Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Climate but not Carbon Price in Obama's Second Inaguration Speech
Quoted from Pres. Obama's Second Inaguration Speech: "We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms. The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries - we must claim its promise. That's how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure - our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That's what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared." Are these the words of a "climate hawk" as Joe Romm would say? Only if they are backed up by actions, the first of which is the Keystone Pipeline. I presume Obama would wait until John Kerry is confirmed, then let John Kerry take the heat from denying the pipeline. Everyone already knows that Kerry cares about the environment. Then Obama can preserve his cherished public stance of ambivalence on the issue. Oh wait, he mentioned climate in the inaugural speech, I forgot. I just don't see the words "carbon price" in there. We need to educate people about a carbon price, or alternatively, we need to just start charging a fee (or permit price) for carbon, and then returning the money to people, and when people receive the money, then you say, oh yeah, I don't know if you've heard about the carbon price, but here's your dividend.
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