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FourScore

(9,704 posts)
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:42 PM Apr 2013

UNBELIEVABLE: A Bill in Kansas to Outlaw Sustainability

Kansas's Self-Destruct Button: A Bill to Outlaw Sustainability
By Tom Randall Apr 9, 2013 8:10 AM ET



A Vortex 2 rotating supercell severe thunderstorm near Dodge City, Kansas. Photographer: Ryan McGinnis


SNIP

...Now the state’s “Committee on Energy and Environment” is proposing a law that would prohibit spending on anything that won’t set Kansas on a course to self-destruction. House Bill No. 2366 would ban all state and municipal funds for anything related to “sustainable development,” which it defines as: “development in which resource use aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come."

SNIP

...Kansas is the eighth biggest oil-and-gas producing state in the U.S., and fossil fuels will remain a big part of the economy for decades to come. Ask Dennis Hedke. He’s the geophysicist who does contract work for oil and gas companies and is chairman of the committee that wants to ban sustainability in Kansas...

SNIP

...For the record, Hedke said House Bill No. 2366 shouldn’t affect the wind industry, because Kansas already doesn’t support wind development with public funds. In fact, he says, “we don’t have laws in Kansas right now that relate to sustainable development.” It’s more about preventing sustainable development in the future...

SNIP

...Kansas has the wind-energy potential of 3,102 terawatt hours a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s about 80 percent of the annual electricity consumption of the entire United States. If Kansas developed just a tiny fraction of that -- 7,158 megawatts -- by 2030, it would provide economic benefits of about $7.8 billion for the state, according to the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Lab. And it would do so without contributing to the global warming that’s frying the state’s wheat and corn and pushing America’s breadbasket north...

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-09/kansas-s-self-destruct-button-a-bill-to-outlaw-sustainability.html
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UNBELIEVABLE: A Bill in Kansas to Outlaw Sustainability (Original Post) FourScore Apr 2013 OP
This is insane. They've been going through a major drought and it's only octoberlib Apr 2013 #1
Revenge of the psychos. GeorgeGist Apr 2013 #2
why don't the people of Kansas vote these warrior1 Apr 2013 #3
They seem to love them! In the last election they voted in the most RW extremists they could find. RKP5637 Apr 2013 #5
Everything I read/see about KS is scary - lunasun Apr 2013 #27
It's become a horrible place. And the agenda by the Koch Brothers, the 7th and 8th richest RKP5637 Apr 2013 #33
+1 Newest Reality Apr 2013 #51
So we never did find out "what's the matter with Kansas" I guess. dixiegrrrrl Apr 2013 #43
It was the people of Kansas who voted these morons into office. Arkansas Granny Apr 2013 #6
The people in KS are morons as I live among them. LonePirate Apr 2013 #12
In this district many R's just run uncontested, not even a dem challenger. Last time Brownstain RKP5637 Apr 2013 #21
Kansas, a great place to be from as in GONE! n/t RKP5637 Apr 2013 #4
Isn't that kind of being like the Luddites? upaloopa Apr 2013 #7
No, it's more like being the Peoples Temple Salviati Apr 2013 #10
Insanity. timdog44 Apr 2013 #8
The Oil business will decrease over Time formercia Apr 2013 #39
What the hell is wrong with Kansas? Apophis Apr 2013 #9
+1 glinda Apr 2013 #25
You can't legislate out the stupid egold2604 Apr 2013 #11
History shows that the morons will simply blame the godless libruls when they do face Boomerproud Apr 2013 #23
Headline: Kansas Lawmakers cut off noses to spite faces. nt Ilsa Apr 2013 #13
Sounds like they're adieu Apr 2013 #48
They're just getting desperate. AverageJoe90 Apr 2013 #14
You accidentally placed the wrong link to the article. Lucky Luciano Apr 2013 #15
I thought you were serious for a second there. FourScore Apr 2013 #16
The article is THAT unbelievable. Lucky Luciano Apr 2013 #41
I feel sorry for the good people of Kansas n2doc Apr 2013 #17
Koch Industries, Inc. /ˈkoʊk/ is an American multinational corporation based in Wichita, Kansas. HiPointDem Apr 2013 #18
Exactly !! It is the Koch brothers and a politician's quest for their money. Maineman Apr 2013 #40
So no more trash pickups in Kansas? Cool. randome Apr 2013 #19
Huh? gollygee Apr 2013 #20
Not only won't they be prohibited from doing so........they'll probably kestrel91316 Apr 2013 #32
Too bad lordsummerisle Apr 2013 #22
Outlaw sensibility while you are at it Kansas. PA Democrat Apr 2013 #24
Outlawing sanity? TheKentuckian Apr 2013 #26
maybe we should get the U.N. involved and just *force*.. Phillip McCleod Apr 2013 #28
Not unbelievable at all. 99Forever Apr 2013 #29
Big wake up calls, state by sate distruction G_j Apr 2013 #30
This is rightwing rage against UN Agenda 21 TheProgressive Apr 2013 #31
Even 20 years ago magellan Apr 2013 #54
School to prison pipeline Occulus Apr 2013 #56
Did you post to the correct thread? TheProgressive Apr 2013 #60
No, I'm saying it's naive to dismiss the danger because some kooks are wrong about something else. Occulus Apr 2013 #62
I have no clue what yo are trying to say... TheProgressive Apr 2013 #63
RepubliThink Berlum Apr 2013 #34
That's the most amazing.....and frightening.....thing I've read this week. PDJane Apr 2013 #35
What the hell? Quantess Apr 2013 #36
Good, somebody needed to put those enviromental wackos in place, and put economy first. napoleon_in_rags Apr 2013 #37
"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more." WillyT Apr 2013 #38
There's a solar cell inside every flying monkey! randome Apr 2013 #42
Looks like Kansas caballojm Apr 2013 #44
There's lots of competition Art_from_Ark Apr 2013 #58
"state and municipal funds for anything related to “sustainable development,” " formercia Apr 2013 #45
Kansas farmers are doing their best to pump the Oglalla aquifer dry so this bill just seems byeya Apr 2013 #46
Brownback sings "The Evolution" ("Come on baby, don't teach evolution") DFW Apr 2013 #47
Next on the agenda... dogknob Apr 2013 #49
If they were serious, they'd build a wall. Kennah Apr 2013 #50
It's an economic grab favoring certain kinds of companies to take advantage of 0 corp. income taxes patrice Apr 2013 #52
Kochery! Newest Reality Apr 2013 #53
Uh...uh... Solly Mack Apr 2013 #55
next thing you know they will outlaw global warming. Kalidurga Apr 2013 #57
Now That IS Republican! Octafish Apr 2013 #59
Call it "eating your seed corn" and maybe the Kansans who vote for these monsters will understand. baldguy Apr 2013 #61
I'm glad some DUers have paid some attention and recommended this this time around muriel_volestrangler Apr 2013 #64
Isn't it strange how that happens sometimes? FourScore Apr 2013 #65

octoberlib

(14,971 posts)
1. This is insane. They've been going through a major drought and it's only
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:45 PM
Apr 2013

going to get worse in years to come.

RKP5637

(67,031 posts)
5. They seem to love them! In the last election they voted in the most RW extremists they could find.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:52 PM
Apr 2013

Even moderate republicans are now a rare breed in Kansas.

RKP5637

(67,031 posts)
33. It's become a horrible place. And the agenda by the Koch Brothers, the 7th and 8th richest
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:43 PM
Apr 2013

people in the world is to make the rest of the US just like what they have done to Kansas. And they have made significant inroads into universities across the US through donations of millions to influence the schools of business into a combination of John Birch and Ayn Rand philosophies.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
43. So we never did find out "what's the matter with Kansas" I guess.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 06:11 PM
Apr 2013

Ironically, I am watching Ken Burns' The Dust Bowl.

Maybe their legislators ought to watch it, too.

LonePirate

(13,386 posts)
12. The people in KS are morons as I live among them.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:05 PM
Apr 2013

The most conservative tea bagger, corporate, religious types now win all of the Republican primaries and the voters in the general elections vote for any idiot with an R next to their name on the ballot. According to the sheep around here, the worst R is still better than the best possible D.

The national Democratic party needs to spend a lot of time and money here educating the people here.

RKP5637

(67,031 posts)
21. In this district many R's just run uncontested, not even a dem challenger. Last time Brownstain
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:02 PM
Apr 2013

was here, he said this area isn't republican enough, like WTF. Kansans are way too naive ... they vote in the worst sh** they can find and then say, ain't they wonderful. The way KS is headed, it'll be a return the the dust bowl. Thump the bible, talk no taxes and feed them any sh** one wants and they've got the seat ... anyone with a R behind their name will do.


Salviati

(6,002 posts)
10. No, it's more like being the Peoples Temple
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:58 PM
Apr 2013

More proof that the republican party is just becoming a suicide cult.

timdog44

(1,388 posts)
8. Insanity.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:56 PM
Apr 2013

If Kansas developed wind energy to their potential and made it state owned, they would be head and shoulders above all other states financially. Insanity. But nothing surprises me coming from Kansas anymore.

formercia

(18,479 posts)
39. The Oil business will decrease over Time
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 06:00 PM
Apr 2013

..But the Wind in Kansas, will blow forever, even after the Human Race becomes extinct.

egold2604

(369 posts)
11. You can't legislate out the stupid
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:01 PM
Apr 2013

I say let them pass this law. I am a strong believer in the law of unintended consequences. Let's see what the ultimate effect of this stupidity will be. They really believe that when all their resources are gone, Jeebus will create a new planet for them to exploit.

Boomerproud

(7,889 posts)
23. History shows that the morons will simply blame the godless libruls when they do face
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:12 PM
Apr 2013

the consequences of their stupidity. Their god is just smiting them for being in amongst the evildoers.

 

AverageJoe90

(10,745 posts)
14. They're just getting desperate.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:13 PM
Apr 2013

They know that Big Fossil's hegemony is liable to end a lot sooner than they'd like it to. Obama's first renewables initiatives, by all indications, are just the beginning.

Lucky Luciano

(11,242 posts)
15. You accidentally placed the wrong link to the article.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:29 PM
Apr 2013

You posted a Bloomberg link instead of The Onion link.

n2doc

(47,953 posts)
17. I feel sorry for the good people of Kansas
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:34 PM
Apr 2013

The bad ones can go to hell. And in fact, Climate change is going to make that happen. I hope enough of them live long enough to regret it.

Maineman

(854 posts)
40. Exactly !! It is the Koch brothers and a politician's quest for their money.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 06:05 PM
Apr 2013

No, I cannot explain the voters. I think the wind must blow in one ear and vacate the contents out the other ear.

gollygee

(22,336 posts)
20. Huh?
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 04:37 PM
Apr 2013

That's crazy! So if a municipal building somewhere wanted to put a few solar cells up, they wouldn't be able to?

 

kestrel91316

(51,666 posts)
32. Not only won't they be prohibited from doing so........they'll probably
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:40 PM
Apr 2013

stick in major punishment for anyone in government who suggests such a thing. Maybe they'll stone them to death with glee.

PA Democrat

(13,225 posts)
24. Outlaw sensibility while you are at it Kansas.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:19 PM
Apr 2013

Gee, I wonder who owns all of the politicians in Kansas?

 

Phillip McCleod

(1,837 posts)
28. maybe we should get the U.N. involved and just *force*..
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:34 PM
Apr 2013

..sustainability on them.

we could call it..

agenda..

.22

99Forever

(14,524 posts)
29. Not unbelievable at all.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:36 PM
Apr 2013

Have you ever visited Kansas? Although there are some nice, smart, thoughtful, and progressive folks there, they are vastly outnumbered by Republicans with the all of the common sense of a dirt clod. They are too freaking stupid to vote in their own best interests.

 

TheProgressive

(1,656 posts)
31. This is rightwing rage against UN Agenda 21
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:37 PM
Apr 2013

Agenda 21 has 'sustainable development' in it. But, you see, Glen Beck and
others like him saw an opportunity to capitalize on it. He and others write
books on how Agenda 21 will allow the 'government to take your property' and
other crap like that.

The Tea Party and republicans in general, being who they are (highly propagandized and conned
out of their money) invade state, city, and county legislators to enact anti-agenda 21 laws.

It is total bull.

They tried this in my heavy-republican county but the supervisors did not go for it!

magellan

(13,257 posts)
54. Even 20 years ago
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 12:46 AM
Apr 2013

...people spouting such irrational nonsense would have been laughed at, not elected. Now it's firmly entrenched in the Republican Party. I gave up trying to figure out which of them really believes their own nuttery and which are just making money off it with a straight face. My sense is that more nuttery is being added to the mix all the time.

The rw clown car must be like a Tardis inside.

Occulus

(20,599 posts)
56. School to prison pipeline
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 01:00 AM
Apr 2013

Google it for legal evidence as to how NAIVE AND WRONG you are.

Hint: judge in PA.

You're fucking welcome.

 

TheProgressive

(1,656 posts)
60. Did you post to the correct thread?
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 10:04 AM
Apr 2013

Are you saying that I am naive and wrong about the rightwing obsession with Agenda 21?

Occulus

(20,599 posts)
62. No, I'm saying it's naive to dismiss the danger because some kooks are wrong about something else.
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 10:21 AM
Apr 2013

A judge in PA is serving time now because he was getting kickbacks from a prison (I believe it was a private prison) for sending kids from school to jail.

It is beyond dangerous to privatize things like prisons, the military, police forces, and fire departments. It's a horrible idea, full stop, and the UN doesn't have anything at all to do with it.

 

TheProgressive

(1,656 posts)
63. I have no clue what yo are trying to say...
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 11:04 AM
Apr 2013

You called me naive and wrong about Kansas and sustainable development. I mention it was a
rightwing un adenda 21 obsession.

So what is the connection to the prison industry?

PDJane

(10,103 posts)
35. That's the most amazing.....and frightening.....thing I've read this week.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:48 PM
Apr 2013

We desperately need some kind of education or something there; why the hell would you do this?

napoleon_in_rags

(3,991 posts)
37. Good, somebody needed to put those enviromental wackos in place, and put economy first.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 05:57 PM
Apr 2013

I'm glad that Kansas is stepping up to do it. I think their bottom lines will reflect the good choices they're making.

The problem here in WA as in other states is that there are so many damn lazy hippies. For instance, we have this - dirt. Dirty - dirt, from a place called the Hanford facility. The hippies are just too damn lazy to clean it. But since Kansas has taken these bold steps to put economy first, I propose we outsource the work, and send all our dirty dirt to Kansas to store it. We'd be happy to pay a fee, if the people of Kansas were willing to take it!



Seriously, environmental issues ARE economic issues in the long term. I wish we had investment tools to really reflect this, money would be pulled out of a state that's throwing $7.8 billion in the trash to make a point.

For now, I say send the benefits to Colorado! The wind pours over the foothills, out onto the eastern planes at great speed.

caballojm

(270 posts)
44. Looks like Kansas
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 06:14 PM
Apr 2013

is trying to challenge our crown in AZ for having the stupidest legislators in the country. As a proud Arizonan, I say bring it on!

Art_from_Ark

(27,247 posts)
58. There's lots of competition
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 01:07 AM
Apr 2013

State legislators in North Carolina and my home state of Arkansas are working overtime to give Arizona and Kansas a run for their money.

formercia

(18,479 posts)
45. "state and municipal funds for anything related to “sustainable development,” "
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 06:16 PM
Apr 2013

This way, the Koch brothers get a free rein to develop it themselves, with no competition from the Taxpayer. Kansans will be spending a lot more for Power in the future.
The Koch Brothers know that Wind power is the next fortune to be made and they want it all.

 

byeya

(2,842 posts)
46. Kansas farmers are doing their best to pump the Oglalla aquifer dry so this bill just seems
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 06:16 PM
Apr 2013

business as usual for the Fundicans.
Let 'em dry up and blow away.

DFW

(54,051 posts)
47. Brownback sings "The Evolution" ("Come on baby, don't teach evolution")
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 06:24 PM
Apr 2013
http://www.myspace.com/thefreedomtoast/music/songs

A song mocking his short-lived presidential campaign of 2008.

Crap, I never intended for it to become his goddam State Anthem!!!!

patrice

(47,992 posts)
52. It's an economic grab favoring certain kinds of companies to take advantage of 0 corp. income taxes
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 12:42 AM
Apr 2013

here.

Newest Reality

(12,712 posts)
53. Kochery!
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 12:42 AM
Apr 2013

If we keep an eye on them, we can observe how it is possible for humans to make themselves extinct == a microcosm of self-destruction.

The Koch Brothers and the Republicans seem to be a force of devolution in progress.

Kalidurga

(14,177 posts)
57. next thing you know they will outlaw global warming.
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 01:00 AM
Apr 2013

then they will outlaw the wind, cuz you know nature listens to lawmakers.

 

baldguy

(36,649 posts)
61. Call it "eating your seed corn" and maybe the Kansans who vote for these monsters will understand.
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 10:12 AM
Apr 2013

Of course, in the 21st century you buy your GM seed corn from Monsanto after you get that loan from some Wall Street banker, so that analogy may not sink in.

muriel_volestrangler

(101,152 posts)
64. I'm glad some DUers have paid some attention and recommended this this time around
Sun Apr 14, 2013, 06:22 PM
Apr 2013

When I posted a thread about this a couple of months ago, it got 2 replies and no recs: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022414163

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