US House Can't Even Pass Non-Binding Resolution Calling For More Ocean Acidification Research

[hatrack]

The House of Representatives allowed partisan politics to defeat a resolution addressing one of the greatest threats to our oceans -- acidification. The vote was 241-170 supporting the resolution. However, the resolution needed a two-thirds vote to pass.

H. Res. 989, introduced by Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), encourages the United States to adopt national policies and pursue international agreements to prevent ocean acidification and to study and address the effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and coastal economies.

“The passage of H. Res. 989 would have underscored to policymakers and the public that ocean acidification is an urgent issue that must be addressed now,” said Beth Lowell, Oceana Federal Policy Director. “It’s a shame this important resolution was hijacked by partisan politics.”

Ocean acidity has increased by 30 percent since the start of the Industrial Revolution. If current trends continue, it could rise another 100 percent by the end of this century, exceeding the highest acidity levels during the past 20 million years. Increased ocean acidity could devastate coral reefs, shellfish populations and countless marine animals that rely on them for food and protection.

EDIT

http://na.oceana.org/en/news-media/press-center/press-releases/house-of-representatives-fails-to-pass-resolution-on-ocean-acidification

[polichick]

1. The idiocy never ends! nt

[villager]

2. Thanatos has our government -- and our species -- in its thrall

...and it's hard to believe it won't triumph, ultimately, over our "evolutionary destiny" at this head-in-the-sand rate...

[Dogmudgeon]

7. Thanatos, you say?

We Americans don't need to take any lessons from the Grecians! They can't even manage their own money!

What have the Grecians ever given us? Other than Democracy, Comedy, wine-making, half the Bible, Trojan condoms, Spartans out the wazoo, Teh Gay, and those lamb tacos that make me fluff?

And who is this Thanatos guy, anyway?

--d!

[glitch]

9. Lol! - perfect Bushian reference. :) nt

[Fumesucker]

3. We need a Democratic majority...

Then things will get better and more rational.

Oh..Wait..

[Scuba]

5. The reason for the Democrats...

...is so there's no alternative to the Republicans.

[pscot]

4. Í'm not surprised

It's Belshazzar's feast. Teh systems are going biblical and the fools in Washington can't read teh writing on teh wall.

[glinda]

6. Simple majority now! Throw the bums out now!

[n2doc]

8. Ok, two things

1- first goal is to "prevent ocean acidification" - the ONLY way to do that is to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. Period. It is matter of predictable, well characterized chemical reactions.

2. The second goal is to "study and address effects of OA"- That they can most effectively do by increasing the science budgets of the different agencies doing such studies- NSF, EPA, NOAA....

Both of these require simple majority votes to affect- pass a carbon cap, increase science funding (Plus getting the senate to go along, a whole 'nother story). This resolution is a waste of time and worthless, except maybe as a campaign tool.

[Nihil]

10. K & R for the sad truth ...

... that petty politics still trumps science ...
:-(

[Kringle]

11. two-thirds needed .. how so? ,nt