Ethanol - The Boxer Amendment - Another Campaign Issue

[Jane Austin]

I don't know all the details, but I just watched the Senate vote on the Boxer amendment which would have removed language in the Energy Bill that exempts Ethanol producers from liability for environmental problems.

The vote was pretty much along party lines with the exceptions of Dems who are in Ethonol-producing states. Those poor states are so depressed, it's hard for me to hold it against those Senators.

Otherwise, I noticed Collins and Judd and Chafee voted with Boxer. Probably some others. I was multi-tasking at the time, so don't hold me to this to closely.

The amendment was tabled, of course.

Now wouldn't this make an easy-to-understand campaign issue in 2006? People all along the political spectrum are worried about environmental issues, especially as it affects their children's health.

It should be fairly easy to accuse republicans who voted against her amendment of putting their state's children's health at risk, and causing local igovernements to have to pay for toxic cleanups.

If all politics are local, I should think this could be a very strong and clear issue in 2006.

[Mass]

1. It would be easy if there was 14 Dems as well

Unfortunately, as soon as you say ethanol, the vote is more regional than party line:

Democrats voting yes to table the amendment.
Baucus (D-MT)
Conrad (D-ND)
Dorgan (D-ND)
Harkin (D-IA)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kohl (D-WI)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Nelson (D-NE)
Pryor (D-AR)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Salazar (D-CO)
Stabenow (D-MI)

Republicans voting no

Chafee (R-RI)
Collins (R-ME)
Ensign (R-NV)
Gregg (R-NH)
McCain (R-AZ)
Snowe (R-ME)
Specter (R-PA)
Sununu (R-NH)
Warner (R-VA)

[Jane Austin]

3. But on a state-by-state basis,

I think it could be a very good issue, and one that's easy to explain.

As for the Dems who voted to table, the republicans in their states did, too, I imagine, and it won't be an issue in those states.

[chaska]

2. I know this doesn't address the point but ethanol is not a good product...

it takes more oil to produce than it saves.

[Mass]

4. Do you have a link on this issue?

I tried to argue the same thing with an ethanol supporter and was told I was repeating GOP talkingoints, and I cannot find my sources anymore.

[chaska]

5. I heard this on KTLK Saturday night....

Interview with Michael Ruppert "Crossing the Rubicon" on peak oil. Amazing interview.

http://fromthewilderness.com/