President Obama’s job-destroying carbon emission regulations are tied up in court and are likely to stay there for a few years.
But that hasn’t stopped him from doubling down and proposing more regulations to save us from global warming.
The president used his radio address on Saturday to brag about how he’s cut carbon emissions while promising new rules to “protect” our lands and waters and shoot for a goal of generating 50% of our electricity using renewable energy sources.
“We know that 2015 surpassed the hottest year on record – and 2016 is on pace to be even hotter,” Obama said in his weekly address. “There’s still so much more to do.
“And if we keep pushing, and leading the world in the right direction, there’s no doubt that, together, we can leave a better, cleaner, safer future for our children.”
Obama said he plans on debuting new tools for combating climate change before he leaves office.
“In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll release a second round of fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty vehicles. We’ll take steps to meet the goal we set with Canada and Mexico to achieve 50 percent clean power across North America by 2025,” Obama said.
“And we’ll continue to protect our lands and waters so that our kids and grandkids can enjoy our most beautiful spaces for generations.”
Obama added he remains proud of his achievements battling climate change, namely the international Paris agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“We’ve multiplied wind power threefold. We’ve multiplied solar power more than thirtyfold,” Obama said.
“And carbon pollution from our energy sector is at its lowest level in 25 years, even as we’re continuing to grow our economy. We’ve invested in energy efficiency, and we’re slashing carbon emissions from appliances, homes and businesses – saving families money on their energy bills.”
Obama’s potential successors diverge wildly on the threat climate change poses worldwide.
GOP nominee Donald Trump on Thursday downplayed the influence climate change has on mankind. He has previously called climate change a “hoax” pushed by China.
“I don’t believe it’s a devastating impact,” he told The Miami Herald. “[I’m] not a big believer in manmade climate change.”
Carbon emissions are low because government has made coal far more expensive than it should be while the fracking revolution has unleashed massive amounts of natural gas — a cleaner-burning alternative. Needless to say, the Obama administration has done its best to slow down the fracking industry so there’s absolutely nothing he should be taking credit for — except the destruction of the coal industry.
As for setting a goal of generating 50% of U.S. electricity in nine years, the percentage of electricity being generated using wind, solar, and nuclear is less than 15%. There are no solar power plants that supply electricity at anything near the rate that a fossil fuel plant does. In short, it’s a pipe dream to think we can achieve his goal.
The EPA power grab of the nation’s waterways is also in the courts, as the administration is seeking to control about 95% of all water in the U.S. Considering what happened at the Gold King Mine, that should send a chill down the backs of all Americans.
There has never been a more radical administration when it comes to environmental regulations. Promising more of the same before he leaves office is hardly unexpected.
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