Climate Change, Immigration Reform and California
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After a disappointing conference last year in Copenhagen, this was billed the year for the US to get tough about global warming. But a US Senate compromise may be on the rocks, and the nation's breakthrough state law is under challenge in California. Also, a sunken oil rig causes a massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, and for the past 70 years, either Labor or the Conservatives have ruled Britain. This year might see a historic change.
Banner image: California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) takes major steps toward cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images
Making News
Oil Rig Explosion Pours 1,000 Barrels a Day into the Gulf ()
Last week, a drilling rig sank in the Gulf of Mexico after a deadly explosion and fire. The Coast Guard was initially optimistic about the chance of a leak from the well. Now it turns out that 1000 barrels a day are gushing out of the sea floor. Russell Gold reports for the Wall Street Journal.
Guests:
- Russell Gold: Energy Reporter, Wall Street Journal
Links:
Main Topic
Senate Republican Goes Cold on Climate Bill ()
Fallout from Arizona's new immigration law has already reached the US Senate, where Harry Reid now say it's time to deal with what is, after all, a federal issue. Republican Lindsay Graham calls that a “cynical ploy” to appeal to Hispanic voters, and he's backing away from a bipartisan compromise on climate change. Cut to California, where Texas oil companies are spending big money to repeal what's now the toughest climate-change law in the country. If voters agree in November, will the effort to curb global warming suffer a double whammy?
Guests:
- Bryan Walsh: Staff Writer, Time Magazine, @bryanrwalsh
- Eric Pica: Director of Domestic Policy Campaigns, Friend of the Earth
- Jim DiPeso: Policy Director, Republicans for Environmental Protection
- Margot Roosevelt: Reporter, Los Angeles Times
- Luke Popovich: Vice President of Communications, National Mining Association
Links:
- Walsh on Senator Graham putting the 'kibosh' on climate bill
- Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal (CLEAR) Act (Cantwell-Collins)
- American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (Waxman-Markey cap and trade)
- Gallup Poll on energy, environment
- Pew Poll on alternative energy, offshore drilling
- Roosevelt on ballot initiative to curb California's global warming legislation
- Center for Responsive Politics on political contributions of oil and gas industries
Reporter's Notebook
Is Great Britain Headed for Coalition Government? ()
For the first time since the 1930's, Great Britain's two-party government may be in for a change. If neither the Labour nor Conservative party wins enough votes to govern, Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, will be the power broker. Currently, the parties are in a three-way tie, which could leave the country ruled by a coalition. But who would be getting in bed with whom? What about the current Prime Minister, Labour's Gordon Brown? John Burns is London Bureau Chief for the New York Times.
Guests:
- John Burns: London Bureau Chief, New York Times
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