The House of Representatives is meddling again. Admittedly, this is their appointed job. This time, Congress is occupying itself making adjustments the types and quantities of energy available to Americans.
The big-money piece of the bill is a proposal to require companies to buy permits to emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that scientists have linked to changes in the earth’s climate, causing such phenomena as melting polar ice caps. The bill would put caps on those emissions, with the goal of reducing overall U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 17% from 2005 levels by the year 2020, and 83% by mid-century.
In a series of deals meant to ease the impact on businesses and their customers, Democratic leaders agreed to give away to the business community more than 60% of pollution permits in the early years of the program.
Supporters say the bill will have a modest impact on electricity ratepayers, and in many cases will save them money. That is because the legislation directs state regulators to make sure electricity-producing utilities that receive free pollution permits pass along the savings.
If the legislation passes the Senate intact, it will likely benefit the company I work for greatly because we own a wind energy division are are looking at forming a solar division as well. While I like the idea of encouraging my climate friendly energy generation I don’t like the idea that Congress should be in charge of regulating energy. Government has a way of ensuring a median of mediocrity.
Let’s see what happens to this bill in the Senate. I look forward to my free wind turbine being installed shortly so I can live the green lifestyle.