|
|
May 21, 2013
|
|
|
|
 Obama Chokes on Clean Air RulePosted on Sep 2, 2011
Fearing reduced chances for re-election by a public angry about mass unemployment, President Obama walked away from a nationwide plan to strengthen air quality standards after business interests lobbied aggressively in opposition. Tighter rules would cost billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs, they argued. On Friday, The New York Times reported that no jobs were added to the nation’s collective payrolls in August, calling the news “a signal that the economy has stalled.” The anti-environmental lobbying is another example of exploitation of the employment crisis by industry and its purchased politicians, with Obama conceding readily by ducking behind claims of economic necessity. “... I have continued to underscore the importance of reducing regulatory burdens and regulatory uncertainty, particularly as our economy continues to recover,” he said, in a press statement Friday. We are assured this decision was not made lightly: “With that in mind, and after careful consideration, I have requested that Administrator Jackson withdraw the draft Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards at this time.” The administration will preserve air pollution standards set under President Bush in 2008. New limits are scheduled to be reconsidered in 2013. —ARK
Advertisement Previous item: Amazon Dangles Jobs for a Tax-Free Ride Next item: Fallout From Release of Unredacted Cables New and Improved CommentsIf you have trouble leaving a comment, review this help page. Still having problems? Let us know. If you find yourself moderated, take a moment to review our comment policy. |
Too Soon to Tell: The Case for Hope, Continued
Email 
Print
Share
Email to a friend
Newsletter 
Like Us
Follow Us
Get Our Feed
Tags|Bazaar|Podcast|About Us|Contact Us|User Agreement|Privacy Policy|FAQ: Comments and Moderation | Google+
© 2013 Truthdig, LLC. All rights reserved.
By Anthro, September 5, 2011 at 5:31 pm Link to this comment
If Obama is such a republican (and I’m not saying he isn’t acting like one), why
do republicans despise him so much? They actually consider him a liberal at
best, a “socialist” at worst. He is neither, of course, which makes you wonder
what they think of real progressives!
I did not want Obama to win the nomination and was sorry when he did, but
supported him enthusiastically, thinking he had to be a whole lot better than
Bush.
Hah! What a laugh.
It is so sad that he has squandered the euphoria most of us felt when he was
Report thiselected and inaugurated. Now I’m just back to wishing he had not been
nominated. I don’t even expect him to be extremely progressive—I’d settle for
truly moderate at this point—maybe a couple of progressives in the cabinet or
as advisors? He won’t even throw us a bone or put anyone in a position to talk
tough to the crazies.
By Clash, September 4, 2011 at 7:42 am Link to this comment
Obama has to this point been a very good republican president, he has done well in this empire, for the wealthy by the wealthy, and should prove to be their candidate again. His specious speech keeps him just ahead of Parry with an A.
Report thisBy JMD, September 4, 2011 at 6:56 am Link to this comment
“...oppose efforts to weaken E.P.A.‘s authority under
Report thisthe Clean Air Act…” By withdrawing the draft,the
result is the same as weakening the E.P.A.‘s authority.
Thanking you for this opportunity to comment -
James M. de Laurier 9/04/2011
By Janet Camp, September 3, 2011 at 6:33 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I am so deeply disappointed—again. Did he even listen to the other side, which
argued that the new regulations would create jobs by increasing manufacture and
installation of new equipment needed to meet the higher standards?
What a slap in the face to Lisa Jackson, who has shined in her position—and kept
Report thisme trying to believe in this Presidency. He promised to listen to science and made
some great appointments in this area, but what does it matter if he caves to the
lobbyists?
By Nate, September 3, 2011 at 10:00 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Obama was a tool of big business LONG before he became president. The denial of this is astounding.
Report thisBy Jerry, September 3, 2011 at 6:57 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
How are those tax cuts to billionaires and millionaires working out? Can’t afford clean air? Still waiting for Reagan’s trickle down to kick in any day now?
Although 12,000 people will be killed each year by corporate toxins in our air, we can’t afford clean air or health care, yet we can afford to give gas industry $ 60 billion in subsidies. And now Mr. O wants even more money to build more roads. So what happened to all the money from the taxes we pay on gasoline that supposedly was to pay for roads.
Report thisBy John Sullivan, September 3, 2011 at 6:43 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
By the way, the latte crowd’s argument is still: “but if you vote for a third-party candidate, it’ll only help elect a Republican.” Response: “Well, we better not let that happen. After all, a Republican might gut EPA regulations.”
Report thisBy Jim Yell, September 3, 2011 at 6:41 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I just read an article, or rather the headline, which asked if not Obama who can you vote for and implied it was wrong to oppose Obama. Well over and over Obama gives into Right Wing talking points and this has been the pattern since his election. He is either a Right Wing politician selling himself as a progressive, or he is just a common everday liar.
What would we gain from another Obama Presidency? Nothing, but the Republican agenda realized while the blame goes to the Democratic Party. Actually I think it is important to vote for a third party candidate, even one that is disgusting. The only way to break this cycle of collaboration between the two parties is to punish both of them, by not supporting their continued Farce. If it puts the Republicans in power again, well maybe the jackasses that have supported the crazyness on the right will finally realize they are only cutting their own noses off to spite their own faces.
Report thisBy Alan, September 3, 2011 at 1:25 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Well, folks, it’s long ago been made clear what
Report thisObama is, a little tame pet operated by the Republican Party.
So where the f’n hell is our alternative,
actual progressive candidate for 2012?
Why is there no motion at all to challenge O.‘s right-wing complicity?
By PurpleC, September 2, 2011 at 9:15 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
truthdig, Here is a political cartoon I drew about Obama’s roll back of clean air
Report thisregulations. http://t.co/FyAJXQH
By guyland, September 2, 2011 at 9:11 pm Link to this comment
So, I voted for Obama but I end up getting more of George Bush.
Report thisBy Robespierre115, September 2, 2011 at 5:56 pm Link to this comment
Obama The Clown dances again to whatever tune his corporate masters play. What a pathetic joke this man is.
Report thisBy Gmonst, September 2, 2011 at 4:13 pm Link to this comment
Obama caves to big business surprising from such a paragon of environmental progressiveness, good for him. About time he comes around. After all why worry about silly things like clean air and public health, when you can please business lobbyists. We all win!! Cough cough cough.
Report thisBy Dr Bones, September 2, 2011 at 4:08 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
No surprise given the corporate tool Mr. O became as soon as he won the election.
So people will become sick from corporate toxins in the air, and they are mandated to buy for-profit health insurance. So much for our freedom!
Shame on you, Barack Obama.
Report this