A strong clean energy bill means positives for America!

[ananda]

Here is a good beginning summary of the arguments against ACES and rebuttal responses showing that a good, strong clean energy bill would be full of so many positives for America. Enjoy.

Argument: Weatherization of homes represents a tax on homeowners

Response: Weatherization reduces average annual energy costs by $218 per household. * For every $1 invested in the program, Weatherization returns $1.80 in energy-related benefits

http://www.fcaog.state.ut.us/weatherization/weatherizationfacts.html


Argument: The bill will raise energy costs, imposing a hidden energy tax of $3,100 per year.

Response: Without counting the economic benefits of energy efficiency, reducing air pollution, fighting global warming, and benefits to farmers, the bill would cost between $80 (EPA) and $175 (CBO). Just the economic benefits of energy efficiency in homes and appliances are estimated to save as much as $4000 per household by 2030.

http://speaker.house.gov/blog/?p=1845

Argument: Human induced global warming is really a hoax.

Response: The consensus of scientists not corrupted or pressured by big oil and rightwing extremism is that human caused global warming is a serious and critical problem. A good ACES bill not gutted by corporate and special interests will include "comprehensive energy and climate reform which would create standards for increased renewable energy and efficiency while imposing 'caps' on greenhouse gas emissions."

http://www.examiner.com/x-11447-LA-Science-and-Tech-News-Examiner~y2009m7d2-Will-Senate-vote-on-comprehensive-energy-legislation-come-up-ACES

Argument: The extra costs will fall most heavily on the 'little guy'.

Response: If just half the money spent on bailouts and wars were funnelled into climate change protections and green energy initiatives and jobs, the "little guy," meaning most Americans, would benefit in every way.

http://www.examiner.com/x-11447-LA-Science-and-Tech-News-Examiner~y2009m7d2-Will-Senate-vote-on-comprehensive-energy-legislation-come-up-ACES

Argument: ACES legislation will send more jobs overseas

Response: Contrary to Congressman Boehner's wrongheaded assertion, Congressman Henry Waxman, the chairman of the Energy and Environmental Committee, "states that the legislation will create millions of clean energy jobs that can't be shipped overseas. Wind, solar, geothermal, and other green technologies are, by their very nature, not transferable."

http://www.examiner.com/x-11447-LA-Science-and-Tech-News-Examiner~y2009m7d2-Will-Senate-vote-on-comprehensive-energy-legislation-come-up-ACES