"Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket."     —Senator Barack Obama (in a January 2008 interview with the San Francisco Chronicle)

We the People...

ON CAP & TRADE/GLOBAL WARMING

STRATEGY FOR THE CAP AND TRADE BILL (FROM "HOME" PAGE):

Fax and e-mail and phone the Democratic Senators in the Heartland and make sure they are reminded of what their campaign positions have been to the Farmers and citizens of their state.

Go online to the newspapers and post blogs in each senators State posting the senators email address and website address asking people to call, write, email their senators.(it is quite easy, I do it all the time, you enter a screen name and password). Go to the largest paper readership in these states (type in a search for that state and “largest subscription readership newspaper”).

So the Representatives voted Friday and passed the Climate Bill BARELY (by 3 Votes). The Climate Bill has a MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TIME in the SENATE. Why? Because the playing field is now much more level. The BIG states are the same as the LITTLE States; each State has only 2 VOTES now.

WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT? Simple

1) The Climate Bill is a HUGE tax hike on almost anything that leaves a “CARBON FOOTPRINT”, which is 90% of what we live and rely on each day.
2) The Bill specifically taxes Gasoline and Diesel fuels along with Coal
3) The Bill also taxes or requires modifications be made to automobiles that are large and are NOT able to BURN ALTERNATIVE FUELS. Yes, if your car does not burn alternative fuels, you will not be able to register it until it passes that test. SO, imagine what a Farmer faces with their tractors, or ranchers???
4) The Bill’s tax hikes would significantly raise costs to farmers and what they produce.
5) Their higher prices mean foreign companies will now become EVEN MORE COMPETITIVE with US farmers and who will the SUPERMARKETS buy from?
6) And in the END, the CONSUMER will be spending more for all of it.

The STATES where the Farmers and Ranchers reside are the KEY to DEFEATING THE BILL IN THE SENATE


Here are the two republican Senators for contact and web site info – I DOUBT THEY WILL VOTE NO.


Susan M Collins - (R - ME) Class II
413 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2523
http://collins.senate.gov/public/


Olympia J Snowe - (R - ME) Class I
154 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5344
http://snowe.senate.gov/public/


HERE ARE YOUR TARGETS WHO WILL FACE THE MOST ANGER FROM THEIR PEOPLE and WHO YOU WANT TO INFLUENCE (besides republicans which I count as No Votes already). I have provided their websites and a brief quote from them that basically shows the problem they face with this climate bill and their farmers/ranchers. In the end, they will either turn on their farmers and count on the urban cities within their state to vote them back in, or they will go against the bill and protect their farmers. This message and strategy is for the latter (protect the farmer). There is a strategy for the former, but I do not see a need to go their now.

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Max Baucus - (D - Montana) Class II
511 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2651
Senators web site - http://baucus.senate.gov/

“Montana's producers and rural communities are the backbone of our state's economy and I'll continue to use my seniority and leadership in the Senate and on the Agriculture Committee to provide producers with the support they deserve and need”’ Senator Max Baucus – Democrat


Evan Bayh - (D - INDIANA) Class III
131 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5623
Web Site - http://bayh.senate.gov/

‘He has worked hard to support Indiana’s farmers, who represent some of the very best of Indiana traditions…….He has also fought to protect farmers from unfair trade practices and to help American farmers compete in the global economy by finding new markets for Indiana goods so that Hoosier farmers can benefit from the international trade.’ – Senator Bayh Website on HIS Agricultural position


Sherrod Brown - (D - OH) Class I
713 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2315
Website - http://brown.senate.gov/

“As Ohio’s first Senator on the Agriculture Committee in more than forty years, I am honored to represent our state’s farmers.” – Senator Sherrod Brown - Democrat


Robert C Byrd- (D - WV) Class I
311 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3954
Web Site - http://byrd.senate.gov/

“In Washington and in West Virginia, this time holds great promise of a new era, putting an abundant supply of clean coal to work for an energy independent America, and ensuring West Virginians access to affordable energy.” Senator Robert Byrd, Democrat


Robert P. Casey Jr.- (D - PA) Class I
393 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6324
Website - http://casey.senate.gov/

“I will work to ensure that we are making the critical investments – especially in our children – necessary for generating long term job growth and economic stability, especially for the middle class.” Senator Robert Casey – Democrat

Kent Conrad - (D – North Dakota) Class I
530 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2043
Web Site - http://conrad.senate.gov/

Senator Conrad is one of the most senior Members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. In the 110th Congress, he also serves as the Chairman on the key subcommittee on Energy, Science, and Technology. These leadership positions, coupled with his roles as Chairman of the Budget Committee and third-ranking member of the powerful Finance Committee, solidify Senator Conrad's position as a leading advocate for American farmers and ranchers on a wide range of agricultural, trade, tax, and budget issues.

“Agriculture is the largest sector of our economy in North Dakota. As an industry, agriculture employs about one in every five North Dakotans, and more than a quarter of rural North Dakotans.” – Senator Kent Conrad - Democrat


Byron Dorgan - (D – North Dakota) Class III
322 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2551
Web Site - http://dorgan.senate.gov/

When he was elected to Congress, Dorgan quickly became one of the nation’s strongest advocates of family farmers and ranchers. Senator Dorgan has fought throughout his career for agriculture and trade policies that stand up for the economic interests of our producers.

Position on Silly EPA Global Warming Policies http://dorgan.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=305828


“If you ever wonder why the American people view their government with distrust, just refer to this weekend’s news about the deep thinking going on at the Environmental Protection Agency.

“In their pursuit to control global warming, somebody in the bowels of EPA’s headquarters in Washington is examining greenhouse gases that come from the belching and flatulence coming from cows and pigs.

“We face a lot of serious challenges these days, but methane from cow and pig flatulence isn’t among them.

“We expect these federal agencies to use some common sense as they develop public policy, and clearly there are much more important issues facing our nation than this one.”

“So, just to clear the air (legislatively), I have introduced legislation that would prevent the EPA from implementing any scheme that would tax or otherwise charge farmers and ranchers for the methane emitted by their animals” – Senator Dorgan.- Democrat




Russell Feingold - (D - Wisconsin) Class III
506 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5323
Website - http://feingold.senate.gov/

“Wisconsin's agriculture industry plays a large and vital role in the growth and prosperity of the entire state. Wisconsin's status as "America's Dairyland," is central to our state's agriculture industry.” – Senator Feingold - Democrat


Tom Harkin - (D - IOWA) Class II
731 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3254
http://harkin.senate.gov/

“Because of the tremendous importance of agriculture and rural communities to Iowa and our nation, I am fortunate to serve as the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on agriculture and related subjects.
Key initiatives I have long promoted and worked to advance are improving opportunities for better farm income; strengthening the economy, jobs growth and quality of life in rural communities” – Senator Harkin, Democrat



Tim Johnson - (D – South Dakota) Class II
136 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5842
http://johnson.senate.gov/

“From the time I was elected to the United States House of Representatives, I have consistently supported the South Dakota family farmer and rancher.” – Senator Johnson - Democrat


Amy Klobuchar - (D - Minnesota) Class I
302 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3244
http://klobuchar.senate.gov/

“Minnesota's 80,000 farms represent a proud part of our state's heritage and history. We are the nation's fifth largest agricultural producing state, and our farmers contribute more than $10 billion to Minnesota's economy each year” – Senator Klobuchar - Democrat



Herb Kohl - (D - Wisconsin) Class I
330 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5653
http://kohl.senate.gov/

Standing Up for Wisconsin Farmers
“Wisconsin is now and will always be America's Dairyland…. The state is home to beef, poultry, veal and fish farms. Our farmers grow cranberries, potatoes, ginseng and nursery plants, along with hay, corn and soybeans. All of these contribute to the richness of our state's flourishing agricultural industry. I have worked hard in the Senate to help protect and promote the interests of all Wisconsin farmers and our rural communities”. - Senator Kohl - Democrat



Claire McCaskill - (D - Missouri) Class I
717 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6154
http://mccaskill.senate.gov/

“I am proud to represent the great state of Missouri in the Senate, and regardless of what issue we are debating, I remain committed to protecting the interests of Missourians and promoting a government that is more accountable to its people.” Senator McCaskill - Democrat


Ben Nelson - (D - Nebraska) Class I
720 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6551
http://bennelson.senate.gov/

“Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson remains committed to strengthening the agricultural economy and supporting and preserving rural communities and the rural way of life.” Senator Nelson- Democrat



Carl Levin - (D - Michigan) Class II
269 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6221
http://levin.senate.gov/

“Michigan’s agriculture industry adds over $4 billion annually to the state’s economy and is Michigan’s second largest industry next to the auto industry. Farming however, is more than an industry; it is a way of life. Michigan has 53,000 farms, with an average farm size of 200 acres. Over ninety percent of these are family owned farms, many of which have been in the same family for generations”. – Senator Levin - Democrat
Debbie Stabenow - (D - Michigan) Class I
133 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-4822
e-mail: senator@stabenow.senate.gov

SHE IS GOING TO BE LEANING CLIMATE BILL APPROVAL – SHE HAS NO STATED SUPPORT TO FARMERS, which is surprising. This is where the papers can people in Michigan can get into it with her about the farms and the harm caused by the Climate Bill




Jon Tester - (D - Montana) Class I
724 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2644
http://tester.senate.gov/

Farmers and ranchers are a vital part of Montana's economy. As a third-generation family farmer, Senator Tester is a strong advocate for Montana's agricultural producers and rural communities in the U.S. Senate. Tester and his wife Sharla farm the same land his grandparents homesteaded nearly 100 years ago.

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22 OCTOBER 2009

Poll: Americans’ belief in global warming cools
By DINA CAPPIELLO
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans who believe there is solid evidence that the Earth is warming because of pollution is at its lowest point in three years, according to a survey released Thursday.

The poll of 1,500 adults by the Pew Research Center for the People&the Press found that only 57 percent believe there is strong scientific evidence that the Earth has gotten warmer over the past few decades, and as a result, people are viewing the problem as less serious. That’s down from 77 percent in 2006.

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ON CAP & TRADE - WHAT IS IT?

-- ALLEN HEMPHILL

Cap and trade.

I am tempted to say that it is like the wealthy in the Civil War, who hired poor people to serve for them – but that is far too simplistic.

Actually, it is purposely complicated, and the longer it runs the more complicated it becomes.

Here is what you really need to know: It will cost you money.

That is it will cost you money unless you believe that corporations will decrease their profit to pay for the increased cost of doing business.

Here is how it works: Energy producers bring fossil fuel into the United States in a tanker. Scientists can estimate how much CO2 (or the equivalent, CO2e) that x number of barrels the fuel will produce.

Based on how many barrels the fuel producer has in hand, a permit is issued for so many tons of CO2 or the equivalent CO2e.

Now some companies will find that they can change fuels, or use wind energy, or solar, and will have permits in excess because they now produce less CO2e, and they can sell those excess permits to the first company.

So now the first company can continue to pollute (assuming you believe CO2 is a pollutant), but since it had to buy the excess permit capacity from the second company it continues to pollute at a higher price.

The assumption is that in order to save the permit money, the company will do what the second company did and try to find fuel that has lower CO2e.

Of course there is more cost – the cost of monitoring and trading, all of which the company has the choice of eating or passing on to the customer. (Guess which one they will select.)

Now, suppose you own a furniture manufacturing company in North Carolina, and suddenly your fuel costs go up 10%, or 20%. You are holding on by your fingernails, with high labor costs, high land costs, high…
And you get a slick brochure from India, offering to build your furniture, to your specifications for 30% less than your total costs. Shyam Saran, India's top negotiator at the UN climate conference currently underway has said his country will not limit their emissions.

So, you now have customers who can buy the same furniture at the same price but made in India (or China), or pay more for the furniture made in North Carolina.

That is the tradeoff. Pay more, or send the jobs overseas,

Since you are not going to move overseas, and you are going to drive your 6 year old car, you are going to pay more at the pump.

We don’t know how much because the House bill is not going to be the final bill, but the current bill has a lot of “Christmas Tree” provisions added, including the requirement to have a government inspector “grade” your home before you can sell it. They plan to grade it on the energy rating of appliances, the windows, the insulation, the heating and cooling and you must upgrade your home past some undisclosed level before you can sell it.

While I doubt that the Senate will let that get past it, with that one concept you have the idea behind all of this “energy” bill.

That is control of your life.

You have seen the idea floated in California or taxing you on the number of miles you drive, based on GPS information. You have seen the concept of the industry having control of your thermostat, and it will not take anything on your part to have that power transferred to the State when they determine that you use “too much” heating and cooling. In the area of water, we are under severe water restrictions – but no government agency is looking for new sources of water, they just want to ration that which is available, and it is a judge who determines how much is available.

The purpose of Cap and Trade is to make current fossil fuel more expensive so that other really expensive alternatives can compete. Solar works well, one house at a time but the Return on Investment exceeds my lifespan. Wind works sometimes. Nuclear is not in the plan.

Fossil fuel is here today, and will be here tomorrow and a lot of tomorrows. It will simply be more expensive.

A lot more expensive. This plan was initially called a “Carbon Tax” – and that is what it is, but the word “tax” was off-putting, so they settled for “Cap and Trade.”

It is a TAX.