Posted on 02/15/2007 2:53:30 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Following California's lead, Rep. Spencer Black wants Wisconsin to do its part to address global warming by setting standards to reduce the state's greenhouse emissions by roughly 25 percent.
Black, D-Madison, announced this morning he plans to introduce legislation that would require that greenhouse emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2029.
He said the main sources of greenhouse gases in Wisconsin are power plants, especially coal-powered plants. But whatever plan is developed to reduce emissions could also include such measures as stricter emission standards for cars and incentives to purchase vehicles that run on bio-based fuels, which don't contribute to global warming.
Black said his bill is necessary because the federal government is not taking meaningful steps to address global warming.
"Global warming threatens to cause unprecedented and massive environmental damage, but unfortunately the Bush administration has failed to take action to address climate change," Black said in an interview. "We believe states have to step forward because the threat to our well being is just too great to do nothing."
Black said California's passage of similar legislation last summer makes it more possible for Wisconsin and other states to follow suit. He said other states are also working on bills to reduce greenhouse gases.
Black said such groups as the Sierra Club, Wisconsin League of Women Voters, Clean Wisconsin and Physicians for Social Responsibility are supporting the bill. It would put a cap on greenhouse emissions, establish a mandatory reporting system to track and monitor emission levels and implement a "cap and trade" system that provides financial incentives for reducing emissions.
With Republicans in control of the state Assembly, it's unclear how far this bill would advance. Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, who controls such things, did not return a call this morning for comment.
Rep. Jim Ott, R-Mequon, said he could not comment specifically on the proposal because he had not seen it.
But the meteorologist does not buy the theory that global warming is caused entirely by humans.
"I don't see how anyone can ignore the fact that there is a natural component to climate change," he said.
Ott said he is not opposed to looking for alternative sources of energy, but said any controls on industry need to be guided by at least two things: "What do we have available and how much is it going to cost?"
Gov. Jim Doyle is supportive of Black's bill.
Doyle spokesman Matt Canter said the governor's own plans to appoint a special task force on global warming are compatible with Black's initiatives.
"The governor is extremely supportive of continuing this conversation in a lot of venues," Canter said.
Canter said the governor will announce appointments to his task force in a couple of weeks. Drawn from environmental and conservation groups, industry, business and the public, members will be charged with reviewing available technologies and strategies to deal with global warming.
Ping
Spencer Black is a total idiot and I am ashamed to be from the same state
After the number done on Scott Walker by our own side over financing, I was a drop out as far as working on Green's campaign.
He bears some blame....when he didn't make an appearance out here, I mentioned it to a campaign person, who told me he skipped Vernon because "it's Democrat", but he was in La Crosse. I pointed out La Crosse is Democrat. Silence.
This state has also become very crooked over the past 10 years.
Actually this is my second winter here. The winter was fine till the temps dipped below 20 degrees. I don't mind the cold till then. I had never heard my parka crackle before. I hope you and yours are doing well.
I would think that his constituents would appreciate a little more global warming, not less. He should be pushing an increase in emmissions.
"Are all dummocrats that stupid?"
Yes, and I think your Governor is having an affair with my governor.
Can't disagree with a thing you said. I won't be giving a dime to, or any of my time to the GOP until they get it together.
Other than that, I'll always vote for whichever RINO-Publican they put in front of me on principle, and stay as far under the radar as I can on taxes and other government interference in my life.
You know, I used to think my Dad was nuts when he complained so much about the government when I was a kid growing up under his roof, but now, he makes perfect sense to me, LOL!
Kinda makes you want to find that "off the grid" cabin in the woods, and be as self-sufficient and "least-income producing and still survive" as you can be. Why work any harder to support Mother Government? :)
Absolutely!
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