Bowing To Koch Pressure, Chris Christie Announces Plan To Withdraw from Climate

[cal04]

Bowing To Koch Pressure, Chris Christie Announces Plan To Withdraw From Successful Climate Initiative
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/05/26/koch-christie-rggi-withdrawal/


New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wants to kill New Jersey’s participation in the nation’s first successful carbon trading program. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a ten-state climate and clean energy program that has reduced emissions and brought tens of millions of dollars to New Jersey ratepayers. Following a multi-million-dollar campaign to derail RGGI by the Koch front group Americans for Prosperity, Christie today called RGGI a “gimmicky” program that is “nothing more than a tax on electricity.”

But in a 2008 campaign ad, Christie said, “I will be New Jersey’s number-one clean-energy advocate.” He explicitly embraced President Obama’s climate and clean energy goals, which included a national cap-and-trade system for clean energy investment:

There is no doubt that renewable energy is the future here in New Jersey and there is really no better time for us to begin the discussion about how it will not only lead us to energy independence, but also how it will help create more good paying, middle class jobs in New Jersey. It’s a change that President Obama stands firmly behind. I couldn’t agree more.

Watch it: http://thinkprogress.org/2011/05/26/koch-christie-rggi-withdrawal/

(snip)
Update Politico notes that Christie is trying to make clear that he is not a global warming skeptic. “In the past I’ve always said that climate change is real and it’s impacting our state,” Christie said at the start of a 14-minute prepared statement. “There’s undeniable data that CO2 levels and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere are increasing. This decade, average temperatures have been rising. Temperature changes are affecting weather patterns and our climate.”

[Proud Liberal Dem]

1. Are there any free-thinking, independent-minded Republicans left

or are they all just expected to toe the Koch Brothers/Tea Party/Fox News/Rush Limbaugh "line" now even if they happen(ed) to believe something different before? I don't like to necessarily criticize our leaders for having a change of mind on something, particularly when it's the result of new information However, too many changes seem to be happening for reasons of political expediency and/or pressure from outside groups whom have a stake in something happening/not happening.
:shrug: :banghead:

[Aerows]

3. They need to stand straight up and wave a hand

because right now, the entire party looks like Rush Limbaugh ass kissers.

They LOVE Jabber the Hutt Limbaugh.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

4. I don't get their affection for this guy

I don't know how normal, rational, moderately sane people can listen to Limbaugh or any of his hate radio associates for more than five seconds without choking on all the hate and bile they spew- let alone allow them to dictate their policy positions. It would be fascinating if somebody went around and asked people whom are tuned into hate radio 24-7-365 exactly what they find appealing about it and how they feel about themselves and life in general after listening to them. Ideology aside, there's absolutely nothing positive, uplifting, or life enhancing about anything they say day in/day out. :shrug:

[provis99]

2. Christie plans to withdraw from climate?

didn't he already do that by fleeing to Florida during the 2010 New Jersey blizzard?