White House: OK, our massive cap-and-tax swindle failed, but maybe we can prevent hurricanes by financing more sidewalks

White House: No regrets on health care, climate strategy - Darren Samuelsohn - POLITICO.com

The White House doesn't regret simultaneously pushing health care and climate change legislation, despite the ultimate failure to pass cap and trade, President Barack Obama's domestic policy adviser said Wednesday.
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The House passed a sweeping climate bill in June 2009 but it stalled in the Senate over objections from Republicans and moderate Democrats. A likely GOP takeover in the House or Senate is sure to kill any cap-and-trade bill over the next two years, prompting the administration to start looking for emission cuts in other venues.

“We’ve been absolutely thinking about this at every level,” Barnes said, citing the Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Department programs, as well as federal grants to help local governments build more sidewalks, light rail lines and street trolleys.