McCain’s Bad Water Policy, Bob Schaffer’s Oil Problems, Marilyn Musgrave’s Oil Problems

Does John McCain want Arizona and California to have more access to Colorado River water, leaving other western states without?  He’ll have to contend with millions of Colorado voters to get anywhere near such a policy.  My hunch is Coloradans won’t like the idea too much.

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Bob Schaffer, perpetually trailing Rep. Mark Udall in polling throughout the cycle, continues to desperately search for anything that might decrease Udall’s chances.  The latest charge: Udall wants to increase the gas tax by 50 cents per gallon.  It’s untrue, of course, but when you’re behind, you attack your opponent.

Bob Schaffer had the gall to tell reporters after their 2nd debate that oil corporations have a small margin of profit.  Raise your hand if you think they should get a larger margin becuase Schaffer is arguing that $11.68 billion in just three months is too small.

Mark Udall, in contrast, wants to stop the corporate welfare going to Exxon and others and instead provide money for renewable energy ventures so we can end our dependence on fossil fuels.  Which is only one reason why Udall continues to hold a lead in the Colorado Senate race.

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Marilyn Musgrave thinks her record and efforts to lower the price of gas for families in Colorado should help get her reelected this year.  That’s a novel approach because since her first election, gas prices have increased from $1.50 per gallon to over $4.00 per gallon this year.  What exactly has she down to lower prices?  Billions of dollars in corporate welfare to oil corporations didn’t work.  Invading and occupying a major oil supplier didn’t work.  Voting against every pro-renewable energy bill and amendment didn’t work.  Enough already, Marilyn.  You haven’t represented your constituents for years.  It’s time for Betsy Markey.

Science Debate 2008 Update 6/20/08

It’s been a couple of months since I last wrote about a possible Science Debate in this election cycle. Unfortunately, no debate focusing exclusively on science policy has been scheduled between the two remaining presidential candidates.

Efforts have been underway however to push the relevance of science policy and the need for a national discussion thereof to not only presidential candidates but Congressional candidates as well. As such, 12 national science organizations have taken thousands of potential science policy questions and are working to come up with questions that will be presented to candidates: 14 for presidential candidates and 7 for Congressional candidates. The list of 7 questions has been provided and, courtesy of Scientists and Engineers for America, are presented below:

1. Innovation. Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since World War II. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?
2. Climate Change. The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards, and research? Are there other policies you would support?
3. Energy. Many scientists and policymakers say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?
4. Education. A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?
5. Water. Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?
6. Research. For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?
7. Health. Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality, and availability of health care. How do you see science, research, and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?

These questions are wide-ranging and I suppose by necessity pretty general. By that, I mean there is a considerable amount of wiggle room for a potential candidate to wave their hands around instead of proposing a policy. That said, I do encourage candidates to take these questions seriously and provide thoughtful answers when asked.

Speaking of which, wouldn’t it be nice to know how your candidate has answered? You’re darn right it would be. You can use SEA’s website to send a request to candidates to address these important issues.

I will continue to provide updates regarding responses to these questions by candidates, including my own once I get them.

Colorado Legislature News 4/17/08

Gov. Ritter’s office on Monday released the 22 names of the Residential Solar Program Partners. From the release:

Gov. Bill Ritter today announced that 22 Solar Residential Program partners have been selected to promote the installation of residential solar electric and solar domestic hot water systems statewide. The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) has committed $550,000 of Clean Energy Funds and created a total program budget of $1 million to advance solar investment in the state.

The 22 partners represent 12 utilities, three cities, one county, and five non-profits:

• GEO’s 11 Solar Electric Partners: Delta-Montrose Electric Association, Fort Collins Utilities, Grand Valley Rural Power Lines Inc., Highline Electric Association, Longmont Power & Communications, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association Inc., San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative Inc., San Miguel Power Association Inc., Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Inc., Southeast Colorado Power Association and United Power Inc.

GEO’s 11 Solar Domestic Hot Water Partners: City of Boulder, Colorado Springs Utilities, Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency, Groundwork Denver, Morgan County, San Luis Valley Resource Conservation and Development, the New Community Coalition, Town of Breckenridge, Town of Center, Town of Mt. Crested Butte and United Power Inc.

I look forward to hearing more news about this exciting program.

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State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison) took on the challenge of sponsoring a bill that will help ensure developers identify adequate water supplies before new developments are approved. The Colorado House of Representatives recently passed Curry’s House Bill 08-1141, with a bi-partisan vote of 46 to 18. The bill will provide cities, counties and others making planning decisions with verification of the adequacy of proposed water supplies before they approve new developments.

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On Tuesday, the Colorado Senate gave initial approval to SB08-71, which would reauthorize last year’s forest health measure to address the devastating infestation of bark beetles in Colorado.

State Sen. Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) created the Forest Restoration Pilot Program in 2007 as part of the Colorado Forest Restoration Act. It directed the Colorado State Forest Service, the Division of Forestry and the Department of Natural Resources to solicit proposals for experimental forest restoration projects that protect water supplies. It also established a technical advisory panel to assist the state forest service in the proposal selection process.

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Also on Tuesday, the House sent a bill prohibiting Homeowners Associations (HOAs) from restricting energy efficiency measures to the Governor’s desk.

HB08-1270 encourages homeowners to invest in technologies to lower their utility bills and helps all Coloradans participate in the new energy economy. In so doing, the measure supports small businesses that produce renewable and efficiency technologies.

The bill now heads to Gov. Ritter’s desk for his signature.