Posted on 03/25/2010 11:01:18 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Republican Sen. James Inhofe today threw cold water on plans to put a new carbon fee on transportation fuels as part of climate change legislation being negotiated in the Senate.
The idea -- advocated by ConocoPhillips and other oil companies -- has gained traction with the three senators writing a new climate change bill.
They have abandoned a House-passed plan to force refiners to buy pollution permits to cover the carbon dioxide released when consumers burn transportation fuels in cars, trucks and planes. Instead, they are considering a so-called "linked carbon fee" on jet fuels and gasoline that consumers would pay to airlines and at pumping stations.
"What they're talking about is an increased gas tax," said Inhofe, R-Okla., who used an Environment and Public Works hearing on transportation to press administration officials on the issue.
John D. Porcari, the deputy secretary of transportation, stood by the administration's position that a gas tax would suppress the nation's economic recovery.
"As we are in the beginning stages of a recovery, it is as important as ever to make sure that recovery is accelerated in every way possible," Porcari said.
(You can see a video of the exchange here).
Inhofe, a global warming skeptic, has consistently opposed legislation that would limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions blamed for the earth's warming temperature.
"Imposing a gas tax increase on consumers, including families, farmers, truckers and drivers in rural areas, would destroy jobs and create additional pain," Inhofe said. A better way to cut emissions from the transportation sector, he added, would be to encourage "the commercialization of new technologies, such as natural gas vehicles."
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.chron.com ...
The idea -- advocated by ConocoPhillips and other oil companiesDisgusting dickheads!
fta... “John D. Porcari, the deputy secretary of transportation, stood by the administration’s position that a gas tax would suppress the nation’s economic recovery.
“As we are in the beginning stages of a recovery, it is as important as ever to make sure that recovery is accelerated in every way possible,” Porcari said.”
Everyone in the current administration needs to be dumped onto the trash heap. Citizens cannot trust in anything they say.
Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy.
Just as I was about to be hypnotized and taken in by linked credits and such like, you spoil the whole scientific schmear by referring to this new gas tax as a new gas tax.
Well done, Senator Inhofe. I salute you.
fyi
Sometimes I think Inhofe is the sole voice left, proposing the only course that is correct.
It unnerves me to see industry backing anything resembling a tax or carbon credits, etc.
That policy is like seeing your doctor and he says you have to lose weight and amputation would work the quickest. Well, okey doke doc, I guess I really don't mind it if you take off my left arm, because in my feeble mind I don't want to fight you for the idiotic idea to begin with.
The sleazy politicians love the quick fix.
Well...we are on the winning....factual side.
We may be on the side of actual truth. But are those that pull the world strings otherwise. That is what plagues my mind.
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