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Politics : The Exxon Free Environmental Thread -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (4682)	12/27/2009 11:48:46 AM
From: Wharf Rat	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 49176

Editorial: Midwest hurt by energy dithering Indecision over carbon policy puts innovation on hold. Last update: December 26, 2009 - 9:24 PM Back in 2004, former Xcel Energy Chairman and Chief Executive Wayne H. Brunetti made this famous plea as political leaders contemplated carbon emission limits and other policies to fight global warming: "Give us a date, tell us how much we need to cut, give us the flexibility to meet the goals, and we'll get it done.'' Five years later, policymakers still haven't set the rules Brunetti sought to unleash American industrial innovation-- the force that can transform the nation into one powered by clean, renewable fuels. The indecision isn't good for the planet or businesses. Passing strong energy and climate legislation -- in particular, finally setting a price on carbon -- must be a top congressional priority in 2010. The economic and security advantages of doing so are just as compelling as the science. The United States consumes about 25 percent of the world's annual oil production, yet has just 3 percent of its proven reserves. Consumers and industry will face higher energy prices as developing nations compete with us for dwindling supplies. The world's largest reserves are also found in the world's trouble spots: Russia, West Africa and the Persian Gulf. Unfriendly regimes could easily threaten U.S. oil supplies and wreak economic havoc here. Those who dismiss the science of global warming shouldn't be so careless about this national security threat. Often lost in the global warming debate is that the Midwest especially has a stake in the energy policy decisions that lie ahead. Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota are among the top wind-energy states. The region is also home to promising energy start-up companies. These local firms' growth and hiring is on hold because of the dithering we've seen in Congress and elsewhere -- such as Copenhagen's recent climate conference startribune.com