Ace,
You keep sidetracking this discussion by demonizing the EPA. We are talking about whether the GOP are smearing, misrepresenting and attacking science in this thread; not the reasons behind these actions. I'm participating in this discussion because I believe that such actions lead to poor, shortsighted and dangerous policies. I'm here with the pretense that ignorance of US government officials has ramifications for the entire world.
Also, I find your criticism of the EPA to be lackluster and I've gone to answer some questions you've posed just to demonstrate how superficial they appear from my point of view.
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Originally Posted by aceventura3
Just to take a moment and look at the semantics in the summary in a nit piky way - why would they use the word "possible" with climate change if they truly wanted to eliminate science for the discussion. Would a better way be to state with clearly worded language that green house gases have no relation to climate change and therefore the EPA has no authority to regulate green house gasses in any attempt to address climate change?
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Indeed. To me using the word "possible" indicates that they are not quite convinced regarding climate change - and this is true.
Of course a direct challenge to climate change science would never fly. However, we have to understand that clear language is of no consequence here. Once this bill passes climate change with regards to the EPA is no longer a debatable issue. The consequences here is that a new agency will be required to deal with climate change.
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Originally Posted by aceventura3
I think it is clear that the intent is to restrict the EPA going on a one agency crusade against any and all industries with any type of CO2 footprint.
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Yes, isn't that the EPA's job? Would you prefer two, three, or ten agencies to be on this crusade? The EPA seems like an ideal candidate for the job – you just have to figure out how it should go about it. If the Energy Tax Prevention Act is passed there would be no choice but to create more government.
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Originally Posted by aceventura3
The EPA with that kind of authority can regulate every facet of American life. Regardless of the climate change debate, should one agency have that kind of power in your opinion?
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I get it. You don't want another federal agency to stick their grubby little hands into your business. So should every state have their own army? Should every state have their own embassy in countries all over the world? Why bother with a with a federal government at all?
The federal government is there to deal with issues that affect all Americans. Global warming is an issue that effects all Americans. An issue that effects the entire country should be overseen by a federal agency. P.R. 910 asks a federal agency to ignore a national issue which should fall under it's mandate.
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Originally Posted by aceventura3
Do you have any concerns regarding the EPA exercising that power in a manner inconsistent with what is in the best interest of the environment and the country?
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I'm concerned with how every government agency exercises it's powers. H.R. 910 ask the EPA to stop acting regarding climate change indefinitely. It's like being unhappy with how USDA handles Mad Cow Decease and writing a law that strikes BSE from USDA's agenda entirely.
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Originally Posted by aceventura3
What if the next President appointed me as the head of the EPA, would you want me to have the power?
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Or the head of CIA, Department of Agriculture, Compress, Defense, Energy...I guess it would depend on what kind of person you are.
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Originally Posted by aceventura3
Assuming your answer is no to the last question, how would you want to control the EPA?
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Just like any other agency. You give them boundaries that allow them to do their job while having minimal impact on citizens.
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Originally Posted by aceventura3
Perhaps a more narrow mandate from Congress, with defined minimum and maximum expectations?
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Exactly.
On a lighter note.
Ace, even though we disagree, I want to thank you for continuing to respond because our discussion has brought me tremendous insight and knowledge due to the amount of research I had to do in order to continue participating in this thread. I hope it has been a similar experience for you. Cheers!