Inhofe Whine V. 2,2287.0 - How DARE EPA's Jackson Mention Market Forces' Effects On Coal Power?

[hatrack]

Oklahoma Sen. James Inhofe, the top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, is firing back against U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson's comments that market forces were to blame for coal's recent troubles.

Yesterday's Inhofe letter to Jackson is part of a broader debate about the impacts of low natural gas prices compared to what critics of the Obama administration call its "war on coal." The senator, a notable climate change skeptic, said it's folly for Jackson to only blame the markets.

"Although there is little doubt that the appearance of shale gas on the American energy scene has been revolutionary," Inhofe wrote, "your statement distorts economic realities in a manner equivalent to President Obama's recent conclusion that 'the private sector is doing fine' in the midst of one of the most severe and prolonged economic declines in recent history."

Inhofe was referring to Jackson's interview with Grist Magazine published earlier this week (Greenwire, June 11). She said that in her opinion, "the problem for coal right now is entirely economic." Inhofe said Jackson's statement dismisses company reports that regulations to tackle pollution from coal-fired power will cause premature plant closures and prevent new plants from being built.

EDIT

http://www.eenews.net/public/EEDaily/2012/06/14/2

[woofless]

1. Few people know that James Mountain Inhofe's middle name is commonly truncated.

His full name is James Mountainofpigshit Inhofe. He lives up to that name daily.