House GOP threatens utilities for not toeing climate-change line
“GOP lawmakers and industry lobbyists are talking about legislation aimed at reining in power companies after some utilities were seen as being less than friendly to their efforts to block Obama administration climate change rules.
Several House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans and industry lobbyists are pushing for a “Ratepayer Protection Act,” a measure that would limit utilities’ ability to pass along costs to consumers, according to lobbyists close to the committee.
The discussions come after POLITICO last week reported that several top utility CEOs weren’t thrilled with a draft bill from Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) to preempt the EPA on climate change.
CEOs from American Electric Power, NextEra Energy, Southern Co. and Dominion Resources said to varying degrees that they support allowing the EPA to proceed on a “reasonable” time frame on greenhouse gas rules for power plants, petroleum refiners and other major stationary sources.”
In other words, Republicans in Congress want to use the power of government to punish utilities for being insufficiently opposed to greenhouse gas regulation. Lovely use of limited government there, folks.
Oh, and I just have to ask: What provision of the Constitution empowers Congress to interfere in the decisions of state Public Service Commissions in their regulation of state-chartered utilities?
– Jay Bookman
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2,155 comments Add your comment
Paul
March 10th, 2011
9:57 am
Doggone/GA
You may find it says ‘fiscal or budgetary’ but the journalists substitute ’spending’ in their writing.
godless heathen
March 10th, 2011
9:58 am
I bet Jay is traveling to the Cowboy Poetry Festival.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
9:59 am
“What evidence do you have of “thuggish behavior” by the protestors?”
Here you go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0Roco3lilA
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
9:59 am
Is calling out racists politically incorrect now? Suits m incorrect self to a tee…
poison pen
March 10th, 2011
9:59 am
Doggone, did you feel this way when they were complaining about the Tea Party without one shread of evidence? There was all kinds of video & audio yet no one seen or heard anything racist.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:00 am
“So far the only such thing I’ve seen reported was by the police – who tackeled a Dem legislator who was trying to enter the building to go to his office.”
Really?
Ammo found outside Wis. Capitol, site of protests
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-03-03-wisconsin-protests-ammunition_N.htm
jt
March 10th, 2011
10:00 am
Herein lies a Dot.gov agency that might help Obama voters,…or anyone that looks to the federal government for help. Ditto for Republican voters who expect the Federal government to protect them from terrists and marijuana cigarettes.
Substance abuse or mental health services administration.
http://www.samhsa.gov/
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:01 am
“Is calling out racists politically incorrect now? Suits m incorrect self to a tee…’
I haven’t read any “racist” comments on Jay’s blog today or yesterday. If I see any, I will be glad to call it out.
Doggone/GA
March 10th, 2011
10:02 am
“You may find it says ‘fiscal or budgetary’ but the journalists substitute ’spending’ in their writing”
Yep, you know that…and *I* know that. Now we need someone to explain it to md!
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:02 am
poison pen
It’s very interesting to hear libs cry and scream about how evil the Tea Party is but they won’t say a word when signs are shown on tv portraying Scott Walker as Hitler, Mubarrek and Gaddafi.
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
10:06 am
Just curious, which do cons dislike more. Cowboys? Or poets? (grin)
“…they support allowing the EPA to proceed on a “reasonable” time frame…”
Is this in geologic time?
Remember the good old (naive?) days when people could somewhat believe that a huge number of multinational corporations wouldn’t act unethically, and that they would actually adhere to the rule of law without fail?
Del
March 10th, 2011
10:06 am
WOW, unfortunately, the Dem party had been taken over by the far-left before Obama moved into the White House. Obama is beholden to the left but he knows he can’t win in 012 without independents and he’s lost too many of those voters who really got him into office. With the budget battles, Obamacare, illegal immigration issues, mid-east cauldron along with Afghanistan the lib’s would be only kidding themselves should they really believe he’s a shoe in for a second term.
JMoore
March 10th, 2011
10:08 am
Jay is probably going back to China for re-endoctrination.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:09 am
Del
Well-said. I asked a simple question to libs about what they think Obama could run on 2012 and I didn’t get one single answer. Independents are gone and will not return because of Obamacare.
Koch Classics
March 10th, 2011
10:09 am
I make so much money off of Republicans that I should give some back. Nah. Just kidding, tools.
WOODSTOCK MIKE
March 10th, 2011
10:09 am
@Normal
Your problem is quite simple, you believe that throwing money at something will solve the problem. All statistics show clearly that as the US has increased spending on education their has been no return on the investment. People are not any more educated than they were when education spending was at lower levels. It’s not about wanting people to be educated, it’s about using your tax payer dollars wisely. If you know that spending more has shown no results of higher achievement why would you continue to spend??
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:09 am
Jay….I am sure it is near the article about healthcare in the constitution!
Browncoat
March 10th, 2011
10:10 am
Ok, is it Global Warming or Global Cooling? Decide please.
Scooter (The Original)
March 10th, 2011
10:10 am
Up is down… the republicrats are trying to use government to protect rate payers while the democrats are using government to pursue an idealistic ambition that will allow power companies to profiteer off their regulations. It seems to have thrown a wrench into Jay’s world view and he’s having a hard time processing it.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:10 am
“Just curious, which do cons dislike more. Cowboys? Or poets? (grin)’
Cowboys are Republicans.
Doggone/GA
March 10th, 2011
10:10 am
“Here you go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0Roco3lilA ”
Thanks for the chuckle! I needed that this morning.
So not only do you not know what “spin” or “divert” means, but you ALSO don’t know what “thuggish” means. A video of someone peacefully walking through a loose crowd of peaceful sign wavers, and speaking to one of them and then peacefully walking away HARDLY proves there was “thuggish” behavior happening.
To be honest, I was just SURE you would link to the violent protests in “Wisconsin” that showed PALM TREES in the background. Thank you for at least avoiding THAT embarassment.
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:10 am
Is it Global Warming or Climate Change?
Keep up the good fight!
March 10th, 2011
10:11 am
WOW…got any proof that those were not plants from, oh say, former Texas tea party leaders or even Governor Walker who considered the planting “troublemakers” in the peaceful protests. Then again, are you denouncing the signs of the Tea Party depicting Obama as Hilter or worse. What is your specific position and do try to be coherent and thoughtful in a response for once.
PJ
March 10th, 2011
10:11 am
The other day I was at an extremely long red light at Moreland Ave and Freedom Pkwy and while our emission spewed into the atmosphere I happened to look up and guess what I spied? About half way up a utility pole of some sort I saw a little metal spinning wheel that looked suspiciously like a miniature wind mill. At first I thought it was some kind of joke but sure enough when the wind blew is started spinning furiously. Now I don’t know who installed this device be it sure seem to me that either a utility company or government agency could be the only culprit SO SOMEBODY out there seems to believe that there’s some benefit to wind energy enough to install this gadget to power that light pole. Was I looking at the future? Possibly, but just like we won’t get to another alternative to oil until the last drop has been squeezed from the Earth nor will we discusses any other substitute to the other energy problems we face today as long as there is a nickel to be made the way it’s done now. And you better believe that the powers that be are way ahead of us in this game but are biding their time until it’s more profitable to go in another direction or if the people ever get a clue and stand up for new ideas.
Doggone/GA
March 10th, 2011
10:11 am
“Doggone, did you feel this way when they were complaining about the Tea Party without one shread of evidence?”
When did I ever do that?
vince neil
March 10th, 2011
10:11 am
A.Global Laming speculative at best…much more likely hysteria at worst B. Human causation an extra-ordinary position based on pushed science C. Efforts to contain any perceived warming are a tax on the the least able to afford…. and 4. Balance is democracy in action and the R won….
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:11 am
“Ok, is it Global Warming or Global Cooling? Decide please.’
It’s now referred to as Global Climate Disruption Disorder.
Cynthia Who?
March 10th, 2011
10:11 am
Your Traveling? Will you still be able to google “republicans” or “GOP” and then cut and paste a hand picked article on your column? Oh the horror!
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:12 am
“got any proof that those were not plants’
Ah yes, the conspiracy.
Koch Classics
March 10th, 2011
10:12 am
Del and WOW sure do sound excited about Republican prospects for the White House in 2012. I’ll let them choose between Newt, Sarah, Mitt, Michele, Haley and Ron.
WOODSTOCK MIKE
March 10th, 2011
10:12 am
@Doggone/GA
Do you believe the NAACP to be racist??
poison pen
March 10th, 2011
10:12 am
Normal, if you honestly believe that Dems don’t get just as much money from big business in contributions as Repubs then I have a bridge to sell you.
As far as your bumper sticker about being a thinker and voting liberal, I would like to add that 99% of union people all vote Liberal because they are told to by their union officials, not because they are thinkers.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:12 am
Doggone/GA
Whether you like it or not, big unions are going the way of the dodo.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:13 am
“I’ll let them choose between Newt, Sarah, Mitt, Michele, Haley and Ron.”
So is that supposed to be an insult?
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:14 am
“Michele,’
Who is that?
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:14 am
“Then again, are you denouncing the signs of the Tea Party depicting Obama as Hilter or worse.”
Nope, I’m all about free speech. I was simply pointing out the hypocrisy on the left.
Koch Classics
March 10th, 2011
10:15 am
Global warming is during the summer and global cooling is during the winter and climate change covers both. I try to teach you Republicans the basics but it just does not sink in. How much money do I have to give those tools at Heritage and others to get through.
Doggone/GA
March 10th, 2011
10:15 am
“Do you believe the NAACP to be racist??”
My opinion of the NAACP is none of your business
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:15 am
“I would like to add that 99% of union people all vote Liberal because they are told to by their union officials, not because they are thinkers.”
Yeah, their paycheck/membership requires it.
poison pen
March 10th, 2011
10:16 am
Doggone, I never said that you did, I’m asking if you felt that way? I have never seen you go against anything that Tucker or Jay has written about, and they have both written fabricated articles about the Tea Party, now that is a fact.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:16 am
“My opinion of the NAACP is none of your business’
Ok, so I guess from now on, when you ask a simple question, us conservatives should follow in your footsteps and give the same answer.
Got it.
Koch Classics
March 10th, 2011
10:16 am
I was simply pointing out the hypocrisy on the left.
Pointing out hypocrisy by doing. WOW. What a novel approach.
Del
March 10th, 2011
10:16 am
WOW, I don’t think his loss of independents is confined only to ObamaCare. I think they see a failure to lead in government spending controls and an over all incompetency on many issues.
godless heathen
March 10th, 2011
10:16 am
Don’t have anything against cowboys or poets, except for the Dallas Cowboys, but how can a Politician argue for tax increases or cuts to benefits when they can’t even cut spending that goes to the Cowboy Poetry Festival or P*ss Christ exhibits.
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
10:16 am
“Cowboys are Republicans.”
No this one! I’ve been stridently anti-Republican since 1972!
So I guess it’s poets? (LOL!)
Doggone/GA
March 10th, 2011
10:17 am
“Whether you like it or not, big unions are going the way of the dodo”
Since unions only represent something 7% of the USA work force, I’d say it’s safe to say they already have…pretty much.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:18 am
“WOW…got any proof that those were not plants from, oh say, former Texas tea party leaders or even Governor Walker who considered the planting “troublemakers” in the peaceful protests.”
That’s none of your business.
“Then again, are you denouncing the signs of the Tea Party depicting Obama as Hilter or worse. What is your specific position and do try to be coherent and thoughtful in a response for once.”
That’s none of your business.
Koch Classics
March 10th, 2011
10:18 am
“Michele,’
Who is that?
The one that takes all those agriculture subsidies. You know the one. The loony Republican, Bachmann.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:18 am
“No this one! I’ve been stridently anti-Republican since 1972!
Oh, I didn’t know you are a cowboy.
Doggone/GA
March 10th, 2011
10:18 am
“I have never seen you go against anything that Tucker or Jay has written about”
I have never posted on Ms Tucker’s blog, so it’s no surprise you never saw me disagree with her. As for Jay’s blogs, you aren’t paying attention if you think I never disagree with him. But I’ll give you a clue: I tend to just not post if I disagree.
Dave R.
March 10th, 2011
10:19 am
Someone is a bit petulant this morning. . .
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:19 am
AmVet….you are not a cowboy….more of a special type of pirate!
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
10:19 am
For the umpteen thousandth time…
Scientists often use the term “climate change” instead of global warming. This is because as the Earth’s average temperature climbs, winds and ocean currents move heat around the globe in ways that can cool some areas, warm others, and change the amount of rain and snow falling. As a result, the climate changes differently in different areas.
From that start-up, liberal rag with no long term, established history of scientific excellence or discovery.
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-overview.html
larry
March 10th, 2011
10:19 am
” Whether you like it or not, the middle class are going the way of the dodo”
There, fixed that typo.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:19 am
“Since unions only represent something 7% of the USA work force, I’d say it’s safe to say they already have…pretty much.’
I think it’s 13%.
WOODSTOCK MIKE
March 10th, 2011
10:19 am
@Doggone/GA
Typical….
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:20 am
AmVet…..yeah keep believing that!
Koch Classics
March 10th, 2011
10:20 am
they have both written fabricated articles about the Tea Party
Of course the tea party is fabricated. I fabricated them and they are there to do my bidding.
TomB
March 10th, 2011
10:20 am
Talk about hypocrisy? Jay is now for state rights? Where was Jay during the healthcare debate? No talk of the supremacy clause now Jay?
md
March 10th, 2011
10:21 am
“Yep, you know that…and *I* know that. Now we need someone to explain it to md!”
Too funny…..why is it that when you don’t understand something it is always someone else that needs help.
I posted this once already, what is so hard to understand:
“In Wisconsin, the quorum for non-spending bills is 50 percent, or 17 of 33 lawmakers. But spending bills require a supermajority quorum of 60 percent, or 20 legislators.”
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:21 am
AmVet
That article is 5 years old.
Doggone/GA
March 10th, 2011
10:21 am
“Ok, so I guess from now on, when you ask a simple question, us conservatives should follow in your footsteps and give the same answer.”
that’s your decision to make. go for it.
poison pen
March 10th, 2011
10:21 am
AmVet, is not a Cowboy, maybe a Cowgirl, but not a Cowboy.
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
10:21 am
At this point, decades down the road, I guess I’m just an urban cowboy!
But George unlike you city slickers, I know a thing or three about dealing with the results of the south end of north bound horses!
Koch Classics
March 10th, 2011
10:22 am
Someone is a bit petulant this morning. . .
Cutting back, are you.
0311/0317 - 1811/1801
March 10th, 2011
10:22 am
WOW:
Unfortunately, “racist” to a liberal means everything from calling someone the “n” word to eating Aunt Jemima pancakes.
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:23 am
AmVet….I bet you know a “thing or three” about dealing with the southend of a northbound cowboy!!
reebok
March 10th, 2011
10:23 am
Rules don’t apply to the GOP. Power is all that matters.
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:23 am
I LOVE AUNT JEMIMA!!!!
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
10:24 am
Which shows you just how far you deniers are behind the knowledge curve.
But hey, five years is better than the typical 50!
Koch Classics
March 10th, 2011
10:24 am
Scout is a racist.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:24 am
“Unfortunately, “racist” to a liberal means everything from calling someone the “n” word to eating Aunt Jemima pancakes.”
Not to mention a whole slew of other things that have nothing to do with race.
Example: Conservatives who didn’t vote for Obama are racists.
Normal
March 10th, 2011
10:25 am
WOODSTOCK MIKE
March 10th, 2011
10:09 am
You are right. My solution to education is to throw whatever amount of money it takes to ensure our kids are the best educated in the world. That begets global leadership.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:25 am
“Which shows you just how far you deniers are behind the knowledge curve.
Actually, it shows that you and others have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.
Where is Al Gore?
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
10:26 am
Hump away homophobic (snicker, snicker) city slickers. It’s your sole claim to blogging fame.
I just do my part to bring out the best in you…
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:26 am
“I LOVE AUNT JEMIMA!!!!”
I miss those old commercials. I used to wish my bottle of syrup would come to life and talk to me but it never happened.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:26 am
“Hump away homophobic (snicker, snicker) city slickers.’
Oh nice, now we’re all homophobic humpers.
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:26 am
AmVet…you need to work on bringing out the best in yourself first. Joker.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:27 am
“My solution to education is to throw whatever amount of money it takes to ensure our kids are the best educated in the world. ”
Didn’t work out so well, did it.
Normal
March 10th, 2011
10:27 am
Scout, WOW,
Then we DO have something in common. I loves me some Aunt Jemima, too.
Southern Comfort (aka The Man)
March 10th, 2011
10:28 am
“I would like to add that 99% of union people all vote Liberal because they are told to by their union officials, not because they are thinkers.”
Yeah, their paycheck/membership requires it.
LOL!!!!!! Unions do not pay the rank and file, their employer does. Union membership does not dictate how one votes either. Stereotypes are alive and well in 2011….
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
10:28 am
Take it up with National Geographic, wow. (And every other single reputable, respected scientific organization on the planet. Yep, Every single one. That’s gotta burn a little, huh?)
I’m sure they would be a) devastated by your “analysis”and b) amazed by your credentials!
But keep on shooting the messenger…
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:28 am
George W
I know Vet is messing around but it’s still kind of weird to label people as “homophobic humpers” and racists.
Normal
March 10th, 2011
10:28 am
AmVet
March 10th, 2011
10:26 am
Hump away homophobic
I want the bumper sticker concession on that! Dibs!
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:29 am
“Take it up with National Geographic, wow.”
I don’t have to.
“And every other single reputable, respected scientific organization on the planet. Yep, Every single one. ”
Care to show a link that backs up that claim?
“I’m sure they would be a) devastated by your “analysis”and b) amazed by your credentials!”
Oh, so not only are you a cowboy, but you have a PHD in climatology.
md
March 10th, 2011
10:29 am
“For the umpteen thousandth time…”
And for the umteen plus one thousandth time, there is a difference between climate change and man made climate change……………
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:30 am
“I want the bumper sticker concession on that! Dibs!
So you want to bring down the price of your car?
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:30 am
WOW…..welcome to the strange world of AmVet
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:31 am
“WOW…..welcome to the strange world of AmVet”
Yeah, it’s a world in which no sane man has gone.
Del
March 10th, 2011
10:31 am
“My solution to education is to throw whatever amount of money it takes”
Therein lays the problem…money has been thrown at education but it somehow misses the mark and fails to produce results because accountability doesn’t get included in the process.
Southern Comfort (aka The Man)
March 10th, 2011
10:31 am
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm
In 2010, the union membership rate–the percent of wage and salary workers who were
members of a union–was 11.9 percent, down from 12.3 percent a year earlier, the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. [...]
Highlights from the 2010 data:
–The union membership rate for public sector workers (36.2 percent) was
substantially higher than the rate for private sector workers (6.9 percent).
(See table 3.)
–Workers in education, training, and library occupations had the highest
unionization rate at 37.1 percent. (See table 3.)
–Black workers were more likely to be union members than were white, Asian,
or Hispanic workers. (See table 1.)
–Among states, New York had the highest union membership rate (24.2 percent)
and North Carolina had the lowest rate (3.2 percent). (See table 5.)
Normal
March 10th, 2011
10:33 am
WOW,
It’s really none of your business, but my vecheles are paid for and barring an accident, I don’t plan on replacing them, so how I choose to decorate them is no concern of anyone but me.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:33 am
“Black workers were more likely to be union members than were white, Asian”
I would comment but AmVet would call me a racist.
Doggone/GA
March 10th, 2011
10:33 am
““In Wisconsin, the quorum for non-spending bills is 50 percent, or 17 of 33 lawmakers. But spending bills require a supermajority quorum of 60 percent, or 20 legislators.”
And I posted what the WI Constitution ACTUALLY says on the subject.
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:33 am
“It’s really none of your business”
There’s that line again…..
Koch Classics
March 10th, 2011
10:33 am
WOW and George W are racists.
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:33 am
Southern Comfort…..Do you know why New York has the highest union member rate?
George W
March 10th, 2011
10:34 am
Koch……yeah you are right we are! hahahah great observation CLOWN!
WOW
March 10th, 2011
10:35 am
“WOW and George W are racists.’
Are we homophobic nazi humpers too?
Southern Comfort (aka The Man)
March 10th, 2011
10:35 am
Seems that there would be way, way more union members in the public sector vs the private sector when you see that huge difference in percentages. However….
In 2010, 7.6 million public sector employees belonged to a union, compared with 7.1 million union workers in the private sector. The union membership rate for public sector workers (36.2 percent) was substantially higher than the rate for private sector workers (6.9 percent). Within the public sector, local government workers had the highest union membership rate, 42.3 percent. This group includes workers in heavily unionized occupations, such as teachers, police officers, and fire fighters. Private sector industries with high unionization rates included transportation and
utilities (21.8 percent), telecommunications (15.8 percent), and construction (13.1 percent).