Concerns Loom Large over Global Warming Bill
Nicolas Loris /
Republicans and Democrats alike are voicing their concerns over the Clean Energy and Security Act that includes a renewable portfolio standard, federal spending for clean energy technology, and above all else, a cap-and-tax program that would attempt to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Introduced by Chairman Henry Waxman (D–CA) of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman Edward Markey (D–MA) of the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, the bill would have devastating long-term economic effects, which in turn, is causing Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to raise a number of legitimate concerns. Among their primary concerns are:
Job Losses. Members always want jobs coming in to their respective home states. They may want to believe green job creation will be the answer but believing can only take you so far. When it comes down to it, 85 percent of our energy demand is met by fossil fuels and virtually every Member, including those in the energy committees, faces costly tradeoffs. Take, for instance: