“WE MUST TAKE THE POLITICS OUT AND TREAT THIS AS A PHYSICAL PROBLEM!”
The American federal lobbying industry generates between $5.08 billion and $5.3 billion annually, based on record-breaking disclosures compiled by OpenSecrets and Bloomberg Government.
NO CENTRALIZED AUTHORITY! YET GOVERNMENT MUST ENFORCE COMPLIANCE.
The private American political contribution system moves between $7 billion and $9 billion annually when averaged across a full election cycle, culminating in a massive single-cycle record of $14.8 billion to $15.9 billion during major presidential years.
The 10 most heavily subsidized industries by the U.S. government spanning direct federal grants, tax credits, and special financial incentives include Agriculture, Healthcare, Energy (Fossil Fuels & Renewables), Aerospace/Defense, Technology/Semiconductors, and Transportation.
CORPERATIONS are mandated to act in the public interest…that means if you know you are doing something bad that’s not in the public interest, you should stop.
“NO UNIFIED COORDINATED EFFORT!
What is lobbying in politics?
Lobbying is the legal practice of attempting to influence the decisions, policies, and legislation made by government officials. It is conducted by individuals, corporations, non-profit organizations, and special interest groups. At its core, lobbying is a form of advocacy aimed at persuading lawmakers, regulatory agencies, or executive branch members to act in a way that benefits a specific cause or industry. The Two Primary Types of Lobbying Direct Lobbying (Inside Lobbying): Involves communicating directly with lawmakers, their staff, or government officials. This is done through private meetings, phone calls, providing expert testimony at hearings, or assisting in drafting specific legislative language. Grassroots Lobbying (Outside Lobbying): Involves mobilizing the general public to influence policy. Organizations use advertising, social media, and mass emails to encourage citizens to contact their representatives directly regarding a specific bill or issue. How Lobbying Operates Professional advocates, known as lobbyists, are often paid by clients to navigate the complex legislative process. Many lobbyists are lawyers, former politicians, or policy experts who leverage their deep knowledge of government operations and personal networks to gain access to decision-makers. The primary mechanics of lobbying include: Providing Information: Lobbyists frequently provide lawmakers with specialized research, polling data, and technical expertise that busy congressional offices might lack. Building Coalitions: Aligning multiple organizations with shared goals to present a united front to the government. Political Spending: While lobbyists cannot legally trade money for votes, they frequently organize campaign fundraisers, donate to political action committees (PACs), and host industry events. Democratic Value vs. Criticism Lobbying is highly controversial but remains a constitutionally protected right in many democracies, including the United States, where it is viewed as an extension of the First Amendment right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. “The Democratic Defense The Public Criticism Expert Insight: Lawmakers cannot be experts on every topic. Lobbyists provide crucial data on complex sectors like healthcare, energy, and technology. Disproportionate Influence: Wealthy corporations and powerful interest groups spend billions annually, giving them far greater access to politicians than ordinary citizens. Representation: It allows diverse groups including labor unions, environmental charities, and civic groups to ensure their voices are heard. The “Revolving Door”: Former government officials frequently become high-priced lobbyists immediately after leaving office, exploiting personal connections for private gain. Regulation and Transparency Because of the thin ethical line between legitimate persuasion and corruption, the lobbying industry is heavily regulated. In the United States, federal statutes like the Lobbying Disclosure Act require professional lobbyists to formally register, disclose who their clients are, and report how much money they spend. Strict laws also limit the value of gifts, meals, and travel that lobbyists can provide to politicians.
“A CARBON TAX – MIGHT BE GOOD. IT IS NOT GOING TO MAKE IT WORSE!”
POLITICIANS PROMISES ARE USUALLY VAGUE OR USE CONFUSING LANGUAGE
NEED TO CONNECT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH A UNIFIED OPEN SOURCE DATA TOOLS.
The United States’ energy policy is determined by a combination of federal, state, and local entities. The Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for administering the country’s energy policy, including:
- Developing, amending, and implementing energy conservation standards
- Managing the country’s nuclear infrastructure
- Establishing energy-efficiency standards for certain appliances and equipment
The DOE uses a multi-step rulemaking process that includes public participation to establish standards. Congress granted the DOE the authority to establish these standards.
Other factors that influence energy policy in the United States include:
- Legislation
- International treaties
- Subsidies and investment incentives
- Advice for saving energy
- Taxes
- Building codes
- Mileage standards
- Commuting policies
The boundary lines between federal and state authority are not always clear, which can lead to tension and disagreement. Congress can override state control to promote national interests.
First thing that must be done is we must separate energy policy from the political arena.
Second thing that needs to be done is the funding of an independent global warming national watch dog agency. Which believe it or not we don’t have yet.
We need international participation and contributions in addition to UN sponsored agendas.
A mandate needs to be developed, followed, and enforced to insure that global greenhouse effects decrease.
THE PROBLEM IS INTERNATIONAL BUT WE CAN ONLY LEAD AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
NO PLAN OR MANDATE!
