Rep. Ted Lieu won California's 33rd District congressional race last year after long-time Democratic Congressman Henry Waxman retired. Waxman was one of the more active members when it came to trying to budge the House of Representatives on climate change. Given that Lieu campaigned with that as a key issue, it's good to see that he's not waiting to introduce legislation on the subject. Four months into office and he's on the case. (h/t to DownWithTyranny)
Lieu's bill isn't a comprehensive energy plan, hardly the end-all, be-all. But it's more than we've got right now. And given what looks finally to be the lift-off of solar and wind, it's good timing for some sensible legislation even if it isn't perfect. Nobody can say anymore with a straight face that these energy sources are too expensive or inefficient. But, of course, the only place such a bill as Lieu's can be discussed much less passed is some shadow government made up of those House Democrats who actually take climate change seriously. They all could, however, show support by becoming co-sponsors of Lieu's bill. Are there 100 Democrats who would do that without arm-twisting?
In a press release announcing his
Climate Solutions Act Lieu said:
"Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and an increasingly hotter climate prove that climate change is an existential threat to humankind. That’s why, to commemorate Earth Day, I have introduced the Climate Solutions Act. The Act tackles climate change by focusing on three areas: slashing carbon pollution, implementing bold renewable portfolio standards, and setting landmark energy efficiency standards. History books will one day say that America led the way on addressing climate change and saving our planet—or there will be no history books. We must act on climate now."
Even though freshmen are not known for getting legislation moved past the committee stage in Congress, it's good to see that, unlike so many of his colleagues who accept what climate scientists are telling us about the warming of the planet and all the other changes which that entails, Lieu is not dragging his feet. Here's a synopsis of what's in his bill:
TITLE I-- R E N E W A B L E E N E R G Y P O R T F O L I O
Investing in and developing renewable energy sources is the key to America’s success in the 21st Century Economy. Title I empowers the Department of Energy to set a renewable energy portfolio goal of 40% of all electric energy to come from renewable sources by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
TITLE II-- E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N C Y S T A N D A R D
It’s time to produce more energy-saving appliances for our homes and machines for our businesses, designed and manufactured by American workers. Title II allows the Department of Energy to increase energy efficiency savings targets, starting in 2018 and increasing each year after until 2028.
TITLE III-- C A R B O N P O L L U T I O N
Increasingly dangerous and destructive levels of carbon pollution account for practically all of global climate change. The Climate Solutions Act instructs the EPA to set historic targets for reducing carbon pollution: 40% below 1990 levels by 2035 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Climate Change science is not only real; it’s the key to protecting the health of our families and the safety of planet Earth. The Climate Solutions Act empowers the National Academies of Science and National Research Council to recommend increasingly bold and innovative solutions to tackle Climate Change.
In order to meet these carbon pollution reduction goals, EPA is empowered to issue regulations that cut carbon pollution. Title III sets a starting point for states to reduce carbon pollution and thereby doesn't impede more ambitious action on the state level.
Blast from the Past. At Daily Kos on this date in 2005—Top Army Officials in Prison Torture Scandal Cleared... by Army:
Unaccountability is the new responsibility:
A high-level Army investigation has cleared four of the five top Army officers overseeing prison policies and operations in Iraq of responsibility for the abuse of detainees there, Congressional and administration officials said Friday.
Among the officers was Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez, who was the top commander in Iraq from June 2003 to July 2004. He was the highest-ranking officer to face allegations of leadership failure in connection with the scandal, but he was not accused of criminal misconduct.
Barring new evidence, the inquiry, by the Army's inspector general, effectively closes the Army's book on whether the highest-ranking officers in Iraq during the Abu Ghraib prison scandal should be held accountable for command failings described in past reviews.
Only one of the top five officers, whose roles the Senate Armed Services Committee had asked the Army to review, has received any punishment. That officer, Brig. Gen. Janis Karpinski, an Army Reserve officer who commanded the military police unit at the Abu Ghraib prison, was relieved of her command and given a written reprimand. She has repeatedly said she was made the scapegoat for the failures of superiors.
Why am I not surprised? The ACLU has called for an independent investigation. The usual disclaimers about breath and not holding it apply.
Tweet of the Day
BREAKING: Comcast declares merger dead, TWC insists it first check the connections, unplug & plug it in again before it will send a tech
— @poniewozik
On
today's Kagro in the Morning show: Duke Energy denies poisoning neighbors.
Armando on Clinton Foundation vs. Jeb's SuperPAC, which of course is not supposed to be connected with Jeb in the first place, but whatevs. The latest from Tulsa: investigators concluded in 2009 that "reserve deputy" Robert Bates had received special treatment during training and in the field, telling deputies who questioned his actions "that he could do what he wanted, and that anyone who had a problem with him should go see the sheriff." Well, it was nice while it lasted, America. Who should bear the costs of fast food restaurant robberies? Surprise! Franchise owners say the employees should!
High Impact Posts • Top Comments
The Evening Blues