I did send Don Young a note or two about my families opposition to the Climate Bill up for a vote.
Don did vote NO - and as is the usuall bit from a small (population) State, I get a reply to my commnets sent to the good Congressman.
Say what you will, he at least seems to understand what a disaster the bill will e if passed by the Senate.
Thought the FReepers would like to know not all CongressCritters are certifiable LOONS - just a few too many...
That’s funny. My response from Senator Mria Cantwell (D-ouche)was just the opposite:
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about climate change. I appreciate hearing from you on what I believe is the preeminent environmental challenge facing our generation and sincerely regret the delayed response.
As you know, scientists have conclusively determined that an ongoing buildup of greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, is causing the Earth’s climate to warm and could lead to drought, flooding, and other catastrophic natural disasters.....
“Conclusively determined...” Idiot.
You’re lucky. Here’s what I got from MY Senator:
Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns about proposals to address global warming. It is an honor to serve as your Senator, and I appreciate hearing from you.
I believe that global warming is one of the most important issues our nation will face in my lifetime. I understand, however, concerns that constituents have raised about a cap-and-trade program or other approaches to combat global warming. I am particularly cognizant of concerns regarding the possibility that such legislation would increase energy costs for consumers and businesses.
Any approach to addressing climate change should be designed to protect working families and small businesses from bearing disproportionate cost impacts, and to maximize job creation and other benefits. I believe that a comprehensive clean energy jobs plan, which invests in clean energy strategies in addition to a cap-and-trade program or other policy, can be enacted in a manner that limits costs while creating new jobs and directly reducing pollution. Some measures, such as energy efficiency renovations for homes and businesses, can actually reduce energy costs because consumers use less energy even as rates increase. Similarly, more fuel-efficient vehicles save consumers money because they need less gas even as gas prices rise.
We can also do more than maximize cost savings. By moving quickly to build a clean energy economy and address climate change, we can create thousands of jobs for Oregonians and create business opportunities for companies in Oregon and across the U.S. that establish leadership in meeting clean energy needs. Oregon companies are already leaders in energy efficiency strategies, as well as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy. With the help of strong renewable energy policies at the state level, these companies have been able to grow and create jobs.
Thank you, again, for sharing your thoughts with me. Please know that I will keep your concerns in mind as I work to build a clean energy economy. I hope you will continue to keep me informed about the issues that matter most to you.
All my best,
Jeff Merkley
United States Senate
From Thad McCotter, along with my reply:
—
Dear Friend:
Thank you for informing me of your opposition to cap-and-tax legislation. Your thoughts on this important matter are most welcome and appreciated.
I agree with you.
As you know, in this recession, we must defend our auto industry and manufacturing base from the so-called ‘cap-and-trade’ system. This massive tax and regulatory imposition upon our painfully restructuring auto industry and manufacturing base would compel the arbitrary limitation of carbon emissions through a system of carbon credits which can be sold and traded among companies emitting carbon gases. This cap-and-tax intends to reduce pollution but in reality would be a multi-billion dollar tax hike on Michigan families, small businesses and manufacturers. This new tax would not only decimate those companies who, by the very nature of what they produce, emit carbon; this new tax would unavoidably be passed on directly to working families and small businesses.
On March 31, 2009, Representative Henry Waxman (CA), introduced H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act. If enacted, this legislation would aim to cut United States greenhouse-gas emissions by 83% compared to 2005 levels by 2050, but then sets more aggressive short-term targets, such as a 20% reduction by 2020 and a 42% cut by 2030. Importantly, this legislation amounts to a cap-and-tax bill which would cover about 85% of the United States economy, requiring businesses like power companies, steel mills, and our domestic auto manufacturers to get permits to cover their emissions. After 2020, the net could get wider allowing the President to make even smaller industrial operations subject to the cap. To cushion energy intensive industries from these requirements, this proposed legislation would provide wealth transfers to cushion the higher energy bills brought about by climate legislation. The rebates aren’t open-ended, when 70% of the global production in an energy intensive industry is covered by similar climate-change programs, the rebates go away. Despite my opposition, on June 26, 2009, the House passed H.R. 2454 by a vote of 219-212. At present, H.R. 2454 awaits action in the Senate.
Obviously, this new tax would hit Michigan particularly hard. With our automobile industry and manufacturing comprising the engine of America’s economic prosperity, it remains as we warned before: what happens to Michigan will happen to America.
As an alternative to this crippling cap-and-tax legislation, on June 12, 2009, Representative John Boehner (OH) introduced H.R. 2846, the American Energy Act, which I have co-sponsored. If enacted, through the extension of tax incentives and the elimination of wasteful bureaucratic regulations and frivolous litigation, H.R. 2846 would facilitate energy independence, affordability, conservation and job creation by maximizing all American-made energy. Importantly, this legislation would increase environmentally-safe energy production on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), the Arctic Coastal Plain, and the oil shale; promote the use of alternative fuels which would reduce carbon emissions such as nuclear, clean-coal, and renewable energy technologies; and encourage increased efficiencies and cutting edge technologies to make the most of America’s energy potential. At present, H.R. 2846 awaits action in the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Rest assured, your opposition to cap-and-tax legislation will be well remembered during the 111th Congress. Again, thank you for contacting me; and for all you do for our community and our country. Should you have any further comments or questions on this or any other issue, please contact me at the Livonia or Milford district, or Washington, D.C. office.
I work for you.
Sincerely,
Thaddeus G. McCotter
Member of Congress
—
> I work for you.
Amen to that. Now how do we convince more of our public servants that this is the case? How do we remind Senators and Representatives, regardless of party, that they owe allegiance to the Constitution and representation to We the People?
Thank you for the courtesy of a response. It is very much appreciated.
The things going on in Washington are truly frightening, but I know you are one of the precious few there who really get it. I’m proud to say that you represent me.
If there is anything I can do for you from this end, now or at any time in the future, please do not hesitate to ask.