[AnotherUnixGeek]

"There is no law of physics that says prosperity is proportional to carbon emissions," Chu said.

Well no, there isn't. There's a pretty clear economic correlation, however, and prosperity is based on economic considerations, not compliance with the laws of physics. There's also no law of physics that says we can't build hundreds of nuclear reactors to take care of our nation's energy needs far into the future with minimal carbon emission - why exactly do we need to curb our energy usage?

[OldMissileer]

...why exactly do we need to curb our energy usage?

The core premise in liberal thinking is there are too many humans populating the Earth. They want us to die so they can have the lifestyles to which they are accustomed and not have to feel guilty.

We, the mere proles, take up too many resources in our lesser lives and have no right to exist in their thinking.