U.S. Representative John Shimkus is feeling downright irked at China. Through his Twitter account, Congressman Shimkus alerts us that “China’s Carbon Emissions Restraint Would go Unverified, not be binding or subject to international verification.”
Unverified, non-binding programs to reduce carbon dioxide emissions? That does sound bad. So, Representative Shimkus supports verified, binding emissions reductions here in the United States, right?
Wrong. Shimkus has opposed even legislation that would reduce carbon dioxide emissions slowly, starting years from now. Shimkus says that lowering emissions would be too harmful to the coal industry in his southern Illinois district.
Why is Shimkus asking China to enact verified, binding reductions of carbon dioxide emissions when he refuses to support similar measures here in the United States?
