What Would Democrats Do for US Policy on Global Warming

adios · #1 10-02-2007, 01:46 PM

Let's pretend that the Democrats win 60+ votes in the Senate in 2008, carry the House, and win the presidency. What policy initiatives would specifically enact in regards to global warming, climate change? iron should provide some ideas at least.

lehighguy · #2 10-02-2007, 02:09 PM

Give federal dollars to research initiatives run by relatives and friends. EArmarks for home district.

Use a system of taxes and tariffs to favor connected businesses. Easy to do since everything uses carbons at some point.

Generally I think they will make a fortune for themselves manipulating the economy for personal gain under the banner of the environment.

NeBlis · #3 10-02-2007, 02:53 PM

Short answer:

The economy, personal responsibility, and freedom get ass raped ... no lube

AlexM · #4 10-02-2007, 03:01 PM

They would sign international agreements that would restrict us but not China and India.

foal · #5 10-02-2007, 03:20 PM

Probably nothing. But hopefully impose some emissions standards and then promote working toward new energy sources.

iron81 · #6 10-02-2007, 03:22 PM

Beyond money for alternative energy research and subsidies, I actually don't know. I imagine there's more depending on the individual politician. I don't think ratifying Kyoto would be a policy priority for Hillary or Obama.

A couple guesses: a carbon tax designed to make burning fossil fuels and a cap & trade system separate from Kyoto for CO2. I don't think a majority of Dems support either proposal.

Low Key · #7 10-02-2007, 05:38 PM

Oh, I know! Something nuanced, inefficient, and costly for $500, Alex!

Or, given the recent performance of Congressional Democrats, whatever the minority Republican party tells them is patriotic..?

Insp. Clue!So? · #8 10-02-2007, 08:55 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Let's pretend that the Democrats win 60+ votes in the Senate in 2008, carry the House, and win the presidency. What policy initiatives would specifically enact in regards to global warming, climate change? iron should provide some ideas at least.

[/ QUOTE ]

They put a halt to crippling research on ideological grounds.

Really, why does anyone object to research on this matter? That's what's so odious about the Bush GW policies...it's not that Kyoto was so great, they were correct about how it didn't address fundamental aspects of the matter. It's that they basically treat it and all other suggestions that there may be an issue here as if it were all so much toliet paper.

Look, if global warming were/is 100% bogus, climate research is nevertheless incredibly important stuff. Whole national economies can see their GDPs shrink or grow many percentage points simply due to yearly varying weather conditions. If we can develop better prediction models, or even better some element of control over local weather, the benefits would be stupendous. As it is we wallow in our ignorance.

As ever with the Bushies, it's head in the sand political pandering that rules the day.

wacki · #9 10-03-2007, 01:35 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Use a system of taxes and tariffs to favor connected businesses. Easy to do since everything uses carbons at some point and carbon trading is an accounting nightmare perfect for breeding corruption.

[/ QUOTE ]

Misfire · #10 10-03-2007, 02:23 AM

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Really, why does anyone object to research on this matter?

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Nobody opposes research on this matter. They oppose government funding of it, and for good reason. It's not authorized by the constitution.