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House passes major energy-climate bill

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Inconvenient Realities | 8:16 a.m. June 26, 2009
For the love of freedom and this great country, urge your elected representatives to vote down this massive tax measure. It will not affect global temps and it will not create "millions" of jobs. Al Gore and his cronies stand to reap a "windfall" if this legislation passes. For a reasoned explanation, Google "Keith Rattie Utah Valley University" to read how this legislation will impact our lives.
dave4197 | 8:42 a.m. June 26, 2009
it's not about "love of freedom for this great country", it's just about changing our habits of energy use and production. save your flag waving for real issues like the bill of rights. you can change your thermostat, drive more economically, and turn off unused lights and appliances. it's easy. most people around the world already have much more expensive energy than we have. we can stand a little change towards burning less fossil fuel for our wants. there are other good fuels such as uranium.

this bill will create new jobs in new fields related to cleaner energy production, maybe conservation.

it's not about flag waving
John Wicks | 8:48 a.m. June 26, 2009
If this passes you can expect to pay more than $2500 a year per household in energy costs. Can you afford this? Al Gore is the biggest hypocrite in history and I don't know how he has snowed people this long. The man simply is not good for America.
Comments continue below
Brother Chuck Schroeder | 8:56 a.m. June 26, 2009
There's better things to talk about rather then global warming and a new energy Bill that goes for another trillion dollar vote on the floor today, as the Dem's vote YES and the RINO's and Moderates go along with their vote's. It will happen. I would rather read about this, On June 12th, astronauts onboard the International Space Station watched in amazement as Russia's Sarychev Peak volcano erupted directly beneath their spacecraft. The rare photo they took is a must-see. An enormous sulfur dioxide plume from the eruption is now circumnavigating the globe at northern latitudes, producing spectacular sunsets for international air travelers. Then learn AmeriKA is now fully bankrupt and has no more money left.
O's Tax and Scam Program | 9:16 a.m. June 26, 2009
The great deceiver is at it again. This week Comrade Obamas one hand is inviting the fourth branch of his administration (i.e. the mainstream media) to place their undivided attention on his socialized medicine program, while the other hand is going to try to sneak his scam and tax climate bill and union card check bill through Congress.

Matheson already voted against Barrys scam and tax bill in committee, so make sure to contact him today to remind him to vote against it again. If passed, it will become the most expensive tax increase in American history and affect everyone, particularly lower income individuals. It will also seriously stifle any type of economic recovery.

In an interview in 2008 with the San Francisco Chronicle, Senator Obama said that electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket under his plan to fight global warming. He also said that under his plan, if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can; its just that it will bankrupt them.

By the way, someone might want to inform Barry that the earth is actually cooling.

Contact Matheson
Washington D.C.: Phone - (202) 225-3011
Toll-Free: 1 (877) 677-9743
Rich | 9:17 a.m. June 26, 2009
Global warming stopped in 1998, according to a well-respected study that accounted for temperature reading stations that had become urbanized. Thus, this bill is nothing more than another bill whose unintended consequences will have far greater impact on society than its backers realize. Look at the ridiculous bailout plans to keep the prices of peoples' homes high and preserve their equity. In Utah, for example, the federal bailout money went to contractors in the form of incentives to buyers of newly constructed homes. This immediately reduced demand for existing homes -- the very houses with which whose falling prices we were concerned. Much of the federal bailout money is going to mortgage holders, allowing them to absorb losses on short sales. The result? More homes on the market, meaning lower prices because nobody can change the basic rule of economics -- supply and demand. Now the U.S., which isn't even one of the nations most responsible for pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thinks it can affect world climate by making people use electric cars and electric lawnmowers. Doesn't anybody realize where most of our electricity comes from -- burning of coal.
Craig | 9:56 a.m. June 26, 2009
Rich, if global warming stopped in 1998 why have 10 of the hottest years on record occurred in the past 12 years? And no, these records don't come from urban stations alone.
Go OBAMA!! | 10:00 a.m. June 26, 2009
President Obama, and HIS AGENDA, was fairly elected and the American people want action!


This is a good start for everyone on the planet. (Even the loud-mouthed SUV, ATV, rip-up the environment, greedy, greedy, ranters from these pages)
This is almost funny | 10:08 a.m. June 26, 2009
This plan is almost funny.

Even scientists say this won't change the global climate trends, but we want to do it anyway. Politicians just feel the need to do SOMETHING or they will be blamed for EVERYTHING.

It doesn't hurt that a bunch of their friends (Al Gore and Company) will benefit greatly from this pseudo-tax forced to be tacked onto the prices of EVERYTHING we use or do from now on, till the end of our days. It doesn't really matter that it will have no impact on Global Climate.

So much for President Obama's promise not to raise taxes for anyone making less than $250,000/year. It's undeniable that this is anything other than a stealthy-tax on EVERYTHING and EVERYONE.
Anonymous | 10:11 a.m. June 26, 2009
I realize that Republican nutjobs don't like (or understand) science, but these comments today are HILARIOUS!!! Thank you!
Brother Chuck Schroeder | 10:31 a.m. June 26, 2009
First off DN, none of my comments are ever found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words, yet you already censored several other posts on other topica, let's see if you'll do the same here to. Don't worry Utah, when this Bill reaches the US Senate, it'll pass there to, because YOUR Bennett and Hatch will go along with it there to, mark my word's here to.
Idahoan | 10:41 a.m. June 26, 2009
This isn't about science. This is about paying thousands of dollars more just for energy costs, with no benefit. Even the supporters admit there will be costs, but they are afraid to admit, or don't truly know, the real costs to this. There will be jobs lost because of this, not gained. This is about what the Wall Street Journal claimed could become the biggest tax in our country's history. Quit this "Republican nutjobs" this and "Obama won" that. You want to pay up to your nostrils in taxes, fine. You do that. The rest of us want to be able to afford energy. We are trying to take care of ourselves and the environment, without being forced to. We are trying to do this in our own way, without having to toot our horns and say, "We are so good. Look at us." Then to be benefitting financially from it, like Al Gore, is just disgraceful. He is a phony and a hypocrite who cares only about the money, not the environment.If you don't believe it, he's worth $100 million now. Where did that money come from? He left office worth $2 million.
Robert OLSEN | 10:52 a.m. June 26, 2009
THIS MAKES ME SICK. We are sitting on the largest source of energy in the country and these people are trying to make it too expensive The provo power plant had a coal fueled power and it was very cheap clean and easy to operate I worked there in the 1950 and we were making improvements. The coal was powder and was forced into a hot boiler and little to no smoke.
Re: Anonymous | 10:56 a.m. June 26, 2009
Yeah, you're right. YOU are so smart. YOU know sooooo much more than everyone else. Your ego is HILARIOUS.

B Hussein said he was going to bankrupt the coal industry and now he is doing it. The Dems talk about creating new jobs - why do they fail to mention the jobs they are killing? The answer - they are self serving.

This is more socialism. From everything I've read about this bill there is a concensus that higher energy costs will result. How is this justified? Lower income households will have credits and rebates to help pay for their energy. What does that mean? Their neigbors who are already paying more taxes are now going to pay for their energy costs. More redistribution of wealth. Aweful policy. Socialism doesn't work - look at Cuba, look at S. Korea vs N. Korea, look at Hong Kong vs Red China. Why is China's economy growing so fast? They are starting to impliment capitalism.
Cosmo | 11:05 a.m. June 26, 2009
The DemonRats have set this nation up for another Civil War!
Lee | 11:06 a.m. June 26, 2009
To those of you who think you can save by using less, forget it.You will still pay more. And a lot more. You can cut your usage in half, and your bills will still be at least 50% higher.And those of you that think it's about greed,it is. This is a huge income for Govt.They are just as greedy as anyone else on this planet.Yes, this is a political solution, not a scientific one.
Re: Craig | 11:23 a.m. June 26, 2009
It's called long-term trends.

If you looked at the satellite temperature data you would see the temperature increasing until 1998, when it peaked and slowly began to decline.

No year since then has even come close to being as hot as 1998, and the global temperature for the past two years is virtually unchanged from what it was 20 years ago.

This is not unprecedented; since 1850 the earth's temperature climbed until it peaked during the 1930's and then slowly declined, bottoming out in the mid-1970s (the time when most scientists believed we were headed for another ice age).

Since the 1970's it has increased but since peaking in 1998 it appears to be on the decline again. This despite the fact that carbon dioxide emissions have accelerated during the past 50 years.
Don't cha just love 'em? | 11:28 a.m. June 26, 2009
For all you conservative's, it's funny here, the Quaker's don't whine as much as your doing, about paying thousands of dollars more just for energy costs, with no benefit, they don't use electric, so why should they?. Your just to spoiled, that's all. As for those Demo's now, they have nothing to fear on this vote, and ACORN did not even help them out on this trillion dollar round either, the Moderate's, RINO's, and Utah's own to, will go along with them, because they don't want a conflict before midterm election's in 2010, on the news. That's the truth. That's my view to.

If you don't like them, then, don't vote for them in 2010 and re-elect them again.

That's about all you can do anyway.
Thinkin' Man | 11:48 a.m. June 26, 2009
Look it up--this climate bill would have negligible affect on the climate in this century. That is published, readily available information that Congress surely knows.

So passage of this bill must have some other agenda, which isn't hard to see. Any bill that makes such a huge transfer of power and money has an obvious agenda.

This bill is NOT about air pollution--CO2 is not part of air pollution. It's about transferring money and power, plain and simple.

The most shocking, incredible aspect of this bill is it makes no provision for the biggest, best, most obvious solution to clean electricity--nuclear power. That fact in itself speaks volumes about the origins and motivations of this bill.
John Wicks | 12:14 p.m. June 26, 2009
One day Al Gore will meet his maker!!!
Xinhau | 12:18 p.m. June 26, 2009
America - please support this bill in your congress. global warming is important and must be stopped. raise prices and help everyone conserve. my country will help with goods too costly in America. They safe and very cheap.

Gore, an inconvenient hypocrite | 4:31 p.m. June 26, 2009
The former VP's 20-room home and pool house devoured nearly 221,000 kilowatt-hours in 2006, more than 20 times the national average of 10,656 kilowatt-hours.

In other words, his mansion consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses IN AN ENTIRE YEAR!!!

Personally, I don't have a problem with Al's $30,000 a year electrical bill, but I do have a problem with this fraud's hypocrisy.

Memo to Al: Please refrain from stating that the sky is falling and telling everyone how to live their lives, particularly a majority of those who appear to have a substantially smaller "foot print" than you, until YOU can start following YOUR own rules.

Just the facts. Typical liberal hypocrisy.
QualityEnergy | 5:17 p.m. June 26, 2009
We are not complaining about quantity of energy consumption but quality.

Quality of Environment means cleaner ways of making energy.

Al Gores house has nothing to do with creating cleaner energy.

Global Warming, Global Dimming, Global Cooling...

Lets make quality of life better with cleaner energy production.
hypocrites! | 5:34 p.m. June 26, 2009
More dishonesty from the democrat goofballs. What other fabrications and thefts do the democrats have in stored for us? Over-taxation and theft from working people is democrat, for sure! And we thought Iran and North Korea had the basket case people! Not so, obama, gore and the other mentally challenged fabricators, make Iran and North Korea look like choir kids.
While I have cut back to save, the theft of my money by the democrats continues. The utilities never get cheaper, no matter how much one cuts back to save. Show me a carbon foot print! What a fabrication as are the rest of the environmentalist claims and snow jobs! obama and gore need to get a life and lessen in integrity.
Wow! | 5:36 p.m. June 26, 2009
Just read that the house passed the bill!

Wonderful!

It should have passed by a much larger margin - but these days, considering the complete nonsense that's being thrown around by the AM radio gasbags, I guess the important thing is that it passed.

Now on the to the Senate!
@ Craig | 5:46 p.m. June 26, 2009
You're wrong, plain and simple. The hottest year since we started keeping track was in 1936, then 1998. The 1930's, as a decade, were hotter than the 1990's, even with the El Nino in the 1990's. Since 1998, the trend has been cooling. If you are arguing for environmental protection, then at least use correct facts. Otherwise, you discredit the movement.
Oh boy! | 5:48 p.m. June 26, 2009
More taxes- more regulations- more freedoms- more politics- more liberal control of everything. Wow; maybe I should send them power of attorney and the liberals can just control everything about my life including whether I live or die and when. Yep, Home of the Free and Land of the Brave? Ouch!
USA to be renamed Obamstan | 6:06 p.m. June 26, 2009
The master of saying one thing and doing another (i.e. Obama) doesnt even have the guts to call this bill what it really is; a carbon tax. This scam of bill is nothing more than a tax generating money maker that has NOTHING to do with protecting the environment. In Obamas world, the definition of transparency is smoke screen.

The Comrade in Chief knows that this tax is going to cream every single tax payer, particularly lower income individuals. As a result the Democrats have inserted an energy reimbursement plan into the bill that will give people defined as lower income a reimbursement via direct deposit.

Im sick of working to cover the expenses of those who dont. If the Comrade in Chief thinks that this is such a great idea, then everyone should have the opportunity to "share" in the process of saving the planet. Everyone!

This bill will cost the GDP trillions of dollars and countless jobs. Just ask Spain. Its just a way to confiscate your disposable income redistribute wealth and give it to those who havent earned it, not to mention fund socialized medicine.
Howie | 6:16 p.m. June 26, 2009
This bill is going to be the beginning of the end for the Democrats. If the American public were as informed about this nightmare of a bill and its impact--as they were with Micheal Jackson life--it would have never passed because they would have been calling their congressional rep and telling them they were finished voting for them.
rayb | 6:20 p.m. June 26, 2009
if more people would watch the science channel instead of the networks this issue would not be an issue.
Republicans = Destruction | 6:42 p.m. June 26, 2009
God has let mankind control his destiny. The Republicans course is destruction. They contiue to be like the people during Noahs time.
U feel | 6:47 p.m. June 26, 2009
that cool breeze on your back? Its not the turn of global warming, but more the fast swipe of your wallet. Great move, dems. How are you going to defend this one? And so much for campaign promises of transparency, bills on-line, blah, blah, blah-ma.
I just want to know | 7:15 p.m. June 26, 2009
Which representatives voted for this stupid bill so we can vote all of them out of office!

Enough of the country club mentality that is in DC - they don't live here long enough to care about us regular Americans and our plight and right to strive for something better without having our money taxed away. Talk about taxation without representation!

I say vote them all out!
oriole3227 | 7:33 p.m. June 26, 2009
Wow.Even Obama says that this bill will lead to energy price hikes.Alternative energy is great but we simply do not have the massive system in place to be able to switch now.It would need to Once again the Democrats sock it to the poor, who are the once who will suffer more than anyone.No national discussion in the media. Quietly, more huge fines to the government and we see another government control that will hurt people.
Voter | 7:44 p.m. June 26, 2009
We can argue the merits of the bill, and what it will do.

However, who can defend delivering the final verion of a 1,200 page bill less than 12 hours before it will be voted on?

This is not reasoned debate or good government, or even based on good science (see the report that EPA officials kept hidden from the public).

This is ego maniacal partisan politics at its worst.

The House leadership and every member who voted in favor of this pig in a poke should be thrown out of office, if not forced to resign in disgrace for failure to even read the bill they voted for.

Our government is falling to a level of corruption and incompetence that exceeds that of Chicago at its worst.

Our nation suffered a major hit to its economic future today.
KM | 8:34 p.m. June 26, 2009
"replace old jobs with new ones, replace those jobs from oil and coal to new green jobs." Somebody, or a buch of somebodies have lost their collective minds! They don't even have the jobs that will replace those "old" jobs. Whats that saying..."a bird in the hand" we will be left with no jobs and no prospect of how to get energy. Where is the reason? Why can't we look into all types of energy? and while we look we should not just throw away the energy sources and jobs that we are using at the moment. Its very frustrating to our political leaders bent on destroying our economy, and thus, our country. While the lemmings just sit there and nod their heads in aproval.
Anonymous | 8:42 p.m. June 26, 2009
I was always taught to be prudent and to err on the side of caution.

It's a little like home food storage--if times get bad, and I hope they don't, then I have some insurance. If times never get bad, then I have a basement full of old food that I'll probably never use and I'm out a little money.

Same goes for global warming. If, as most scientists concur, there is the slightest chance that our planet is in trouble, why not do all we can to help? And, if it turns out that the scientists are wrong, at least we would have clean air--and as the wealthiest people in the history of the world, I'm sure we would cope just fine financially.
Water | 9:08 p.m. June 26, 2009
Water vapor is almost as strong a greenhouse gas as CO2 and there is a lot more of that. Why don't we regulate our water consumption. Maybe we could put a tarp over all of the oceans and lakes to prevent evaporation.
Rocky | 9:41 p.m. June 26, 2009
This was a huge mistake that hopefully will not be repeated in the senate. Cap and trade will destroy what is left of manufacturing in our country and the impact of this will start to appear in 3-5 years. There will still be manufacturing though, except it will be in China and they currently use coal to operate their power plants, glass and steel furnaces, etc. This is not using clean burning technology, either. Big mistake.
Global warming? | 10:16 p.m. June 26, 2009
Science channel is okay. However, a better source is NASA. Their scientists do not agree with the global warming crowd. The sun has produced less solar flares this year than in decades. These flares can cause unique damage to many things including the Ozone layer. Yet, this is not occurring. The ice flow in Anarctica is now larger than it has been in years. The population of Polar Bears is VERY stable and has NOT been decreasing contrary to the hysteria surrounding them. Please read the reports from scientists in the field as many of them are taking a beating from the press but they are standing their ground on facts not political fame. I work with them and stand with their findings. We need to care for our environment yet, we need to be using more common sense and let the private sector and objective scientific groups suggest and lead the way to care for our communities and ecosystems.
OK | 10:20 p.m. June 26, 2009
CO2 is what trees breathe in and then breathe out O2 (oxygen). This is a part and the cycle of life that our great world provides for us. This bill is nothing more than sheer stupidity by our illustrious House. Do they not know what they are doing or are they so enamored by their own reflections that they go blind to reality?
Aaron | 11:20 p.m. June 26, 2009
I hope and pray the Senate shows some common sense and doesn't pass this bill.
Re: Aaron @ 11:20 | 11:32 p.m. June 26, 2009
"I hope and pray the Senate shows some common sense and doesn't pass this bill."

I hope and pray the Senate shows some common sense and _does_ pass this bill.

I further hope and pray that folks here in Utah will start learning to think more carefully.

I know - that's a lot to hope and pray for.
Anonymous | 12:35 a.m. June 27, 2009
Rocky | 9:41 p.m. June 26, 2009

This was a huge mistake... manufacturing though, except it will be in China and they currently use coal to operate their power plants, glass and steel furnaces, etc.

Then go live in China if you like the pollution so much. I for one don't want to see our cites looking like Beijing in 50 years.
Rowley | 12:41 a.m. June 27, 2009
Does it bother progressives at all that "cap and trade" has been a spectacular failure everywhere it has been tried?
Mom in MO | 5:39 a.m. June 27, 2009
I would like someone to explain to me, IF the earth is warming, exactly how do we humans stop it? Give up driving cars altogether and turn off some lights? Don't make me laugh.
LOSS OF FREEDOM | 6:19 a.m. June 27, 2009
DOesn't anyone get it...Every time the Democrats "Rahm" (get-it?) a massive scheme like this through Congress since Obama has become president and they have such massive majorities in both House and Senate, it represents loss of Freedom for us as individuals and families. We're now "told" what to do... what to drive (limited by CAFE standards), what to light our homes with (twisty light bulbs made in Communist China), what to eat (restrictions on fatty foods and new taxes on soda pop), etc. Where are all the Liberal Fascists' worries about heavy-handed government and "big brother?" They're more worried about the terrorists in GITMO having their "rights" than US! Now Dems are looking at at least a DOZEN WAYS to tax us more; health care benefits (except unions!). Outrageous. Wake me up from this NIGHTmARE!
IQ | 6:28 a.m. June 27, 2009
Obama promised not to raise taxes on anyone who makes under 250,000. Does that mean that the cost of fuel to bring food to my store won't be passed on to me? Does that mean that I can buy gas for my car at todays price no matter what? Does that mean that the power company will eat my bill if I show them my tax return? All of you who voted for change are going to get it and it won't be pretty. For those of you who say we can cut back. Tell that to the farmer who is harvesting your food on a combine from 4 in the morning until his wife relays him for a few hours of sleep so that they can get it in before the freeze hits. People, we have been had.
Craig | 6:44 a.m. June 27, 2009
Has anybody including the congress read the bill? It is a major power grab and tax increase. Congress needs to stay out of our living room. It is very bad government to pass a bill this radical without bipartisan support. What ever happened to freedom that all you liberals talk about?
Bob | 7:04 a.m. June 27, 2009
I've just read all the comments on this legislation & I can see that emotions are obviously running very high--on the issue. But the interesting thing I'm seeing is the absence of concern for the process this legislation did not go through. Where was the debate in committee or on the floor of the house? In fact I'm hearing that many of the people who voted on it never had a chance to read through the bill completely before voting on it. My concern is for the process. Is this how our elected officials are going to govern in the future. It appears so because this is not the first huge bill passed recently without being debated or even fully read by those voting. We seem to be at a point in our history where reason has been replaced by emotion & that's scary. This nation achieved it's greatness by deliberate & thoughtful debate. I fear the trend we are now experiencing can only lead to mistakes in judgment & ultimately be destructive to the nation we all love. Think about it, are we thinking clearly about what is really important here?

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