Should we shelve Cap and Trade until the economy improves and global warming theories are honestly debated?

Question

The Energy Information Agency (EIA), the Environmental Agency (EPA), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently conducted an independent analysis and concluded that energy costs will dramatically increase. Specifically, the group estimates that the proposed budget’s cap-and-trade system will directly cause an estimated $1.27 per gallon increase for the cost of gasoline and a 68% increase in electricity costs.

Also, according to a report by the George C. Marshall Institute, if Congress was to implement a cap-and-trade system similar to the Liberman-Warner approach proposed in 2008, the likely result would be an equivalent to a constant (in percentage terms) consumption decrease of about 1% each year, continuing to 2050. Under this cap-and-trade system, the average household would be subject to a permanent carbon tax increase “over time in real terms from about $1400 to $2000 during 2015-2030 and approximately $2000 to $3000 in 2030-2050.”

In addition to the likelihood of significant job losses resulting from a cap-and-trade system, Americans should also expect rising energy prices. For example, the George C. Marshall Institute report cited studies that forecasted electricity prices rising 5-15% by 2015, natural gas prices escalating 12-50% by 2015, and gasoline prices varying widely from 9-145% by 2015.



http://www.alineofsight.com/cap-and-trade---the-costly-effect-on-americans

Answer 1

well the global warming thing has been proven over and over to be a hoax that the liberals are trying to force down americas throat but when you have massive blizzards in the mid west and a later than usual ice break up in alaska it kinda proves them wrong ..and only someone against america would willingly put a tax of the proportion into affect so go figure ...impeach obummer while we still can and save america



ever wonder why most scientist in america aren't on board with those con artist in europe ..they actually research what they claim ..they know that global warming is a natural cycle to the earth and man cant stop it or cause it

Answer 2

Why is Obama so eager to cap and trade when there are still so many unanswered questions about climate change? 1. Is it definately occurring? Sure some areas are experiencing glacial melting, but in others the glaciers are actually getting thicker. How does one explain that? 2. If it is occurring, is man the cause? There is evidence of dramatic climate changes long before man. Are we so arrogant to think ourselves the cause of something that occurred before we existed? 3. If we are the cause, will cap and trade (i.e. decreasing CO2 emissions) reverse it? Before we go spending billions more taxpayer dollars, shouldn't we be certain it will make a difference? The negative impact this policy will have on an already shaky economy will be felt around the world. I have even heard it suggested, that people in impoverished nations will die of hunger as a result of the economic hardships it will impose. Much of the world relies on the economic stability of our country to survive. Are we willing to sacrifice human lives in an effort to save the planet even if that effort ultimately proves futile? This seems like putting the cart before the horse.

Answer 3

Should we shelve Cap and Trade until the economy improves and global warming theories are honestly debated?



Yes. Cap and Trade is something that shouldn't even be considered until our economy improves and even then it is something that should only be considered once we actually know what we are talking about when it comes to global warming. Decisions should be made on what we know, not what we think.

Answer 4

Yes. Definitely. Shelve Cap and Trade. We can take another look at it just as soon as we resolve all the global warming theories. Good idea.

Answer 5

Climate change is real. Further, cap and trade, then allows folks who consume more carbon-based fuel to pay for the true cost. Currently, pollution is free.



Thus, the party of "personal responsibility" ought to be excited about the prospect of people actually paying for their consumption.



further, emerging new technologies will create a new economy and many new jobs and the Cap and Trade will help initiate the transition

Answer 6

I don't think global warming should have anything to do with cap-and-trade. It simply doesn't matter if these emissions are causing warming or not. The fact is they are dirty and they pollute the earth. Controlling these emissions is not much different that advocating I put my waste into a trash can, and fining me for littering if I don't.



Personally, I like to keep my house clean. I don't stop washing the dishes just because I don't think dirty dishes cause global warming...



That being said. You are right, It's not the right time to implement this policy. Just like it's not the appropriate time to try to balance the budget by stoping spending.

Answer 7

We`should trash can cap and trade. It is nothing but a huge tax funds grab from the Obama administration hidden in a BS cover story of helping the environment.

Answer 8

No. It will take time to institute the program. I say we move forward.

Answer 9

Maybe until the recession ends, but the debate over global warming ended a long time ago. Real scientists - i.e., those NOT on ExxonMobil's payroll - came to consensus on man-made global warming decades ago.

Answer 10

cap and trade would never be good. Once the economy improved, cap and trade would suck the life right out of it.

Answer 11

Honestly debated... That's funny seeing the only dishonesty in the "debate" comes from the right...

Answer 12

Yes, let's shelve it for good. This is nothing but a scheme to steal more money from the people