Debate this week on the Lieberman-Warner carbon reduction bill that is being pushed through the Senate by Senator Boxer.
Some basic stuff:
Lieberman finally did something useful!
Bush promises to veto.
McCain is trying to have it both ways by saying he's for it, but that he's also against it because he wants it more nuclear friendly. Obama is for it.
About 73% of voters have expressed support for such a bill in the abstract.
Political, corporate and institutional support is very strong.
Republican opponents will filibuster it if need be, but opponents from both parties seem certain that it will fail on a straight up or down vote. Most supporters see it as a dress rehearsal and support building activity for next year or the year after.
As always, during debate a series of "poison pill" deal-killing amendments will be offered by senators from coal states and anti-taxers.
Harry Reid isn't going to push Democrats in the Senate who think this will be too costly politically in an election year that has high gas prices as an issue.
Environment bill forces tough choices on lawmakers - International Herald Tribune Climate Bill Underlines Obstacles to Capping Greenhouse Gases Climate 411 - Blogs & Podcasts - Environmental Defense Fund
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"For if once a man indulges himself in murder, very soon he comes to think little of robbing; and from robbing he comes next to drinking and Sabbath-breaking, and from that to incivility and procrastination." Thomas DeQuincey, 1700's