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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Thomas A Watson who wrote (534572)	2/3/2004 1:52:03 AM
From: Krowbar	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 769667

How brilliant and correct I was about Bush's energy policy, and how wrong you are.... Philadelphia Enquirer Energy conservation has come a long way since Jimmy Carter's cardigan. Far from painful, now it's achievable through modern technology. It's the cleanest, quickest, cheapest way for the United States to improve its electrical grid. But don't look to Congress or President Bush to embrace that cause. The omnibus energy bill is larded up on Capitol Hill. The Bush administration is too cozy with utilities and the oil and coal industries for innovation. States, on the other hand, are moving in the right direction. Instead of just building more power plants, they're talking about reducing electrical use by 20 percent over the next 20 years simply by improving the efficiency of common appliances: traffic lights, exit signs, motel ice-makers, commercial clothes washers, restaurant freezers, floor lamps, and ceiling fans. These steps may not be dramatic, but they make sense for the economy, the environment and public health. Consumers and businesses quickly recoup small price increases in lifetime energy savings. Better efficiency reduces power-plant pollution, which triggers asthma attacks and cuts short thousands of lives every year. It also combats global warming. Maryland set the example last week by becoming the first state in a Northeastern coalition to require manufacturers to make more efficient appliances. Pennsylvania and New Jersey have similar bills and need to follow suit. The federal government has efficiency standards dating to 1987 for some products. The program hasn't kept pace with technology. And now the Bush administration - which foolishly describes conservation as a "personal virtue," not sound policy - is blocking more progress. It's clearly up to states. Within days of taking office, at the request of industry friends, President Bush scaled back a new efficiency standard for residential air conditioners and heat pumps that would have eliminated the need to build 48 average-sized power plants. Ten states and consumer and environmental groups sued. A federal appeals court this month wisely invalidated Bush's action and reinstated the tougher rule. Electricity demand in the United States continues to rise and strain the aging grid. Last summer's blackout demonstrated the need for a variety of measures to provide relief. Northeastern states should lead the way on conservation, beginning with commonsense savings on everyday appliances. Often, when several states act in unison, manufacturers eventually ask for a federal standard. Small steps could lead to greater savings. philly.com Your apologies accepted Thomas. The energy industry is fortunately ignoring Cheney's energy recommendations. Del