To the Point
The Gulf Oil Spill and Climate Change in an Election Year
Because of the Gulf oil spill, polls show increased support for climate change legislation among American voters. But Senate Republican leaders say they’ll oppose a compromise measure unveiled yesterday by Democrat John Kerry and Independent Joe Lieberman. The bill would provide incentives for offshore oil exploration—while also allowing states to veto drilling in the waters of neighboring states. What else would it do? We’ll hear more today about nuclear power, so-called “clean coal” and consumer protection. Also, Why is the “Peace Process” more process than peace?
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenBecause of the Gulf oil spill, polls show increased support for climate change legislation among American voters. But Senate Republican leaders say they’ll oppose a compromise measure unveiled yesterday by Democrat John Kerry and Independent Joe Lieberman. The bill would provide incentives for offshore oil exploration—while also allowing states to veto drilling in the waters of neighboring states. What else would it do? We’ll hear more today about nuclear power, so-called “clean coal” and consumer protection. Also, Why is the “Peace Process” more process than peace?
Banner Image: SOUTH PASS, LA - MAY 12: Workers clean a beach after tar balls washed up as efforts continue to contain BP's massive oil spill on May 12, 2010 in South Pass, Louisiana. The Deepwater Horizon oil rig operated by BP is leaking an estimated rate of 1,000-5,000 barrels of oil a day into the Gulf and the slick has now reached nearby land. Efforts to contain the spill have done little to slow its flow. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
In this episode
3 storiesWill the Gulf Oil Spill Lead to Criminal Charges?
Federal criminal charges are likely against at least one of the companies involved in the Gulf oil spill, and that could mean higher penalties, even though there’s now a 75-million-dollar cap on liability.
Read the story8 minKerry and Lieberman Push for Climate Legislation
In the wake of the Gulf oil spill—climate change is back on the Senate’s agenda. Does the bill unveiled yesterday have a chance to pass? Will it begin a debate that won’t end until after November’s elections? Polls by environmental groups show majorities of this year’s voters favor climate-change legislation.
Read the story33 minLosing Religion of Middle East Peace
The Middle East Peace process is a “false religion” according to a veteran Washington diplomat who says he is no longer a true believer. But, he says, President Obama is, along with Rahm Emanuel, Hillary Clinton and George Mitchell.
Read the story10 min
