Oh, Senator Bennet. How I am coming to loathe thee Blue Doggedness.
For those unawares (as I previously was, because I am not even close to being up to snuff on environmental issues), ACES stands for the American Clean Energy and Security bill. Basically, this is President Obama's cap and trade push. We need it. We want it. And we're not really down with those who oppose it/water it down/lie about it/hurt it/hurl it/hurl, in general.
And, since I have a slight problem with Mr. Bennet, the most excellent RLMiller asked me to adopt him to help so that ACES passes the upcoming vote in the Senate, just as it (barely) did in the House. I was more than happy to oblige.
I think Michael Bennet is the 4th newest senator, ranking only higher than Al Franken, Roland Burris, and Kirsten Gillibrand. Unfortunately, Bennet was appointed by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter after President Obama chose former senator Ken Salazar to be Secretary of the Interior. Senator Bennet is an official Blue Dog and everything. Maybe he joined up because they, like, hand out groovy cigars or something. I don't get the appeal.
During his short time in office, I've quickly learned that Senator Bennet holds his cards close to his chest. And I don't like playing poker.
But Brad Johnson, over at Hill Heat, caught this recent little ditty:
When it comes to Colorado’s fossil fuels, Bennet for now is stepping behind natural gas, calling for it to have a bigger role in the Senate bill. "It was essentially absent from the House bill," Bennet said. "I’d like to know why that is."
Uhm, hello. BECAUSE THERE'S THIS THING CALLED CLIMATE CHANGE AND IT'S KINDA FUCKING UP OUR PLANET! I'm just taking a stab in the dark here, but maybe that's why natural gas wasn't included in the House bill. Call it a hunch.
Interestingly, there's also this piece of info:
Bennet’s signed on as co-sponsor to a bill from Sen. Tom Udall, (D-N.M.) and Udall of Colorado that would enact a 25-percent-by-2025 renewable electricity standard. "It’s been an enormous positive for Colorado," Bennet said. "The market adapted. Our evidence is that it works."
Does anybody know anything about this? I certainly don't - this is the first time I'm hearing about it, but it sounds good, at least on its face. I believe that this somehow ties in with the SMART grid at CSU in Fort Collins, but I don't understand the particulars.
PLEASE write and call Senator Michael Bennet today. Tell him to support ACES legislation WITHOUT natural gas initiatives, because the power companies don't need anymore help, but the Earth certainly does!
Phone: (202) 224-5852
E-mail: I cannot find this for the life of me. Wtf?! (But you can leave an e-message here.)
Blitzkreig, people! BLITZKREIG!
Plus, oo yay! I just found this (open to "concerned citizens"):
Join Sen. Michael Bennet and guests for a summit on agricultural opportunities in clean energy. Learn more about how proposed clean energy legislation will impact agriculture in Colorado.
The USDA, agricultural producers, scientists and economists will discuss opportunities for Colorado’s farmers in clean energy legislation, and they will be available to answer your questions.
A light lunch will be served. Please RSVP by August 31st to Bill Midcap at (303) 283-3528.
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
9:00am-2:00pm (Registration begins at 9:00am)
Country Steak-Out
19592 County Rd R.7
Fort Morgan, Colo.
I am out of time on the computer today, but I'm sure I'll kick Senator Bennet's booty again next week. :)