It appears that when you ask Matt “baby” Blunt about global warming he’ll reply, “We don’t need no stinkin’ science.” He stomps his foot whilst sticking his head in the sand. He’s sort of of like dubya, only slower and meaner…
Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has dismissed major parts of the Midwestern Governors Association’s energy pact that would establish greenhouse gas reduction goals and require greater reliance on renewable electricity sources.
Blunt was the only governor who did not sign any part of the pact at the 12-state association’s energy summit last month. He had also refused to take part in the months-long development of the pact….
…He had also refused to take part in the months-long development of the pact…. Let’s see, what was “baby” Blunt paying attention to in October and November? Oh, yeah, I remember now.
Governors Sign Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform and Greenhouse Gas Accord
Washington, D.C. – Ten Midwestern leaders – Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana, Governor Chester J. Culver of Iowa, Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio, Governor M. Michael Rounds of South Dakota, and Premier Gary Doer of Manitoba – today signed the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord.
Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota are signing the agreement as observers to participate in the formation of the regional cap-and-trade system.
The historic agreement, signed at the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) Energy Security and Climate Change Summit held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will serve as a regional strategy to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.
The Accord will:
* Establish greenhouse gas reduction targets and timeframes consistent with MGA member states’ targets;
* Develop a market-based and multi-sector cap-and-trade mechanism to help achieve those reduction targets;
* Establish a system to enable tracking, management, and crediting for entities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
* Develop and implement additional steps as needed to achieve the reduction targets, such as a low-carbon fuel standards and regional incentives and funding mechanisms.“This is a momentous day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,” said Governor Doyle, chair of the MGA. “Leaders from across the Midwest are charting a new energy direction for our citizens, our nation, and our world, creating high-paying jobs for our citizens and building a cleaner and safer world for generations to come. Our strong manufacturing base and rich agricultural industries, along with the wealth of resources in our vast northern forests and our world-leading research universities, position the Midwest to become the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy.”
As part of the summit, the Midwestern states, including Nebraska and North Dakota, also adopted an Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform. The platform establishes shared goals for the
Midwest region, including specific timelines for the advance of energy efficiency, the promotion of biobased products, the production of renewable electricity, and the development of advance coal and carbon capture and storage.
To support these shared goals, the Midwestern states launched new cooperative regional initiatives to address the following:
* CO2 management to create a regional transportation and storage infrastructure;
* A bioproduct procurement program to support the growth of the region’s bioeconomy;
* Electricity transmission adequacy to support thousands of new megawatts of wind energy;
* Renewable fuels corridors and coordinated signage to promote renewable fuel usage across the Midwest;
* Advanced bioenergy permitting to assist states with the latest technologies; and
* Low-carbon energy transmission infrastructure that will provide a cost-effective way to supply the Midwest with sustainable and environmentally responsible energy.Midwestern states are leading the nation in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. The Midwest boasts world-class renewable energy resources that support rapidly growing wind energy, corn ethanol, and biodiesel industries, and has the potential for robust cellulosic biomass and solar industries.
The Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord builds on existing greenhouse gas reduction efforts in each state as well as existing regional efforts. The new Midwest regional effort will include more states. Current emission levels in these states will require more aggressive efforts than in other regions.
[emphasis added]
Where’s Matt “baby” Blunt on the list?
Greenhouse Gas Accord [pdf]
Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform [pdf]
…Develop a market-based and multi-sector cap-and-trade mechanism to help achieve those reduction targets… sounds like an entrepreneurial capitalist’s dream to me…
…Blunt noted that 70 percent of the power produced in Missouri comes from coal-fired plants…
According to this document: Proposed New Coal Fired Power Plant Projects [pdf] – Great Plains Energy and Kansas City Power & Light want to build a coal fired plant in Missouri.
And who might be interested in all of this?
Amended October – Committee Quarterly Report – 10/17/07
Missouri Energy Development Assoc. 326 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, MO 65101- 9/24/2007
$1,275.00
Monetary
The Missouri Energy Development Association
Amended July – Committee Quarterly Report – 10/17/07
Michael Chesser Great Plains Energy 6/29/2007
$5,000.00Timothy Curry Great Plains Energy 6/29/2007
$2,000.00William Riggins Great Plains Energy 6/29/2007
$1,000.00Richard Spring Great Plains Energy 6/29/2007
$250.00
There are a few people who support Matt “baby” Blunt and his views on energy.