Did Cap-And-Trade Die Today?

The EPA finding and its ability under the law has been the big stick that Obama has been able to hold over the head of Congress as he pushes for a cap-and-trade regime. Basically, do it legislatively or I have the power to do it via regulation. Until today, that was a very big stick indeed. Now, who knows.

The real puzzle here is did the Obama administration leak the memo itself in order to get off the hook. Have they determined that the whole concept carries too much economic risk and therefore too much political risk to pursue at this point in time or was it leaked by lower level opponents that are just trying to torpedo the program.

I don’t suppose we will soon know the answer to that question. I do think that we can discern a very difficult road ahead for any type of climate legislation.

Opposing Views: OPINION: Global Warming Skeptics Often Own Worst Enemy

Is it a good idea to obsess on global warming as a threat to human life on earth? I don’t know, but as a supporter of free-market capitalism I do know that if we can produce the same or more wealth with less energy, we should do it. [but who's arguing against that?] And if that also helps the environment, what’s the problem?

Democrats waver on greenhouse gas emissions bill | Business | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

The wavering Democrats have numbers on their side. With all 23 committee Republicans expected to vote “no” on the legislation, Waxman has had to search for support among the panel’s 36 Democrats. If as few as seven of them vote against the bill, it could die in committee, dealing a major blow to one of Obama’s top priorities.

Republicans push changes to U.S. climate [swindle] bill - washingtonpost.com

"We are not prepared to accept unilateral economic disarmament of the U.S. economy, and cap and trade does that," Barton told reporters.

He said he and fellow Republicans will offer amendments to kill cap and trade when the panel meets next week. Waxman has predicted he has enough Democratic support to fend him off.