AEP, Union Reps. - Climate Change Physical, Political Reality - Time To (Eventually) Accept, Adjust

[hatrack]

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- There's no point in debating the science of climate change, because it's already a political and legal reality, energy industry experts said Friday.

Representatives from the United Mine Workers of America and American Electric Power ( AEP - news - people ), the nation's largest single buyer of coal, told The Associated Press' annual Legislative Lookahead forum that West Virginia policymakers need to recognize that new reality.

Requirements ordering companies to reduce their carbon emissions are on their way, said Tim Mallen, an environmental manager for AEP. "Whether it comes this year or next year is not really that big a deal. It's coming."

EDIT

But the union and AEP think the benchmarks for carbon emission reductions being discussed in Congress are unrealistic. The House bill, for instance, calls for a 20 percent reduction in emissions by 2020, the equivalent of roughly a billion tons. "It is equivalent to removing every car, pickup truck and SUV from the road," Trisko said, calling that "too much too soon."

EDIT

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/01/08/business-multiutilities-financial-impact-us-lookahead-energy-west-virginia_7261047.html

[ananda]

1. Isn't a big deal!!??

I swear to god, corporate honchos and spokes-snakes
really are sociopathic coldblooded creatures.

IT'S A BIG DEAL.
IT'S A BIG F U C K I N G DEAL!

Emissions and pollution should have been eliminated
ALREADY!