Reid: "Coal Makes Us Sick ..."

Harry Reid spoke bluntly on energy issues the other day.

Looking the Faux and Balanced cameras square on, he spoke truth:

Coal makes us sick ...

This is an important statement.

Reid is speaking truth to an audience that isn't used to hearing it.

Speaking in association with a major solar event, the starting of the production line of Ausra's solar thermal manufacturer center, Reid was challenged about the costs of solar, that according to misguided economic analysis, coal electricity is less expensive than the just rising concentrated solar thermal power generation.

We talk about cost competitiveness, but the one thing that we fail to talk about are those costs that you don't see on the bottom line ...

Sing it, Harry. Praise the truth.

In fact, Harry, as you're aware, many of do speak of these costs. But, you weren't necessarily speaking with those who've been residing in reality.

These "external" costs are serious and seriously mislabeled as "external." To paraphrase Al Gore, this is the air that my, your, our children, and we are breathing and the water we are all drinking. That sounds pretty internal to me. How about you?

Costs that you don't see on the bottom line ...
that is ...
Coal makes us sick.

Let us make it easy: Coal is Dirty!

• 24,000 people a year die prematurely because of pollution from coal-fired power plants. And every year 38,000 heart attacks, 12,000 hospital admissions and an additional 550,000 asthma attacks result from power plant pollution.


• Mercury contamination is so widespread that one out of every six pregnant women have mercury levels in their blood high enough for levels in the fetus to reach or surpass the EPA's safety threshold for mercury. ... Smokestack emissions from coal-fired power plants are the primary source of mercury pollution ...

Do you get the point? Do you really need to hear more?

Global Warming.
It's ruining our country.
It's ruining our world.
Harry is speaking truth.
Clear truth.

And, do you hear pleading in this strong statement, a plea for people to hear truth?

We've got to stop using fossil fuel. We've, for generations, taken carbon out of the earth and put it in the atmosphere. It's making us all sick.

It's changing our world.

Harry is simply speak truth, truth to a difficult audience and an audience that wants to ridicule rather than listen.

Senate Republicans are sending around this video as part of an effort to make Democrats appear out of touch on the need to produce more energy and drill more oil wells.

That's right, the one speaking truth is the one "out of touch" with reality. The Republicans will continue their efforts to dig the hole deeper with the dishonest "Drill Here! Drill Now! Pay Less!" 20 years from now (a few cents less). They will continue to fight, it seems clear, any and all efforts to turn the nation toward a better, more sensible path forward.

These are not Harry's first strong words related to Global Warming.

Nor are they likely to be the last.

But, these words (and my read of Harry's passion) give me hope that Harry Reid will be taking the fight to get serious action moving on smarter energy policy and a (much) better global warming bill than the failed Boxer-Lieberman-Warner in partnership with President Obama. To develop policies that will fight global warming while strengthening the economy.

"The evidence for the consequences of global warming is appearing with alarming frequency. [The] headlines are filled with tales of deadly weather." Amid Global Boiling, the heat is on.

And, Give 'em Hell Harry Reid is turning up the heat.

It is time to fan the flames in the nation to build the "political capital" for serious action to Energize America toward a prosperous, climate-friendly society.

Comments

[mamacat]

The figure of 38,000 is cited as pre-mature deaths every year because of coal's pollution.

I believe the corresponding figures for China are closer to 1 million premature deaths per year, and the pollution clouds originating in China have been tracked going over the Pacific, to the U.S., and on to Europe.
The pollution from burning coal in power plants world wide is astounding, and horrific.

[Michale32086]

Two additional questions come to mind, Mr Siegal..

1. Why won't the pro HCGW crowd allow for debate?? In his book, ASSAULT ON REASON, Al Gore castigates the American public and the Media for their lack of debate in the run up to the Iraq War. So, obviously, Al Gore feels that important matters like war should exhaust ALL debate prior to taking action. Yet, Gore refuses to even discuss the idea of a debate, saying instead, "The matter is closed".. If Human Caused Global Warming is such a scientific slam-dunk it seems to me that Gore would RUSH to debates. If the matter is debated openly in a logical and rational way that would sway a LOT of people over to the HCGW camp. Myself included.. The fact that Al Gore ducks ALL attempts at even DISCUSSING a debate casts doubt on his position, even more so than his lavish lifestyle..

2. Have you read the Michael Crichton book, STATE OF FEAR.. If you have, I was curious as to your thoughts on it. If you haven't, I highly recommend it. Irregardless of it's political statements, it is at it's heart, a very good read..

Michale.....

[A. Siegel - Huffpost Blogger]

The "pro HCGW crowd"? Do you think that there are people in the streets, cheering, YEAH! THE WORLD IS WARMING!! SPECIES ARE GOING EXTINCT!! YEAH!

The point is that the game is not being played honestly. The people seeking to "debate" twist evidence and refuse to acknowledge evidence when it placed before them, spinning things over and over. Unless one is willing to engage honestly, with honest information, there is no discussion to be had.

Come off it, Crichton? Don't you find it a bit of an interesting statement that George Bush made time to meet with Chrichton but couldn't find a minute to meet with Jim Hansen? Do you criticize Bush for not talking to "both sides". Joe Romm is amusing (and devastating) on Crichton: http://climateprogress.org/2007/05/22/blog-of-the-day-crichtons-fictions/ ; http://climateprogress.org/2007/01/10/franken-calls-for-crichton-climate-progress-debate-we-accept/; Or, Jim Hansen; http://www.columbia.edu/~jeh1/2005/Crichton_20050927.pdf

[Michale32086]

"The point is that the game is not being played honestly. The people seeking to "debate" twist evidence and refuse to acknowledge evidence when it placed before them, spinning things over and over. Unless one is willing to engage honestly, with honest information, there is no discussion to be had."

I have read about several debate offers from very prestigious scientific institutions.. And surely a formal debate under the rules, there would be no "spinning" from EITHER side.

I am just saying, it seems disingenuous to rush headlong without exhausting all debate on the issue. Wouldn't you agree???

Michale.....

[mamacat]

I have read quite a bit of Mr. Crichton's anaysis. I found it unscientific and unconvincing.
On the other hand, I have read and thoroughly enjoyed many of his novels. I find it ironic that someone who can weave science into his novels so well, has a flawed knowledge of global warming.

It's free country, and Mr. Crichton can state his beliefs, but don't expect everyone to emulate his beliefs just because he writes science-fiction so well.

[Michale32086]

"I find it ironic that someone who can weave science into his novels so well, has a flawed knowledge of global warming."

That's kinda the point I was getting at.. If Crichton is so good at weaving science into his novels but, in your opinion, failed to do so this time, shouldn't that present to you the POSSIBLE conclusion that he is right and you are wrong??

Michale....

[Michale32086]

Furthermore, let me just say that the idea of Human Caused Climate Change would be a LOT more believable if the likes of Al Gore et al would actually ACT like there is a climate emergency. His lavish lifestyle and the lavish lifestyles of other HCCC proponents seems to indicate that there isn't...

The BIGGEST nail in the coffin of the believability of HCCC is the outlandish proclamations that come out of the Gore'acles camp that turn out to be totally ridiculous and are refuted by real science... I could list them if you like...

Finally, when one considers that the earth has actually been cooling the last 10 years and has all but erased the temp gains, I think it's safe to say that, when it comes to what really drives the Earth's climate we know (if I may quote Tommy Lee Jones from MIB) "absolutely dick"...

Michale.....

[A. Siegel - Huffpost Blogger]

"Refuted by real science ..." like false petitions and other bogus work?

In any event, Gore states that people should work to reduce energy use via things like CFLs (which he does), use renewable power (which he does), and remediate for polluting energy use (which he does). You could argue that this is not aggressive enough based on what he is saying, but he is doing what calls on people to do.

It is tiring to have the same false canards rising time and time again. Re your last, this is 'lies, damned, lies, and statistics". Re the falsehood of the "cooling the last 10 years", recommend that anyone interested in some facts, rather than truthiness, look at: "New GW denialists' deceptive lie on global temperatures" (http://getenergysmartnow.com/?p=506) for example ...

We would all appreciate it if you sought to work with truth rather than truthiness.

[Michale32086]

Ignoring the huge con/joke that is Human Caused Climate Change for a moment.

I find it ironically hilarious that, when Senator Reid does something that the Hysterical Left likes (like this) he is the hero and the man of the hour.

When Senator Reid does something that the Hysterical Left DOESN'T like (like HR 6304) he is scum, he is worthless and he is a bad leader..

Hmmmm There's a word for that...

"That was on Final Jeopardy last night."
-Will Smith, MEN IN BLACK

That word is hypocrisy..

Michale.....

[A. Siegel - Huffpost Blogger]

Michale, Thank you for standing up to show ignorance. First, glad to know that James Inhofe (R-Exxon) is your favorite senator. "Huge con/joke": Sigh. people who place ideology over fact are beyond tiring, the damage that you have and are fostering could well be devastating to our nation.

Secondly, there is no such thing as a perfect person or a perfect politician. Hmmm ... Seems reasonable to critique when someone does something wrong and praise when they do something right. That is not "hypocrisy" but speaking truth to power, something that seems to be a fundamental part of a healthy democracy, no?

[Michale32086]

"Michale, Thank you for standing up to show ignorance. "

Never been afraid to do that before. No reason to start now.. :D

"There is no dishonor in not knowing everything"
-Subcommander T'al, STAR TREK The Enterprise Incident.

No one doubts that there is Climate Change... The doubt comes from what is the cause.
Climate has been changing on the Earth for a billion years. Humankind's existence is a mere speck of that time.. To think that humankind can actually affect such a hugely dynamic system as the Earth's climate is the epitome of arrogance..

Think of it as a man in a dingy, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He drops his drawers and takes a piss off the side of the boat. Yea, it might not be the most healthy thing for the fish in the immediate area of his.. er.. dingy. But to put forth the idea that this guy taking a piss in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is going to raise the temp of the ENTIRE OCEAN is ludicrous to the point of absurdity.

CONT

[Michale32086]

"Secondly, there is no such thing as a perfect person or a perfect politician. Hmmm ... Seems reasonable to critique when someone does something wrong and praise when they do something right. That is not "hypocrisy" but speaking truth to power, something that seems to be a fundamental part of a healthy democracy, no?"

All things being equal, I would agree with you...

So then perhaps those who castigate Senator Reid should make the distinction, no?? Instead of vilifying him and make him appear as Lucifer himself...

I have a problem with hysterical fanatics on BOTH sides of the political spectrum..

Maybe it's just me...

Michale.....

[speakeasy]

How is that hypocrisy??? Two totally different subjects. Progressives hold our leaders to account and are unafraid to disagree and be vocal (at both parties), as oppossed to the repubs who toe the party line even if it goes against their principles (which they dont have anyways). You're a sap and a troll whose "scientific" arguments against climate change would get shot down by a 5th grader. Sad little man, don't worry, we'll work hard and change things so your head can stay in the sand as long as you like.

[Michale32086]

I was all set to respond to you on exactly how that is hypocrisy..

But then you conceded my argument by stooping into the gutter with childish and immature name-calling...

Thanx for your concession of my argument.

While your concession is appreciated, it's also irrelevant.

Michale.....

[joanndarc]

Carbon tax on fossil fuel mining is the only way to wisely use these resources.

[Michale32086]

And who do you think will end up actually PAYING that tax??

What?? $4+ a gallon gas not high enough for you??

Michale.....

[Michale32086]

Sorry, that came out pithy and condescending. That's not how I meant it to be.

My apologies...

Michale.....

[A. Siegel - Huffpost Blogger]

Michale,

I am sure that you were against the concept of any tax on gasoline to pay for reducing oil dependency when gasoline was $0.99 a gallon because it would 'cost too much'. And, at $1.499. And, at $2.499. And, at $3.499. Now at $4+ gallon, you are fighting working for solutions to America's oil addiction and fostering a continued dependence on imported oil. (No, "Drill here! Drill Now! Pay Less!" is not a solution, but misleading truthiness that would have minimal impact on oil prices and not for an extended period (see: http://getenergysmartnow.com/?s=drill+here+gingrich)) Pretty easy to predict what you'll be saying at $7 gallon gasoline.

[joanndarc]

You may also add that nothing can replace coal, natural gas and oil, that are vital industrial raw materials.
The first step in production of steel, copper and many other metals requires coal as a source of carbon. Even electrolitic reduction of aluminium requires grafite (carbon) electrodes.
Chemical industry is built on oil and natural gas as starting materials.

One famoust chemist at the end of 19 century said:" Heating with oil is no better the doing so with bank notes".

[A. Siegel - Huffpost Blogger]

Fair comment, as much of my focus is on the use of coal to be burnt (whether for electricity generation or for other heat uses).

Fossil fuels have tremendous value as feedstock for a huge range of processes and critical materials. In some cases, there are already known alternatives. (For example, one can make fertilizer using electricity to make feedstock, rather than using natural gas. Natural gas is primary path toward hydrogen right now. Again, electricity + water gets you there.) In some cases, there is work on / likely alternatives. We might not ever find viable alternatives to fossil feed stocks for highly valued processes. But, the highest value for fossil fuels is in these feedstocks. We seem likely to find ourselves greatly regretting profligately burning materials that have such tremendous properties and value.