Murkowski amendment

I've received an e-mail urging me to call my senators to block an ammendment presented by Lisa Murkowski (R. Alaska) intended to prohibit the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases for one year. This is something that African nations won't like, since it would be a further indicator that the U.S. is not really committed to the prevention of catastrophic climate change (desertification, etc. - although forestry talks are yet to come).

I feel that we need to transition away from fossil fuels because of the irreparable loss of native species and dangerous damage to aquifers caused by MTR, as well as the increase in childhood asthma; not to menntion the horrific situation in the Middle East. However, some things I've read would indicate that cap and trade is an invitation to financial scamming (more financial scamming) and won't be productive of significant change. The crux of the matter is, that energy use has to be cost effective. Many people where I live (WV, USA) are struggling with heating costs - even if they do turn their thermostats down and wear their long johns indoors.

I know there is a depth of information and wide range of opinion among subscribers to CR4, and I would appreciate your views. (I may be a little slow in responding, if necessary, since I'm house-bound this week and the dial-up connection here in the boonies has been worse than usual - it has difficulty with a lot of pictures at the best of times.)