Archive - Aug 28, 2009

I can't think of a better way than this to wrap up this week in climate news. The Washington Post and ABC News released a new poll today that shows just how strongly the American people support bold action on climate and clean energy:

Nearly six in 10 of those polled support the proposed changes to U.S. energy policy being developed by Congress and the administration. Fifty-five percent of Americans approve of the way Obama is handling the issue, compared with 30 percent who do not. A narrower majority, 52 to 43 percent, back a cap-and-trade system; that margin is unchanged since June. A cap-and-trade system would set a ceiling for the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, and it would allow firms to buy and sell emissions permits.

By 1Sky policy intern Ben Wessel. -- Luis

After weeks of rumors, Republican Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced this morning that George LeMieux would replace retiring Republican Senator Mel Martinez in the US Senate. LeMieux, a longtime Crist ally and confidant (as well as former Crist chief of staff and campaign manager), will hold the seat until January 2011. Crist is favored to win that seat in the November 2010 elections.

By Rev. Nelson Bock, Executive Director of Colorado Interfaith Power and Light. -- Luis

We knew it was going to happen: the opponents of change are pulling out all the stops in their efforts to derail significant health care reform in this country. I work for Colorado Interfaith Power and Light, and while our issue is climate change, I also care deeply about health care reform; not only that, but I think the health care debate is a preview of things to come in the debate around climate change and clean energy jobs legislation. To some people, the ends apparently justify the means, to heck with civil discourse or respecting others.