Environment Republicans shifting towards climate change legislation.

Direckshun · 11-13-2012, 07:07 AM

Thank you god.

Can we get this done in the next two years, please?

Norquist seems to be pushing for it to be part of the Grand Bargain. The last time Obama scored energy legislation it was wrapped up in the stimulus package. Wrapping up more energy legislation in a Grand Bargain would be consistent with that -- never let an opportunity go to waste, amiright?

http://www.nationaljournal.com/energ...ledge-20121112

Norquist: Carbon-Tax Swap for Income-Tax Cut Wouldn't Violate No-Tax-Hike Pledge
Coral Davenport
November 12, 2012 | 5:09 p.m.

In a step that may help crack open the partisan impasse on climate change, Grover Norquist, the influential lobbyist who has bound hundreds of Republicans to a pledge never to raise taxes, told National Journal that a proposed “carbon tax swap”—taxing carbon pollution in exchange for cutting the income tax—would not violate his pledge.

Norquist’s assessment matters a lot, and could help pave the way for at least a handful of Republicans to support the policy. Over the past six months, a growing number of conservative voices, including former Republican officials and renowned economists, have amped up pressure on their party to finally address climate change.

One group, the Energy and Enterprise Initiative headed by former Rep. Bob Inglis, R-S.C., has been working for months to persuade the GOP to take up a carbon-tax swap as part of a broad tax-reform package next year. The idea is to create a market signal to drive consumers away from fossil fuels by taxing the carbon pollution caused by burning coal, oil, and natural gas.

The problem is that creating a new “energy tax” would be viewed by some as political suicide. And Republicans who have signed Norquist’s pledge would be barred from supporting it.

That’s where the “swap” side of the policy comes in: The new carbon tax would be paired with a cut in the income tax—something Republicans have long sought. The idea essentially would be to cut the tax on income and move it over to carbon pollution—keeping the proposal revenue-neutral.

“It’s possible you could structure something that wasn’t an increase and didn’t violate the pledge,” Norquist told National Journal.

But Norquist made clear he himself doesn’t like the policy. “It would infuriate taxpayers,” he said. He also opined that politically, it’s beyond a long shot. While supporters might now be talking about how to structure the tax swap in such a way that it could win political support, “It’s a conversation about what color unicorn you’d like,” Norquist said.

“If the Democrats thought it was a good idea and the country wouldn’t hate them for it they would have done it in 2009,” when their party held majorities in both chambers of Congress, he said.

Still, if the tax swap could indeed be structured in such a way that it wouldn’t violate Norquist’s pledge, it could remove at least one political obstacle for some Republicans.

“We hear frequently, constantly from Republican lawmakers who say, we see climate change as a huge problem and we want to talk about ways to do this, but for now they’re afraid to talk about it, because of the political repercussions,” said Rob Sisson, president of the group ConservAmerica, formerly Republicans for Environmental Protection.

Conversation about a carbon tax is increasing in Washington. In September, the Congressional Budget Office released a report concluding that a carbon tax on its own—not paired with a tax cut elsewhere—could reduce the federal deficit by 10 percent to 50 percent.

The day after the presidential election, the global bank HSBC put out a research note identifying a carbon tax as a policy that could emerge in President Obama’s second term.

On Tuesday, the Brookings Institution hosts a daylong conference on the economics of a carbon tax, featuring speakers from CBO, the Treasury Department, and the International Monetary Fund.

BucEyedPea · 11-13-2012, 07:09 AM

Traitors

Another reason why there is no difference between the two parties.

King_Chief_Fan · 11-13-2012, 07:10 AM

This country is in financial ruins and we are worrying about this crap

KILLER_CLOWN · 11-13-2012, 07:22 AM

Throw these bums out, NOW! You want austerity? look no further than this bullshit.

**patteeu** · 11-13-2012, 08:00 AM

I thought you said just a couple of days ago that you knew a carbon tax wasn't going to happen?

HonestChieffan · 11-13-2012, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

I thought you said just a couple of days ago that you knew a carbon tax wasn't going to happen?

I had same question. Another day a new bunny trail for diwreck

**patteeu** · 11-13-2012, 08:31 AM

The big problem with this idea of a revenue neutral swap of income tax rate cuts for a carbon tax is that democrats can't be trusted not to turn around and try to raise income tax rates again, particularly on "the wealthy".

BucEyedPea · 11-13-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

The big problem with this idea of a revenue neutral swap of income tax rate cuts for a carbon tax is that democrats can't be trusted not to turn around and try to raise income tax rates again, particularly on "the wealthy".

Has anything ever been "revenue" neutral with the left? Or any politician. That's what Obamacare was claimed to be.

Brock · 11-13-2012, 08:36 AM

Making everything more expensive is the answer!

FD · 11-13-2012, 08:45 AM

I actually think this would have been more likely under Romney. His top economic advisor is one of the loudest advocates for a revenue neutral carbon tax out there.

SNR · 11-13-2012, 09:06 AM

Thank God money is being spent on shit that won't actually clean up the environment.

KILLER_CLOWN · 11-13-2012, 09:08 AM

Fun to think that these would be Robin Hoods would be stealing from the rich and poor alike to hook up their cronies.

BucEyedPea · 11-13-2012, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FD

I actually think this would have been more likely under Romney. His top economic advisor is one of the loudest advocates for a revenue neutral carbon tax out there.

I agree. Christ Cristie is on this bandwagon too.

BucEyedPea · 11-13-2012, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KILLER_CLOWN

Fun to think that these would be Robin Hoods would be stealing from the rich and poor alike to hook up their cronies.

...and keep competitors regulated out of the market.

KILLER_CLOWN · 11-13-2012, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

I agree. Christ Cristie is on this bandwagon too.

he's a piece of dog shit.

11-13-2012, 07:07 AM
Direckshun Black for Palestine Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $1185441	Republicans shifting towards climate change legislation. Thank you god. Can we get this done in the next two years, please? Norquist seems to be pushing for it to be part of the Grand Bargain. The last time Obama scored energy legislation it was wrapped up in the stimulus package. Wrapping up more energy legislation in a Grand Bargain would be consistent with that -- never let an opportunity go to waste, amiright? http://www.nationaljournal.com/energ...ledge-20121112 Norquist: Carbon-Tax Swap for Income-Tax Cut Wouldn't Violate No-Tax-Hike Pledge Coral Davenport November 12, 2012 \| 5:09 p.m. In a step that may help crack open the partisan impasse on climate change, Grover Norquist, the influential lobbyist who has bound hundreds of Republicans to a pledge never to raise taxes, told National Journal that a proposed “carbon tax swap”—taxing carbon pollution in exchange for cutting the income tax—would not violate his pledge. Norquist’s assessment matters a lot, and could help pave the way for at least a handful of Republicans to support the policy. Over the past six months, a growing number of conservative voices, including former Republican officials and renowned economists, have amped up pressure on their party to finally address climate change. One group, the Energy and Enterprise Initiative headed by former Rep. Bob Inglis, R-S.C., has been working for months to persuade the GOP to take up a carbon-tax swap as part of a broad tax-reform package next year. The idea is to create a market signal to drive consumers away from fossil fuels by taxing the carbon pollution caused by burning coal, oil, and natural gas. The problem is that creating a new “energy tax” would be viewed by some as political suicide. And Republicans who have signed Norquist’s pledge would be barred from supporting it. That’s where the “swap” side of the policy comes in: The new carbon tax would be paired with a cut in the income tax—something Republicans have long sought. The idea essentially would be to cut the tax on income and move it over to carbon pollution—keeping the proposal revenue-neutral. “It’s possible you could structure something that wasn’t an increase and didn’t violate the pledge,” Norquist told National Journal. But Norquist made clear he himself doesn’t like the policy. “It would infuriate taxpayers,” he said. He also opined that politically, it’s beyond a long shot. While supporters might now be talking about how to structure the tax swap in such a way that it could win political support, “It’s a conversation about what color unicorn you’d like,” Norquist said. “If the Democrats thought it was a good idea and the country wouldn’t hate them for it they would have done it in 2009,” when their party held majorities in both chambers of Congress, he said. Still, if the tax swap could indeed be structured in such a way that it wouldn’t violate Norquist’s pledge, it could remove at least one political obstacle for some Republicans. “We hear frequently, constantly from Republican lawmakers who say, we see climate change as a huge problem and we want to talk about ways to do this, but for now they’re afraid to talk about it, because of the political repercussions,” said Rob Sisson, president of the group ConservAmerica, formerly Republicans for Environmental Protection. Conversation about a carbon tax is increasing in Washington. In September, the Congressional Budget Office released a report concluding that a carbon tax on its own—not paired with a tax cut elsewhere—could reduce the federal deficit by 10 percent to 50 percent. The day after the presidential election, the global bank HSBC put out a research note identifying a carbon tax as a policy that could emerge in President Obama’s second term. On Tuesday, the Brookings Institution hosts a daylong conference on the economics of a carbon tax, featuring speakers from CBO, the Treasury Department, and the International Monetary Fund.
Posts: 40,235

11-13-2012, 07:09 AM	#2
BucEyedPea Frazod Loves Hammy Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: None of your business Casino cash: $70578	Traitors Another reason why there is no difference between the two parties. __________________ "“Perhaps one of the most important accomplishments of my administration has been minding my own business.”" — Calvin Coolidge
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11-13-2012, 07:10 AM	#3
King_Chief_Fan Praise Him Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: St. Louis MO Casino cash: $54698	This country is in financial ruins and we are worrying about this crap __________________ Ephesians 2:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Posts: 7,728

11-13-2012, 07:22 AM	#4
KILLER_CLOWN Be HEALED!!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fascist State Casino cash: $11134921	Throw these bums out, NOW! You want austerity? look no further than this bullshit. __________________ "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father ... And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." "If the people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." - Thomas Jefferson
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11-13-2012, 08:00 AM	#5
patteeu The 23rd Pillar Join Date: Sep 2002 Casino cash: $445027	I thought you said just a couple of days ago that you knew a carbon tax wasn't going to happen? __________________ "Well, it is one thing for Bill Clinton to say, I feel your pain. It is another thing for Barack Obama to say I feel your pain that I have caused." - George Will
Posts: 71,377

11-13-2012, 08:31 AM	#7
patteeu The 23rd Pillar Join Date: Sep 2002 Casino cash: $445027	The big problem with this idea of a revenue neutral swap of income tax rate cuts for a carbon tax is that democrats can't be trusted not to turn around and try to raise income tax rates again, particularly on "the wealthy". __________________ "Well, it is one thing for Bill Clinton to say, I feel your pain. It is another thing for Barack Obama to say I feel your pain that I have caused." - George Will
Posts: 71,377

11-13-2012, 08:36 AM	#9
Brock Do it. Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $155540	Making everything more expensive is the answer!
Posts: 42,069

11-13-2012, 08:45 AM	#10
FD Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Austin, TX Casino cash: $1009714	I actually think this would have been more likely under Romney. His top economic advisor is one of the loudest advocates for a revenue neutral carbon tax out there. __________________ Homer: [looking at watch] Two hours? Why'd they build this ghost town so far away? Lisa: Because they discovered gold over there! Homer: It's because they're stupid, that's why. That's why everybody does everything.
Posts: 3,465

11-13-2012, 09:06 AM	#11
SNR Kevin Brock Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Where the hell is SNR Casino cash: $4553647	Thank God money is being spent on shit that won't actually clean up the environment.
Posts: 50,933

11-13-2012, 09:08 AM	#12
KILLER_CLOWN Be HEALED!!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fascist State Casino cash: $11134921	Fun to think that these would be Robin Hoods would be stealing from the rich and poor alike to hook up their cronies. __________________ "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father ... And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." "If the people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." - Thomas Jefferson
Posts: 23,368

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