Brown’s win could mean a greener jobs bill…the strange paradoxes of politics.
Honestly this thought went through my head before I read the article today in Business Week titled: Energy Measures May Go to Jobs Bill After Brown Win
Just as I reasoned when Bush W beat Sen. Kerry for a second presidential term, sometimes things need to get worse before they get better. A fast swinging pendulum may be in motion after Brown’s upset in MA. A trully effective Jobs Bill that successfully catalyzes the economy through the green industry sector, has a better chance of being passed now that Republicans gained majority in the Senate.
The reason:
Healthcare reform guided by Dems is practically off the table as a priority issue; wrangling will continue as industry interests regain bargaining power and liberal ideas deflate as an option for the centrist Democratic party.
A Climate Bill with a strong cap and trade component is as good as dead at this point with Brown’s upset. (perhaps MA environmentally conscientious Dems who voted for Brown because of change or his truck, failed to see this aspect) A Climate Bill, if even seriously considered in the immediate future, will be full of big money lobby agendas and any carbon reduction targets undoubtedly will fall short of necessary levels to avail climate disasters (maybe more situations like the one in Haiti, will pull troops from war zones, at least)
Yet as Brown himself identified, jobs and economic recovery is now the major priority for Americans. It is likely that creatively minded Dems and liberal policy advocates will see the opportunity of addressing climate needs by advocating for a Jobs Bill that supports ‘green job’ incentive programs.
An excellently structured program, supported by the White House, called Home Star (cash-for-caulkers) will effectively retool the underemployed building sector as retrofitters. Direct cash incentives for home energy efficiency improvements will drive job creation, lower energy bills, and will make existing homes more valuable and durable. (improved home performance also makes indoor building environments healthier- a logical preventative health measure to cut health care costs?) Home’s are responsible for 21% of Co2 emissions. Many red and blue Americans-and their local economies- will benefit significantly from having lower energy bills made possible by incentives for retrofits.
The tipping Senate may increase drive and attention of the underdog Dems to make the most of a pending Jobs Bill. If Dems can’t come together on this one and see the ecological benefits of Home Star as a priority issue, I may jump ship myself.
read more on Home Star
