Political Quotes

“At the same time, the bill also allows us to respond to the complex issues of curbing greenhouse gas emissions while squarely confronting the argument that reducing carbon dioxide emissions will damage our economy. To the contrary, funds generated for the Federal Government from this auction of carbon emission allowances that are established under this legislation can be held, purchased, or sold in the program's first 18 years so that it can generate $1 trillion for clean technology, in worker training and retraining programs. Moreover, the bill provides funding to help industry meet the new emissions targets not just in the short term but all the way through 2050. So it has a long-term view and also accepts the long-term responsibilities and obligations that accompany this legislation. It also encourages low and zero carbon technologies that would change as the technologies are developed and come on line by placing a cost on greenhouse gas emissions. But it also offers the private sector the certainty they require with respect to the laws they must comply with well into the future before they invest in low and zero carbon technologies. That is important so that businesses not only understand the standards that will be established for the next 40 to 50 years; it also is logical for them in terms of making their decisions, their financial investments, and understanding what the long term will prescribe.”