Governor Speaks on Green Energy, Cap and Trade

WIBC Radio ^ | September 30, 2009 | Eric Berman

[reaganaut1]

Governor Daniels warns the pursuit of "green jobs" and alternative fuels could send energy costs soaring without helping the environment.

Daniels' administration has emphasized production of ethanol, biodiesel and other alternative energy sources. But the governor told a conference of industrial energy customers at IUPUI it's an "illusion, or even fantasy" to believe green energy can replace fossil fuels completely.

"This isn't policy; this is arithmetic," Daniels says. "We could be the fastest growing state in wind power for the next 25 years, and I hope we are. At that point, it may be somewhat meaningful, but it will not power this state, or at least it will not power a state with the living standards Hooisers have come to expect or should be aspiring to."

Daniels notes Indiana's manufacturing-heavy economy leans heavily on affordable energy. He argues a strong economy is critical to any effort to make environmental headway, and says pushing to replace fossil fuels rather than augmenting them would either drive prices higher, generate insufficient power, or both.

The governor was more forceful in blasting the cap-and-trade energy bill awaiting action in the U.S. Senate after passing the House earlier this year, calling it "the most rockheaded, misguided piece of legislation that's come before Congress in a long time."

Daniels contends the proposed caps on carbon emissions by businesses would inflict crippling increases in energy prices on businesses, while delivering "minuscule" environmental benefits, lowering average global temperatures by a tenth of a degree over 50 years.

[reaganaut1]

Manufacturing states can't run on wind? Daniels is stating the obvious, but it needs to be said.

Daniels is not as exciting as Palin or Obama (to his fans), but I think he could kick Obama's butt in 2012. I assume he'd win Indiana, and maybe Ohio too.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

This is good but he needs to reject the premise of global warming. Also does he support wind, ethanol, or solar by government mandate and subsidies or by letting the market handle it?

[JSDude1]

I think he’s running for President. I’d much rather see Mike Pence in that position, though!

[terycarl]

I think he’s running for President. I’d much rather see Mike Pence in that position, though!
in reality, so would I, but Daniels is nationally known and pretty much respected he has honest conservative credentials and is loved by the people of Indiana (the intelligent ones).....and as far as I’m concerned, that’s all that counts. I am so sick of being in a society where the dregs, the lowest, the most inept, the takers, the people ( including a few from tombstones) are the ones who determine our fate. All kinds of ideas are put forth, but they always want to use your money to fulfill them. I really am frustrated to the point that I will actually tell my liberal friends that the election date has been changed to wednesday, and offer to buy them a drink on that date if they will allow me to take them, in a limo, to the polling place........and you know what would happen??? they would do it

[JSDude1]

My friend he is conservative (in some aspects), but cannot unify the conservative coalition (Mitch Daniels is NOT a social conservative), and I don’t totally trust him on fiscal issues either..(I have my reasons, if you really want to know pm me)!