Obama on New Energy Efficiency Standards: ‘Light Bulbs May Not Seem Sexy’
EmailABC News’ Sunlen Miller reports: For the third time since the House of Representatives narrowly passed the climate bill on Friday night, President Obama spoke out with praise for the House and called on the Senate to continue working on the bill. “The House of Representatives came together to pass an extraordinary piece of legislation that will finally open the door to decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, preventing the worst consequences of climate change, and making clean energy the profitable kind of energy,” President Obama said in the Grand Foyer, “In the months to come, the Senate will take up its version of the energy bill. And I am confident that they, too, will choose to move this country forward.” The President called on Congress to put aside “the posturing and the politics,” and the “attacks that are based less on evidence than on ideology,” to work towards a clean energy economy. Standing next to Energy Secretary Chu, President Obama announced new standards for energy efficiency. First, the President announced changes to energy conservation standards for the manufacturing of household and commercial lamps and lighting equipment – to make light bulbs more energy efficient. “Now, I know light bulbs may not seem sexy, but this simple action holds enormous promise because 7 percent of all the energy consumed in America is used to light our homes and our businesses,” Obama said, “And, by the way, we’re going to start here at the White House. Secretary Chu has already started to take a look at our light bulbs, and we’re going to see what we need to replace them with energy- efficient light bulbs.” The President estimated that between 2012 (when the standards take effect) and 2042, the new standards will save consumers up to $4 billion a year. Second, Mr. Obama announced a $346 million investment from the Recovery Act to accelerate the use of energy efficient technologies to all commercial building and new and existing homes. “We’re talking about technologies that are available right now or will soon be available — from lighting to windows, heating to cooling, smart sensors and controls. By adopting these technologies in our homes and businesses, we can make our buildings up to 80 percent more energy efficient — or with additions like solar panels on the roof or geothermal power from underground, even transform them into zero-energy buildings that actually produce as much energy as they consume.” Next up for the climate change bill, is a run thought the Senate, likely facing a much harder time. — Sunlen Miller
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Is he talking about the GE light bulbs with all the poison mercury in them? The curly light bulbs where you have to call in a HAZMAT team if you break one?
Posted by: johnnyA | June 29, 2009, 3:14 pm 3:14 pm
“Light bulbs may not seem sexy”….
at least compared to our humble leader.
But they DO help me read in the dark.
And I prefer the old type, the ones
without mercury. What idiot would push
a toxic product like this on the public?
The EPA will save us! “Paging Ms Browner
…………….!”
Posted by: Trajan | June 29, 2009, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
I applaud Obama’s efforts to bring energy conservation to the fore front as well as confronting health care costs; however, he seems to be ignoring the fine print and the possible ramifications of his/Dem Congress/Dem Senate policies in an effort to make a name for himself….
Posted by: Parallex View | June 29, 2009, 3:17 pm 3:17 pm
50% of the mercury released into the atmosphere is from human production, of that 50%:
“65% is from stationary combustion, of which coal-fired power plants are the largest aggregate source (40% of U.S. mercury emissions in 1999).[16] This includes power plants fueled with gas where the mercury has not been removed. Emissions from coal combustion are between one and two orders of magnitude higher than emissions from oil combustion, depending on the country.”
Imagine that….MOST OF THE MERCURY IS PRODUCED FROM COAL PLANTS, AND THESE LIGHT BULBS REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF COAL NEEDED TO LIGHT UP A ROOM BY ABOUT 80%…
I am pretty sure that the little amount of mercury in the light bulb is worth saving the large amount of mercury and other chemicals that is burned to light the bulb.
But of course people who hate Obama are going to find any reason to try and make him look bad, no matter how stupid they sound when they find a reason.
Posted by: Tim | June 29, 2009, 3:23 pm 3:23 pm
“Is he talking about the GE light bulbs with all the poison mercury in them?”
Compact Fluorescent bulbs do have mercury in them.
But
“Therefore, if all 290 million CFLs sold in 2007 were sent to a landfill (versus recycled, as a worst case) – they would add 0.16 metric tons, or 0.16 percent, to U.S. mercury emissions caused by humans.”
Also most mercury emissions come from coal fired power plants by reducing the amount of electricity the CFL bulbs actually reduce mercury emissions.
“The curly light bulbs where you have to call in a HAZMAT team if you break one?”
More right wing scare tactics.
Cleaning up a CFL bulb break is like cleaning up an old thermometer break.
Some care is necessary but its a far cry from Hazmat.
Posted by: Ryan C | June 29, 2009, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
I sure wish Obama would work a little harder at looking straight ahead into the camera instead of those teleprompters to his left and right while he’s trying to convince me he has my best interests at heart. At least I would get more of a warm fuzzy.
Posted by: LongT | June 29, 2009, 3:35 pm 3:35 pm
Mercury, or Human Caused Global Quicksilver, is a total myth perpetuated by Democrats and the liberal media. Its just a way for them to raise taxes. Don’t buy into the LIE!
Posted by: Farmer | June 29, 2009, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm
And where do these bulbs come from? China, that’s where. So our money and jobs go to China.
Posted by: fwtxn | June 29, 2009, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
Mercury is a myth . . . . hahahaha . . . where have you been?
Check your periodic table.
p.s. – It’s a toxic poison.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 3:50 pm 3:50 pm
A diverse energy supply is fundamental to our security as a nation and is a key issue for American’s today. Oppose flawed energy policies and support the use of alternative fuels by signing a petition at
Posted by: maura | June 29, 2009, 3:50 pm 3:50 pm
Oops, I think I missed what was actually clever satire Farmer . . . apologies.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 3:51 pm 3:51 pm
“And where do these bulbs come from? China, that’s where. So our money and jobs go to China.”
Yah… if energy efficiency comes from overseas I say we don’t use it! Good ‘ole Clean Coal (GOCC) comes from the GOUSA – at least we can polute with pride!
Posted by: Fixinta | June 29, 2009, 3:51 pm 3:51 pm
fwtxn . . ..
Almost everything you buy in the United States comes from China or India. That was accomplished under the previous administration.
The previous administration also sold off a fair chunk of the country to China in debt bonds.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 3:53 pm 3:53 pm
“Oppose flawed energy policies and support the use of alternative fuels by signing a petition”
ROFLMAO!
That petition is basically against ANY regulation what so ever preferring tax breaks to polluters as a means of spurring voluntary cooperation.
Posted by: Ryan C | June 29, 2009, 3:55 pm 3:55 pm
fixnta,
I guess you’re right. China is so far ahead of us in the clean energy department. Did you see the Olympics throught the haze? Athletes wouldn’t train there because of the polution. And how many things coming from China have been recalled because of quality materials they use in there manufacturing? Looks like they are shipping all of their pollutants to the US to be disposed of here.
Posted by: fwtxn | June 29, 2009, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm
===I am pretty sure that the little amount of mercury in the light bulb is worth saving the large amount of mercury and other chemicals that is burned to light the bulb.===
Read the directions on what to do if you break one of them.
Posted by: Axey | June 29, 2009, 4:01 pm 4:01 pm
danita,
you may have forgotten that Clinton, who took illegal campaign contributions from China, was the one who lifted trade sanctions with China. Not Bush.
Posted by: fwtn | June 29, 2009, 4:02 pm 4:02 pm
“I sure wish Obama would work a little harder at looking straight ahead into the camera instead of those teleprompters to his left and right while he’s trying to convince me he has my best interests at heart. At least I would get more of a warm fuzzy.”
IF YOU WANT WARM & FUZZY….GET A CAT
either teleprompter or head down & up at notes. What does it matter? The man works very hard every day.
I would like to see you telephonies operate on half his level & memorize everything
Posted by: telephonies | June 29, 2009, 4:06 pm 4:06 pm
fwtn . …
Wasn’t it Nixon who started taking down the barriers with China?
Check the trade figures with China over the past several decades and you’ll see America was almost completely sold to China in terms of imported goods and debt bonds – during the Bush administration.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 4:07 pm 4:07 pm
From Consumer Reports:
Myth: You need to put on a hazmat suit if you drop one of these bulbs.
Reality: Exposure to broken CFLs can pose a health risk, especially to a fetus or young child. But don’t panic. Open a window, shut off central A/C or forced-air heating, and clear the room for at least 15 minutes as the Environmental Protection Agency recommends. Then follow the EPA’S cleanup guide at http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills. And be sure to keep CFLs out of lamps that could easily tip, especially in rooms used often by children or pregnant women.
Ryan_C,
Maybe not a HAZMAT suit, but you are instructed to act like a member of a HAZMAT team!
Perhaps you should READ the EPA’s handling instructions.
Maine’s update to the EPA recommendations even recommends throwing out your carpets if one of those bulbs breaks on it.
Anyone know if your homeowers insurance covers this? Kind of an expensive penalty to deal with for these savior bulbs!
If I were younger and had a newborn in my home, I would avoid these things at all costs!
Posted by: Mike_C | June 29, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm
The last year under Clinton, trade with China was as follows (in millions):
Exports 16,185.2
Imports 100,018.2
Balance -83,833.0
The last year under Bush, trade with China was as follows:
Exports 69,732.8
Imports 337,772.6
Balance -268,039.8
The Bush administration certainly improved things on that count.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
What a bunch of hooey! California is the last place he should cite as an example of what to do. Monumental budget deficits, businesses are leaving, they have rolling blackouts and brownouts and have to buy energy from other states. Light bulbs? What happened to pumping up your car tires?
Posted by: Todd | June 29, 2009, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
“you may have forgotten that Clinton, who took illegal campaign contributions from China, was the one who lifted trade sanctions with China. Not Bush.”
“House Speaker Newt Gingrich welcomed Clinton’s recommendation for renewing MFN status for China, and vowed to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that China receives it from Congress.”
Posted by: Ryan C | June 29, 2009, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
“Now, I know light bulbs may not seem sexy…”
THIS is our President talking? Unbelievably creepy.
How to Clean Up a Broken CFL Light Bulb
Before Clean-up: Ventilate the Room
1. Vacate the room of people and pets and don’t let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out.
2. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
3. Shut off the central heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.
4. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.
5. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
6. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.
7. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
8. Mercury is hazardous, the jar or plastic bag should not be placed in with the regular garbage. It should be taken to a hazardous waste recycling center.
See, that was easy.
Posted by: WhereWasThePress? | June 29, 2009, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
It’s worth posting this again for the benefit of WhereWas . . .
Compact Fluorescent bulbs do have mercury in them.
But
“Therefore, if all 290 million CFLs sold in 2007 were sent to a landfill (versus recycled, as a worst case) – they would add 0.16 metric tons, or 0.16 percent, to U.S. mercury emissions caused by humans.”
Also most mercury emissions come from coal fired power plants by reducing the amount of electricity the CFL bulbs actually reduce mercury emissions.
“The curly light bulbs where you have to call in a HAZMAT team if you break one?”
More right wing scare tactics.
Cleaning up a CFL bulb break is like cleaning up an old thermometer break.
Some care is necessary but its a far cry from Hazmat.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 4:24 pm 4:24 pm
“If I were younger and had a newborn in my home, I would avoid these things at all costs!”
Never take them anywhere a fluorescent lighting then as mercury exists in all types of fluorescent lighting.
Any other scaremongering freakouts you wish to share?
Posted by: Ryan C | June 29, 2009, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm
Let us all save energy together we can make a difference.
Posted by: Light Bulbs | June 29, 2009, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
Changing a light bulb is an easy way to save energy.
Posted by: Light Bulbs | June 29, 2009, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
Use tubelights! The rest of the world does.
Posted by: R | June 29, 2009, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
Saving energy is easy when you change all your light bulbs.
Posted by: Light Bulbs | June 29, 2009, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
As it turns out tubelights are excellent for summer use – they produce much less heat and thus don’t waste energy, nor add to house cooling costs.
I personally like incandescents in the winter – I like the quality of the light and the heat is not wasted.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
danita,
instead of parroting some idiot – READ the EPA instruction & warnings!
Ryan_C,
Have you actually raised any? Taking them out to places where that lighting exists such as a mall or a store…etc. is not even close to the same thing as having these bulbs everywhere in your house. in case you didn’t notice…accidents of all types happen in the home….yes..even in Liberal homes….
Oh, by the way, I noticed you made no comment to the recommendation by Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection to throw out carpets that have been contaminated by a CFL break.
I guess the state of Maine is now full of ‘right wing knuckledraggers’
If these things were SO safe, why all the warnings about pregnant women & children. Why ventilate a room for 15 minutes (oh, by the way, a fun task in the northern half of the country in the winter) ? Why throw away your carpets?
As Usual – Liberals mounting the fence again!
Posted by: Mike_C | June 29, 2009, 4:39 pm 4:39 pm
Mike_C . ..
Guess what – sharp knives are dangerous and you’ll find them in many homes. I
wonder if there are any other dangerous items around the home? Uhm . .. well automobiles, lawn mowers, gasoline, cleaning fluids . .. my, my . . . .the list goes on . ..
Run for your lives! The sky is falling!
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm
danita,
did you notice that all the things you mentioned are, or will be, controlled by the government? Sharp knives will probably be next.
Posted by: fwtxn | June 29, 2009, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm
“Have you actually raised any? Taking them out to places where that lighting exists such as a mall or a store…etc. is not even close to the same thing as having these bulbs everywhere in your house. in case you didn’t notice…accidents of all types happen in the home….yes..even in Liberal homes….”
You sounded so petrified I figure I would help you out so you did not dare expose your precious little ones to any kind of danger.
Back to the fallout shelter Mike C to await the End Times.
Posted by: Ryan C | June 29, 2009, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
“If these things were SO safe, why all the warnings about pregnant women & children. Why ventilate a room for 15 minutes (oh, by the way, a fun task in the northern half of the country in the winter) ? Why throw away your carpets?”
The same exist for fluorescent bulbs.
I suppose you never worked in an office because of your intense fear of mercury poisoning.
Posted by: Ryan C | June 29, 2009, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm
“Compact Fluorescent bulbs do have mercury in them.
But”
That’s a big but… Danita.
But, I am bringing the light bulbs into my home. If I break one, I’m supposed to turn off the heating or cooling. I’m supposed to open my windows for 15 minutes to air out the toxins.
The first two curly lights I bought, one dropped out of the container and shattered. I immediately threw it in the trash and vacuumed up the rest.
Seriously, we are bringing these light bulbs into our homes because the government said we should, there is nothing wrong with the old style light bulbs.
Posted by: WhereWasThePress? | June 29, 2009, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm
People are realizing already that the story we were sold with the CFLs — that they last much longer than reular bulbs — is yet another pack of lies. The only way CFLs last as long as originally hyped is if YOU NEVER TURN THEM OFF.
Using them the way one would use a normal bulb — turn them on only when you need light and off when you want darkness — causes them to have a SHORTER life span than conventional bulbs!
Another rip off.
Posted by: paul | June 29, 2009, 5:14 pm 5:14 pm
WhereWasThePress:” there is nothing wrong with the old style light bulbs. ”
That’s absurd. While I have NEVER broken a fluorescent bulb (or incandescent actually – they’re glass, handle accordingly), I have had a roommate set his bed on fire with an old style light bulb (desk lamp fell onto his comforter when he left). Incandescent bulbs are a proven fire hazard. Fluorescent are not. And there is no debate about the relative energy merits.
Posted by: jhw539 | June 29, 2009, 5:17 pm 5:17 pm
paul:” turn them on only when you need light and off when you want darkness — causes them to have a SHORTER life span than conventional bulbs!
Another rip off.”
Every person who switched to CFLs five years ago thinks you’re nuts. I have 40 in my house and change 2 bulbs a year. Before that, every bulb went annually.
If you purchase the appropriate bulb, you can also get CFLs that are suitable for short cycling (we do it all the time in commercial buildings). This isn’t some sort of untestable propaganda; the life span of CFLs of varying types in varying duties is well test and documented.
Posted by: jhw539 | June 29, 2009, 5:22 pm 5:22 pm
We have limitless hydrogen on earth, yet we want to ‘save’ energy.
If you want to save money, fine…but you are not ‘saving’ the earth by switching lightbulbs.
Earth isn’t going any where…believe me
Posted by: J House | June 29, 2009, 5:28 pm 5:28 pm
“Using them the way one would use a normal bulb — turn them on only when you need light and off when you want darkness — causes them to have a SHORTER life span than conventional bulbs!”
Yes, CFL’s are not recommended for use with say a refrigerator light or closet light.
And while the CFL’s lifespan may be shortened, I have not seen anything that states the incandescent as longer running.
Posted by: Ryan C | June 29, 2009, 5:41 pm 5:41 pm
Who makes CFLs?
Posted by: Axey | June 29, 2009, 5:49 pm 5:49 pm
Nevermind, I see that all the major companies make them.
Posted by: Axey | June 29, 2009, 5:51 pm 5:51 pm
J House:”We have limitless hydrogen on earth, yet we want to ‘save’ energy.
If you want to save money, fine…but you are not ‘saving’ the earth by switching lightbulbs.”
Limitless hydrogen? So what? We want energy, which has nothing to do with the amount of hydrogen on the Earth (which only changes if we launch some off on an interplanetary probe or during some nuclear reactions).
And the vast majority of people are concerned about saving themselves and their children when they talk about saving the Earth.
Posted by: jhw539 | June 29, 2009, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm
“Nevermind, I see that all the major companies make them.”
And here I thought you were gonna jump on the GE conspiracy lunacy currently being fostered by FoxNews.
Darn, that would have been fun.
Posted by: Ryan C | June 29, 2009, 5:58 pm 5:58 pm
GE(who owns NBC, who owns MSNBC, who pushes AGW hard)) makes more CFLs than any other company.
Posted by: deanbob | June 29, 2009, 6:14 pm 6:14 pm
GE (who owns NBC, who owns MSNBC, who pushes AGW hard) makes the most CFLs.
Posted by: deanbob | June 29, 2009, 6:16 pm 6:16 pm
A recent Harvard study points out that the fastest growing source of green-house-gas emissions come from electricity being produced for those using their computers to access the web. Nearly 2% of US GHG emissions are attributable to the IT industry, as much as the airlines produce. So to be ethically consistent all those who are crying about Global Warming should really get off their computers and start riding their bicycles!
Posted by: Todd | June 29, 2009, 6:22 pm 6:22 pm
maybe now that Obama is taking back his “no new taxes on the middle class” promise, the light bulb will click on for Americans.
Posted by: Charlie C | June 29, 2009, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm
“GE(who owns NBC, who owns MSNBC, who pushes AGW hard)) makes more CFLs than any other company.
Posted by: deanbob | Jun 29, 2009 6:14:28 PM”
General Electric Corp. is also the world’s largest maker of traditional bulbs.
Phillips and Sylvania have a significant portion of the CFL and other energy efficient lighting markets such as LEDs, HIDs etc.
But its nice to know that right wingers swallow FoxNews propaganda hook line and sinker.
Posted by: Ryan C | June 29, 2009, 6:33 pm 6:33 pm
“Nearly 2% of US GHG emissions are attributable to the IT industry, as much as the airlines produce.”
That’s one of the reasons the American Clean Energy and Security Act should be excellent – it encourages the production of energy-saving appliances of all kinds, including computers and IT equipment.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 6:53 pm 6:53 pm
Darn, that would have been fun.
Posted by: Ryan C | Jun 29, 2009 5:58:47 PM
No. Since I’ve never actually bought one, I wondered who made them. Nothing more.
Posted by: Axey | June 29, 2009, 6:56 pm 6:56 pm
Todd:” So to be ethically consistent all those who are crying about Global Warming should really get off their computers and start riding their bicycles!”
What nonsense. “Ethically consistent”? Sustainable energy use, and pollution generation, does NOT mean zero energy use or pollution generation. It’s about living in a reasonable balance point. And internet access is one of the more sustainable recreation activities.
Posted by: jhw539 | June 29, 2009, 7:04 pm 7:04 pm
Cap and Trade is a back-door tax on working families. It’s regressive like a sales tax and will hit the poor and middle class more than the rich. The Administration is calling it an environmental issue, but it is really about the government taking in more revenue to pay for it’s healthcare program.
Posted by: Todd | June 29, 2009, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
jhw539…..ethically inconsistent. GHGs are primarily produced by coal-fired plants in the US. Your message just produced the same amount of carbon as brewing a pot of coffee.
Posted by: Todd | June 29, 2009, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm
“Your message just produced the same amount of carbon as brewing a pot of coffee.” Posted by: Todd | Jun 29, 2009 7:18:05 PM
That’s one of the great things about the American Clean Energy and Security Act should be excellent – it encourages the production of energy-saving appliances of all kinds, including computers and IT equipment.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 7:28 pm 7:28 pm
“danita…..ethically inconsistent, your message produced the same amount of GHG’s as running your hair-dryer for 5 minutes. Get off the internet, you’re killing the planet!!!” Posted by: Todd | Jun 29, 2009 7:32:28 PM
That’s one of the great things about the American Clean Energy and Security Act – it encourages the production of energy-saving appliances of all kinds, including computers and IT equipment.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm
Due to the Waxman/Markey legislation many jobs will be destroyed while more will be outsourced to India and China. Those nations have announced they won’t take any action to curb their own green-house-gas emissions, even though China is now the world’s leading emitter of CO2 ahead of the US. Accordingly, we will be doing economic harm to ourselves as a gesture to environmentalists while doing very little to curb Global Warming. If nations such as China, India, and Russia are exempted from participating in a solution, our measures will do very little to help. We need a GLOBAL solution to the problem of GLOBAL Warming.
Posted by: Todd | June 29, 2009, 7:50 pm 7:50 pm
Todd . …
In case you hadn’t noticed it almost everything you buy is already made in China or India.
That happened under the last administration.
You also seem to have missed that Bush sold off the country in debt bonds to China in order to finance the war the neo-cons and the right-wing Republicans wanted.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
BTW, there is story out there that says “EPA MAY HAVE SUPPRESSED REPORT SKEPTICAL OF GLOBAL WARMING.” The report questions global warming assumptions and states “an EPA center director quashed a 98 page report that warned against making hasty “decisions based on a scientific hypothesis that does not appear to explain most of the available data.’” So much for the Administration’s claims for scientific objectivity, transparency, and openness?
Posted by: Todd | June 29, 2009, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm
Todd . ..
Check out what was done during the Bush administration. Here’s our trade record with China in millions . ..
In the year 2000 . ..
Our exports 16,185.2
Our imports 100,018.2
Our balance -83,833.0
In the year 2008
Our exports 69,732.8
Our imports 337,772.6
Our balance -268,039.8
This is how the Republicans and Bush helped out american workers. Good old Republican knowhow.
We’ll see if President Obama can do any better – he has promised to.
I doubt he can do much worse than the Bush administration.
Posted by: danita | June 29, 2009, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
Due to the Waxman/Markey legislation many jobs will be destroyed while more will be outsourced to India and China. Those nations have announced they won’t take any action to curb their own green-house-gas emissions, even though China is now the world’s leading emitter of CO2 ahead of the US. Posted by: Todd | Jun 29, 2009 7:50:23 PM
This most certainly will make our trade deficit even worse than what it is. For the past 30 years, corporations have left the shores of the U.S. to build their goods elsewhere. This is due primarily to over-regulation, greedy unions and higher wages, but greedy corporation leaders, too. Mostly though, I think they just got squeezed to the point of saying, the heck with this, we’re moving. Kind of like what will probably happen all over gain with Cap & Trade bill if it ever goes through.
The U.S. has naturally shifted from a goods producing nation to a nation that offers more services than goods. So IMO the trade deficit is a natural shift due to the reasons stated above and not the fault of any particular political administration. You can’t export what you don’t make.
Unfortunately, we’ve also done a poor job of training our workforce to increase their skill set to adjust to this. To my knowledge, we’ve had no national plan to do this – kind of a “let’s put a man on the moon” type of plan. Probably because this shift has taken 30 years and it’s like boiling a frog slowly. It’s harder to see the results of what’s happening.
Anyway, here is a list of the largest trading partners of the United States from Wikipedia:
1. Canada: $518.10
2. China: $345.45
3. Mexico: $315.59
4. Japan: $176.30
5. Germany: $129.73
6. United Kingdom: $97.22
7. South Korea: $71.70
8. France: $62.03
9. Saudi Arabia: $59.32
10. Brazil: $54.14
Most probably don’t have the over-regulation, union and high wage issues we do.
Posted by: Traffic Cop Timmy | June 29, 2009, 8:51 pm 8:51 pm
Danita….ethically inconsistent, you have to stop living in the past dear. It’s on Obama’s watch now. Sorry? This is a thread about the pending Energy Tax bill the Dems want to push onto the American public, not sob stories about past administrations. Your argument is nonsensical anyway, are you really saying we should ship more jobs overseas? That’s what you seem to imply. There is now a billowing cloud of smoke in the sky on your behalf.
Posted by: Todd | June 29, 2009, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
Yes, ban consumers from buying what they want and applaud the savings!
Edison’s simple safe light bulb is bought 19 times out of 20 in the USA.
The popularity is the reason to ban it: After all, that’s why the savings are supposed to be so great, no reason to ban what people don’t want.
Think about it!
About saving energy =
Does society need to save energy? No, no shortage of electric energy sources…
About what Obama also said, “saving lots of emissions banning bulbs” =
Does your light bulb give out any gases?
Since power stations might not give out any gases either, bans are unfair on emission-free energy households being able to use what they want, now or in the future, and emissions can be dealt with directly – as is planned anyway – by using new cleaner coal or renewable (or nuclear) energy.
Also – Energy Secretary Steven Chu’s lab was involved in developing the compact fluorescent light bulb, any clash of interest there?
Why a ban is wrong:
For a long list, with references, why a ban on ordinary light bulbs is wrong, see: ceolas.net/#li1x onwards
Posted by: peterdub | June 29, 2009, 10:06 pm 10:06 pm
not sob stories about past administrations
Posted by: Todd | Jun 29, 2009 9:04:48 PM
This will be the wail of the Left for the next 3-1/2 years: Obama was bad – but he wasn’t as bad as Bush! It’s already started. I see no reason to believe it won’t continue.
Posted by: Traffic Cop Timmy | June 29, 2009, 10:10 pm 10:10 pm
TCT….true, you can see it in many of their posts. With the intrusiveness they are imposing, the public’s patience will likely wear thin.
Posted by: Todd | June 29, 2009, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
Let me get this straight, oil rigs out in the middle of the ocean are unsightly and environmentally unpleasing but millions of whirling windmills pockmarking our most scenic landscapes, chopping up and desimating migrating flocks,and spinning dizzily with reckless disregard for peace and tranquility and visual calm. And that isn’t even discussling the outrageous buraucracy this bill creates…
Posted by: Gregory | June 29, 2009, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
“This will be the wail of the Left for the next 3-1/2 years: Obama was bad – but he wasn’t as bad as Bush! It’s already started. I see no reason to believe it won’t continue.”
But on the other hand you have to admit that the best thing for the Republican Party would be for everybody to forget about George Bush as quickly as possible.
Posted by: Skip | June 29, 2009, 10:42 pm 10:42 pm
“Sexy”. Only this … person …. would use that term.
And I hope people have been reading the warnings on the “sexy” twisted lightbulbs the government is going to force us to pay for. Break it, report said breakage as directed on the box, and the EPA will be camped on your doorstep, charging you thousands for cleanup. Not an exaggeration, do the research yourself.
Posted by: Eyes Open | June 29, 2009, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
“But on the other hand you have to admit that the best thing for the Republican Party would be for everybody to forget about George Bush as quickly as possible.”
Good point Skip, and to forget about Cheney. And to forget about all the blunders and mismanagement.
But that ain’t gonna happen.
Posted by: danita | June 30, 2009, 2:44 am 2:44 am
This whole cap and tax sickens me.While the Obama is pushing healthcare he slips cap and tax through the house without a word.Thanks ABC you will be remembered for all the truthful informative news.Wake up people they are all corrupt and if you dont see it now you will when it comes knocking on your door.What goes around comes around and they will get the idea when our gas and electric skyrockets.If you arent rich and do pay your own way in this world you will be hurt. Obama even said so when cap and trade began *It will make bills skyrocket* look back and check it out that’s what he said. Wonder if people at ABC will get a raise to pay for the new gas electric tax.Wake up ABC or in the end you will be all alone hmm channel what?
Posted by: cristal | June 30, 2009, 7:36 am 7:36 am
Have to put this article here because there is NOTHING about the debunking of global warming on your site!!!
“A top Republican senator has ordered an investigation into the Environmental Protection Agency’s alleged suppression of a report that questioned the science behind global warming.
The 98-page report, co-authored by EPA analyst Alan Carlin, pushed back on the prospect of regulating gases like carbon dioxide as a way to reduce global warming. Carlin’s report argued that the information the EPA was using was out of date, and that even as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have increased, global temperatures have declined.
“He came out with the truth. They don’t want the truth at the EPA,” Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla, a global warming skeptic, told FOX News, saying he’s ordered an investigation. “We’re going to expose it.”
Think you might want to cover this??? Doubt it – who whats the truth exposed!!
Posted by: M. Summer | June 30, 2009, 8:29 am 8:29 am
Danita:
FYI: IF the following is truly the case:
In the year 2000 . ..
Our exports 16,185.2
Our imports 100,018.2
Our balance -83,833.0
In the year 2008
Our exports 69,732.8
Our imports 337,772.6
Our balance -268,039.8
Then “good old republican knowhow” actually did improve the situation.
In 2000 our trade deficit was 6.2 to 1 in favor of the Chinese. By 2008 it was 4.9 to 1. Not by any means an optimal situation, but an improvement.
Posted by: Math101 | June 30, 2009, 10:06 am 10:06 am
Why should we expect anything sensible from a “Community Organizer” ? We need to “Drill here,Drill now” to get an energy source that we know works, and we need to build nuclear power plants. Enough already with silly light bulbs, sun power and windmills.
Posted by: Ron | June 30, 2009, 11:16 am 11:16 am
Under the new Cap-n-Trade Bill, all houses will have to be built according to California standards.
Also, before you can sell your home, it must be subjected to an energy assessment (no doubt a tax will be involved).
Or so I’ve heard…
But don’t worry because anyone making less than $250,000 a year won’t see their taxes go up.
Or so I’ve heard…
Posted by: Traffic Cop Timmy | June 30, 2009, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
Ron . . .
“The House-passed bill contains provisions to make it easier to get loan guarantees and expands the nuclear industry’s access to loans for reactor construction.”
Posted by: danita | June 30, 2009, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
Math 101 . . .
That’s a good insight. However, at the same time, the trade deficit with China TRIPLED during the Bush administration.
Posted by: danita | June 30, 2009, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm
In 2000 our trade deficit was 6.2 to 1 in favor of the Chinese. By 2008 it was 4.9 to 1. Not by any means an optimal situation, but an improvement. Posted by: Math101 | Jun 30, 2009 10:06:31 AM
First of all, China plays the import/export game very well. They like it when they are winning.
Secondly, there must be very tight restrictions enforced by our government on much of the goods we have to offer, especially in technology. This must hamper our ability to even things out.
Posted by: Traffic Cop Timmy | June 30, 2009, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
Meaning that the trade deficit with China under the Bush administration tripled from -83,833 in the year 2000, to -268,039.8 in the year 2008.
Posted by: danita | June 30, 2009, 3:17 pm 3:17 pm
Previous figures in millions of dollars.
Posted by: danita | June 30, 2009, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm
Ron, you’ve got to be kidding. We can’t drill our way out of our energy problem. We only sit on 3% of all the oil reserves in the world but we consume the most barrels per day.
From just a security point of view we need the energy independence that solar, wind, geo-thermal and conserving energy will give us. As for nuclear it is terribly expensive and no one has solved the problem of what to do with all the dangerous waste.
As for those ‘silly’ lightbulbs our family switched over two years ago and were delighted to watch our electric usage go down almost 7%. We’ve also put our t.v., dvd player and other electronics on a power strip. By turning off the power on the strip when not using these electronics we save another 3%. (Most electronics that are instant-on are using electricity even when you turn them off! The power strip enables you to turn them off completely without having to pull the plug out of the wall.)
Working together all the little things we can do make a big difference in our energy independence, our air quality and the health of the world we leave our kids.
Posted by: Lydia | June 30, 2009, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm