US Politics – Nov 17
How green will the 110th Congress be?
Next Congress will be greener, but not much
Robert Gates at the Pentagon gate
The Democratic conga line in the American House of Lords
Politics
Peak oil is simple
Perhaps in a perfect Platonic world of policy, a “peak oil is today” strategy would look different from [CERA’s] “peak oil in 2040” strategy. But back down here on earth, we’re stuck with the blunt instrument of representative democracy. Our choice is far closer to binary than most oil geeks are willing to acknowledge. The choice before us is: mobilize and start pushing, or don’t.
U.S. energy policy – Nov 14
Ex-CIA chief: ‘Oil dependence threatens US, Israel’ /
Ex-energy secty sees rise in oil prices /
Oil revenues fuel resistance to U.S. /
Bill allowing more drilling along coasts appears dead /
Environment, global warming seen as factors in ’08 elections
Post-election compromise, or a tin ear in Detroit?
A voice for change echoes across the land. Energy policy even earned more than lip service in many races. Yet the ink on the e-vote tally wasn’t even dry when Detroit’s own Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), ranking member in line to chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee, declared that he wouldn’t raise fuel-efficiency standards for U.S. automobiles. …This is nuts.
Global Warming: More Inconvenient Truths
When it comes to taking action on climate change, the focus always seems to be on what each of us can do personally. Perhaps you, too, are wondering what part business, industry and governments have to play?
Democrat plans for energy
With the Democrats in control of Congress, what’s in store for energy policy? The Oil Drum summarizes the plans of Democrats in the Senate and the House.
Energy policies – Nov 10
Japan energy: Goodbye Iran, hello Iraq /
Iran smart cards a step to petrol rationing /
Energy insecurity tops G20 agenda /
Aust Govt rules out carbon tax /
Interview with Germany’s Green Party chair
N. America energy policy – Nov 10
Lessons for U.S. from Russia and China /
‘Energy independence’ on Bush agenda /
Environment policy change in new House /
An acceleration toward alternative fuels? /
Door open for shift in energy policy /
Alberta’s Dinning calls nuclear power oilsands option
Boxer pledges shift on global warming
Momentous change, as Republican Sen. James Inhofe is replaced as head of U.S. Senate’s environmental committee. Sen. Inhofe has called global warming “the greatest hoax perpetrated on the American people.”
Let’s speak about energy (and a gas tax) now
Limiting fuel consumption is a matter of national security. Taxing such consumption – in increasing amounts over time – is a simple signal that this national security issue is taken seriously and that everyone is involved.
It’s the patriotic thing to do
Politics: Rebuilding Civil Society
The transformation of American democracy into an elective oligarchy funded by the profits of empire was one consequence of the petroleum-fueled prosperity of the 20th century. As cheap oil and American empire meet a common end, the renewal of civil society offers one option to begin rebuilding a viable society in the twilight of the industrial age.
U.S. elections – Nov 8
NY Times: Election’s over. Now to tackle the realities /
Environmentalists hopeful /
Real movement on global warming? /
Bush won’t change climate policy /
Dems to hammer ‘energy independence’ /
Democrats to target oil majors /
Oil and gas industry – heightened scrutiny /
Alternative fuels defeated in California /
LA Times against Prop 87
