Gore-trained climatologist fights against state coal-powered plants - News

Robert McAfee, a climatologist for Repower Arkansas, began his presentation on the need for new energy sources in the state by comparing it to the downturn in the economy.

"If we have an environmental collapse, there is no bailout," McAfee said.

McAfee, who has been trained by Al Gore's Climate Project as a messenger, spoke about the changes necessary to reduce the state's carbon emissions.

Obama defends climate scam to business leaders - Boston.com

In one potential concession, the Democratic president also indicated some flexibility over plans to sell all carbon dioxide permits to industry in a future cap-and-trade system aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"If you're giving away carbon permits for free, then basically you're not really pricing the thing and it doesn't work, or people can game the system in so many ways that it's not creating the incentive structures we're looking for," Obama said, referring to his main proposal to fight climate change.