Obama Caves To Industry On Air Quality

Sep 4, 2011 by James

In times of economic struggle it makes sense to abandon programs that seek to destroy jobs or cost the government a lot of money but it never looks good to abandon a plan that you put forth and one that would help the environment. The industries that cause the worlds air pollution and smog problem spent an incredible amount of money lobbying to block new EPA rules that would severely limit emissions that cause smog and as usual in this country the industry one. What got Obama to back down was the fear mongering campaign by the industry that made it seem like the new rules would kill American jobs and cost the government a lot of cash it doesn’t have. The issue has once again been put off until after the election season.

Anyone who lives in large cities in California can tell you what smog is and you know it’s not healthy to breathe. The Environmental Protection Agency, which often does more harm than good, decided to step away from the dark side when it approved new rules for ground level smog control. Coincidentally the White House overruled those the rules just hours after a new jobs report came out that was worse than expected. Obama is also taking a lot of heat over job creation, health and environmental rules that Republicans say are stifling the jobs market.

Instead the Obama administration will continue with another industry approved Bush standard that was set in 2008 until a review in 2013.

“At the same time, I have continued to underscore the importance of reducing regulatory burdens and regulatory uncertainty, particularly as our economy continues to recover. With that in mind, and after careful consideration, I have requested that Administrator Jackson withdraw the draft Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards at this time. Statement by Obama on rescinding the plan to reduce harmful emissions.”

What this really means in Obama language is that he’s caving yet again to the Republicans so that he can say “It wasn’t me” coming into the 2012 race. With Obama’s reelection prospects looking more and more dismal one most wonder what else he will throw under the bus in order to save himself. I’m not sure why he couldn’t have shelved his health care plan until a second term because then this post probably wouldn’t have happened as Republicans would have a lot less to attack him for. Obama seems to be on a rather tight Republican leash and whenever they yank hard enough he quickly falls back into line. The sad thing is that when you look around at the Republican candidate field sensible people know he’s the only real choice unless you want to go back in time. I frankly find myself questioning if Hillary Clinton should have gotten the job because at least Bill would be riding shotgun.

Will you vote for Obama in 2012?