Sen. Lamar Alexander attacks local newspaper for criticizing his vote for EPA rules

[JG55]

Sen. Lamar Alexander attacks local newspaper for criticizing his vote for EPA rules

Published: 1:33 PM 07/13/2012

By Matthew Boyle

Bio | Archive | Email Matthew Boyle

Follow Matthew Boyle Get Matthew Boyle Feed

Photo: AP

Tennessee Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander is attacking a newspaper in his state for criticizing his vote to help President Barack Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency implement what the paper considers an economically devastating regulation.

On June 20 Alexander was one of five GOP senators who voted to allow the EPA to implement Utility Maximum Achievable Control Technology regulations, which will force coal energy plants to install giant scrubber-like materials inside smokestacks to capture and cleanse carbon particles.

The upgrade cost could fall on company employees and coal miners in the form of layoffs, as well as on businesses that might have to pay more for energy.

Business leaders – including Obama’s own Small Business Administration – have pointed out how this regulation, contrary to EPA estimates, will be economically disastrous. In a lengthy letter to EPA Director Lisa Jackson last summer, Obama’s Small Business Administration’s advocacy office wrote that the EPA “may have significantly understated†the economic “burden this rulemaking would impose on small entities.â€

The other four Republican senators who voted in favor of the regulations were Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Olympia Snowe of Maine and Susan Collins of Maine.

Had those Republicans voted the other way – in favor of a resolution Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Inhofe sponsored that would have blocked EPA implementation of the MACT regulations – the regulations would have been blocked. That’s because five Democrats – Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mark Warner of Virginia and Jim Webb of Virginia – voted with the majority of Republicans on the measure.

Alexander’s vote prompted a local newspaper in Tennessee – the Chattanooga Times Free Press – to look into the situation. The paper found that shortly after Alexander’s vote in favor of the EPA regulation, a liberal environmentalist organization – the Environmental Defense Fund – launched a $200,000 ad campaign to thank Alexander for his vote.

After making the discovery, the Times Free Press ran an editorial on July 9 titled “Lamar sells out,†in which the paper lays out the economic impact of the regulation and how Alexander is getting $200,000 worth of friendly ads from a liberal group for voting in favor of it. “How much is a vote worth?†the piece leads off. “Tennesseans now know the answer since Sen. Lamar Alexander traded his vote in defense of the wrongheaded, ridiculous Utility MACT regulation in return for $200,000 in ads courtesy of an alarmist environmental outfit.â€

That editorial didn’t sit well with Alexander: He sent in a letter responding to it, accusing the paper of printing inaccuracies aimed at smearing him and demanded a retraction.

“Never would I have imagined that the first newspaper to accuse me of a felony would be the Free Press, which has a distinguished reputation for high standards and fairness,†Alexander wrote. “Your editorial charges that I ‘traded’ my clean air vote in return for $200,000 in television ads. If you have evidence, let’s have it. If not, the honorable thing to do is retract it. Your charge is harmful, malicious and untrue.â€

“The truth: When the U.S. Senate voted on clean air on June 20, the only ads running that I knew about were attacking me as ‘anti-coal,’†Alexander added. “Later, two groups ran ads thanking me for supporting clean air. One of these was a conservative group, one an environmental group. I did not coordinate with any of these groups on their ads. Your editorial not only is untrue. It is inaccurate, reckless and misleading.â€

In response to Alexander’s letter, the Times Free Press fired back again, sticking to its guns. The paper accused Alexander of trying to silence it. “No one likes to receive criticism for choices they make,†said a new editorial that ran alongside Alexander’s letter on Thursday. “Still, this page was saddened and disappointed to receive the letter – printed elsewhere on this page – that you authored in an attempt to silence criticism of you.â€

Follow Matthew on Twitter

Read more: http://dailycaller.c.../#ixzz20avvLVLo

Edited July 14, 2012 by JG55

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Yeh, Lamar, stick to your guns. Show everyone who you're working for. A lot of Tennesseeans would

love for you to give up your seat. Now!

[DaveTN]

This is another blow to industry, consumers and our economy. Approximately 50% of our energy comes from coal fired plants. But this isn't anything new, 20 years ago a family member had to install these scrubbers on the stacks at a tire plant where they worked. The cost was very high.

TVA will be shutting down a large number of coal fired plants as part of a court settlement for violating the clean air act. Without the industry we use to have this cost will be put on the residential consumer.

EPA, OSHA, etc. is staggering costs that foreign manufacturing doesn’t have. How can we be expected to be cost competitive on products when weren’t on equal ground on costs?

I don’t know what the answer is, but I know we are in for an economic collapse unless we can get our manufacturing base back.

I try to do my part by buying products that are made by American companies here. But those choices get smaller each year and the consensus seems to be that no one really cares where the products come from as long as they are cheap.

[TMF]

This is another blow to industry, consumers and our economy. Approximately 50% of our energy comes from coal fired plants. But this isn't anything new, 20 years ago a family member had to install these scrubbers on the stacks at a tire plant where they worked. The cost was very high.

TVA will be shutting down a large number of coal fired plants as part of a court settlement for violating the clean air act. Without the industry we use to have this cost will be put on the residential consumer.

EPA, OSHA, etc. is staggering costs that foreign manufacturing doesn’t have. How can we be expected to be cost competitive on products when weren’t on equal ground on costs?

I don’t know what the answer is, but I know we are in for an economic collapse unless we can get our manufacturing base back.

I try to do my part by buying products that are made by American companies here. But those choices get smaller each year and the consensus seems to be that no one really cares where the products come from as long as they are cheap.

I agree, but we have to recognize that consumers are going to think with their budget first and domestic jobs second, especially in these times. As much as folks want to be activists with their wallet the reality of it is that it is a drop in the bucket. Expecting folks to buy domestic out of principle is something that just isn't going to catch on no matter how much it is spouted. The only way we'll see improvement in domestic industry is to scale back regulations on business, another unrealistic goal. I would say that it is attainable if your average American understood how our economy functioned, but too many people would rather focus on why it isn't fair that rich people have more money than them, so they vote in liberals to "spread the wealth"; the ones that are always preaching about corporate fat cats and big (insert industry here). As long as the media and politicians demonize the very system that makes America strong and innovative, the sheep will keep voting in leaders that want to regulate us out of jobs.

To you and I "big coal" = jobs/low energy bill. To the libs and mindless sheep, "big coal" = evil corporation/destroying environment. 'Cause, you know, their iPhones, Prius and electricity at Hot Topic are all powered from unicorns and fairy dust.

[DaveTN]

I agree, but we have to recognize that consumers are going to think with their budget first and domestic jobs second, especially in these times. As much as folks want to be activists with their wallet the reality of it is that it is a drop in the bucket. Expecting folks to buy domestic out of principle is something that just isn't going to catch on no matter how much it is spouted. The only way we'll see improvement in domestic industry is to scale back regulations on business, another unrealistic goal. I would say that it is attainable if your average American understood how our economy functioned, but too many people would rather focus on why it isn't fair that rich people have more money than them, so they vote in liberals to "spread the wealth"; the ones that are always preaching about corporate fat cats and big (insert industry here). As long as the media and politicians demonize the very system that makes America strong and innovative, the sheep will keep voting in leaders that want to regulate us out of jobs.

To you and I "big coal" = jobs/low energy bill. To the libs and mindless sheep, "big coal" = evil corporation/destroying environment. 'Cause, you know, their iPhones, Prius and electricity at Hot Topic are all powered from unicorns and fairy dust.

I have some ideas on how to fix the problem, but as you stated many people not only don’t understand our economy, they don’t understand manufacturing. They don’t know the difference between “manufactured†and “assembledâ€. How many times have you seen posted on forums that “manufacturing†jobs are filled with dolts that don’t have an education and deserve minimum wage? They know nothing about Engineers, Toolmakers, Moldmakers, Machinists, CNC programmers, Machine Tool Builders, Electronics Techs, and the list goes on and on. These are highly trained skilled trade jobs that are going overseas. Sure, we still provide the technology and they send their people to our colleges to be educated; but we don’t reap the financial rewards.

If people throw up their hands and say it’s a “global economy†there is nothing we can do, or if they look for someone else to blame; they can always find something to throw out there. I’m just surprised at the number of people that couldn’t care less about their country and say they have to take care of their family. If the economy of your country fails; you have failed your family.

[Glenn]

Can senators be recalled? Alexander is a steaming pile of s*** and doesn't represent the people that voted him in Glenn

[mikegideon]

The funny thing about this... they drive industry out of the US with regulation like this, and the money and air quality issues just move offshore. When are they going to realize that when somebody farts in China, we still breathe it?

[sigmtnman]

It takes all kind to turn us communist and gut our country. One big political circus, it is.

Edited July 14, 2012 by sigmtnman

[DaveTN]

The funny thing about this... they drive industry out of the US with regulation like this, and the money and air quality issues just move offshore. When are they going to realize that when somebody farts in China, we still breathe it?

Exactly. But how do you fight this battle? With everything going “green†it is going to get passed. So the question becomes; who pays for it and how do we keep industry from moving out of the country because of it? The more industry that moves out the greater cost the residential customer will have.

Coal is an abundant natural resource; we have 25% of the world’s supply and 50% of our power is generated with it.

[TMF]

I have some ideas on how to fix the problem, but as you stated many people not only don’t understand our economy, they don’t understand manufacturing. They don’t know the difference between “manufactured†and “assembledâ€. How many times have you seen posted on forums that “manufacturing†jobs are filled with dolts that don’t have an education and deserve minimum wage? They know nothing about Engineers, Toolmakers, Moldmakers, Machinists, CNC programmers, Machine Tool Builders, Electronics Techs, and the list goes on and on. These are highly trained skilled trade jobs that are going overseas. Sure, we still provide the technology and they send their people to our colleges to be educated; but we don’t reap the financial rewards.

If people throw up their hands and say it’s a “global economy†there is nothing we can do, or if they look for someone else to blame; they can always find something to throw out there. I’m just surprised at the number of people that couldn’t care less about their country and say they have to take care of their family. If the economy of your country fails; you have failed your family.

I don't have an solutions, but I know that human nature is to take care of immediate needs first. If Joe Baggadoughnuts has to worry about feeding his kids is he going to buy the domestic product that costs 50% more than a foreign product? What good is a clear concious if you can't pay the mortgage? That sounds extreme but there are a lot of folks out there like that, and even more folks that are frugal because they see the way we're headed.

The root of the problem is jobs going overseas and the ones that remain are operating at a greater overhead. Jobs aren't going overseas because people have some kind of moral objection to American products, they are going overseas because business and industry has been overregulated. The problem, like most other problems, stems from big government interference. The only way I know how to fix that is to stop putting in career politicians and start putting in folks that actually have our best interests at heart.

[DaveTN]

The only way I know how to fix that is to stop putting in career politicians and start putting in folks that actually have our best interests at heart.

I’m not arguing; I’m asking? How are career politicians causing industry to go overseas, other than creating the OSHA and EPA regulations? These are regulations the majority of the people want. They want a safe work environment (OSHA), they want clean air to breath and clean water to drink (EPA), they want the protection of workman’s comp, and they want unemployment benefits if they are laid off or become disabled. But they don’t want to support their neighbors that are manufacturing products under these financial burdens that pay for those things.

Look at the gun industry. What about the American companies that make a superior product here at the same price as the foreign competition and still don’t have the support of many Americans in the gun market? Some of these gun companies have done things that people said couldn’t be done, but yet they still don’t have the support they should have.

We have the politicians the people elected. None of us here like Obama, but he is want the people wanted. Has he helped the economy? No, he is (I believe intentionally) helping to destroy it. But he’s promising jobs that he has not delivered and he’s promising health care for those that can’t afford it. You make those promises and imply that you are going to allow illegals to stay here; and you will probably get elected.

You stand up for bringing our manufacturing base back here, getting people off welfare programs and back to work, and strengthening our economy; and I doubt you will get elected.

Protectionism is not a dirty word. That is unless someone feels they are willing to give up some of their lifestyle or the lifestyle of their kids so that a family in China, Croatia, or the Philippines can have a better lifestyle.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Exactly. But how do you fight this battle? With everything going “green†it is going to get passed. So the question becomes; who pays for it and how do we keep industry from moving out of the country because of it? The more industry that moves out the greater cost the residential customer will have.

Coal is an abundant natural resource; we have 25% of the world’s supply and 50% of our power is generated with it.

Gut the entire Clean Air Act and throw out all

those stooges who come up with all the regulations

destroying our country. That's simple enough, then

move on to the next set of regulatory agencies this

and other administrations have been killing us with.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TMF]

I’m not arguing; I’m asking? How are career politicians causing industry to go overseas, other than creating the OSHA and EPA regulations? These are regulations the majority of the people want. They want a safe work environment (OSHA), they want clean air to breath and clean water to drink (EPA), they want the protection of workman’s comp, and they want unemployment benefits if they are laid off or become disabled. But they don’t want to support their neighbors that are manufacturing products under these financial burdens that pay for those things.

My guess is all the reasons I mentioned a few posts up. People buy off on what the slick politicians and media tell them. Special interest groups control the media, which convinces people of problems that don't really exist, and politicians feed on that as platforms to run on. In my opinion, there is no issue more important than the economy right now. None. All the silly little problems that divide us one way or the other will be quite moot when our country collapses. People haven't figured it out yet. Politicians are just hoping the music doesn't stop while they're in office. Our country will continue to divide the vote with immigration policies, abortion, gay marriage, and all the smear tactics regarding personal lives and finances that have nothing to do with the office they're going to be in. As things get worse all the Dems have to do is keep promising that it will get better... hope and change right to hell. The problem is that people can't think for themselves.. at least not logically. It is far easier to have outside influences tell you what your opinions are.

We absolutely have the power to turn all this around, but it requires Americans to realize what the problem is and how we got here.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I’m not arguing; I’m asking? How are career politicians causing industry to go overseas, other than creating the OSHA and EPA regulations? These are regulations the majority of the people want. They want a safe work environment (OSHA), they want clean air to breath and clean water to drink (EPA), they want the protection of workman’s comp, and they want unemployment benefits if they are laid off or become disabled. But they don’t want to support their neighbors that are manufacturing products under these financial burdens that pay for those things.

Look at the gun industry. What about the American companies that make a superior product here at the same price as the foreign competition and still don’t have the support of many Americans in the gun market? Some of these gun companies have done things that people said couldn’t be done, but yet they still don’t have the support they should have.

We have the politicians the people elected. None of us here like Obama, but he is want the people wanted. Has he helped the economy? No, he is (I believe intentionally) helping to destroy it. But he’s promising jobs that he has not delivered and he’s promising health care for those that can’t afford it. You make those promises and imply that you are going to allow illegals to stay here; and you will probably get elected.

You stand up for bringing our manufacturing base back here, getting people off welfare programs and back to work, and strengthening our economy; and I doubt you will get elected.

Protectionism is not a dirty word. That is unless someone feels they are willing to give up some of their lifestyle or the lifestyle of their kids so that a family in China, Croatia, or the Philippines can have a better lifestyle.

I don't know where you get the idea that groups

like the Sierra Club and their like speak for all

of American society. To the best of my knowledge,

these types of regulations have never been put to

the publics' votes. We have been getting this type

of regulation thrown at is for decades in small

portions and let them be manipulated by political

hacks on the left until we can't function as a society.

Most of them aren't doing anything but driving up

cost of goods. Very few show value on their benefit.

Oh, that sounds so good. Then we pay the price

down the road. Just like the crap financial regs

that have decimated the financial industry.

It really depends on how you view things. What

do we want? A functioning society? The government

will have to get out of the way for that to happen,

and get back to basics in the Constitution. The

private sector pays for all the largesse of our

great federal government. A kind of sadistic

situation if you ask me.

A strong bit of nullification is in order.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DaveTN]

In my opinion, there is no issue more important than the economy right now. None. All the silly little problems that divide us one way or the other will be quite moot when our country collapses. People haven't figured it out yet.

Exactly, the 2^nd amendment will be moot if our economy fails; you will have all the guns rights you want.

An overthrow of the government is not realistic and would not help anything. It would be disastrous to us, our families, and to the rest of the world.

We have both the ability and the opportunity to change our government every election. But we are electing the people that the majority of Americans want.

Are we electing the best people for the job? Of course not, the best people for the job don’t want it. The press is more interested on what’s in a candidates past than their views or ideas.

We absolutely have the power to turn all this around, but it requires Americans to realize what the problem is and how we got here.

That’s what I’ve been saying for many years; we did this, and we will have to fix it. I don’t blame the Chinese for wanting a better life; but I’m not willing to give it to them at the expense of our future generations. “Distribute the wealth†AKA “Global Economy†means we lose.

[gregintenn]

Why, don't be so hard on Mr. Alexander. He IS a Republican after all. At least he isn't a Democrat......I keep telling you guys; there isn't a nickel's difference in them. You'll see in November.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Something else we might consider. The absolute rejection of political correctness as a speech form. It has

destroyed as much in our country as anything else.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Why, don't be so hard on Mr. Alexander. He IS a Republican after all. At least he isn't a Democrat......I keep telling you guys; there isn't a nickel's difference in them. You'll see in November.

Greg. when you dump them all in together like that, you generalize a bit much, don't you? Even so, there are too many

like Alexander, with their egos that should be somewhere near their asses.

Of course you could find the worst vote from some of the best ones out there, if you look.

[DaveTN]

I keep telling you guys; there isn't a nickel's difference in them. You'll see in November.

Okay, now tell us how to fix it.

[Guest ThePunisher]

Yes, Alexander has disappointed me also, just like turncoat Sundquist. Term limits is the only answer to politicians that get drunk on political power. The Tea Party has started to be the answer to these politicians that don't know when to leave office. But the burden falls on shoulders of the people not paying attention to their reps. Term limits is the only answer, and it doesn't have to be passed as a law, although that would be ok with me. The people control the levers at the polls, so far.

[gregintenn]

Okay, now tell us how to fix it.

Everyone vote their conscience instaed of voting for who you think has a chance of winning. Also, spend a bit if time educating your friends, family, and co workers about our form of government, the constitution, and the true role of the federal government. Just about everyone I've discussed these things with has been totally unaware of the contents of our constitution. Most seemed at least somewhat interested in learning.