Govt Watch: Waxman-Markey Bill – Green Power

Something that may surprise you – I disagree (partly) with Steve Milloy’s article Waxman-Markey abolishes neighborhood solar panel limits. Here is what he wrote:

The Waxman-Markey bill abolishes neighborhood restrictions on solar panels. This provision was part of the “manager’s amendment” that was added to the bill at 3am the morning of the vote. The bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to issue rules prohibiting private covenants that restrict or prohibit the installation of solar energy systems. So if your neighborhood has existing rules that prohibit residents from turning their manicured front yards into solar farms, Waxman-Markey abolishes them. That such “restrictive covenants” are typically a matter of private contract apparently matters little in the coming green world.

First, this amendment is a prime example how those we elect in Congress do business. They rush important legislation through without proper discussion, committee, and most importantly research – except when they don’t want to address an issue/bill, like H.R. 25, Fair Tax Act. The bill spent two years in committee/discussion with advice from leading American economic experts. Whether they believe that the replacement tax is suitable or not – they cannot deny the fact that the income tax is not only unfair, intrusive and a tool of misuse of government power, but it was unconstitutional in 1911 and still unconstitutional today. I don’t know about the representatives and senators now occupying space in Congress feel – but if my name was on a legislation, I would want it to be as perfect as humanly possible – especially when it concerns important issues and drastic impact upon the citizens of the United States. It should be just a matter of professionalism and personal pride. But, as my wife says now and again: What do I know?

Mr. Milloy is saying that restrictive covenants have the right of restricting or preventing solar panels in neighborhoods with contract covenants. This part I cannot disagree with because people who choose to purchase or build a home in such neighborhoods should be aware of the covenants before they move into such neighborhoods. But what if you have been living there and the majority of the residents vote to add an amendment to the covenant outlawing or restricting solar panels – and you are faced with a huge expense in order to comply?

When it comes to local government, town officials or elected county officials, to many have passed such restrictions when it concerns energy-saving equipment such as solar panels or wind turbines. The key issue here is they are both renewable energy - using Earth’s natural resources, sun and wind, that is not controlled by business congolmerates like OPEC. I believe that “fossil fuel” had its day, but now its time to move on. Unfortunately, those that are in the crude oil business have put forth effort in detering this to happen. Crude oil will still be required to produce lubrication and other material, such as plastic – but it is time to put forth more effort in alternate energy, such as hydrogen, et cetera.

I believe in alternate energy capabilities and the ability to choose. Electric gridding has been a task of the government in conjunction with private entity – and it just isn’t making it. Last year our electric bill went up three times. Wind turbines have been proven to be effective – a large one on a hill above a town can generate enough for the entire town. One turbine can generate enough electricity for a farm with enough to sell back to the electric entity. Restrictions in regards to safety and construction guidelines are important; however, too often wind turbines are not allowed because they are an eye sore. Case in point would be Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy, who is behind this legislation and preaching about alternate energy, but fought against wind turbines being allowed near his home. Typical Democrat who expects rules to be made for people to follow, but either doesn’t want to comply or doesn’t want it to apply to people like him.

Conserving energy is something that is individual. Everyone wants as much as they can get for the buck – but government, those we elect to run it, consistently and constantly muck up issues rather than solving them. As Ronald Reagan stated: Government IS the problem. Efficiency and cost is key in any alternative energy’s success.

One columnist had hopes that the Senate will not pass, at least as is, the Waxman-Markey bill. Steve Milloy provides top ten reason to be afrain of this bill passing in the Senate:

1 – Every politician has his price and the Obama administration is printing money like there’s no tomorrow.
2 – Likely Senate supporters include the 57 Senate Democrats (Al Franken included),  Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Joe Lieberman (I-CT),  Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME). Those 61 votes are  enough to avoid filibuster and pass a bill. Because of #1, above, don’t expect many Democrat defections. Because of #3, below, do expect some Republicans to defect. The 2010 elections threaten no one — they are too far away and, in this catastrophe-a-day-world, everyone will forget about Waxman-Markey, especially since its pain doesn’t set in until 2012 or later.
3 – Senate Republicans ill-informed, inarticulate, dispirited and disorganized. They inspire little no confidence.
4 – Al Gore, greens and corporate rent-seekers will pull out all the stops as their dreams of a green corporate welfare state are actually within grasp.
5 – Businesses that aren’t lobbying for a climate bill are divided, dazed and confused. To the extent that they are spending their precious few resources to fight climate regulation, it has been on so-far-useless coalitions.
6 – Skeptics are outmanned, outgunned and shunned by the businesses described in #5, above.
7 – Obama will use health care, immigration and other emerging/existing policy issues to distract opponents and entice supporters.
8 – The mainstream media is unabashedly shilling for Waxman-Markey (or a worse bill) while skeptic-friendly outlets are overwhelmed and distracted with the depth and breadth of the Obama administration’s assault on America.
9 – The Democrats are ready to pull any trick to win — witness the surprise addition of a 300-page “manager’s amendment” to the Waxman-Markey bill at 3am on the day of the vote. Boehner’s heroics aside, Republicans should have tossed House rules aside and screamed bloody murder to prevent a vote. While the Republicans play by Marquess of Queensbury rules, Henry Waxman and the Democrats are busy sticking shivs into them.
10 – Taxpayers and consumers are way under-represented in Washington, DC, especially when compared to the global warming lobby. They also fail to understand that Waxman-Markey is no mere energy tax — it’s a frontal assault on the American way of life.

Obama and associates complained about the GW Bush goose-stepping methods, but represents no change, and in fact, will make matters worse. If a president lies when he is a candidate (at least three confirmed times) – what makes you think an elected official will suddenly become truthful and show statesmanship after obtaining what they wanted – the power of the office?

In order for there to be any real change, a change that is good for America and its citizens, then American voters need to educate themselves, get involved (at least at federal and state levels) and let the elected elites know that Americans are no longer apathetic and we have had enough of the silly games played in Babylon that we call Washington, DC.