decide
#36

On May 6th, 2009 at 7:53 pm, right4life said:

if the tax doesn’t pass congress, it will just be imposed by administrative fiat through EPA regulations…
#37

On May 6th, 2009 at 7:54 pm, right4life said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:54 pm, Joy said:
Dominos – I thought they were white with black spots….

I’ve heard bariatric surgery does wonders!! you should try it..God knows you need it!
#38

On May 6th, 2009 at 8:11 pm, CW4_KGP said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:50 pm, jkline23 said:

Sorry, not trying to offend anyone, I know dominos are black with white spots so please don’t take this comment the wrong way…

On May 6th, 2009 at 2:54 pm, Joy said:
Dominos – I thought they were white with black spots….

In Motown, Dominos be big round thangs with lotsa cheese and mater sauce and some pepperonis. Y’all be confuzeled fo snizzle.
#39

On May 6th, 2009 at 8:29 pm, rowsdower said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 5:21 pm, Old Country Boy said:”…..support any Democrat that follows conservative values (fiscal, defense, and constitiution) at any given point in time”

In other words , a racist. /(sarc)
#40

On May 6th, 2009 at 9:26 pm, prendad said:

Waxman: “Ready, FIRE, aim”. In typical congressional/white house fashion, every bill is a monumental worldwide crisis. I wonder what will happen if Waxman doesn’t get the bill passed before Memorial Day, and finds out the world does not immediately implode.
#41

On May 6th, 2009 at 9:34 pm, TruthToBeTold said:

I’ve seen white dominoes with black spots, so that person is not saying anything weird. They were made from a white plastic and had black dots on them.
#42

On May 6th, 2009 at 9:49 pm, Pat said:

the National Wildlife Federation ran full-page ads in the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune on Tuesday urging voters to call Matheson and ‘tell him it’s time to target climate change.’

So pay higher taxes, lose your job, have a cold house in winter, all to protect wildlife that will then over-populate your county and kill your pets for food.

Such a deal!
#43

On May 6th, 2009 at 9:49 pm, rightisright said:

now what was it the dems, libs and lefties, including our dunce of a president were saying about The Tea Parties? Looks like a few dems got the idea of what they were all about…and we’re not through with the Parties yet.
#44

On May 6th, 2009 at 10:30 pm, jangar said:

Why the national eco-tax is in trouble

It had better fail or we can kiss our freedoms, as we’ve known it our whole lives, good-bye (for no logical reason).
#45

On May 7th, 2009 at 12:35 am, Speakup said:

anything deemed “bad for you” is now illegal, including alcohol, caffeine, contact sports, non-educational toys, meat, spicy and unhealthy food, table salt and tobacco. Firearms can only be seen in museums. Physical contact was recognized as causing the spread of disease and is now seen as unusual. “Sex” is no longer a physical act for the same reasons, and even kissing is not condoned. Instead, “Vir-Sex” is performed by using sex simulators worn on the participants’ heads to replace physical intercourse.
#46

On May 7th, 2009 at 12:52 am, tbear44 said:

Carbon credits. What a load of crap.
#47

On May 7th, 2009 at 8:32 am, luckydogg said:

When we are all riding bikes and have no money or jobs, that is when the masses will rise up and scream. Until then, the “one” will get whatever he wants. So we better get used to it!
#48

On May 7th, 2009 at 8:37 am, John Deaux said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 5:20 pm, txvet2 said:

On May 6th, 2009 at 4:50 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

You don’t have to look far. It doesn’t have to be a cash transaction. For instance, GE manufactures wind turbines and owns NBC/MSNBC. Tons of free exposure.

If that was true, they’d be pushing harder for defnese since they make a lot more money from jet engines than they do from wind turbines.

NBC is completely in the tank for the socialist agenda. The rest of GE, not so much. As far as Immelt, I don’t know what to make of him. I don’t know if somebody else would have performed much differently. The only thing that causes suspicion is that he’s too cozy with Obama.
#49

On May 7th, 2009 at 9:28 am, Misscheryl said:

OT but:
http://www.newsok.com/house-bypasses-governors-veto-to-claim-oklahomas-sovereignty/article/3366762

YIPEE. I love Oklahoma!
#50

On May 7th, 2009 at 9:33 am, stillontheroad said:

This whole agenda would be funny if it was not so insidious. With all their grand plans for Solar and Wind, a larger Grid to tie it all into is needed. That will not happen with the Eco-freaks complaining about Electrical Lines wrecking the pristine beauty of what ever. There is no method of storing energy produced by this grand plan not to mention, Solar does not work after dark and wind turbines are useless when the wind does not blow.
Another dirty secret is, any home installed Wind Turbine will not work unless the utility power feeding your home is up and providing electricity. When the Utility Power goes down the wind turbine in the back yard will not provide electricity to your home.