Deseret News | Matheson says Democrats moving too fast on climate-change bill

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Matheson says Democrats moving too fast on climate-change bill

Rich | 6:13 p.m. May 5, 2009

Utah should be glad we have Matheson representing us. Otherwise the liberal Democrats would do what they usually do -- pass bills that make them feel good even if the new laws create more problems than they fix -- if they fix anything at all. I, for one, am not a bit convinced that global warming is occurring or that humans are the cause of it if it is occurring. When thermometer readings in recently urbanized areas are discounted, data indicates that global warming ended in 1998. But let's not let facts get in the way of political correctness.

samhill | 6:22 p.m. May 5, 2009

Thank you Rep. Matheson.

I wish I had confidence that you will be able to thwart the absolute nuttiness of Waxman. But, the unfortunate fact is, he has too many other, equally nutty people in the new administration to think that is much of a possibility.

But, I'll be rooting for you nevertheless.

Brian | 6:55 p.m. May 5, 2009

Once again Matheson shows courage, leadership and intelligence. I'm a life long Republican and find your congressman to be one of the most impressive leaders in the nation!

Comments continue below

Jeremy | 7:02 a.m. May 6, 2009

Get it right, but Matheson shouldn't kill the best chance yet of a real energy policy that creates clean energy jobs. Stalling only plays into the hands of oil companies who are trying to kill this bill.

Adam | 7:27 a.m. May 6, 2009

How many more years are we going to debate having a new energy policy that lessens our addiction to oil? Hope Congressman Matheson helps lead us in a new direction. We can't afford business as usual.
Adam

Dave | 7:33 a.m. May 6, 2009

The Dems need to hurry and pass this 'make Al Gore a billionare' bill, before the public realizes the World is actually cooling.

Reve'd up | 7:38 a.m. May 6, 2009

Assuming the premise to be true, that CO2 warms the earth through the green house effect;

And recognizing the best studies show we are probably 10 years into the next ice age;

We should be dumping all the CO2 into the atmosphere that we can! Drive the wheels off that SUV! Incentivize those engergy producers that create greenhouse gasses!

As usual, the leaders of our glorious revolution have a different motive behind Cap and Trade-- Sieg Hiel!

Matheson's courage | 7:46 a.m. May 6, 2009

is based entirely on the knowledge that a vote for this boondoggle would ensure his defeat next November.

Which is why it won't pass, despite Rep. Waxman's bravado. There are too many "blue dogs" such as Matheson who know such a vote would mean an end to their political careers.

Matheson's "Courage"? | 10:00 a.m. May 6, 2009

You're absolutely right about Matheson's "courage." The whole point of Matheson is that he doesn't have the courage of his convictions--first, because he doesn't have any courage and second, because he doesn't have any convictions. That guy is all about getting re-elected, and nothin' else.

Bentley | 10:44 a.m. May 6, 2009

We can either continue the status quo of relying on dirty fuels that pollute our air and water (while oil companies make record profits) or we can move toward clean energy future that will create jobs and re-power our economy. This bill will get us on the path to that clean future, and I hope Congressman Matheson steps up to help make it happen. Like Spike Lee said, Do the Right Thing.

Evets | 11:40 a.m. May 6, 2009

I have decided the the global warming is caused by all the hot air out of Washington D.C.

Don't tell me about clean energy making jobs. In Europe they claimed that but now find that for every clean energy job created, 2.2 traditional energy jobs were lost. One can argue for clean energy BUT please don't argue economics or jobs creation as the benefit...it doesn't exist. I like clean energy and even use it (i.e. Solar Panels/hybred home) but I know up front it does not save me or anyone else money.

Really..? | 9:23 p.m. May 6, 2009

I think all of the Democrats in Washington are moving this country too fast toward socialism....they have their majority and have the peddal to the metal....full steam ahead. Let's just hope their will be country left to salvage when it all blows up.

Mickey Garcia | 12:39 a.m. May 7, 2009

I'm glad that the left wing sheep instead of the right wing sheep are in charge now. I've been waiting a long time. However, left wing sheep are still sheep and unfortunately they are entirely mistaken in believing that anthropogenic co2 is causing global warming via the so called greenhouse effect. co2 makes only about 380ppm of earth's atmosphere and man caused co2 contributes less that 1 percent to the greenhouse effect. Relative humidity or water vapor and water droplets (clouds)create about 95 percent of the greenhouse effect. Additionally co2 is not an air pollutant. co2 is one of the 3 essential substances necessary for most life on earth besides oxygen and water. Most plants couldn't grow without co2. Furthermore, co2 is a lagging indicator of global warming. In other words co2 is caused by global warming not the reverse. As the global atmosphere and oceans warm more biomass is created and decays and less co2 is able to be absorbed by warming ocean surfaces. Sea level has risen about 300 ft and the atmosphere has warmed about 16 degrees F since the end of the last ice age. Man didn't cause it.

Max Frisson | 3:50 a.m. May 7, 2009

Point is, SLOW DOWN. This is too large a change to happen in 3 weeks. I think Matheson is correct to call for debate and thoughtful examination of all aspects.

I always think rushed deadlines are an indicator of a con somewhere. Act in haste, repent in leisure.
Remember the Law of Unintended Consequences.

Bernie | 9:03 a.m. May 18, 2009

1. Props to Matheson for actually waiting for the bill to be written before he determines how he'll vote. What a novel concept.

2. Matheson represents UTAH not the bidding of any party- that should be comforting to us.

3. Global warming isn't being caused by humans? Should I trust some people who post their opinions about global warming on the dnews website or the unanimous opinion of the scientific community? I think I'll go with science on this one- not the Eagle Forum.

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