Davenport, C. (2015, November 17). Senate Votes to Block Obama’s Climate Change Rules. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/18/us/politics/senate-blocks-obamas-climate-change-rules.html?_r=0
The Senate voted Tuesday to block new environmental legislation that was supported by President Obama. They passed two resolutions: one to remove a rule that would cut carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants, and one to remove a rule halting construction of more coal-fired power plants. Both passed 52-46. Three Democrats from states with a strong coal industry broke party lines to vote for the resolutions. However, two Republicans voted for them. Obama has promised to veto the bills, citing environmental concerns. This move by the Senate weakens Obama’s negotiating power in Paris on November 30, where he will attempt to broker a historic climate change agreement between all nations. The President hopes to get all countries to commit to policies that would reduce global warming.
This article relates to the political aspect of environmental science. Scientists can identify all the environmental problems they want, but a strong political presence is needed in order to achieve solutions. Unfortunately, the coal industry has strong lobbying power and holds a lot of influence in Congress. Republicans don’t want an agreement to be reached, because if it is, the Republicans would look like they are behind the times. If all countries agree to stop climate change, that would validate its existence in the minds of the American public. The Republicans would probably be forced to validate the treaty, since they would look un-American if they didn’t. The American voter values patriotism in their politicians, and would be less inclined to vote Republican if the Party doesn’t support the President in an international agreement. While these current shenanigans are largely underreported, refusing to support the President internationally would make America look weak to the world, and a strong America is a key plank on the Republican platform.
I agree with you that we need to all agree on a way to reduce our emissions, especially now. Our country needs to lead the way but in order for that to happen both parties need to be aware of how crucial protecting the environment is.
I agree. One way we could make an actual difference is by having many of the population in support of the environmental laws.
We need to move off of the partisan disagreements and actually make some change in this country. If people keep blocking the bills because it has Obama’s signature, we wont get much done.