In a spirit of fairness

[Michael_C]

Many of my posts support this administration. I love my country and overall I believe the USA is a good place with good citizens. It’s not that I never find fault with President Bush or his administration, it’s that there are never threads about the things I see as potentially wrong. So I will state two problems I have with this administration.

1. I find it hard to believe that this administration has nothing to do with or can’t do anything about the cost of gas. Gas companies are making record profits and it’s comparable to an unfair tax.
2. I think we can do somethig about helping the environment. I don’t know what, but I hear zero about this subject.

Please note, I’m no expert and don’t have a library of facts. I’m only stating how I feel. I welcome everyones comments.

 

[FightingFat]

I don’t know if I’m welcome on this thread; obviously the gas thing has little to do with me, but then nor has the pensions thing I started a thread on- but I am interested. I agree about global warming though! Right on Michael! Fight the power!

 

[watertower]

Hi Michael. Unfortunately I don’t have much time to post to forums very often, but when I do I try to inform as much as I can about the seriousness of our environmental problems. Not many people support it though, since it is perceived that environmentalists are just doing it to oppose Bush. It is also sometimes perceived to be anti-corporation and anti-Republican. However, I keep pointing out that many good Republicans are pro-environment. My senator was, but the party kicked him out.

Though concerned about global warming, I fear that the toxins present a far more serious danger to all humans. Children suffer from Cancer, Asthma, etc so that corporations can make huger profits. Some women can’t conceive, or carry a child full term because of the poisens they’ve been exposed to. It’s a very sad and serious situation most people just want us to forget exist.

As for gas prices, I have extremely mixed emotions. I just can’t get over the huge profits being made at our expense. Also, the huge prices are a joy to them because it gives them the much needed pressure on Congress etc to drill in the Arctic and destroy that area too, but give them even bigger profits. However, sometimes high prices have a good outcome in that it encourages some people (I’d like to think wiser people) to go after clearner, renewable energy sources.

The evangelicals profess that we were given dominion over the Earth and that means we are supposed to use up all the resources and chop down all the trees to speed up Christ’s return.

I don’t believe that, and have never heard the Catholic Church favor that. I’ve been taught we were given “stewardship” of the Earth, which means we have a responsibility to use “wisdom”.

Oh well, my only hope is in our Father in Heaven, and I pray everyday for clean renewable energy. If not through me, then for strength, wisdom, and creativity for those who are in a position to pursue it.

 

[Michael_C]

watertower:

However, sometimes high prices have a good outcome in that it encourages some people (I’d like to think wiser people) to go after clearner, renewable energy sources.

Oh well, my only hope is in our Father in Heaven, and I pray everyday for clean renewable energy. If not through me, then for strength, wisdom, and creativity for those who are in a position to pursue it.

Why is it, alternative energy is always 20 years away?

 

[watertower]

Unfortunately you have to look outside the US for all the really good renewable energy news. Spain and Japan are putting solar on their rooftops. Norway is using the ocean sir-ray.com/Tidal%20Energy%20Article.htm
ok, there is some cute news in the US cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/01/18/cow.power.ap/index.html

I just joined a Yahoogroups forum on Electric Vehicles, because I would love to get one for my local driving, church, school, shopping, etc. I want to learn more, but so far all I’ve learned is I pretty much don’t know anything! They are all very intelligent and way ahead of me. They blame the auto and oil industry for our lagging behind. Apparently one of the auto companies bought patent rights on a brand new EV battery just so it couldn’t be sold in the US…sad.

 

[watertower]

Just checking, I received errors when I submitted my post.

 

[Brad]

Key Bush Environmental Accomplishments
The Bush Administration’s Environmental Philosophy

The focus is on results - making our air, water, and land cleaner.
We need to employ the best science and data to inform our decision-making.
Our policies should encourage innovation and the development of new, cleaner technologies.
We should continue to build on America’s ethic of stewardship and personal responsibility through education and volunteer opportunities, and in our daily lives.
Opportunities for environmental improvements are not limited to Federal Government actions - States, tribes, local communities, and individuals must be included.

Building on Our Great Environmental Progress

Over the last 30 years, our Nation has made great progress in providing for a better environment and improving public health. In that time, our economy grew 164 percent, population grew 39 percent, and our energy consumption increased 42 percent, yet air pollution from the six major pollutants decreased by 48 percent. In 2002, state data reported to EPA showed that approximately 251 million people (or 94 percent of the total population) were served by community water systems that met all health-based standards. This number is up from 79 percent in 1993.The President is committed to delivering even greater progress.
Cleaning and Redeveloping Hazardous Waste Sites

**Brownfields Program **
Fulfilling a commitment he made when he ran for President, President Bush signed historic bipartisan brownfields legislation in 2002, accelerating the cleanup of brownfields to better protect public health, create jobs, and revitalize communities.

Land Conservation and Stewardship
Healthy Forests InitiativeOn December 3, 2003, President Bush signed legislation implementing key provisions of his Healthy Forests Initiative. The President’s initiative is helping restore the health and vitality of forests and rangelands, and helping reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires. This is benefiting communities and wildlife habitats.

National Parks - Restoring the Quality of Our Cultural, Natural, and Historic Resources

The President is fulfilling his commitment to address the park maintenance backlog. To meet his commitment of $4.9 billion over five years for park maintenance and construction, the President has secured $ 2.8 billion, and proposed $ 1.1 billion in his FY 2005 budget, for a total of $3.9 billion to date. Additionally, for the first time in history, the National Park Service will have a full condition assessment and a facility condition index to prioritize ongoing maintenance needs.

2002 Farm Bill: Helping America’s Farmers Conserve Their Lands

President Bush supported and signed into law a Farm Bill that enhances conservation and environmental stewardship. Under this Administration, funding has nearly doubled for these effective programs. The Farm Bill conservation programs are providing more than $40 billion over a decade to restore millions of acres of wetlands, protect habitats, conserve water, and improve streams and rivers near working farms and ranches.

Increased Funding for Cooperative Conservation

The President’s FY 2005 budget proposes $507 million for cooperative conservation programs at the Department of the Interior. Within that request is $130 million for the Cooperative Conservation Initiative (CCI), a 25 percent increase over last year. Through CCI activities, the Department of the Interior’s land managers are joining with communities, non-profits, States, and citizens to remove invasive species, reduce stream bank erosion, and enhance habitat for threatened and endangered species

continued…

 

[Brad]

**Improving Our Air Quality

Clear Skies Initiative **

President Bush’s initiative, which has been introduced in Congress, would dramatically improve air quality by reducing power plants’ emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and mercury, by approximately 70 percent over the next 15 years, more than any other clean air initiative. This historic proposal will bring cleaner air to Americans faster, more reliably, and more cost-effectively than under current law.

**Clean Air Interstate Rule **

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to require coal-burning power plants to make the steepest emissions cuts in over a decade. The Clean Air Interstate Rule will require power plants to substantially reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). SO2 emissions will be cut by nearly 70 percent and NOx emissions will be cut by approximately 50 percent.

**Mandating a Cut in Mercury Emissions for the First Time Ever **

Mercury emissions from power plants are not currently regulated. For the first time ever, the Bush Administration will impose a mandatory 70 percent cut in mercury emissions from those sources by 2018. These cuts will be achieved by using either a proven market-based, cap-and-trade approach that will better assure compliance and enforceability, or a more traditional command-and-control approach utilizing Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT). Both proposals are currently receiving public comment.

Reduction in Emissions from Non-Road Heavy-Duty Diesels

In May 2004, the Bush Administration finalized a rule that will dramatically reduce pollution from heavy-duty diesel engines used in construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment. This will prevent up to 12,000 premature deaths, 8,900 hospitalizations, 15,000 heart attacks, 6,000 children’s asthma-related emergency room visits, 280,000 respiratory problems in children, and a million work days lost due to illness once the rule is fully implemented. Soot and NOx emissions will decrease by more than 90 percent by 2014, and the sulfur content of diesel fuel will be cut 99 percent by 2010.

Fuel Savings From Light Trucks

For the first time in a decade, the Administration raised Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for SUVs, vans and pick-up trucks. Reforms are also underway that will save more fuel while protecting consumer safety and American jobs.
A Realistic, Growth-Oriented Approach to Global Climate Change: A Synopsis

18 Percent Cut in Greenhouse Gas Intensity

President Bush has committed America to meeting the challenge of long-term global climate change by reducing the ratio of greenhouse gas emissions to economic output by 18 percent by 2012 compared to 2002. Greenhouse gas intensity is the ratio of greenhouse gas emissions to economic output.

$4.1 Billion in Tax Incentives for Renewable Energy and Hybrid and Fuel-Cell Vehicles

The President has called for tax incentives totaling $4.1 billion through 2009 to spur the use of clean, renewable energy, and energy-efficient technologies, such as hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles, residential solar heating systems, renewable energy produced from landfill gas, wind, or biomass, and efficient combined heat and power systems

continued…

 

[Brad]

A 42 Percent Increase in Climate Change Research Funding

The President’s FY 2005 budget includes $238 million for the Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI), a $70 million, or 42 percent, increase over 2004. This funding level includes $57 million to accelerate efforts to advance understanding of the role of aerosols on climate, better quantify carbon sources, and improve the technology and infrastructure used to observe and model climate variations. The CCRI focuses on reducing significant uncertainties in climate science, improving global climate observing systems, and developing resources to support policymaking and resource management.

Federal Energy and Carbon Sequestration Programs

The United States is sponsoring, with international and private-sector partners, a $1 billion, 10-year demonstration project to create the world’s first coal-based, zero-emissions electricity and hydrogen power plant (FutureGen). This project is designed to dramatically reduce air pollution and capture and store greenhouse gases. Through the President’s Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, the first car driven by a child born today could be powered by pollution-free fuel cells. The Hydrogen Fuel Initiative and the FreedomCAR Partnership will provide $1.7 billion over the next five years to develop hydrogen-powered fuel cells, a hydrogen infrastructure, and advanced automobile technologies that emit no greenhouse gases.

Climate VISION Partnership

In February 2003, President Bush announced that leading firms from 12 major industrial sectors and the membership of the Business Roundtable have committed to work with four Cabinet agencies (DOE, EPA, DOT, and USDA) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the next decade. Participating industries included America’s electric utilities; petroleum refiners and natural gas producers; automobile, iron and steel, chemical and magnesium manufacturers; forest and paper producers; railroads; and the cement, mining, aluminum, and semiconductor industries.

President’s Initiative Against Illegal Logging

In July 2003, Secretary of State Powell launched the President’s Initiative Against Illegal Logging to assist developing nations in combating illegal logging, including the sale and export of illegally harvested timber, and in fighting corruption in the forest sector. The initiative represents the most comprehensive strategy undertaken by any nation to address this critical sustainable development challenge, and reinforces the leadership role of the U.S. in taking action to counter the problem and preserve forest resources that store carbon.

Our Oceans - Improved Ocean Conservation in the National Park System 2002-2003

Restoration of Marine Ecosystems

In close cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and State and local governments, the National Park Service has begun restoring marine ecosystems. New management practices, networks of marine reserves, and natural area research have been established to restore coral reefs, kelp forests, and their diverse communities of marine life.

Improving The Quality of Our Waters and Wetlands, and Resolving Water Crises

New Strategy For Increasing Wetlands Acres and Quality

On Earth Day 2004, the President announced an aggressive new national goal - moving beyond a policy of “no net loss” of wetlands to have an overall increase of wetlands in America each year. The President’s goal is to create, improve, and protect at least three million wetland acres over the next five years in order to increase overall wetland acres and quality. To meet this goal, the President calls on Congress to pass his FY 2005 budget request, which includes $4.4 billion for conservation programs that include funding for wetlands - an increase of $1.5 billion (53 percent) over FY 2001. The FY 2005 budget proposes to spend $349 million on our two key wetlands programs - the Wetlands Reserve Program and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grants Program - which is an increase of more than 50 percent over FY 2001 for those two programs. New figures released in April 2004 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that, for the first time in history, America has reversed the annual net loss of wetl

 

[Brad]

Substantially Increased Funding for the Great Lakes

More than one-tenth of the population of the United States and one-quarter of the population of Canada live around the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes themselves are the largest system of fresh surface water on Earth, containing roughly 18 percent of the world supply. The President’s FY 2005 budget includes an unprecedented $45 million for the Great Lakes Legacy Program, almost five times the 2004 level of funding. These additional funds will allow EPA, in conjunction with its community partners, to begin remediating contaminated sediments at six sites. Sediment remediation will help keep toxics such as polychlorinated biphenyls and heavy metals from entering the food chain, where they could cause adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Water 2025
The President’s FY 2005 budget includes $21 million, an increase of $13.3 million, for Water 2025, a program that strategically addresses the problem of competing demands for a finite water supply. Water 2025 will help States, tribes, and local communities improve conservation, implement efficiencies, and monitor water resources. In some cases, collaborative approaches and market-based transfers can use water banks or other means to meet emerging needs. Federal investments in research and development will provide more affordable water treatment technologies, such as desalination, to increase water supplies in critical areas.

 

[rlg94086]

Brad,

You’re awesome . As an environmentalist republican, I hate hearing anti-Bush greenies drone on about the “worst president on the environment”. As your posts point out, he’s doin’ just fine.

God Bless,

Robert.

 

[Brad]

FightingFat:

I don’t know if I’m welcome on this thread; obviously the gas thing has little to do with me, but then nor has the pensions thing I started a thread on- but I am interested. I agree about global warming though! Right on Michael! Fight the power!

Michael didn’t mention “global warming”. Environmental issues are much larger than the single, unproven theory of global warming and Bush is pursuing a comprehensive approach to solutions of environmental issues.

Money is much better spent to reduce pollution in high-pollution areas rather than enforce ridiculous and costly politically motivated global warming laws.

For example, in my state, our cars must now be inspected for emissions testing. If you fail, the mechanic fools around until he thinks he can find something to make the test pass. You drive it around for a week and then take it back. It fails again, the mechanic guesses on another fix - you drive it around for a week… this is for a car that resides in a non-conjgested, very low pollution aread - and this for a car that was burning LIGHT - in other words, it may be bad for my car but it was producing LESS pollution.

So, $350, 3 inspections, and passing by inspection by the skin of my teeth later, I am no happy proponent of global warming laws that line the pockets of politicians by placing another hidden tax on the population.

 

[watertower]

Rather than cut and paste all the points, here is what is really going on sierraclub.org/wwatch/

So, $350, 3 inspections, and passing by inspection by the skin of my teeth later, I am no happy proponent of global warming laws that line the pockets of politicians by placing another hidden tax on the population.

It’s not about Global Warming, it’s about clean air. There’s enough toxic poisen in the air as it is. Kids with Cancer is not good. Asthma is bad too. As for your mechanic, sounds like he had problems of his own… there is just too much Greed, and it’s the children that suffer g-r-e-e-d.com/.

 

[Brad]

watertower:

Rather than cut and paste all the points, here is what is really going on sierraclub.org/wwatch/

It’s not about Global Warming, it’s about clean air. There’s enough toxic poisen in the air as it is. Kids with Cancer is not good. Asthma is bad too. As for your mechanic, sounds like he had problems of his own… there is just too much Greed, and it’s the children that suffer g-r-e-e-d.com/.

That website is not “what is really going on”. The President, as chief executive of the United States, has a responsibility to give the facts of what his administration is doing for the benefit of all Americans, regardless of political party - this is what I posted.

You posted a website that is an environmental front for Bush bashing. This is revealed by one page dedicated to criticizing everything Bush has/has not done regarding the environment and acknowledging nothing good he has done.

As far as my mechanic goes, he may have had problems, but your estimation that it was not connected to global warming earth hugging, money-grubbing politicians is incorrect. It is the state law that mandates if the engine light is on, it must be off to pass inspection, even if that light indicates less pollution being produced. That is a liberal politicians law. So you can thank them now that my car is producing more pollution. If the liberal politicians really wanted to do something, they would force inner city trucks to cut back on emissions - but, of course, they couldn’t do that and upset the truckers unions. Instead, they come up with “fixes” that serve no benefit except to line pockets - you are right - it does come down to greed.

 

[quijote]

Brad:

For example, in my state, our cars must now be inspected for emissions testing. If you fail, the mechanic fools around until he thinks he can find something to make the test pass. You drive it around for a week and then take it back. It fails again, the mechanic guesses on another fix - you drive it around for a week… this is for a car that resides in a non-conjgested, very low pollution aread - and this for a car that was burning LIGHT - in other words, it may be bad for my car but it was producing LESS pollution.

So, $350, 3 inspections, and passing by inspection by the skin of my teeth later, I am no happy proponent of global warming laws that line the pockets of politicians by placing another hidden tax on the population.

Next time consider this not-so-honest-but-yet-practical solution: find the cable that gives power to the “check engine” light and cut it.

My mother-in-law got sick of her car telling her that her door was ajar that she cut the cable that powered the voice (how she got the right one is beyond me).

cheers.

 

[Brad]

quijote:

Next time consider this not-so-honest-but-yet-practical solution: find the cable that gives power to the “check engine” light and cut it.

My mother-in-law got sick of her car telling her that her door was ajar that she cut the cable that powered the voice (how she got the right one is beyond me).

cheers.

I don’t know but I may be giving her a call.