April 2008
Bush Outlines Emissions Target Proposals
ABC World News reported on President Bush's new global warming proposals outlined at a White House speech on April 16, saying his proposals "fall short of what his critics wanted." In the speech, the President announced a new goal of stopping the growth of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and called on Congress to pass climate legislation that won't hurt the economy.
The CBS Evening News noted that the speech marked the first time Bush "set a goal of stopping the growth of greenhouse gas," which "until now, he has resisted."
The Wall Street Journal added that the President "said his Administration would be willing to commit the U.S. to binding emissions targets if developing countries such as China and India would agree to such commitments as well." However, Bush "provided few specifics on how to achieve his emissions-reductions targets and Democrats criticized Bush for declining to support legislation in Congress that attempts to halt emissions growth much faster." On the other hand, "business groups, including those representing manufacturers and utilities, largely applauded Bush's remarks, particularly his emphasis on the need for emissions cuts by other countries and on technologies that significantly cut carbon emissions."
Bush's "voluntary target," according to the Washington Post, "fell well short of what most leading scientists say is needed to avoid dangerous climate change." The Senate, meanwhile, "is planning to vote on legislation in June that seeks to halt the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in 2012, 13 years before Bush's deadline, and all three presidential candidates are expected to back that timetable."
The New York Times reports that critics "dismissed the speech as irrelevant" because Bush "did not offer any specifics for how to reach his 2025 goal." The Washington Times, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, the Financial Times, Reuters, the Christian Science Monitor, the BBC, the AFP, Bloomberg, Time magazine, the U.K.'s Time, McClatchy, The Hill and Roll Call also covered the story.
Debate on Climate Change Coming to Congress Soon
Get ready to hear a lot more about "cap-and-trade" in the months ahead regarding climate change. The "cap"—annual emission limits—would be set by the federal government. Businesses would need emissions allowances before they could release pollutants into the atmosphere. Some allowances might be given away by government; others would be sold, either at auction or through a regulated market—that's the "trade." Reducing the cap and the number/size of allowances over time would bring emissions down to targeted levels. S. 2191 by Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA) has a cap-and-trade system; it cleared the Environment and Public Works Committee last December. In the House, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Dingell (D-MI) plans to have a cap-and-trade bill ready in time to conference with the Senate.
Between now and then, the country sorely needs an honest discussion about what all this will cost. Environmental groups minimize the costs and characterize the “greening” of the economy as an opportunity for business. Business groups like the U.S. Chamber say the costs, in terms of jobs and standards of living, could be very high and produce only minor reductions in greenhouse gases. Last month the EPA released a study of the costs of the Lieberman-Warner bill which both sides used to support their positions. Click here to learn more and to weigh in on the need to consider costs and benefits.
More Than 250 Participants Expected for Annual Congressional Dinner
More than 250 people – including approximately 150 Arkansas business and community leaders plus about 100 staff members of the Arkansas congressional delegation – have signed up for the State Chamber/AIA’s 49th Annual Washington Fly-In and Congressional Dinner.
Participants can plan on an eventful night on Monday, April 28, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. The evening begins with a 6 p.m. reception followed by the Congressional Dinner at 7 p.m., with both events featuring ample chances for productive contact with members of our congressional delegation and their staffs. Excellent networking opportunities will also be provided after dinner in the Hospitality Suite, once again hosted by the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Governor Mike Beebe has agreed to serve as master of ceremonies for the dinner again this year. We will also visit with our senators and representatives and their staffs at their offices and at district dinners, luncheons and breakfasts April 27-29.
U.S. Chamber Report Documents Critical Infrastructure Needs
America’s transportation infrastructure, an essential ingredient for a strong and vibrant economy, has fallen into such disrepair that it is now threatening the competitiveness of key sectors of the U.S. economy, according to a report released earlier this month by the U.S. Chamber and its coalition, Americans for Transportation Mobility.
The 120-page report, “A Transportation Challenge: Moving the U.S. Economy,” documents the deteriorating performance of the U.S. transportation system and projects a worsening decline absent investments significantly larger than those that have been made in recent years.
The report also explores some of the funding options being discussed among various stakeholders. These options include increasing public investment through user fees and other revenues collected at different levels of government and increasing use of financing and credit options such as tax credits and public-private partnerships.
The U.S. Chamber and its allies are working to boost investment in all modes of transportation infrastructure, ensure that transportation trust fund dollars are used for their intended purpose, and streamline the approval process for transportation projects. Click here to read the report.
Immigration: Problems, But No Progress
A number of new enforcement-oriented immigration bills have been introduced this year, but the one getting all the attention first arose last fall. Rep. Heath Shuler's (D-NC) Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act (SAVE Act, H.R.4088) would replace the voluntary employee verification system with a mandatory one; deny tax deductions for employers of illegal immigrants; add 8,000 border patrol agents; and apply more technology at the border. It was referred to eight committees and three subcommittees, none of which have held a hearing on the bill. So last month, Rep. Thelma Drake (R-VA) filed a discharge petition. If 218 House members sign the petition, the SAVE Act moves to the House floor. To date, 185 representatives have signed.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has found a way around obstacles in the path of nearly 500 miles of new border fencing. DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff authorized two waivers of a number of laws that opponents were using to block construction of the fence. He's waived 38 federal laws so far to facilitate construction.
U.S. Trade Deficit Widens in February
The New York Times reported earlier this month that the U.S. trade deficit "unexpectedly widened in February as domestic demand rose for automobiles and fell back for crude oil." The gap "grew 5.7 percent, to $62.3 billion, its highest reading since November and the second consecutive month of increase. The estimate for January was revised up to $59 billion from $58.2 billion, the Commerce Department said on Thursday." The Wall Street Journal added that the "5.7 percent increase reflected record imports of food, industrial supplies, capital goods, and consumer goods."
Environmental Federation Plans Clean Air Act Seminar
The Arkansas Environmental Federation’s 2008 Clean Air Act Seminar is set for Tuesday, May 6, at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. It is aimed at anyone currently dealing with air emissions or hazardous substances (such as air toxins or flammables), including plant managers, maintenance and environmental managers, state and local regulatory agency professionals, and local government officials. It is designed to help participants better understand how state and federal air pollution programs work and how they are enforced.
Speakers will focus on changes that have begun to the current State Air Permitting rules. Arkansas industry through the AEF is working to eliminate historical delays in the permitting process. Participants will learn the rule changes requested by industry and the state’s plans and schedule concerning changes to the programs.
To register for the seminar, download the brochure here, fill out the registration information and either fax it back to the AEF at 501-374-8752 or mail it to the AEF at the address given on the brochure.
