Global Warming and the Energy Bill
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As Congress debates a new energy bill, the Obama White House releases dramatic new warnings about the increased impact of global warming. We hear about the latest report and the prospects for legislation. Also, the President proposes a financial regulatory overhaul, and tens of thousands of demonstrators reportedly took to the streets of Iran today. What information is getting past restrictions imposed by the government?
Banner image: De-forestation, one of the many human-induced factors responsible for climate change
Making News
Obama Proposes Financial Regulatory Overhaul ()
President Obama today proposed what he calls the broadest changes in financial regulation since the Great Depression, insisting that they will strengthen, not weaken, the free market. Kevin Hall, National Economics Correspondent for the McClatchy Newspapers, has more on the proposal.
Guests:
- Kevin Hall: National Economics Correspondent, McClatchy Newspapers
Main Topic
Global Warming and the Energy Bill ()
Federal law requires comprehensive reports on global warming every four years. Last year a lawsuit forced the Bush Administration to issue its first such document since it took office in 2001. Yesterday, the Obama White House updated that draft report with stronger language and ten "key findings." The report comprises dire warnings from thirteen federal agencies about the increasing impact of global warming. It's already changing ocean levels and weather patterns in the United States, with dramatic effects on water supplies, agriculture and human health. The report comes as Congress tackles a massive energy bill designed by supporters to slow and reduce the consequences of climate change. Is it too complex and expensive or too little to late? Will Republicans — and Democrats — water it down?
Guests:
- Evan Mills: Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- Dave Hamilton: Director of Global Warming and Energy Programs, Sierra Club
- Ronald Bailey: Science Correspondent, Reason magazine
- Steven Mufson: Energy Correspondent, Washington Post
Links:
- Joseph White's (Wall Street Journal) article on the politics of climate change
- UN Climate Change Conference (December 7-18, Copenhagen)
- American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (Waxman-Markey)
- Bingaman on his American Clean Energy Leadership Act
- Yale economist Nordhaus on the economic issues of global warming
- Cap and Trade, EPA on
- Bailey's article on cap-and-trade delusions
- Mufson's article on government guaranteeing loans for nuclear power plants
Reporter's Notebook
Fifth Day of Election Protests in Iran ()
Iran's government has expanded restrictions on foreign reporters and accused the US of interfering in its domestic affairs. But the word is out that protesters against presidential election results defied the government for another day. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been directly challenged by opposition leader Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who has told supporters to continue demonstrations despite orders to pursue his demands through the electoral system. We hear about the ongoing protests in Iran and response from the US.
Guests:
- Borzou Daragahi: Middle East Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, @borzou
- Mohsen Milani: Professor of Government and International Affairs, University of South Florida
Links:
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