Your View: Energy crisis heating up in Massachusetts (by Sen. John F. Kerry)

[jpak]

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071113/OPINION/711130318

Every schoolchild in America learns about Paul Revere's contribution to the birth of our nation. But only rarely do we hear about his success as an entrepreneur. In the years after his heroic and famous "midnight ride," Revere started a business in New Bedford. He saw potential in the large-scale manufacturing of metal products, and launched a trailblazing copper company that put residents of New Bedford to work for almost 150 years.

Sadly, Revere Copper was forced to close its doors this March, leaving the families of its 85 employees out in the cold. Like many shuttered businesses, Revere Copper couldn't keep up with skyrocketing energy costs.

The numbers are striking. Massachusetts residents are paying record amounts to heat their homes, with costs for heating oil up 30 percent from last year. The Massachusetts Board of Transportation paid $25 million to power the subways and light the stations last year. This year, their energy costs will nearly double to over $42 million. But the costs of America's failed energy policy are even more widespread, and no one is feeling the pressure more than our small businesses.

Earlier this year, I chaired a hearing on the impact of rising fuel prices on American small businesses, and we heard again and again from small business owners what we already knew: The rising price of fuel ultimately leads to less consumer spending, less capital for businesses to invest in growth, and depressed profits. These same businesses are also juggling considerable increases in health care costs, diminished access to capital due to a tightening lending market, and global competition from foreign companies that aren't facing the same constraints.

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[MH1]

1. "We need to start rewarding people for choosing cleaner energy sources."

Yep.

We need to start rewarding people for choosing cleaner energy sources. That's why I proposed legislation to grant tax credits for alternatively fueled vehicles, energy efficient homes and commercial buildings.

Today we are fast approaching a point of no return in our fight against global climate change if we don't take action right away. To be successful, it will take the cooperation of the government, private citizens and businesses large and small. To date, the Bush administration has offered mostly procrastination and evasion. Even as we alleviate our short-term energy needs, we need to embark on a long-term strategy. The only effective way to relieve the energy cost burden on small businesses — and every resident facing a super-sized heating bill this winter — is to establish a coordinated effort to unleash American innovation and confront this crisis with the comprehensive solutions and urgency it demands.

Too bad Kerry's efforts will go NOWHERE in this PATHETIC Congress.

I heard on NPR this morning that McConnell is still refusing to appoint members to the conference committee on the Energy Bill. WTF???? Why can't Reid go around him? Or why isn't this being blasted on every talk show by every Dem that shows up on one?

P.A.T.H.E.T.I.C.

Sorry, I'm grumpy this morning after hearing that NPR report. I'll go back to my corner now.

:banghead:

[luckyleftyme2]

2. fantastic thread

no where can price hikes hurt us more than in the energy department. whether rich or poor we all use and need some form of energy to survive.
alternative energy is starting to pick up in usage; but for years fossil fuel companies have hinder advancements in this field. lets open up the spigots on our fuel reserves to lower the cost of our fuel while turning up the screws on all alternative forms of energy.
think of the new jobs,the new inventions and the new economy this will create.
come on america It's time to leave the dinosaur era and once again be a world leader!
LET THIS BE OUR NEW MANUFACTURING BASE; ONE THAT IS NOT SENT OVERSEAS FOR OTHERS TO EXPLOIT!
CC: PRESIDENT BUSH
VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY
SECT RICE
ALL CEO'S OF OIL COMPANIES
AND THE BLACK GOLD CLUB,ALSO KNOWN AS THE TEXAS MAFIA!