Emissions bill comes under fire locally
Area business leaders say legislation could be a boost for foreign competitors.
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
MIDDLETOWN — As politicians debate about the emissions bill slated to be voted on by the U.S. Senate this June, area business leaders say the legislation would hurt the U.S. more than help the climate.
The bill, introduced by Sens. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn, and John Warner, R-Va., is designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions using a cap and trade system to limit carbon dioxide.
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Negative impact on U.S. businesses
But since the measure would only be imposed on U.S. businesses, restrictions could make it more difficult to compete with foreign companies, said AK Steel Corp. spokesman Alan McCoy.
"Today, there is no technology to alter to making molten iron in a blast furnace without coke, which means no way to lower CO2 without slowing (production) down," McCoy said. "The demand for steel is still going to be there, all we will have done is make it impossible for U.S. steel producers to make steel, and it will go to countries like China and India."
Since American manufacturers, and steelmakers specifically, are already some of the cleanest and fuel efficient companies in the world, McCoy said enforcing stricter emission standards in the U.S. will actually make global emissions go up.
"China, India and Brazil are among the dirtiest manufactures in the world. You slow down U.S. production and that is where it will go, and as a result it will have the same impact on the environment," McCoy said.
Negative impact on residents
Such an emissions bill could also adversely affect residents by increasing electric prices as well, said Middletown Chamber of Commerce president Bill Triick. Rate increases will hinder Ohio's ability to attract new companies and jobs, he said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jlander@coxohio.com.
Comments
By Michael
April 23, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
Michael C.: Very eloquent, hate filled reply….sorry you believe everything you hear, without investigating the truth. Spoken like a true Democrat!
By GishiGo
April 22, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
There are a bunch of websites that will help you rideshare. I use GishiGo all the time. Also use the freebie websites since they are free and have lots of users. But I always use the GishiGo to filter freaks. If the person doesn’t want to exchange identity in a solid way, that means not just email and phone number (commonly fake), then we don’t meet. It’s simple and effective. http://www.GishiGo.com
By Gary
April 22, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Kudos Michael! Having grown up in Monroe, now in Palm Springs Ca, I see a major difference amongst the Liberals out here and the Conservative upbringing I had there. Its all for handouts here……… You are educated and correct about global warming!!!!!!!!!!!1
By Michael C.
April 22, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Wow, third times a charm. Oh wait, not understanding how to use modern technology is yet another symptom of a lack of education. And, now that Ohio’s educational system is failing miserably, people are free to express their uneducated opinions and affect public policy -thus further damaging and destroying the Earth in the name of greed and gluttony! Great! No wonder employers are fleeing this state in droves…
By Michael
April 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Global warming as a result of human actions has yet to be proven, just like evolution. Yeah, the earth is getting warmer, but it’s been doing that since the Ice Age. It’s just a political tool for some democrats to gain office. You can’t prove or disprove it!
By Michael
April 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Global warming as a result of human actions has yet to be proven, just like evolution. Yeah, the earth is getting warmer, but it’s been doing that since the Ice Age. It’s just a political tool for some democrats to gain office. You can’t prove or disprove it!
By Michael
April 22, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Global warming as a result of human actions has yet to be proven, just like evolution. Yeah, the earth is getting warmer, but it’s been doing that since the Ice Age. It’s just a political tool for some democrats to gain office. You can prove or disprove it!