Senator John Warner thinks that Americans don’t understand
the complexities of global warming, and that Policy makers in Washington are to
blame. The Virginia Republican led efforts for new climate change legislation
before retiring this year, and feels that the ads that people see don’t communicate
the challenges of deploying new energy technologies.
"We've got to be more candid with the people about the
complexities of these problems -- not to discourage them, but to be honest and
forthright."
Speaking to a climate change conference, Warner also
criticized Texas tycoon T. Boone Pickens' marketing campaign promoting wind
power, even as he praised the billionaire-turned-energy-advocate's motivations.
Referring to the need for a revamped electrical grid to
carry renewable energy, Warner said Pickens' promotions don't mention the cost
of building such a system and the challenges of condemning land and writing new
tax provisions in the process.
He also thinks that we shouldn’t give away too much money
raised from a cap for tax credits. Warner believes these dollars should go
towards energy research.
Despite these comments from the former Senator, the Obama
administration is moving forward with energy restructuring and a sweeping
climate change bill that would cap greenhouse gas emissions. Rep. Waxman hopes
to mark up in the House Energy and Commerce Committee by Memorial Day, and has
said that it would require companies to buy allowances if they emit more than
the government cap, and would allow those businesses that fall below the cap to
sell their allowances.
If there is a disconnect between the facts and what the public
perception is, our leaders need to be up front and honest about it and any
proposed changes. It will open the debate and in the end, make for better
legislation.
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