Sen. Stabenow On Energy and Climate Change

SEARCH BLOG: CLIMATE and ENERGY

While this is probably a formulaic response to my message urging Sen. Stabenow to consider carefully any vote for a bill that could cause significant economic harm to Michigan, Sen. Stabenow's [staff?] response indicates a chance [snowball in hell] that scientific data and clear thinking could be noticed [before being summarily dismissed].

Politicians 1) are party animals first, 2) have insufficient time to thoroughly understand the complexities of the myriad issues facing votes... even if they wanted to, and 3) are too focused on what passes from the media as correct rather than what may be correct.

Even those who may come to testify before Congress that there is scientific reason to oppose the views of Mr. Gore are (sometimes) listened to politely before they are dismissed. Therefore, the only way to be heard for the rest of us is through the government's email system for senators and representative. Unfortunately, a voting constituent often has little impact when the countering voice is Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid.

Sen. Stabenow's reply:

Mr. Bruce Hall

Thank you . . .

. . . for contacting me about climate change. I understand your concerns.

While I respect your views, I also recognize the growing scientific consensus about climate change. If left unchecked, the effects of climate change include lower water levels in the Great Lakes, threats to fish and wildlife, diminished ability to grow food crops, and an overall threat to our quality of life. That's why we need a balanced, common-sense approach to this problem.

As Congress considers climate change legislation, I am working with my colleagues, especially from the Midwest, to ensure that the finished product works for Michigan. If the final legislation does not work for our state, I will not support it.

That is why I have been leading efforts in the Senate to create a Clean Energy Development Authority to provide financing for cutting-edge new technologies and create jobs. This financing is absolutely critical so that we do not trade a dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on foreign technology.

It's not enough that we simply use green technologies, we have to make them in the United States. A wind turbine is made of over 8,000 individual parts, and all of those parts can be made in Michigan. That's why I'm working to make green manufacturing a central part of our energy strategy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $2 billion for advanced battery research and manufacturing. It also included a new tax credit to promote the manufacture of renewable energy products.

I believe that by making the right policy choices and the right investments, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a way that revitalizes Michigan's economy and creates new jobs.

New energy solutions create new jobs and new industries. We are in the midst of an energy revolution that is creating new opportunities for innovation, investment, and invention. At the same time, we are leaving a cleaner environment for our children, and we are breaking our dangerous addiction to foreign oil.

Because of our strong industrial and agricultural sectors, supported by some of the best research universities in the country, Michigan is in a unique position to lead the nation as we transition to a green energy economy. I will continue to fight for a climate change policy that focuses on creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our economy.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed about issues of concern to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Debbie Stabenow

United States Senator

For any of you who believe that the political process works... re-read the above response. Remember that the House version was passed without anyone [except Rep. Boehner] actually taking the time to read it.

This is all about saying, "We will save you from yourself... and then come to your rescue when this doesn't work... as long as you vote for us."

Sen. Stabenow, here are three fairly colloquially written sites that explain why this is a wild goose chase. You don't have to be a scientist to understand the information.

• Anthony Watts - meteorologist
  
• Joseph D'Aleo - meteorologist
• Dr. Roger Pielke, Sr. - climate researcher

These men have about a century of combined work in the field of weather and climate... and more importantly in understanding the quality of the data and models used in those fields. Some(one) on your staff should spend the time to educate themselves so that they can give you a somewhat different perspective on an issue that has become purely political science rather than real science.

But I understand the political game and there is no WIIFM for going against the party line.

I do believe that Sen. Stabenow means well. But there is a vast gulf between intending to do well and doing well in this instance.

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