Obama unveils climate change plan; “less coal, for sure”; international, executive actions highlighted

Who’s saying what in opposition to the Plan?

James M. Taylor, J.D., Senior Fellow for Environment Policy, The Heartland Institute
“The president’s restrictions are unnecessary, futile, and economically punishing. The restrictions are unnecessary because global temperatures have remained flat for the past 15 years, proving alarmist climate models predict far too much warming and have no basis in reality. Moreover, U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are already falling dramatically without the punitive measures the president is proposing.

“The restrictions are futile because new growth in Chinese emissions will render all U.S. carbon dioxide cuts moot within a few short months. And even if Chinese emissions growth did not wipe out U.S. cuts, those U.S. cuts would have no measurable impact on global temperatures. The restrictions are economically punishing because they will drive up energy prices throughout the U.S. economy, which will stifle job creation and additionally drive existing businesses and jobs overseas. In short, the president’s restrictions are economically ruinous while providing no appreciable benefit.”

How will money impact the debate?

Maplight.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that reveals money’s influence on politics, released this interesting graphic.

In today’s Digest, we assess international efforts and the bottom line. With infographics and charts to make for a fast read, all via the page links below.