text:
H.R. 2454 (111th): American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009
- Introduced:
- May 15, 2009 (111th Congress, 2009–2010)
- Sponsor:
- Rep. Henry Waxman [D-CA30]
- Status:
- Died (Passed House)
This is the so-called Waxman-Markey cap and trade bill and was considered more comprehensive and ambitious than both the Lieberman-Warner Bill and President Obama's proposal. For more information, see Climate ... (read more)
The bill's title was written by its sponsor. H.R. stands for House of Representatives bill.
- Status
This bill was introduced in a previous session of Congress and was passed by the House on June 26, 2009 but was never passed by the Senate.
- Text
Last updated Jul 07, 2009.
1428 pages
- Progress
Introduced May 15, 2009 Reported by Committee May 21, 2009 Passed House Jun 26, 2009
- Full Title
To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy.
- Primary Source
THOMAS.gov (The Library of Congress)
GovTrack gets most information from THOMAS, which is updated generally one day after events occur. Activity since the last update may not be reflected here.
- Votes
Jun 26, 2009 6:59 p.m.
Failed 172/256Jun 26, 2009 7:17 p.m.
Passed 219/212 - Cosponsors
1 cosponsors (1D) (show)
- Committees
House Education and the Workforce
House Science, Space, and Technology
House Transportation and Infrastructure
The committee chair determines whether a bill will move past the committee stage.
- Summary
No summaries available.
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- Citation
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Library of Congress Summary
The summary below was written by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan division of the Library of Congress.
House Republican Conference Summary
The summary below was written by the House Republican Conference, which is the caucus of Republicans in the House of Representatives.
This summary can be found at http://www.gop.gov/bill/111/1/hr2454.
Creates the Largest Welfare Program in History: The "energy-stamps" program created by H.R. 2454 would reach 36 million people-that's 17 million more than Medicaid and 22 million more than food stamps. "Energy-stamps" represent a new entitlement only for those with low incomes, or who already get welfare and related benefits. Members may be concerned that everyone else would only get tax hikes. It is likely that low-income families whose "energy-stamps" are worth more than the energy tax hikes they pay.
"Free" Allowances: Members may be concerned that even if 100 percent of the industry's emissions were initially covered by free allocations, the bill's declining carbon cap would force higher and higher costs onto the American public. Eventually, when the allocations run out, emitters would be forced to either pass on the full higher cost to consumers, or move out of the U.S. to a country with less stringent emission policies.
Increased Bureaucracy: H.R. 2454 would increase federal bureaucracy by expanding nine federal departments and 17 federal agencies, creating a new Climate Change Service, requiring more than 65 agency actions for implementation and imposing unfunded mandates on states, municipalities and private entities. Mandates in the bill cover everything from outdoor light bulbs and table lamps to water dispensers, commercial hot food cabinets, and Jacuzzis.
Global Bailout: Between 2012 and 2019, H.R. 2454 would send $302 billion in taxpayer wealth overseas for climate change adaption, clean technology, and forest protection in countries such as Brazil.
The End of Coal?: Due to the mandated emission caps in the bill, if insufficient allowances (which decline each year) are distributed to cover all their emissions, existing coal plants would either have to reduce carbon to be below the cap or purchase emission allowances to do so. It is likely that many coal-fired plants would not be able to reduce their carbon emissions enough (as retrofitting older plants would be costly and potentially unfeasible) in the time frame outlined, meaning they would have to raise electricity rates to purchase the amount of allowances necessary. The only other economic choice for such coal-fired plants would be to shut down. If these plants close, the U.S. would see a severe reduction in coal-powered electricity generation.
Reduces Emissions by Only Hundredths of a Single Degree: H.R. 2454, touted as necessary to stop global warming, would set aggressive emission reduction targets, mandating that by 2050, CO2 levels in the U.S. be reduced by 83 percent below 2005 levels-making U.S. emission levels similar to those in 1907-when the primary mode of transportation was horseback. Despite H.R. 2454's aggressive targets these reductions are anticipated to slow temperature increases by merely hundredths of a single degree Fahrenheit by 2050, and no more than two tenths of a degree by the end of the century.
Does it really make sense to redistribute trillions of dollars from family budgets and worker payrolls for a slew of new government programs? Or force families, farmers, and drivers to pay higher power bills, higher heating and cooling bills, higher food and goods prices and higher gasoline and diesel prices, all for the promise of slowing temperature increases by merely hundredths of a single degree Fahrenheit by 2050. The answer clearly is NO.
Without India and China? Without the cooperation of developing countries like China (the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases) and India (expected to increase emissions by 104 percent between 2006 and 2030) no real reduction in global temperature can be attained. According to an MIT study whose authors generally support cap-and-tax proposals, "With rapid growth in developing countries, failure to control their emissions could lead to a substantial increase in global temperature even if the U.S. and other developed countries pursue stringent policies." China and India have repeatedly warned that they have no intention of restricting their emissions. According to a Chinese government spokesman, "[I]t is natural for China to have some increase in its emissions, so it is not possible for China in that context to accept a binding or compulsory target."
National Energy Tax: CBO confirms that H.R. 2454 imposes a national energy tax on every household in the U.S. CBO also assumes the benefit of a massive redistribution of wealth in the form of liberal spending programs and glosses over regional disparities. Other independent estimates conclude that the cost of such a tax on families is well into the thousands of dollars. Almost every provision in the bill increases the cost of energy directly. Even the President admits that for a cap-and-tax program to work electricity rates must "necessarily skyrocket."
Shifts Jobs to China and India: The bill would result in an enormous loss of jobs that would ensue when U.S. industries are unable to absorb the cost of the national energy tax and other provisions, likely sending jobs overseas. There is little debate that the tax would outsource millions of manufacturing jobs to countries such as China and India. According to the independent Charles River Associates International, H.R. 2454 would result in a "net reduction in U.S. employment of 2.3 million to 2.7 million jobs each year of the policy through 2030," even after the creation of new green jobs.
Gas Prices: An American Petroleum Institute report shows that the "cost impacts [H.R. 2454] could be as much as 77 cents for gasoline, 83 cents per gallon of jet fuel and 88 cents for diesel fuel." The Heritage Foundation has estimated that as a result of these increased prices the average household will cut consumption of gasoline by 15 percent while forcing a family of four to pay $596 more in 2035, and $8,000 more between 2012 and 2035. This bill would also result in an increase in air travel and cargo costs-fuel expenses have historically ranged from 10 percent to 15 percent of operating costs for U.S. passenger airlines. Finally, H.R. 2454 would significantly impact the U.S. trucking industry. A one-cent increase in the average price of diesel alone costs the trucking industry an additional $390 million in fuel expenses. If diesel prices are not kept in check this would likely have a significant effect on the movement of goods across the country and a detrimental impact on economy.
Unfairly Targets Rural America: H.R. 2454 targets farms and rural Americans. Rural residents spend 58 percent more on fuel and travel 25 percent farther to get to work than Americans living in urban areas. According to a Heritage Foundation economic analysis of H.R. 2454, farm income would drop $8 billion in 2012, $25 billion in 2024, and over $50 billion in 2035-decreases of 28 percent, 60 percent, and 94 percent, respectively. Importantly, 25 percent of U.S. farm cash receipts come from agriculture exports. U.S. farmers would be at a severe disadvantage compared to farmers in nations which do not have a cap-and-tax system and correspondingly high input costs. Over 100 State and national agricultural groups oppose the bill.
Currently, the following groups are opposing the bill: National Federation of Independent Business, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Farm Bureau Association, The Fertilizer Institute, American Farmers and Ranchers, Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the National Corn Growers Association.
Groups Scoring as a Key Vote:
60 Plus Association
Americans for Prosperity
Americans for Tax Reform (double-rating)
Citizens Against Government Waste
Club for Growth
Independent Petroleum Association of America
National Association of Manufacturers
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
National Cattleman Beef Association
National Federation of Independent Businesses
National Taxpayers Union
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council)
Groups Opposing:
60 Plus Association
Alliance for Worker Freedom
American Civil Rights Union
American Conservative Union (ACU)
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Meat Institute
American Petroleum Institute
American for Limited Government
American Shareholders Association
Americans for Prosperity (AFP)
Americans for Tax Reform (ATR)
Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Citizens Against Government Waste
Citizens for Responsible Government
Club for Growth
Coalition for Affordable American Energy (CAAE)
Concerned Women for America (CWA)
Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)
Eagle Forum
Focus on the Family
Hispanic Leadership Fund
Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc
Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
Institute for Liberty
Let Freedom Ring
National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
National Cattleman Beef Association
National Chicken Council
National Cotton Council
National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)
National Grain and Feed Association
National Mining Association (NMA)
National Petrochemical & Refiners Association
National Taxpayers Union
National Turkey Federation
Republican Jewish Coalition
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
NOTE: A more comprehensive list of Agriculture Groups opposed to the bill can be found at: http://agriculture.house.gov/republicans/press/111/aggroupslatest.html
Groups Expressing Concerns:
American Enterprise Institute
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Cornwall Alliance
Heritage Foundation
Over 1,200 pages long, H.R. 2454 contains four sections outlining mandates for renewable energy, mandates for energy efficiency, a cap-and-tax proposal, and a "transitioning" section focused on forestalling expected job loss.
• Higher Energy Prices: The bill imposes a national cap-and-tax regime that ultimately every consumer in the U.S. would pay for. Independent researchers, CBO, and the President all agree that this cost will be passed to consumers. Furthermore, almost every other provision in the bill either increases the cost of energy directly or tried to keep it from increasing too much-such as a new federal renewable electricity standard that would likely cause electricity prices to spike.
• Fewer Jobs: The bill does little to address the enormous loss of jobs that would ensue when U.S. industries absorb the cost of the cap-and-tax plan and other provisions, likely sending millions of American jobs overseas. There is little debate that a national energy tax would outsource millions of manufacturing jobs to countries such as China and India. According to the independent Charles River Associates International, H.R. 2454 would result in a "net reduction in U.S. employment of 2.3 million to 2.7 million jobs each year of the policy through 2030," even after the creation of new green jobs.
• More Government Intrusion: The bill creates a host of new federal mandates on everything from outdoor light bulbs and table lamps to water dispensers, commercial hot food cabinets, and Jacuzzis. The bill would also increase the demand for electricity (to fuel plug-in vehicles via new hybrid incentives) at the same time as the other portions of the bill cause consumer electricity costs to spike.
Although the bill includes "free" allowances for some sectors, economists agree that even if 100 percent of the industry's emissions were initially covered by free allocations, the bill's declining carbon cap will force higher and higher costs onto the American public. According to the Heritage Foundation, by 2035 this legislation would:
• Reduce aggregate gross GDP by $9.4 trillion;
• Raise electricity rates 90 percent;
• Raise gasoline prices by 58 percent;
• Raise residential natural gas prices by 55 percent; and
• Increase inflation-adjusted federal debt by 26 percent, or $28,728 additional federal debt per person, again after adjusting for inflation.
Furthermore, a recent poll shows that 78 percent of individuals questioned said that a $50 increase in monthly utility bills would be a hardship. 58 percent of respondents say that they are unwilling to pay any more than they currently pay for electricity to combat climate change. To that end, one-half of those polled oppose enacting a carbon tax to fund energy research (up from 31 percent in 2007).
TITLE I-HIGHER ENERGY PRICES ("Clean Energy")
Renewable Electricity Standard
A renewable electricity standard is a mandate requiring electric providers to derive a certain amount of their production from renewable sources (including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and some hydropower sources). The bill excludes existing nuclear power (a greenhouse gas neutral technology) from the list of approved renewable sources.
The bill mandates a federal renewable electricity standard (RES). The RES calls for a 20 percent renewable energy and energy efficiency standard by 2020. By 2020, utilities would be required to obtain 15 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources and demonstrate annual electricity savings of 5 percent from energy efficiency measures. If the governor of a State determines that utilities in the State cannot meet the 15 percent renewable requirement, the governor may reduce the renewable requirement to 12 percent and increase the efficiency requirement to 8 percent.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has been given new responsibility to manage the RES program and would give utilities "credits" for renewable energy generated which can be sold, transferred, or exchanged. If a utility cannot meet the RES it would have to purchase these credits. Each year, utilities would submit their credits to FERC, verifying their compliance with the RES. Many members may have the following concerns:
• Higher Electricity Prices: The federal RES would likely cause electricity prices to spike. It does not preempt State renewable electricity standards (at least 23 States have one), but would, instead, force utilities in States which have standards to comply with both a State and a federal program. Many State programs include resources which are not eligible under the federal standard. If renewable energy were already cost effective and competitive, there would be little need to federally mandate and subsidize it. This bill does just that, putting the renewable energy market under the control of an extremely inefficient bureaucracy.
• Regional Disparities: Members may be concerned that a RES would impose a uniform federal standard on States despite varying sources of renewable resources. For instance, southeastern States would be especially hard hit. In addition, forcing a RES on States who lack in renewable energy supply would transfer wealth between States in the renewable energy market. A RES would also disproportionally affect low-income States that have yet to invest in renewable energy, whose budgets are already being stretched by the economic downturn.
• Unknown Economic Effects: While there have been studies of the economic effects of cap-and-tax as well as RES, there has not been a study showing the compound effect of both in effect simultaneously. If States continue their programs beyond the federal program, additional costs could be incurred.
• New Transmission Lines: Nothing in the bill addresses the costs associated with new transmission lines needed for the RES, and these transmission lines would likely be subject to not-in-my-backyard opposition that often impedes permitting. Additional costs could accrue for renewable energy transmitted from far away resources to renewable poor States. The bill could also imperil the reliability of the electric system, which originally was not designed to incorporate high levels of intermittent renewable generation.
State Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programs
The bill sets aside 0.5 percent of the allowances for a new competitive Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program managed by Indian tribes (section 133). The bill also provides that States may use up to 10 percent of the allowances for their nonfederal share of transportation programs, such providing access to bicycles on public transportation, shelters and parking facilities for bicycles.
Carbon Capture and Sequestration
Carbon capture and sequestration is the term used to describe a technology that captures carbon at its source and stores it before it is released into the atmosphere. Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is designed to be a method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted into the atmosphere. In general, any CCS system would have the following components: (1) capturing and separating CO2 from other byproducts; (2) compressing and transporting the captured CO2 to the sequestration site; and (3) sequestering CO2 in geological reservoirs or in the oceans.
The bill would prohibit any new coal-fired plants after 2009, unless they install CCS technology, and provides rebates to developers to expand CCS. In acknowledgement of the cost that would be incurred to build a CCS pipeline infrastructure, the bill authorizes a task force to conduct a study of existing federal and State environmental statutes that apply to geologic sequestration, long term implications, financial burdens, and private sector funding options (insurance, bonding). The bill also sets up a Carbon Storage Research Corporation to administer a program to accelerate the commercial availability of CO2 capture and sequestration and award competitive grants, contracts, and financial assistance to eligible entities to capture and convert CO2.
The bill also requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to subsidize the commercial deployment of CCS technologies in electric power generation and other industrial operations. Furthermore, the bill states that any regulations proposed should be reset in 2025 to reflect future emission limitations. Members may have the following concerns:
• Unavailable and Untested Technology: Members may be concerned that the bill's requirements rely too heavily on technology that is still largely unavailable and untested, inevitably restricting and perhaps halting new coal-fired plants from coming online. Any new requirement should at least track the development of this technology.
• Unexpected Rise in Natural Gas Prices: Members may be concerned that by placing new burdens on coal-fired plants, electricity generation would heavily rely on natural gas until renewable energy technology is available to completely replace coal. This would cause the cost of natural gas to increase substantially, affecting every area of the country-most dramatically those already reliant on natural gas for electricity.
• Cost of Transporting CO2: Members may have concerns with the cost to be incurred by building new pipeline infrastructure to transport CO2 from emission sites to sequestration sites. Furthermore, the cost of transporting CO2 alone would be very high (not including the cost to build the necessary infrastructure), and there is still considerable technical and scientific uncertainty over how large quantities of injected CO2 would be permanently stored underground. To that end, the DoE has initiated numerous CO2 injection tests in a variety of geologic reservoirs, the results of which are still unavailable. While the scientific community continues to explore alternative methods to capture and store CO2, all methods still remain experimental.
Smart Grid Requirement
A Smart Grid is a distribution system that allows for information to flow from a customer's electric meter in two directions: both inside the house to thermostats and appliances and other devices, and back to the utility. The goal of a Smart Grid is to use technologies to increase power grid efficiency, reliability, and flexibility, and reduce the rate at which additional electric utility infrastructure needs to be built.
H.R. 2454 facilitates the deployment of a Smart Grid, including measures to use it to reduce utility peak loads and promote capabilities in new home appliances. The bill also directs FERC to reform the regional planning process to modernize the electric grid and provide for new transmission lines to carry electricity generated from renewable sources.
Transportation Subsidies
H.R. 2454 would require the DoE to provide grants or loan guarantees to cities, States, or private entities to subsidize the deployment of plug-in hybrid vehicles. The bill also authorizes DoE to provide financial assistance to vehicle manufacturers to produce these plug-in hybrid vehicles. The legislation amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to increase the funding amount for advanced technology vehicle manufacturing loans from $25 million to $50 million. Finally, the bill establishes an open fuel standard by which automobiles made after 2015, must be able to operate with gasoline blends up to E85 (85 percent) ethanol or M85 (85 percent methanol), or be warranted to operate on biodiesel, if required by the Secretary of Energy or the EPA Administrator. Members may have the following concern:
• Increased Federal Mandates: Some Members may be concerned that this section allows the federal government to subsidize preferred vehicle types and manufacturers, essentially a form of corporate welfare. Finally, this section would increase the demand for electricity (to fuel vehicles) at the same time as the cap-and-tax portion of the bill causes consumer electricity costs to spike. Consumers will end up paying more to fuel their more expensive plug-in cars during a recession.
Transmission Planning & Federal Purchases
The bill amends the Federal Power Act to require the FERC to adopt grid planning principles to achieve national policy goals. These goals would include facilitating the deployment of zero-carbon energy, reducing congestion, and ensuring cyber-security. The planning principles would incorporate energy efficiency, a Smart Grid, and underground transmission technologies. The bill does not give FERC any additional sitting authority over transmission lines.
The bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005, so that federal government contracts to acquire renewable energy can be made for a period of up to 30 years. Members may have the following concern:
• Nationalizing the Grid: While transmission infrastructure development is important for reliability purposes, this provision does not provide the structure necessary to ensure that transmission is developed in a timely manner. It creates a confusing and slow planning process with no clear benefit.
Clean Energy Innovation Hubs
The bill would establish eight regional "Clean Energy Innovation Hubs" to be selected by the Secretary of Energy. These Hubs would be located at research universities, private research entities, industry sites, or State institutions. Each of these Centers would have a specific technology focus that would consume at least 50 percent of each site's funding. The bill reduces the allowance allocation for Energy Innovation Hubs from 1.5 percent to .45 percent. The bill also requires that for at least three of the Hubs, special consideration be given to a Land Grant Institution, one Predominantly Black Institution, Tribal College or University and one Hispanic serving Institution. Members may have the following concern:
• Picking Winners and Losers: These Clean Energy Innovation Centers would not be allowed to conduct research on emissions-free nuclear power development or clean coal technology-two alternative energy sources which if developed could lead to greater American energy supply and thousands of jobs.
Green Bonds
The bill requires the new revolving Clean Energy Investment Fund to be initially capitalized by the issuance of green bonds.
Clean Energy Technology Deployment
The bill adds a new section authorizing credit support, including direct loans, letters of credit and loan guarantees to back portfolios of taxable debt obligations originated by State, local, and private sector entities for the purpose of enhancing the availability of private financing for clean energy technology deployment. This includes support for enabling owners and users of buildings and industrial facilities to significantly increase the energy efficiency their buildings; install renewable energy generators; and energy storage applications for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution. Members may have the following concern:
• Loan Limits: The loan program limits any one technology to no more than 30 percent of the available funds. This could disadvantage nuclear energy, which is a capital-intensive technology, and severely limit the number of new nuclear plants which could benefit from this provision.
TITLE II-GOVERNMENT INTRUSION ("Energy Efficiency")
Building Energy Efficiency
The bill contains several "energy efficiency programs" for commercial and residential buildings. For example, the legislation requires 30 percent reduction in energy use immediately after passage and an additional 50 percent reduction in energy use by 2014 for residential buildings and 2015 for commercial buildings. DoE would provide funding to States to implement these requirements. If a State is out of compliance with the codes, it cannot receive emission allowances under any cap-and-tax plan. Also, States would lose federal funding from other parts of the bill on a sliding scale for each year of non-compliance.
Additionally, the bill establishes an EPA program to retrofit commercial, residential, and public housing buildings to improve the energy efficiency of these buildings. The legislation also creates a DoE program to provide grants of up to $7,500 for low-income households living in pre-1976 manufactured homes to purchase new Energy Star-qualified homes. Members may have the following concern:
• Mandates: Some Members may be concerned that these provisions essentially impose a new national model building code on States for energy efficiency, while creating a new federal housing grant program with an unknown level of funding.
Lighting and Appliance Energy Efficiency
The bill establishes several new federal standards for lighting and household appliances. Regarding lighting, the bill would create a new standard for outdoor lighting fixtures effective in 2011, with more stringent standards in 2013 and 2015. Additionally, in 2012, new standards would take effect for some outdoor light bulbs and portable light fixtures (such as table lamps). The legislation would also put new energy standards on appliances such as water dispensers, commercial hot food cabinets, and Jacuzzis. Importantly, the bill requires DoE to estimate the value of CO2 emission reductions achieved by these higher energy standards and these values would then be used to determine whether the standards should be made stricter. The Federal Trade Commission would also require that manufactures label appliances to show their CO2 output. The bill also allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or the Attorney General of a State to bring action in U.S. District Courts against any person who sells products not in compliance with energy standards under this Act.
The bill gives U.S. District Courts the authority to restrain persons distributing through commerce products which do not meet the energy standards of this section. The bill also includes a provision to reward appliance manufacturers who add Smart Grid capability to high-efficiency appliances. Finally, H.R. 2454 creates a DoE program to give retailers "best-in-class" rewards for the successful marketing of high-efficiency appliances. The bill authorizes $300 million annually for these rewards from 2010 through 2014. Members may have the following concern:
• Excessive Regulation: Some Members may be concerned that this section excessively regulates and increases the cost for a wide range of household appliances and would make it a federal crime for a person to sell appliances which do not meet the new energy standards prescribed in the legislation. The new lighting could cost businesses, colleges and cities millions of dollars which they can ill-afford.
Transportation Efficiency
This section would amend the Clear Air Act to enable the EPA to develop standards for new heavy-duty motor vehicles or new heavy-duty motor vehicle engines regarding greenhouse gas emissions. The Administrator would also identify classes of new nonroad vehicles or engines that, in the judgment of the Administrator, contribute significantly to emissions of greenhouse gases. The Administrator would promulgate standards for these new nonroad engines or vehicles by December 31, 2012.
H.R. 2454 also enables the EPA to establish federal transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, as well as standardized models and methodologies for use in developing surface transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. States would be required to develop surface transportation-related greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, as well as strategies to meet such targets.
Public Institutions
The bill would authorize grants for "community development organizations" to provide financing for energy efficiency projects and increased energy conservation in low income rural and urban communities. The bill authorizes $50 million annually between 2010-2015 for this purpose.
TITLE III-NATIONAL ENERGY TAX ("Reducing Global Warming Pollution")
Economy-Wide Target Reductions
A cap-and-tax plan would impose controls on emissions of greenhouse gases by entities that emit such gases (including the power industry and manufacturing industry). This cost would likely be passed on to the consumer of the energy product being produced.
The bill amends the Clean Air Act to establish a Global Warming Pollution Reduction Program. The program sets targets for covered entities greenhouse gas emissions at 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, 42 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and 83 percent below 2005 by 2050. The reduction targets for 2050 would bring us back to CO2 levels equivalent to those in 1907, before the automobile came into popular use.
The bill defines a covered entity as any electricity source; any stationary source that sells or distributes petroleum-based or coal-based liquid or natural gas fuel, fossil fuel-based CO2, or other greenhouse gases; any geological sequestration site; any stationary source including ammonia manufacturing plants, cement production, and lime manufacturing plants; any stationary source in the chemical or petrochemical sector that manufactures carbon black, or ethylene (used to make plastics); any stationary source that participates in ethanol (alcohol) production, food processing, glass production, hydrogen production, iron and steel production, lead production, pulp and paper manufacturing, and zinc production; any fossil fuel-fired combustion device (such as a boiler); or natural gas local distribution companies. NOTE: This list is not meant to be exhaustive. A stationary source is any operation comprised of a plant, building, structure, or stationary equipment, located within one or more contiguous or adjacent properties, that emits a greenhouse gas.
The bill defines capped emissions as any greenhouse gas emission for which an emission allowance must be held, including any emissions from natural gas plants, petroleum-based or coal-based liquid or gaseous fuel, petroleum coke, or natural gas liquid.
The bill defines capped sector as any sector of the economy that directly emits capped emissions, including the industrial sector, the electricity generation sector, the transportation sector, and the residential and commercial sectors (does not include the agricultural or forestry sectors).
New Listing of Greenhouse Gases
According to the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change, the current list of greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), sulfur hexafluoride (used in medicine), hydrofluorocarbons (a by-product of industrial manufacturing, also found in refrigerators and insulation), and perfluorocarbons (a by-product of aluminum production).
The bill expands the list of greenhouse gases (GHG) recognized by the U.S., which currently recognizes and accepts the U.N. framework list, by adding nitrogen trifluoride (a by-product of electronics production, specifically microelectronic devices). Furthermore, the bill would allow other gases emitted by human activity to be added later at the discretion of the Administration. The bill also establishes a "Federal Greenhouse Gas Registry" to list all covered entities and vehicle fleets emitting more than 25,000 tons of CO2 annually.
Emission Allowances
An emission allowance is generally defined as a limited authorization by the government to emit one ton of pollutant annually (not only CO2, but other GHGs). Auctions and allowances are currently used by the U.S. in pollution control schemes in numerous ways. Under this bill, allowances can also be banked and borrowed or purchased from a strategic reserve. Although allowances are generally allocated on an annual basis, participants can either use the allowance in the year purchased or save them for the next year. Saving allowances to be traded or used in a future year is referred to as "banking". Furthermore, the bill allows for covered entities to purchase and use international emission allowances, a tradable authorization to emit one ton of CO2 (or GHG equivalent) issued by a foreign government.
The bill sets out compliance obligations for all currently operating covered entities, phasing in the compliance requirements for industrial and natural gas sources, and sets penalties for noncompliance. With regard to allowance purchasing, the bill permits the trading and sale of allowances between emission allowance holders, as well as the banking and borrowing of allowances across years. The bill also allows covered entities to use international emission allowances from foreign programs so long as the Administration deems the foreign programs as stringent as that of the U.S.
Strategic Reserve
The proposal would create a "strategic reserve" of emission allowances to create a cushion should allowance prices rise faster than expected. The reserve would consist of approximately 2.5 billion allowances-composed of one percent of the total allowances each year from 2012-2019, two percent each year from 2020-2029, and three percent each year from 2030-2050. The bill also adds unsold emission allowances from a regular auction to supplement the strategic reserve. The bill allows covered entities to purchase strategic reserve allowances to meet up to 20 percent of their compliance obligation at quarterly auctions. The bill sets the minimum price for reserve allowances at 60 percent above the rolling 36 month average cost after 2015, intending the proceeds from the reserve auction to be used to purchase additional allowances to replenish the strategic reserve.
The bill references the use of offsets (both offset credits and offset projects) as a way for a covered entity to reduce their need for emission allowances-by incurring emission credits. Examples of offsets projects include forestry and agricultural activities that absorb CO2, and the reduction is achieved by entities that are not regulated by the bill. Both domestic and international offsets are allowed.
The bill establishes an Offsets Integrity Advisory Board and Offset Registry to oversee the integrity system. The bill requires that for every one ton of CO2 being offset, covered entities must submit one offset credit. The bill includes a lengthy and detailed list of qualitative restrictions governing the eligibility, requirements, and approval process for such projects. The bill grants FERC complete authority to regulate the allowance and offset trading markets. There are some concerns among affected entities that the authority given to FERC is too extreme, and goes beyond authorities given to other regulating agencies in similar markets.
The bill also establishes an EPA/USAID program to build capacity in developing countries to reduce emissions from deforestation. This program would seek to reduce deforestation, create markets for "deforestation reduction credits," and reduce the leakage of emissions from the United States to developing countries. Members may have the following concern:
• Offset projects: Because of the uncertainty in offset project successes, it is difficult to know exactly how much CO2 reduction actually takes place with a deforestation project.
After weeks of negotiations with industry groups and Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats, Chairmen Waxman and Markey released a proposed emission allowance allocation scheme (the numbers are approximations since the bill changes allowance allocation numbers over time):
• Electricity Sector: 35.5 percent of allowances would be allocated to the electricity sector (31 percent for local electric distribution, four percent for merchant coal generators, and 0.5 percent for small distribution companies). These allowances would phase out over a five-year period from 2026 through 2030.
• Natural Gas Companies: Nine percent of allowances would be allocated to local natural gas distribution companies in 2016. These would phase out over a five-year period from 2026 through 2030.
• States: 1.5 percent of allowances would be allocated to States for home heating oil and propane programs. These would phase out over a five-year period from 2026 through 2030. Additionally, States would be given 7 percent of allowances for investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. This level of allocation would decrease gradually over time.
• Energy-Intensive Industries: 14.4 percent of allowances would be allocated to "energy-intensive, trade-exposed" industries. These allocations would decrease after 2016, based on emissions target reductions and would phase out after 2034, unless the President decides otherwise.
• Oil Refiners: 2.25 percent of allowances would be allocated to domestic oil refiners, starting in 2014 and ending in 2026.
• Carbon Capture and Sequestration: 1.75 percent of allowances would be given to electric utilities to offset the costs of installing and operating (not yet available) carbon capture and sequestration technologies. After 2019, 5 percent of allowances would be allocated for this purpose.
• Automobile Industry: Three percent of allowances would be given to the automobile industry for investment in electric vehicles and other "advanced automobile technology and development." Beginning in 2018, the industry would receive 1 percent of allowances.
• Research and Development: 1.05 percent of allowances would be allocated to research universities and institutions for R&D on clean energy technologies.
• Tropical Deforestation: Five percent of allowances would be allocated to "prevent tropical deforestation" and to generate international deforestation offsets. The amount of allowances given for this purpose would decrease gradually.
• Domestic Adaptation: Two percent of allowances would be allocated for "domestic adaptation" purposes. This level of allocation would increase over time. These allowances would be used for wildlife and natural resource protections and public health.
• International Adaptation: Two percent of allowances would be allocated for "international adaptation and clean technology transfer." This percentage of allowances would increase gradually.
• Worker Assistance and Job Training: 0.5 percent of allowances would be given for worker assistance and job training from 2012 through 2021. After 2021, 1 percent of allowances would go to this purpose.
• Energy Innovation Hubs: .45 percent of allowances would be given to Energy Innovation Hubs.
• Unallocated Allowances: Some of the remaining unallocated allowances would be auctioned "to ensure budget neutrality" and the rest would be used for "consumer protection." For example, after 2026 unallocated allowances would be auctioned with the proceeds returned to consumers on a per capita basis as a "climate change rebate". No further details on this rebate are disclosed in the bill.
The draft also outlines how auctions are to be conducted, and provides technical information regarding the auctioning procedure. Members may have the following concerns:
• Huge New Energy Tax: CBO confirms that this cap-and-tax proposal would burden each and every U.S. household with a new energy tax. The inevitable loss of jobs due to forced carbon mandates on every sector of the economy would devastate the economy. In many areas of the country where unemployment rates are already high, there is a strong correlation with manufacturing jobs-jobs which would be the first to go under a cap-and-tax regime.
• Forcing Energy Producers to Shut Down: Due to the mandated emission caps in the bill, if not enough allowances are distributed to cover all their emissions, existing emitters would either have to reduce carbon to be below the cap or purchase emission allowances to do so. It is likely that many would not be able to reduce their carbon emissions enough in the time frame outlined, and they may not have the funds to purchase the amount of allowances necessary. The only economic choice for such plants would be to shut down. If these plants close, we would see a severe reduction in coal-powered electricity generation across the country and increasing unemployment.
Additional Greenhouse Gas Standards
The bill exempts CO2 and other capped GHGs from regulation under the Clean Air Act (seemingly going against all previous statements and intentions by Chairman Waxman and Markey to regulate CO2 and GHG through the Clean Air Act). However, another section of the bill opens up further regulation by the EPA (Sec. 111) under the Clean Air Act. The bill specifically grants new regulatory authority for uncapped GHG emissions. Members may have the following concern:
• Excessive Regulation: Members are concerned that increasing the authority to regulate under the Clean Air Act would allow the EPA to further regulate fossil-fuel fired power plants, a request of many environmental groups, and ultimately threaten our entire electric supply system. In particular, the Chief Climate Counsel for the Sierra Club has said publically that the Clean Air Act should be used to block the construction of new coal-fired power plants and shut down existing plants. Members may be concerned that exempting CO2 and GHG from further regulation under the Clean Air Act is intended to veil Democrat's intentions to use back door methods to shut down coal-fired power plants.
The bill also regulates and caps hydrofluorocarbons (previously uncapped) in a way similar to the capping and trading of CO2. The bill requires reports on emission sources and ways of controlling the emission of black carbon-a by-product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or biomass-as well as directing the EPA to propose regulations for black carbon within two years. Currently, black carbon is mostly emitted by diesel transportation sources, forest and agriculture burning operations, and residential cooking and heating appliances in developing nations.
TITLE IV-FEWER JOBS ("Transitioning to a Clean Energy Economy")
Domestic Competitiveness
In an effort to ensure that U.S. manufacturers are not put at a disadvantage relative to overseas competitors, the bill would give rebates to specific industrial sectors affected by the new energy tax imposed under the bill. As part of the rebate program, the bill requires that emissions from all covered entities be considered and inspected. Members may have the following concern:
• Admission of Increased Cost: This provision is a complete admission that a cap-and-tax regime in the U.S. would assuredly put U.S. manufactures on an unequal playing field with foreign manufacturers. Many Members would question the ability of any rebate or requirement on international manufactures to actually save American jobs from moving overseas.
International Reserve Allowance Program
Border adjustments, also known as tariffs, are import fees levied by carbon-capping countries on goods manufactured in non-carbon-capping countries.
The bill establishes U.S. policy to set up binding agreements committing all major GHG emitting nations to contribute equitably to the reduction of global GHG emissions. While doing nothing to require foreign nations to cap their own emissions, the bill would instead establish a border adjustment program to require foreign manufacturers and importers to purchase emission allowances to "cover" the carbon emitted in the production of U.S. bound products-an attempt to deal with U.S. manufacturers who find themselves on unequal ground with their foreign counterparts. Many of these energy-intensive goods and sectors include iron, steel, aluminum, cement, glass, pulp, paper, chemicals, and industrial ceramics. The purpose of this adjustment program is to "promote a strong global effort to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions." Since it is widely accepted that unless foreign countries such as India and China institute carbon-capping programs of their own, the efforts of the U.S. would be likely for naught. Members may have the following concerns:
• Cost to U.S. Consumers: Members recognize that any cost to foreign producers would be passed on to U.S. consumers. Not only would domestic products be more expensive, but foreign goods would as well. Members also recognize that this would likely have devastating effects on free trade and foreign relationships.
• Global Participation: Members also recognize that without global participation, our carbon caps would do little to affect any global climate change. In fact, according to MIT researchers, "With rapid growth in developing countries, failure to control their emissions could lead to a substantial increase in global temperature even if the U.S. and other developed countries pursue stringent policies." In other words, U.S. efforts could easily be all for naught.
• Harmful Restrictions: Members may be concerned that implementing trade restrictions between the U.S. and other countries may create a retaliatory environment, where the U.S. exports could be targeted for retaliation.
"Green Jobs" Subsidies
The bill authorizes the Education Department to make grants to develop programs of study that are focused on careers and jobs in clean energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change mitigation. The bill authorizes and applies Davis-Bacon work requirements to all individuals employed (including those employed by contractors) by programs established under the bill.
Climate Change Worker Adjustment Allowance
The bill establishes a program entitling displaced workers to 156 weeks of income supplement (70 percent of the average weekly wage), 80 percent of their monthly health care premium, up to $1,500 for job search assistance, up to $1,500 for moving expenses, as well as job counseling, training, and other assistance. The Secretary of the Treasury would transfer funds to the States for these purposes.
• Job Loss: Members may be concerned that this provision is an admission that reckless climate regulation would negatively impact American businesses and jobs.
Energy Refund Program and Entitlements-the Largest Welfare Program in History
The bill provides for the Secretary of HHS, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture to provide monthly cash payments ("energy stamps") to reimburse certain low-income households for the estimated loss in their purchasing power resulting from H.R. 2454. The bill establishes uniform national standards of eligibility to ensure that States may "seamlessly" administer the "energy-stamps" program with the Food Stamp program. The bill establishes eligibility for individuals at 150 percent of poverty, and phased out thereafter. The energy stamps program would reach approximately 65 million individuals making it a larger program than TANF, food stamps, or even Medicaid. Despite its massive scope, over 200 million Americans would receive no benefits under this program. The bill would also require the EIA to estimate the annual total loss in purchasing power that would result from this bill for households of each size with gross income equal to 150 percent of poverty based on the projected total market value of all compliance costs (including cost of emission allowances) for determination of monthly energy refund amount. The bill provides that cash should be delivered by direct deposit into individual accounts, the State's electronic benefit transfer system, or another Federal or State mechanism approved by the HHS Secretary. The bill provides that the value of the refund shall not be considered income or resources for purposes of Federal, State or local laws.
• Increased Energy Costs: Members may be concerned that this provision is a blatant admission that H.R. 2454 would increase energy costs for households and businesses. This program cannot completely compensate for the cumulative cost of this legislation. For example, a family of four with an income over $33,000 per year is ineligible for any energy stamps.
H.R. 2454 requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the "Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability insurance Trust Fund" and the "Trust Fund" such sums not otherwise appropriated, that the Social Security Administration Chief Actuary and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Chief Actuary calculates as necessary to account for changes in benefit costs and changes in tax revenue attributable to the provisions of H.R. 2454, in an attempt to make each of the trust funds whole as if H.R. 2454 had not been enacted.
Exporting Clean Technology
In an effort to encourage other countries to follow suit with the U.S. cap-and-tax regime, the bill establishes an International Clean Technology Account to distribute allowances (i.e. foreign aid) to developing countries that seek to reduce emissions. These funds would help other countries deploy renewable energy and clean technologies.
Adapting to Climate Change
The bill would provide subsidies to State, local, and tribal governments for the implementation of projects to study and account for the vulnerability to climate change impacts across the country.
The bill establishes a Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Fund. Money from this fund would be sent to States and federal agencies to carry out natural resources adaptation activities.
The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to initiate a national strategy for adapting to the public health effects of climate change. Finally, the bill establishes an International Climate Change Adaptation Program within the USAID to provide foreign aid to developing countries for their efforts to adapt to climate change.
H.R. 2454 create a new interagency National Climate Service to "advance understanding of climate variability," provide forecasts and warnings, as well as to support development of federal, State, local and private adaptation and response plans.
• New Bureaucracy: This recent addition to H.R. 2454 raises numerous concerns, including granting broad, sweeping authority to the Administration with little Congressional input. Further, the proposed National Climate Service could be expanded exponentially to evolve into a sprawling agency with tentacles reaching into multiple departments and agencies. This far-reaching provision has yet to be scored.
According to CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), enacting H.R. 2454 over the 2010-2019 period would increase federal revenues by about $846 billion; and increase direct spending by about $821 billion. In total, those changes would reduce budget deficits (or increase future surpluses) by about $24 billion over the 2010-2019 period. In addition, assuming the appropriation of necessary funds, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2454 would increase discretionary spending by about $50 billion over the 2010-2019 period. Most of that funding would stem from spending auction proceeds from various funds established under this legislation.
CBO has also determined that the non-tax provisions of H.R. 2454 contain intergovernmental and private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). The mandates would require utilities, manufacturers, and other entities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through cap-and-tax programs and performance standards. CBO estimates that the cost of mandates in the bill would well exceed the annual thresholds established in UMRA for intergovernmental and private-sector mandates (in 2009, $69 million and $139 million respectively, adjusted annually for inflation).
On June 19, 2009, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its per-household cost analysis of H.R. 2454. CBO concludes that the legislation would cost U.S. households a net average of $175 in the year 2020-far less than other independent estimates that put the cost as high as thousands of dollars per household annually. However, this analysis is obsolete as a refundable tax credit program that was an important factor in the CBO analysis of net costs has since been removed from the bill.
However, while admitting it fails to account for the slowing of economic growth and the loss of jobs resulting from higher energy costs, CBO confirms that every household will suffer from a national energy tax. CBO also estimates a gross tax of up to $1,400 per household, using generous assumptions and ignoring regional disparities affecting Midwestern and Southern States. To drive the net cost per household down so low, CBO then assumes the benefit of a massive redistribution of wealth in the form of a large welfare program (energy stamps). For these reasons and others, CBO's household figure should be viewed with skepticism, while noting that even CBO concludes that the tax hit on households, notwithstanding the government handouts, is in the thousands.
House Democratic Caucus Summary
The House Democratic Caucus does not provide summaries of bills.
So, yes, we display the House Republican Conference's summaries when available even if we do not have a Democratic summary available. That's because we feel it is better to give you as much information as possible, even if we cannot provide every viewpoint.
We'll be looking for a source of summaries from the other side in the meanwhile.
The bill contains the following citations to other parts of U.S. law:
Slip Laws
Slip laws refer to enacted bills and joint resolutions in their original form as enacted by Congress, that is, before other laws amend them. Slip laws are cited as "Public Law XXX-YYY", where XXX is the number of the Congress in which the bill or resolution was introduced.
- Public Law 93-638:
S. 1017 (93rd): Indian Self-Determination and Educational Reform Act - Public Law 95-313:
H.R. 11777 (95th): Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act - Public Law 106-553:
H.R. 4942 (106th): Amy Boyer's Law - Public Law 108-447:
H.R. 4818 (108th): Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 - Public Law 109-58:
H.R. 6 (109th): Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Public Law 110-140
- Public Law 110-246:
H.R. 6124 (110th): Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Public Law 110-289
- Public Law 110-409:
H.R. 928 (110th): Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 - Public Law 111-5:
H.R. 1 (111th): American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
United States Code
The United States Code is the compilation of general and permanent laws enacted by Congress. Laws that are not permanent in nature, law that affect a single individual, family, or small group, regulations, case law, state law, and local law do not appear in the United States Code.
- Title 2: The Congress
- Chapter 17A: Congressional Budget and Fiscal Operations
- Subchapter III: Credit Reform
- Section 661a: Definitions
- Title 5: Government Organization and Employees
- Part I: The Agencies Generally
- Chapter 5: Administrative Procedure
- Subchapter II: Administrative Procedure
- Section 552: Public information; agency rules, opinions, orders, records, and proceedings
- Section 553: Rule making
- Part III: Employees
- Subpart D: Pay and Allowances
- Chapter 53: Pay Rates and Systems
- Subchapter II: Executive Schedule Pay Rates
- Section 5315: Positions at level IV
- Chapter 57: Travel, Transportation, and Subsistence
- Subpart F: Labor-Management and Employee Relations
- Chapter 79: Services To Employees
- Section 7902: Safety programs
- Subpart G: Insurance and Annuities
- Chapter 85: Unemployment Compensation
- Subchapter II: Ex-Servicemen
- Section 8521: Definitions; application
- Title 7: Agriculture
- Chapter 1: Commodity Exchanges
- Section 1a: Definitions
- Section 2: Jurisdiction of Commission; liability of principal for act of agent; Commodity Futures Trading Commission; transaction in interstate commerce
- Section 6: Regulation of futures trading and foreign transactions
- Section 6a: Excessive speculation
- Section 6c: Prohibited transactions
- Section 7: Designation of boards of trade as contract markets
- Section 7a-1: Derivatives clearing organizations
- Section 16: Commission operations
- Chapter 51: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Section 2011: Congressional declaration of policy
- Section 2012: Definitions
- Section 2013: Establishment of supplemental nutrition assistance program
- Section 2014: Eligible households
- Section 2025: Administrative cost-sharing and quality control
- Section 2028: Consolidated block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa
- Title 10: Armed Forces
- Subtitle A: General Military Law
- Part IV: Service, Supply, and Procurement
- Chapter 137: Procurement Generally
- Section 2304c: Task and delivery order contracts: orders
- Title 12: Banks and Banking
- Chapter 13: National Housing
- Section 1701q: Supportive housing for the elderly
- Section 1701z-16: Energy efficient mortgages pilot program
- Subchapter II: Mortgage Insurance
- Section 1707: Definitions
- Section 1715l: Housing for moderate income and displaced families
- Section 1715z-1: Rental and cooperative housing for lower income families
- Section 1715z-13a: Loan guarantees for Indian housing
- Section 1715z-13b: Loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing
- Subchapter V: Miscellaneous
- Section 1735f-4: Minimum property standards
- Section 1735f-18: Information regarding early defaults and foreclosures on insured mortgages
- Section 1735f-20: Authorization of appropriations for General and Special Risk Insurance Funds
- Chapter 14: Federal Credit Unions
- Subchapter II: Share Insurance
- Section 1786: Termination of insured credit union status; cease and desist orders; removal or suspension from office; procedure
- Chapter 16: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
- Section 1818: Termination of status as insured depository institution
- Chapter 29: Home Mortgage Disclosure
- Section 2803: Maintenance of records and public disclosure
- Chapter 34A: Appraisal Subcommittee of Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
- Section 3339: Functions of Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies relating to appraisal standards
- Section 3345: Certification and licensing requirements
- Section 3351: Miscellaneous provisions
- Chapter 46: Government Sponsored Enterprises
- Subchapter I: Supervision and Regulation of Enterprises
- Part B: Additional Authorities of the Director
- Subpart 2: housing goals
- Section 4565: Duty to serve underserved markets and other requirements
- Section 4566: Monitoring and enforcing compliance with housing goals
- Title 15: Commerce and Trade
- Chapter 1: Monopolies and Combinations In Restraint of Trade
- Section 12: Definitions; short title
- Chapter 2: Federal Trade Commission; Promotion of Export Trade and Prevention of Unfair Methods of Competition
- Subchapter I: Federal Trade Commission
- Section 41: Federal Trade Commission established; membership; vacancies; seal
- Section 45: Unfair methods of competition unlawful; prevention by Commission
- Chapter 7: National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Section 271: Findings and purposes
- Section 278k: Regional centers for the transfer of manufacturing technology
- Section 278l: Assistance to State technology programs
- Chapter 14A: Aid To Small Business
- Section 631: Declaration of policy
- Chapter 15B: Natural Gas
- Section 717: Regulation of natural gas companies
- Section 717a: Definitions
- Section 717s: Enforcement of chapter
- Chapter 16C: Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination
- Section 796: Reporting of energy information
- Chapter 56: National Climate Program
- Section 2901: Findings
- Chapter 56A: Global Change Research
- Section 2921: Definitions
- Chapter 60: Natural Gas Policy
- Section 3301: Definitions
- Subchapter V: Administration, Enforcement, and Review
- Section 3414: Enforcement
- Subchapter VI: Coordination With Natural Gas Act; Miscellaneous Provisions
- Section 3431: Coordination with the Natural Gas Act
- Chapter 98: Public Company Accounting Reform and Corporate Responsibility
- Subchapter IV: Enhanced Financial Disclosures
- Section 7262: Management assessment of internal controls
- Title 16: Conservation
- Chapter 1: National Parks, Military Parks, Monuments, and Seashores
- Subchapter LXIX: Outdoor Recreation Programs
- Part A: Coordination of Programs
- Section 460l: Congressional findings and declaration of policy
- Part B: Land and Water Conservation Fund
- Section 460l-5: Land and water conservation fund; establishment; covering certain revenues and collections into fund
- Section 460l-6: Appropriations for expenditure of land and water conservation fund moneys; transfers to miscellaneous receipts of Treasury
- Section 460l-7: Allocation of land and water conservation fund for State and Federal purposes
- Section 460l-8: Financial assistance to States
- Section 460l-9: Allocation of land and water conservation fund moneys for Federal purposes
- Chapter 2: National Forests
- Subchapter I: Establishment and Administration
- Section 472a: Timber sales on National Forest System lands
- Chapter 5B: Wildlife Restoration
- Section 669c: Allocation and apportionment of available amounts
- Chapter 12: Federal Regulation and Development of Power
- Subchapter I: Regulation of the Development of Water Power and Resources
- Section 791a: Short title
- Section 796: Definitions
- Section 823b: Enforcement
- Subchapter II: Regulation of Electric Utility Companies Engaged In Interstate Commerce
- Section 824o: Electric reliability
- Section 824p: Siting of interstate electric transmission facilities
- Subchapter III: Licensees and Public Utilities; Procedural and Administrative Provisions
- Section 825l: Review of orders
- Section 825o-1: Enforcement of certain provisions
- Chapter 31: Marine Mammal Protection
- Subchapter I: Generally
- Section 1361: Congressional findings and declaration of policy
- Chapter 33: Coastal Zone Management
- Section 1451: Congressional findings
- Section 1453: Definitions
- Section 1455: Administrative grants
- Chapter 35: Endangered Species
- Section 1531: Congressional findings and declaration of purposes and policy
- Section 1533: Determination of endangered species and threatened species
- Section 1535: Cooperation with States
- Section 1539: Exceptions
- Chapter 38: Fishery Conservation and Management
- Subchapter I: Generally
- Section 1801: Findings, purposes and policy
- Chapter 41: Cooperative Forestry Assistance
- Section 2103c: Forest Legacy Program
- Section 2105: Urban and community forestry assistance
- Chapter 46: Public Utility Regulatory Policies
- Section 2601: Findings
- Section 2602: Definitions
- Subchapter II: Standards For Electric Utilities
- Section 2621: Consideration and determination respecting certain ratemaking standards
- Section 2622: Obligations to consider and determine
- Section 2623: Adoption of certain standards
- Section 2625: Special rules for standards
- Chapter 58: Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation and Reserve Program
- Subchapter V: Funding and Administration
- Section 3845: Environmental services markets
- Chapter 64: North American Wetlands Conservation
- Section 4401: Findings and statement of purpose
- Chapter 80: Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation
- Section 6108: Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Fund
- Chapter 83: Coral Reef Conservation
- Section 6401: Purposes
- Title 18: Crimes and Criminal Procedure
- Part I: Crimes
- Chapter 11: Bribery, Graft, and Conflicts of Interest
- Section 202: Definitions
- Chapter 47: Fraud and False Statements
- Title 19: Customs Duties
- Chapter 12: Trade Act of 1974
- Subchapter I: Negotiating and Other Authority
- Part 5: Congressional Procedures With Respect to Presidential Actions
- Section 2192: Resolutions disapproving certain actions
- Chapter 22: Uruguay Round Trade Agreements
- Subchapter I: Approval Of, and General Provisions Relating To, Uruguay Round Agreements
- Part A: Approval of Agreements and Related Provisions
- Section 3511: Approval and entry into force of Uruguay Round Agreements
- Title 20: Education
- Chapter 28: Higher Education Resources and Student Assistance
- Subchapter I: General Provisions
- Part A: Definitions
- Section 1001: General definition of institution of higher education
- Section 1002: Definition of institution of higher education for purposes of student assistance programs
- Subchapter III: Institutional Aid
- Part A: Strengthening Institutions
- Section 1059c: American Indian tribally controlled colleges and universities
- Section 1059e: Predominantly Black Institutions
- Subchapter IV: Student Assistance
- Part A: Grants to Students in Attendance at Institutions of Higher Education
- Section 1070: Statement of purpose; program authorization
- Subpart 2: federal early outreach and student services programs
- Division 1: Federal TRIO Programs
- Section 1070a-16: Educational opportunity centers
- Part E: Need Analysis
- Section 1087tt: Discretion of student financial aid administrators
- Chapter 44: Career and Technical Education
- Section 2302: Definitions
- Subchapter I: Career and Technical Education Assistance To the States
- Part B: State Provisions
- Section 2342: State plan
- Part C: Local Provisions
- Section 2351: Distribution of funds to secondary education programs
- Section 2352: Distribution of funds for postsecondary education programs
- Title 23: Highways
- Chapter 1: Federal-Aid Highways
- Section 134: Metropolitan transportation planning
- Section 135: Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning
- Section 142: Public transportation
- Section 146: Carpool and vanpool projects
- Section 149: Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program
- Title 25: Indians
- Chapter 14: Miscellaneous
- Subchapter II: Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
- Section 450: Congressional statement of findings
- Section 450b: Definitions
- Chapter 37: Indian Energy
- Section 3501: Definitions
- Chapter 43: Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination
- Section 4103: Definitions
- Subchapter I: Block Grants and Grant Requirements
- Section 4111: Block grants
- Title 26: Internal Revenue Code
- Subtitle C: Employment Taxes
- Chapter 23: Federal Unemployment Tax Act
- Section 3304: Approval of State laws
- Title 29: Labor
- Chapter 18: Employee Retirement Income Security Program
- Subchapter I: Protection of Employee Benefit Rights
- Subtitle A: General Provisions
- Section 1002: Definitions
- Chapter 30: Workforce Investment Systems
- Subchapter I: Workforce Investment Definitions
- Section 2801: Definitions
- Subchapter II: Statewide and Local Workforce Investment Systems
- Part A: State Provisions
- Section 2822: State plan
- Part E: Adult and Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities
- Section 2864: Use of funds for employment and training activities
- Subchapter IV: National Programs
- Section 2916: Demonstration, pilot, multiservice, research, and multistate projects
- Title 31: Money and Finance
- Subtitle I: General
- Chapter 7: Government Accountability Office
- Subchapter II: General Duties and Powers
- Section 716: Availability of information and inspection of records
- Subtitle II: The Budget Process
- Chapter 13: Appropriations
- Subchapter I: General
- Section 1301: Application
- Subtitle III: Financial Management
- Chapter 33: Depositing, Keeping, and Paying Money
- Subchapter I: Deposits and Depositaries
- Section 3302: Custodians of money
- Subtitle VI: Miscellaneous
- Chapter 91: Government Corporations
- Section 9101: Definitions
- Title 32: National Guard
- Chapter 5: Training
- Section 502: Required drills and field exercises
- Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters
- Chapter 26: Water Pollution Prevention and Control
- Subchapter I: Research and Related Programs
- Section 1251: Congressional declaration of goals and policy
- Chapter 27: Ocean Dumping
- Section 1401: Congressional finding, policy, and declaration of purpose
- Chapter 36: Water Resources Development
- Subchapter V: General Provisions
- Section 2330: Aquatic ecosystem restoration
- Chapter 42: Estuary Restoration
- Section 2901: Purposes
- Title 40: Public Buildings, Property, and Works
- Subtitle I: Federal Property and Administrative Services
- Chapter 5: Property Management
- Subchapter I: Procurement and Warehousing
- Section 501: Services for executive agencies
- Subtitle II: Public Buildings and Works
- Part A: General
- Chapter 31: General
- Subchapter IV: Wage Rate Requirements
- Section 3145: Regulations governing contractors and subcontractors
- Chapter 33: Acquisition, Construction, and Alteration
- Section 3307: Congressional approval of proposed projects
- Subtitle V: Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development
- Chapter 21: Regional Commissions
- Section 15301: Establishment, membership, and employees
- Title 42: The Public Health and Welfare
- Chapter 6A: Public Health Service
- Subchapter I: Administration and Miscellaneous Provisions
- Section 201: Definitions
- Subchapter XII: Safety of Public Water Systems
- Part C: Protection of Underground Sources of Drinking Water
- Section 300h: Regulations for State programs
- Chapter 7: Social Security
- Subchapter II: Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits
- Section 401: Trust Funds
- Section 402: Old-age and survivors insurance benefit payments
- Section 405: Evidence, procedure, and certification for payments
- Subchapter III: Grants To States For Unemployment Compensation Administration
- Section 503: State laws
- Subchapter XI: General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification
- Part A: General Provisions
- Section 1320b-7: Income and eligibility verification system
- Subchapter XVIII: Health Insurance For Aged and Disabled
- Part A: Hospital Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled
- Section 1395i: Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund
- Part B: Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled
- Section 1395w: Appropriations to cover Government contributions and contingency reserve
- Part D: Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program
- Subpart 2: prescription drug plans; pdp sponsors; financing
- Section 1395w-114: Premium and cost-sharing subsidies for low-income individuals
- Chapter 8: Low-Income Housing
- Subchapter I: General Program of Assisted Housing
- Section 1437: Declaration of policy and public housing agency organization
- Section 1437f: Low-income housing assistance
- Section 1437g: Public housing Capital and Operating Funds
- Section 1437v: Demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance grants for projects
- Chapter 8A: Slum Clearance, Urban Renewal, and Farm Housing
- Subchapter III: Farm Housing
- Section 1471: Financial assistance by Secretary of Agriculture
- Section 1485: Housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families or other persons and families of low income
- Chapter 55: National Environmental Policy
- Section 4321: Congressional declaration of purpose
- Chapter 62: Intergovernmental Personnel Program
- Subchapter II: Strengthening State and Local Personnel Administration
- Section 4728: Transfer of functions
- Chapter 69: Community Development
- Section 5301: Congressional findings and declaration of purpose
- Section 5304: Statement of activities and review
- Section 5309: Nondiscrimination in programs and activities
- Section 5310: Labor standards; rate of wages; exceptions; enforcement powers
- Section 5311: Remedies for noncompliance with community development requirements
- Chapter 70: Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards
- Section 5402: Definitions
- Chapter 77: Energy Conservation
- Subchapter III: Improving Energy Efficiency
- Part A: Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles
- Section 6291: Definitions
- Section 6292: Coverage
- Section 6293: Test procedures
- Section 6294: Labeling
- Section 6295: Energy conservation standards
- Section 6297: Effect on other law
- Section 6302: Prohibited acts
- Section 6304: Injunctive enforcement
- Part A-1: Certain Industrial Equipment
- Section 6311: Definitions
- Section 6312: Purposes and coverage
- Section 6313: Standards
- Section 6314: Test procedures
- Section 6316: Administration, penalties, enforcement, and preemption
- Part B: State Energy Conservation Plans
- Section 6321: Congressional findings and declaration of purpose
- Section 6323: Federal assistance to States
- Part C: Industrial Energy Efficiency
- Section 6341: Definitions
- Section 6343: Waste energy recovery incentive grant program
- Section 6345: Clean Energy Application Centers
- Part E: Energy Conservation Program for Schools and Hospitals
- Section 6371h-1: Energy sustainability and efficiency grants and loans for institutions
- Chapter 81: Energy Conservation and Resource Renewal
- Subchapter II: Energy Conservation Standards For New Buildings
- Section 6833: Updating State building energy efficiency codes
- Section 6834: Federal building energy efficiency standards
- Subchapter III: Energy Conservation and Renewable-Resource Assistance For Existing Buildings
- Part A: Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons
- Section 6861: Congressional findings and purpose
- Section 6872: Authorization of appropriations
- Chapter 84: Department of Energy
- Subchapter II: Establishment of Department
- Section 7135: Energy Information Administration
- Subchapter V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review
- Section 7194: Requests for adjustments
- Subchapter VIII: Energy Planning
- Section 7321: National Energy Policy Plan
- Chapter 85: Air Pollution Prevention and Control
- Subchapter I: Programs and Activities
- Part A: Air Quality and Emission Limitations
- Section 7401: Congressional findings and declaration of purpose
- Section 7412: Hazardous air pollutants
- Section 7413: Federal enforcement
- Section 7414: Recordkeeping, inspections, monitoring, and entry
- Section 7416: Retention of State authority
- Subchapter II: Emission Standards For Moving Sources
- Part A: Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards
- Section 7545: Regulation of fuels
- Subchapter III: General Provisions
- Section 7604: Citizen suits
- Section 7607: Administrative proceedings and judicial review
- Subchapter VI: Stratospheric Ozone Protection
- Section 7671: Definitions
- Section 7671h: Servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners
- Section 7671k: Safe alternatives policy
- Chapter 89: Congregate Housing Services
- Section 8013: Supportive housing for persons with disabilities
- Chapter 91: National Energy Conservation Policy
- Subchapter III: Federal Energy Initiative
- Part B: Federal Energy Management
- Section 8253: Energy management requirements
- Section 8254: Establishment and use of life cycle cost methods and procedures
- Section 8259b: Federal procurement of energy efficient products
- Part D: Peak Demand Reduction
- Section 8279: National Action Plan for Demand Response
- Subchapter VII: Energy Savings Performance Contracts
- Section 8287: Authority to enter into contracts
- Chapter 106: Community Services Block Grant Program
- Section 9902: Definitions
- Chapter 130: National Affordable Housing
- Subchapter I: General Provisions and Policies
- Section 12704: Definitions
- Section 12705: State and local housing strategies
- Chapter 134: Energy Policy
- Subchapter III: Availability and Use of Replacement Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Alternative Fueled Private Vehicles
- Section 13257: Fleet requirement program
- Section 13258: Credits
- Chapter 149: National Energy Policy and Programs
- Section 15801: Definitions
- Subchapter I: Energy Efficiency
- Part B: Energy Assistance and State Programs
- Section 15821: Energy efficient appliance rebate programs
- Part C: Energy Efficient Products
- Section 15832: Energy efficiency public information initiative
- Subchapter II: Renewable Energy
- Part A: General Provisions
- Section 15852: Federal purchase requirement
- Subchapter VII: Vehicles and Fuels
- Part F: Diesel Emissions Reduction
- Section 16131: Definitions
- Subchapter IX: Research and Development
- Part I: Research Administration and Operations
- Section 16352: Cost sharing
- Part J: Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources
- Section 16375: Limits on participation
- Subchapter XV: Incentives For Innovative Technologies
- Section 16511: Definitions
- Section 16512: Terms and conditions
- Section 16513: Eligible projects
- Section 16515: Limitation on commitments to guarantee loans
- Chapter 152: Energy Independence and Security
- Subchapter I: Improved Vehicle Technology
- Section 17013: Advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program
- Subchapter III: Energy Savings In Buildings and Industry
- Section 17061: Definitions
- Part B: High-Performance Commercial Buildings
- Section 17081: Commercial high-performance green buildings
- Section 17082: Zero Net Energy Commercial Buildings Initiative
- Part C: High-Performance Federal Buildings
- Section 17092: High-performance green Federal buildings
- Section 17096: Authorization of appropriations
- Part D: Industrial Energy Efficiency
- Section 17111: Energy-intensive industries program
- Section 17112: Energy efficiency for data center buildings
- Subchapter IV: Energy Savings In Government and Public Institutions
- Part C: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
- Section 17154: Use of funds
- Section 17155: Requirements for eligible entities
- Subchapter V: Accelerated Research and Development
- Part C: Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Technologies
- Section 17211: Definition
- Subchapter IX: Smart Grid
- Section 17381: Statement of policy on modernization of electricity grid
- Section 17382: Smart grid system report
- Section 17386: Federal matching fund for smart grid investment costs
- Title 43: Public Lands
- Chapter 33: Alaska Native Claims Settlement
- Section 1601: Congressional findings and declaration of policy
- Chapter 35: Federal Land Policy and Management
- Subchapter I: General Provisions
- Section 1701: Congressional declaration of policy
- Section 1702: Definitions
- Subchapter V: Rights-Of-Way
- Section 1763: Right-of-way corridors; criteria and procedures applicable for designation
- Title 49: Transportation
- Subtitle III: General and Intermodal Programs
- Chapter 53: Public Transportation
- Section 5307: Urbanized area formula grants
- Section 5309: Fixed guideway capital investment grants
- Section 5310: Formula grants for the enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities
- Section 5311: Formula grants for rural areas
- Section 5319: Bicycle facilities
- Subtitle VI: Motor Vehicle and Driver Programs
- Part C: Information, Standards, and Requirements
- Chapter 329: Automobile Fuel Economy
- Section 32902: Average fuel economy standards
- Other Citations
- 7 U.S.C. 7a(d)(4)
- 40 U.S.C. Chapter 31
- 40 U.S.C. Chapter 11
- 40 U.S.C. 276a-276a-5
- 42 U.S.C. 1381-1383f
- 7 U.S.C. 27e
- 41 U.S.C. 253j(d)
Statutes at Large
The United States Statutes at Large is the compilation of all laws enacted by Congress.
- 64 Stat. 1267
- 92 Stat. 369
- 114 Stat. 2762A-119
- 118 Stat. 2879
- 119 Stat. 594
- 121 Stat. 1492
- 121 Stat. 1550
- 121 Stat. 1551
- 121 Stat. 1554
- 121 Stat. 1564
- 121 Stat. 1567
- 121 Stat. 1568
- 121 Stat. 1574
- 121 Stat. 1577
- 121 Stat. 1581
- 121 Stat. 1585
- 121 Stat. 1586
- 121 Stat. 1587
- 121 Stat. 1588
- 121 Stat. 1594
- 121 Stat. 1596
- 121 Stat. 1600
- 121 Stat. 1612
- 121 Stat. 1628
- 122 Stat. 1809
- 122 Stat. 2654
Use the comment space below for discussion of the merits of H.R. 2454 (111th) with other GovTrack users.
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Judge okays exclusion of damaging emails from BP oil spill trial
10 Responses to "Judge okays exclusion of damaging emails from BP oil spill trial"
Quite simply this is the nothing short of the federal government ensuring that no US company is blamed or made to take responsibilities for this disaster despite proof to the contrary.
Or even more simply, that judges are getting more brazen about their corruption. Reflecting upon the judicial and prosecutorial attitude toward bankers and real estate people over the past three-plus years, they don't have anything to worry about.
I'm surprised that I still am capable of thinking this way, but my first thought was: "You're joking. Please be joking." But no. Nope.
I'm afraid I've all but lost that capacity. It takes an act of pretty staggering corruption/depravity to raise my eyebrows, nowadays.
That party threw by the foreclosure law firm making fun of homeless people did it.
What steps are available for us as citizens to express our official displeasure with these events? Anybody got a billion dollars to get noticed?
The optimist part of me says that the judge has more than enough evidence accrued to find against them without introducing elements that may give rise to appeal, and that this is why these particular gems were precluded.
On the other hand….money.
Unfortunately I have to agree with the judge on the "shitty job" email. It lacks any details that would link what the author didn't like to the failure. Was it messy? Slow? Expensive? Or is the author pissed about something else and deriding the cement job just to be insulting? Without specific context, the email is inflammatory (no pun intended), not evidence.
However it is reason to depose the dude. All anyone has to do is ask the author "What did you think of the cementing job?" during a deposition. Then you'd get the full gory details missing from the email.
If it was still excluded, it's because the geologist couldn't offer any details supporting calling it shitty.
We wouldn't want to hurt BPs feelings…
Behold the wonderful efficiency of Corporatacracy.
(well, it is an efficient way for the elite to multiply their wealth, and that's all that matters)

subset: commoncrawl


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mattg3 - 4:48 am on Jan 12, 2008 (gmt 0)
Surely you can't police everybody, but on Youtube it certainly has reached pathetic proportions. The whole thing would collapse as even "socalled" self made videos (Dog under X-Mas tree) regularly feature commercial music. My gf that is a regular social network user of the Youtube inclusion type regularly wonders if videos suddenly disappear, no matter how often I tell her that's all illegal.
Soon the whole of UK television will be on youtube .. if that would be gone .. bebo et al would collapse ... now imagine the thought of people actually doing their own content ... and getting paid for it what a ridiculous idea ... working would suddenly make sense again ..


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Sermon shared by John Butler, Jr.
August 2006
Summary: As we look at the life of Moses we see that there is no room for compromise in a believer�s life.
Denomination: Pentecostal
Audience: General adults
About Sermon Contributor
More Sermons from John
1) Introduction
a) The word compromise does not appear in in the Holy Scriptures, though it is a common word in our Evangelical vocabulary today.
Compromise is a common word in political, labor, marital, and parental disputes.
Can we use this principle in religion? In our relationships with God? The world? Sin? etc.
Compromise involves conceding, concessions, sacrifice of principles, etc.
As Christians may we do this?
NO!!! Ten Thousand Times, NO!!!
Compromise involves partial surrender of one�s position in concession to another party.
In our case the enemy is Satan and his cohorts.
b) Biblical Illustrations of Compromise...
1) God told Joshua to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan (Joshua 9:24), but the Gibeonites tricked Joshua and got a compromise. They became his servants.
2) God told Saul to utterly destroy Amelek and all his possessions (1Samuel 15:3), but Saul compromised and saved some to sacrifice (15:15). For this compromise he was severely reprimanded and the kingdom was taken from him.
c) Illustrations of Compromise Today...
1. Evangelicals compromising with modernists,
2. Christians compromising with sin,
3. The Church compromising with the world, etc.
2) First compromise offered by Pharoah...
a) Stay In The Land...
Exo 8:25 And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land.
b) God�s command=Exo 5:3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days� journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
Exo 7:16 And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.
c) God�s command are specific. God intended it to be obeyed to the full extent, in every detail.
Pharoah�s compromise was but a partial fulfillment of the will of God.
God�s command specifically required that Israel be separated from Egypt by a three day journey.
Why three days? Likely, it was to be a picture of living on resurrection ground, separated from the world by three days as Christ was.
Today God is issuing the same order of separation.
(Luk 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.)
Go as far from the world and place of sin as possible!
Beware of compromise! Launch out into the deep of divine strength! Launch out into the deep of God�s infinite love! Into the deep of His faithfulness! The deep of His blessings!
For Israel to have sacrificed in Egypt would have been an abomination to the Egyptians, and would have resulted in riots and the stoning of Israel.
To sacrifice sheep and goats before the Egyptians would have meant anathema (excommunication) because these were sacred animals to the Egyptians.
Not to mention what God would say to this type of disobedience.
Moses would not accept any compromise. God demanded 100 percent obedience.
True worship requires separation, Separation from that which is wicked, profane, and ungodly.
Politically the Israelites were slaves to Egypt, but religiously they needed to be free, completely free.
If they would have been given the freedom of religion
Comments and Shared Ideas
Join the discussion


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You are Here
New business start up
by robstransfer, Window Shopper
- Created: June 28, 2013, 11:27 am
Hello, I am starting a new business. I used to drive long haul flatbed, now I
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text: Oprah says the minute she finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, she was dying to talk to David Wroblewski. "It's one of those books that when you're done, you just want to talk to the author and say, 'How did you do that?'" David's Skyping in to the Oprah Show studio from his home office in Colorado and says he worked on this novel for an entire decade. "My earliest memories have to do with dogs," David says. "So I've been working actively on the novel for about 10 years, but the thoughts that I've had about telling the story of people's relationship with dogs go back almost as long as I can remember." Watch Oprah's entire conversation with David Wroblewski, the author of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle Check out Oprah and David's webcast and get everything you need to start reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle today! |


text: Accessories Other 1:44 am Citroen 2CV by Hermes The Hermes treatment is back with this special makeup 1989 Citreon 2CV6 Special for the Paris 2008 Auto Show. Autoblog gets it right. "If you saw the Bugatti Veryon by Hermes you know what to expect, with hand-stitched swathes of… 1174 - Read more


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Newest Review: ... kind of thriller you might expect from the genre; rather it's about the daily life of three characters - Frank and Julia Frink, an estrang... more
New Order
The Man in the High Castle - Philip K. Dick
Member Name: Puggers
The Man in the High Castle - Philip K. Dick
Date: 14/12/12
Advantages: Intriguing, well-written.
Disadvantages: Slow-paced.
This kind of thing's been done several times to varying effect - Robert Harris's Fatherland a memorable take on the theme. What if the Allies had lost the Second World War? In Phillip K Dick's The Man in the High Castle, the story unfolds in Japanese-controlled San Francisco; the USA having been carved up between Japan and Nazi Germany. This isn't the kind of thriller you might expect from the genre; rather it's about the daily life of three characters - Frank and Julia Frink, an estranged couple with their own personal quests, and Nobusuke Tagomi, a businessman who comes to question the accepted rules of society.
It's in many ways a low-key book; in keeping with the portrayal of the Japanese culture imposed on the US, it's delivered in an indirect, formal style ... this works well, though. It seems to get across the atmosphere of the time and the place more effectively than a fast-moving plot would.
The story is essentially driven by a revolutionary, shocking book written by the eponymous Man in the High Castle, a Hawthorne Abendsen who lives in the buffer zone between Japanese and German America. This novel posits a world in which the Allies won the Second World War, an alternative reality that is at once tantalising and uncomfortable for those living under Japanese control.
It's a gripping, fascinating novel that asks intriguing questions - and is in some ways better than Robert Harris's novel. It might lack the pace and action, but it portrays a more realistic world in which the winning side aren't all villains but normal people, and the new world isn't necessarily a bad place for those on the losing side. It's a curious book, but one well worth investing time in.
Summary: A curious classic.


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text:
Brooke's 60 Second Sleaze (03/19/12)
Lady Gaga is going silent, Lindsay Lohan puts HERSELF on House arrest, and NEW VIDEO of Kony 2012 director, Jason Russel, and his NAKED MELTDOWN. Check it out! read more ≫
Brooke --
-- lady gaga, Lindsay Lohan, bachelor, jessica simpson, stacey kiebler, kate hudson, kony 2012, x factor


text:
Foo Fighters are an American alternative rock band formed in Seattle in 1994. Band members including: Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Taylor Hawkins and Chris Shiflett. Over the course of the band's career, four of their albums have won 11 Grammy Awards including Best Rock Album four times and all of their albums have been nominated. |
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sometimes i get really excited in my brain about seeing the D in concert, and then i get carried away and think about...


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(Between: Saba & Park)
Phone: (604) 276-4508 Filipino Quality, fresh and affordable Philippine "turo-turo" style restaurant.
Current Quality Rating: Excellent (1 votes) [Comments and Reviews]
KFC6551 3 RD NO, Richmond, BC
Fresh Slice Pizza8211 Ackroyd RD, Richmond, BC
Sunway Restaurant 1300-4540 No 3 rd, Richmond, BC
Kyung Bok Palace5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC
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Quiksilver Men's Renegade Shell Jacket
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