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.
"Daily Doyle" "Ping!
Global Nonsense Ping! :)
What does Spencer Black drive, I wonder...?
What about cow emissions?
We have got to replace Doofus Jim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where have he and Black been the past 5 weeks?
He probably wants to ride on Dave's Trolley folly.
Click graphic for full GW rundown
Ping me if you find one I've missed.
~ Farquart the King (Spencer Black) in WI speaks ~
Tell him after y'all slaughter enough of your cows to eliminate 25% of bovine flatulent methane Wisconsin will no longer be the cheese capital of the US.
Liberal madness that will only result in economic inefficiency, higher costs and less freedom. Move out while you can!
Simply turn off their lights and confiscate the SUVs from those idiot reps who vote for this asinine law. Surely they can get a horse and buggy and a few candles.
it just keeps getting better and better!
I woke up this morning to the news Diamond Jim wants to spend $1.6 BILLION to buy up private land in the state. A double whammy - taxes will go up along with the price of land!
But, we need global warming in Wisconsin!
Well if he is so worried about global warming he can start by getting all his hot air out of the capital
No kidding! Down to -5 again tonight.
How you handling your first Wisconsin Winter? Is it all you hoped it would be? LOL!
Unfortunately, we can't move out. DH's business is a private practice he has built from scratch over 12 years and there is no way he could replace it anywhere else. My business depends on being on this property, which is customized to my production needs over 22 years and to replace/rebuild it elsewhere would be prohibitive.
Besides, this sort of idiocy seems to be going on to varying degrees everywhere.
I just wish the WI-GOP had its head somewhere else rather than up its rear end and we could field(and they would support) a candidate to beat Doyle. It would also be nice to have some more Republicans in the state Senate.
"I just wish the WI-GOP had its head somewhere else rather than up its rear end and we could field(and they would support) a candidate to beat Doyle. It would also be nice to have some more Republicans in the state Senate."
Just so you know, we DID have that candidate in Congressman Mark Green. We were totally side-lined by the crooked, Doyle-appointed Elections Board!! Grrrrr! (Yes, I'm still bitter!)
Look for more of this in the future. There's no freakin' WAY the left is giving up Wisconsin now.
As an "insider" to a very small degree, I can tell you that it is true.
The head guy at the WI GOP just left WI to work on Giulliani's campaign; a RINO, IMHO. You can see that the WI GOP has completely abandoned us when the RINOs won't even stick around. :(
ping
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