West Virginia Blue
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I prepared this diary at the request of national climate change activists wanting to better understand the West Virginia political landscape. It originally appeared yesterday as a contribution to the Adopt A Senator series at DailyKos.
What most casual observers of Congress know about Senator Robert C. Byrd is he's the longest-serving member in the Senate's history and he's been incredibly successful at steering federal dollars to West Virginia.
(Political Science Professor) Rupp remembers a quote from former Democratic House speaker Jim Wright, D-Texas, that Byrd posted in his office near the Senate Appropriations Committee Room inside the Capitol. It said: "Bob is a living encyclopedia, and legislative graveyards are filled with the bones of those who underestimated him."
Time and time again, Sen. Byrd has delivered for West Virginia. The question of the moment is, what does Byrd think West Virginia needs in the next energy and climate bill?
"The climate legislation proposed today by Senators Boxer and Kerry is a disappointing step in the wrong direction and I am against it.
"Requiring 20 percent emission reductions by 2020 is unrealistic and harmful - it is simply not enough time to deploy the carbon capture and storage (CCS) and energy efficiency technologies we need. Period.
"Our nation cannot survive without energy from coal and any viable climate policy must solidify our future by focusing on technology to make coal cleaner faster.
"I will continue studying the bill and all of its implications for our state and the coal industry. This is by no means the defining word on climate legislation in the Senate.
"I remain adamant in my conviction not to support any bill that might threaten the economy, workers or families across West Virginia.
"We should take the time to approach these issues with absolute care and diligence - they require nothing less."
I take Sen. Rockefeller at his word--as he studies the bill in more detail, he'll find there's parts there that can help the economy, workers, and families across West Virginia.
I agree with Sen. Rockefeller that 2020 is not enough time to fully deploy carbon capture and storage (CCS). I disagree with Sen. Rockefeller that we should set our greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets based on the risky and uncertain technology of CCS.
We should base our GHG reduction targets based on what is needed to maintain a livable planet, not based on the goal of burning as much coal as possible.
"I am glad to see that Senators Kerry and Boxer included some of the provisions I and other Senators recommended related to carbon capture and storage. I am pleased that Senators Boxer and Kerry are placing a greater focus on clean coal technology. While this is an encouraging sign, we have a long way to go on this legislation. Many issues have yet to be addressed. There is still a tough road ahead."
"I will continue to work with my colleagues to strike a balance that treats West Virginia's interests fairly as the legislative process moves forward. However, I will actively oppose any bill that would harm the workers, families, industries, or our resource-based economy in West Virginia."
West Virginia has more than just a resource-based economy. I hope Sen. Byrd will also actively consider how much damage the rest of our economy will suffer if no action is taken to address climate change.
A Good Sign
There's at least one major provision that will help out West Virginians. (For links to an overview of the bill and the actual bill visit Sen. Kerry's website.)
Part 2 of the bill provides Climate Change Worker Adjustment Assistance:
Sections 311- 313. Establishes a program pursuant to which any worker displaced as a result of Title VII of the Clean Air Act would be entitled to 156 weeks of income supplement, 80% of their monthly health care premium, up to $1,500 for job search assistance, up to $1,500 for moving assistance, and additional employment services for skills assessment, job counseling, training, and other services. Payments under the program cannot exceed the proceeds from the auction of allowances set aside for this purpose.
I've often said we need a hand-up for coal mining communities, not a hand-out for coal companies. This is a step in the right direction. (This is no mere footnote. Pages 229 - 282 of the bill text cover this program.)
Here's another program that might help (I can't tell for sure--it probably needs more funding behind it and probably needs to be directed more closely to Appalachian communities):
Section 156. Economic Development Climate Change Fund. Authorizes the Economic Development Administration to provide up to $50 million per year in technical assistance and grants for projects that promote green economic development in distressed communities.
Now that a bill is on the table, this is a good time for Sens. Byrd and Rockefeller to start being equally forceful in their advocacy for all the West Virginians impacted by climate change as they have been for the coal miners who might be impacted by addressing climate change.
The West Virginian "will continue his antibiotic treatment at his home and convalesce over the coming days," his office said in a statement. "Byrd indicated that he 'is looking forward to engaging in the upcoming debate and votes on health care reform -- one of the most critical issues facing this Congress.'"
The junior Senator from Minn. is being out-rookied by an interim from Mass. and soon the President pro tempore of the Senate will be back in action... we may yet have a 60 vote caucus all together for a Senate vote.
Our senator's first address to the chamber since his hospitalization, reflecting on his friend, colleague and fellow member of "The Immortal 23."
Ted Kennedy in life was a force of nature - - a cheerful, inquisitive, caring man, who never accepted somberness for long or the finality of anything. His energetic adherence to perseverance, his plain dogged determination, his ability to rise from the ashes of whatever new horrific event accosted him, always with grace, and usually with a liberal dose of humor, were his trademarks. It was almost as if Ted Kennedy were at the top of his form when coping with adversity. Life itself inspired him. He believed that life was a contact sport, but that it should never be played without joy in the game itself. That is how he saw politics as well.
Here in West Virginia both Sens. Byrd and Rockefeller as well as Reps. Mollohan and Rahall voted for the stimulus bill. Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito voted against it.
For those preferring lists to maps, below the fold I've included a fact sheet (rec'd via email from White House and Department of Education Communications) detailing the impact of President Obama's economic policies on West Virginia:
ROCKEFELLER, BYRD, RAHALL AND MOLLOHAN ANNOUNCE $13.1 MILLION FOR IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN STATE BUILDINGS
Washington, D.C. - Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd, together with Congressmen Nick J. Rahall and Alan B. Mollohan, today announced that West Virginia is being awarded an initial $13.1 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("Recovery Act") - which all four voted in support of earlier this year - to improve energy efficiency for state buildings.
These funds will be used under the Department of Energy's State Energy Program for various improvements aimed at supporting job growth and investing in clean energy and conservation - to state administrative office buildings, laboratories, schools, colleges and universities, and armories - in areas such as lighting systems, windows, HVAC systems, boilers, and control systems.
"These Recovery Act dollars are greatly needed and I am glad to see the funds released to the state," Rockefeller said. "Investing in energy efficiency is a strong way to sustain our environment, build up our infrastructure, and create innovative jobs right here in West Virginia."
"Making our buildings and homes more energy efficient is crucial, and I am happy to see this funding directed towards improving the energy efficiency of State buildings in West Virginia," Byrd said.
"West Virginia plays a critical role in fulfilling America's energy needs and we are taking a lead in our Nation's march toward energy independence," said Rahall. "This funding invests in our local economies, helping save jobs and creating new opportunities for our citizens. At the same time, these dollars help our state adopt new, innovative energy efficient technologies that can save West Virginians money, and move our state into a new phase of leading America's energy economy."
"This funding is an investment that will create jobs in West Virginia today and bring energy savings throughout the state in the years to come," said Congressman Mollohan.
The funds announced today also will go toward assisting the state in creating the Energy Efficiency for Business Revolving Loan Program to provide financial assistance to businesses to support investments in energy efficiency; and toward creating a Green Collar Jobs Training program to provide West Virginians with the education, training and skills they need for jobs in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, West Virginia is set to receive more than $16 million in additional funding.
###
There are some great quotes in this press release about the dividends of energy efficiency investments for job creation and sustaining the environment.
There's a major disconnect, though, between the talk about these millions of dollars and the far more aggressive work the same Congressman are doing to secure billions of dollars to perpetuate a long-term demand for burning coal.
Can you imagine what it would like if the sums were reversed?
BYRD STAFF ON FACT-FINDING
MOUNTAIN-TOP MINING TOUR
Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) today announced that several staff members from
his Charleston and Washington, DC offices are on a three-day fact-finding tour of
portions of West Virginia to view first-hand mountain-top mining operations.
Byrd's statement follows:
"During the next few days, several members of my Senate staff from both my
Charleston and Washington offices will be touring portions of West Virginia to view
first-hand mountain-top mining operations. These staffers, while engaged in their
fact-finding mission, will also be meeting with coal industry representatives, as
well as members of the environmental community and other concerned citizens. During
their visit, they are also expected to evaluate the on-going flood recovery efforts,
and discuss concerns expressed to my office about the impact of mountain-top mining
and the severity of damage from the recent floods."
"While I am personally unable to participate in this tour at the present time, I
have instructed these staff members to be my eyes and ears on the ground and report
back their findings and the results of their discussions in an effort for me to
obtain the most up-to-date information on the issue of mountain-top mining. With
the recent announcement from the Obama Administration that it is planning to
increase federal oversight of the mining operations, I believe it is imperative for
my staff and me to hear from all interested parties in West Virginia as we move
forward on this debate."
Excellent news. It's important that our politicians and their staffs see the devastation and the danger from MTR for themselves.
Meanwhile, USA Today describes Byrd passing on work to his longtime friend and colleague as he continues to recover from his recent illness.
Byrd, who chairs the homeland security panel of the Senate Appropriations Committee, asked Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii to lead the fiscal 2010 homeland security appropriations bill during markup this week, his office said today. The current bill increases homeland security funding 7% from last year, according to Byrd's office.
"The need to move forward with this bill is critical. ... It is imperative that Congress provide the resources necessary to protect our nation's homeland," the Democrat, who is the longest-serving senator in history, said in a statement.
U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., is recovering nicely from a recent staph infection and is feeling fit enough to begin physical therapy, his office said.
Byrd's good medical report is good news for his Senate colleagues, who need every vote possible to pass healthcare and energy reforms this session, Politico reported Tuesday.
Politico, meanwhile, goes with its usual Republican spin, As Robert Byrd improves, Democrats fret, except no where in Politico's own story does it show any Democrats fretting.
Paul Nyden of the Charleston Gazette has a better story on Senator Robert Byrd's health:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The health of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., is improving, according to several of his staff members, but he remains in the hospital.
Mark Ferrell, who works in Byrd's Charleston office, said Friday, "From what I know, he continues to improve and has been telling family members and staff he wants to go home."
Larry Puccio, Gov. Joe Manchin's chief of staff, said Friday, "We understand he is doing better and certainly hope he continues to get well and goes back to work. We need him so badly in Washington.
"Sen. Byrd has such a veteran staff that continues to operate so well during his temporary absence, doing a very professional job," Puccio said.
The rightwing hate promoters in the media like Don Surber are eager to push Byrd out of office because they could never defeat him at the ballot box.
Senator Jay Rockefeller has been out longer with a knee injury yet you don't see the obsession with his health that you do with Byrd because this has nothing to do with his time missed. Byrd represents everything the Republicans are not: decent, powerful, and in the U.S. Senate.
Here's a dramatic interpretation of how the rightwing hate promoters like Surber and the Ghoulish Old Party politicians like Del. L'il Jonny Miller and Del. Troy Andes are behaving. No wonder the family doesn't want people to know which hospital Byrd is recovering. The Byrd haters would be there harassing him while at the same time showing their "concern."
Except Byrd isn't going any where. He's the king in that video skit riding by them. I hope Byrd recovers soon and serves his entire term and runs for re-election just to spite them.
Shame on Jake Stump, who usually is better than this. In a story today in the Daily Mail, Stump does a story on Senator Byrd's health.
Of the five people he quotes in the story, four are Republicans. Other than Gary Abernathy, the other three Republicans sound positively ghoulish. Note to Stump: of the two major political parties in West Virginia, only one is relevant and it certainly isn't the Republican Party.
Byrd's illness has prompted rumor mongering and even a false report of his death on WSAZ.com this morning.
What is wrong with some of you people in the old media - and unfortunately some in the new media on the Republican side of the blogosphere - and in political office that causes you to act so irresponsibly and with such a lack of grace and decorum?
Some in politics and the press mock the bloggers as being irresponsible and using foul language, but why is it taking a dirty hippy blogger like me to remind some of you to act with more respect and responsibility? I'm certain your mothers raised you to behave better than this. Shame on you ghouls.
Senator Byrd stay in the hospital has been extended as a result of a staph infection. The Washington Post story on this can be read by clicking here.
"According to his doctors, Senator Byrd developed a staph infection during his initial hospitalization for treatment for a minor infection," the statement said. "This, in turn, has delayed his departure from the hospital at this time. Doctors have been treating him with antibiotics for the infection and he has been responding well. There has been no additional indication as to when he will be released from the hospital."
The senator's doctors and family "want to exercise extra caution before he is released to ensure that the infection has totally run its course," according to Tuesday's statement.
I don't agree with Byrd's vote against the budget but I can fully understand it. Unsurprisingly, he feels passionately about the Byrd Rule. At that link Sen. Byrd fully explains he likes the budget and agrees with many of the policies. He disagrees with the use of budget reconciliation for health care reform legislation.
What I don't get at all is his vote on yesterday's Helping Families Save Their Homes Act. I looked around in news reports and didn't find any rationale for his vote. (Please add in the comments if you find a statement.)
Meanwhile, I'm with David Sirota. Anyone who gets a chance to speak with Sen. Byrd on the issue, please ask him:
why [he] believe[s] it is perfectly fine for bankruptcy judges to cram down mortgages for very rich people's vacation homes and investment properties, but not mortgages for regular people's homes?
* Look out for anything not passed on Gov. Manchin's agenda to reappear in the next interim session: Governor hopes to revive agenda. What does the Gov. care the most about? He's not saying:
Manchin said there were three to five bills he was most concerned with, but wouldn't specify them.
"I'm not going to tell you yet," he said.
In the last week of the session, the governor publicly blamed the House of Delegates - particularly the House Education Committee - for stalling his education bills.
On Monday, he didn't name names.
"As of right now, it's not fair for me to comment when I really don't know what happened," he said.
* Finally, here's a legislative idea I think all right-minded West Virginian's can support. Let's make sure our newly named state rock is well protected. We need to keep the state rock here in the state, no more letting people take it out of state. Our state rock is so important, it should stay right where it is for all West Virginians to know it is safe and sound.
Go read the diary, and see how Gov. Manchin, Sens. Rockefeller and Byrd (in the comments), Reps. Rahall and Capito answered the question. Then come back and tell us, are yo happy with their answers?
And, yes indeed, Ken Ward, Jr. wins the prize for being the first (and only) reporter to ask the question! Major kudos to Mr. Ward.
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