Wednesday, September 9, 2009

THREE DECISIONS

First, decide:
1. Global warming is real
2. Global warming is not real
3. Global warming is exaggerated

Everyone has an opinion on this topic. Why are environmentalists adamant that temperatures are rising. Why are scientists stepping forward telling us that the data on global warming isn’t true? This giant tug-o-war has all of us wondering who’s right.

It might come down to who’s MORE right? To disregard the opinions and perception of others with whom you do not agree is not the answer. But if you had to weigh all the data, where do you stand?

The basic premise of cap-and-trade is that government doesn't tell polluters how to clean up their act. Instead, it simply imposes a cap on emissions. Each company starts the year with a certain number of tons allowed—a so-called right to pollute. The company decides how to use its allowance; it might restrict output, or switch to a cleaner fuel, or buy a scrubber to cut emissions. If it doesn't use up its allowance, it might then sell what it no longer needs. Then again, it might have to buy extra allowances on the open market. Each year, the cap ratchets down, and the shrinking pool of allowances gets costlier. As in a game of musical chairs, polluters must scramble to match allowances to emissions.

A majority of people will tell you they want a cleaner environment – it’s a responsible position to take for our future. But, no matter WHERE you stand on the global warming position, if a cap and trade program is passed by the Senate, it will cost every American more money. Utilities cannot put in the necessary equipment to reduce CO2 emissions, nor can they purchase market-based allowances, without passing those costs on to the customers in the form of higher electric rates.

Next decision:
1. How much MORE are you willing to pay for a cleaner environment?

The Congressional Budget Office says cap and trade will cost an average family of four $175.00 more each year in higher energy costs; about the price of a postage stamp per day. The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation paint a different picture. By 2020, The Heritage Foundation says it will cost the average family $1,870 per year and by 2035, that will increase to $6,800 annually. CBO took a one year snapshot of the costs while other organizations have calculated costs into the year 2035.

AGAIN, it might come down to who’s MORE right? If you had to weigh all the data, how much do you think it will cost?

Last decision:
1. What will you ask your state senator to do on your behalf?


Now…go to www.ourenergy.coop and tell them!

Gwen Kautz, Customer Service Manager
Dawson Public Power District

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