Posted on 04/24/2009 10:07:20 PM PDT by pissant
Few things are more appealing in politics than something for nothing.
As Congress begins considering anti-global-warming legislation, environmentalists hold out precisely that tantalizing prospect: We can conquer global warming at virtually no cost.
Here's a typical claim from the Environmental Defense Fund: "For about a dime a day (per person), we can solve climate change, invest in a clean energy future and save billions in imported oil."
This sounds too good to be true, because it is. About four-fifths of the world's and America's energy comes from fossil fuels — oil, coal, natural gas — which are also the largest source of man-made carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.
The goal is to eliminate fossil fuels or suppress their CO2. The bill now being considered in the House would mandate a 42% decline in greenhouse emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels and an 83% drop by 2050.
Re-engineering the world energy system seems an almost impossible undertaking. Just consider America's energy needs in 2030, as estimated by the Energy Information Administration.
Compared with 2007, the U.S. is projected to have almost 25% more people (375 million), an economy about 70% larger ($20 trillion) and 27% more light-duty vehicles (294 million). Energy demand will be strong.
But the EIA also assumes greater conservation and use of renewables. From 2007 to 2030, solar power grows 18 times, wind six times. New cars and light trucks get 50% better gas mileage. Light bulbs and washing machines become more efficient. Higher energy prices discourage use; by 2030, oil is $130 a barrel in today's dollars.
For all that, U.S. CO2 emissions in 2030 are projected at 6.2 billion metric tons, 4% higher than in 2007. As an example, solar and wind together would still supply only about 5% of electricity, because they expand from
(Excerpt) Read more at ibdeditorials.com ...
Liberals never use facts.
AGW ping.
The problem with a free lunch is that someone has to pay for it...
BUMP!
The truth of the matter is that if we would produce and use our abundant fossil fuels our economy would be humming along and our standard of living would be rising each year. Compare that to what is actually happening, based on lies, and the logical conclusion is that the Democrats and the media (The Left) desire and are actively seeking the destruction of America.
I can’t make it any plainer than that and I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t see it but they don’t. Right here in the good old Heart of Texas I prune my circle of acquaintances often because of politics. These are not Austin Liberals but common everyday men and women. It is very discouraging.
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