Pollution and the Bush Administration

When Bush came into office he touted programs he called Clear Skies and Healthy Forests. Many have referred to the use of these terms as Orwellian in that they actually mean the exact opposite of what they purport to mean. Clear Skies meant companies could pollute the sky and Healthy Forests was a program that allowed more deforestation. Today we hear this from the GAO.

"The Bush administration's voluntary programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by industry have yet to deliver promised results, according to a report issued yesterday by the Government Accountability Office."

"The 51-page report, which was requested by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), highlights shortcomings in two projects aimed at encouraging the private sector to cut emissions linked to global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency sponsors "Climate Leaders," while the Energy Department oversees "Climate VISION."

Seems Bush's voluntary approach to pollution control isn't working. It appears that not holding anyone accountable on this front is a recipe for failure. Sound familiar? John Kerry had this to say:

"This report makes clear that letting the fox guard the henhouse is not working," "It's unbelievable enough that President Bush refuses to accept the very clear scientific evidence on greenhouse gas emissions, but now he can't even get his own non-action plan right."

John, he didn't get his plan right in New Orleans or Iraq; what makes you think he'll start now? And to suggest he even had a plan is probably giving him too much credit.