Louisiana lawmakers wary of proposed national energy bill

Democratic Sens. Barbara Boxer of California and John Kerry of Massachusetts were expected to unveil legislation this morning that would reduce the pollution counts connected to global warming and increase the nation’s reliance on cleaner energies. Over in the House, lawmakers have already given approval to their own version, the American Clean Energy and Security Act — a controversial proposal also known as the Waxman-Markey Climate Bill and more generally as the “cap-and-trade bill.” The White House argues that the legislation would create million of green jobs and move the nation toward developing more fuel-efficient vehicles and using renewable sources like wind, solar, ethanol, hydroelectricity, nuclear and others. Inversely, that would also mean moving the nation away from Louisiana staples such as oil and gas, as well as other fossil fuels like coal. Maybe that’s why every member of Louisiana’s House delegation voted against the proposal — including lone Democrat Charlie Melancon of Napoleonville. To read the full story, click here. — Jeremy Alford