The
global climate change summit is entering its second day in Paris.
Global leaders are strategizing on ways to reduce greenhouse gases and
avert what they believe is pending environmental havoc.
In the United States, excessive federal regulations are already taking a toll on the economy and jobs in Appalachia.
Terrorism vs. Climate Change
Taking time away from the climate change summit, President Barack
Obama placed a single white rose at a memorial honoring the 130 people
killed in the Nov. 13 Paris terrorist attacks.
Although the president discussed defeating ISIS with world leaders in
Paris, fighting climate change topped the agenda. The president called
stopping global warming a powerful way to fight terrorism.
"Nothing will deter us from building the future we want for our
children," he said. "What greater rejection of those who would tear down
our world than marshaling our best efforts to save it?"
A War on Coal?
But critics say Obama's efforts to save the world from climate change
may actually destroy parts of the U.S. economy, particularly the coal
producing industry.
Excessive federal regulations are already causing hurt and hardship
for many Americans. Tighter rules on greenhouse gas emissions have
increased unemployment and poverty in coal-producing states like West
Virginia.
Writing in the Wall Street Journal, one expert made three points:
- In the past three years, 27-coal mining companies in central Appalachia have filed for bankruptcy.
- Since 2009, 332 coal mines have shut down in West Virginia, costing close to 10,000 jobs.
- West Virginia's unemployment rate now stands at 6.9 percent -- about 2 percent higher than the national average.
Environmental Protection Agency limits on power plant carbon
dioxide emissions and other federal regulations have caused electric
companies to close coal-fired plants. One third of all plants nationwide
are expected to shut down within the next seven years.
Calling Out China
While China has pledged to play a greater role in combating ISIS,
many summit attendees want to see that country do more in efforts
against climate change.
As heavy smog covered the skyline in Beijing this week, President
Obama told summit attendees that China isn't alone as a top world
polluter.
"The United States of America not only recognizes our role in
creating this problem, we embrace our responsibility to do something
about it," the president said.
The president wants the United States and other Western countries to
give a billion dollars to developing countries to combat climate change.
But polls show Americans are more concerned about terrorism, jobs,
and the U.S. economy. And with an election year fast approaching, those
issues – not climate change – will likely top the agenda in Congress.
Source: CBN News
Topic: How Obama’s Climate Change Fight Is Costing US Coal
