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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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23

Dems Use Nukes to Lure GOP to Climate Bill

Plants, drilling offered as sweetener for cap-and-trade

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(Newser) – The climate change bill up for Senate committee debate tomorrow doesn't stand a chance unless its Democratic backers can sweet talk some of their GOP colleagues, the Washington Post reports. The legislation focuses on a cap-and-trade system where companies could buy and sell emissions permits as needed. But Republican support is minimal, and even Dems from coal country are leery. So backers are upping the ante by adding something their GOP friends want: nuclear plants.

So far, possibilities include provisions on nuclear power and offshore drilling and an amendment to speed up the construction of nuclear reactors. But those pot-sweeteners still might not sway Republicans. "A tepid nuclear title isn't enough to get her to support a bad climate bill," says a rep for Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who was once seen as a likely ally but remains skeptical.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, SC, is the most visible Republican in favor of the climate change bill.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, SC, is the most visible Republican in favor of the climate change bill.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Democratic leaders desperate to pass the climate change bill are adding amendments that would speed the construction of nuclear plants. Seen here: Three Mile Island's cooling towers in Middletown, Pa.
Democratic leaders desperate to pass the climate change bill are adding amendments that would speed the construction of nuclear plants. Seen here: Three Mile Island's cooling towers in Middletown, Pa.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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23 comments
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Face-Of-RNC
Nov 2, 09 9:33 AM CST
Any bill that doesn't process used nuclear fuel and get it out of the communities that never voted to store it indefinately should be rejected. The French have no trouble with this and we should follow suit. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
dontlikeyou
Nov 2, 09 10:32 AM CST
After what has happened in the 23rd district of NY, I doubt any Republican will dare touch the Cap and Tax bill that Mr. Obama is behind. It would be political suicide for them, just as it will be political suicide for many democrats.
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-1
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Face-Of-RNC
Nov 2, 09 10:45 AM CST
The election hasn't occurred yet. Have you notoiced?
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+1
Netstorm2k9
Nov 2, 09 9:35 AM CST
Unless those cap-and-trade pollution permits are gonna cost a trillion bucks a pop, it's a waste of time. These companies make hundreds of billions a year. They can buy all the permits they want, and never change a thing. They'll probably pollute more, once they can tie a profit margin to it. Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
dontlikeyou
Nov 2, 09 10:35 AM CST
Oh, but there will be a change.... the US Gov't will tax corporations. Corporations will pay that tax to the US Government and then pass the bill to the American consumer in the form of higher energy bills (some predict 40% higher prices at the pump, electric bills, etc.). When Obama pushes this and the debate begins, watch the politicians run from it like the plague. leaving Obama alone with the government conrolled Obamamedia.
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+2

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