THE FACTS: Carbon dioxide is not directly harmful to humans’ air and water in the way of traditional pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide or mercury. Carbon dioxide has no direct effect on drinking-water quality, but is likely to affect how much is available. Carbon dioxide in itself is not harmful when inhaled in normal amounts, but increased warming from carbon dioxide increases harmful smog.

The gas that is exhaled every time a person breathes, and released by the burning of fossil fuels, is primarily considered a pollutant because as it builds up in the atmosphere it raises the temperature of the planet.

Research has shown that the warmer temperatures caused by the buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases can reduce the amount of oxygen in lakes, rivers and reservoirs making it difficult for fish and other living things to survive. The increased rainfall expected to come with global warming could also wash more pollutants into waterways, but more rain could also dilute pollution such as pesticides, sediment and fertilizer.

When it comes to air pollution, warmer temperatures can worsen smog and other air-quality problems. But carbon dioxide itself does not taint water or pollute the air. It is the warming it contributes to that can.

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And, as in the original credit collapse, this political implosion will be designated as an economic crisis brought on by reckless capitalism, requireing further state intrusion to save the nation from itself.

By the way, just love Ming’s screen name.

Our “scientist” at the DOE, Steven Chu, basically said as much. When asked about the disadvantage that US business would bear under cap-and-tax, his first suggestion was a tariff.

On a related note, the recent and idiotic “we need carbon caps to rescue Anerican manufacturing” TV PSAs have been pulled off the air, at least where I live. How did the steelworkers who made these spots keep a straight face?

GE will make their subsidized turbines in Mexico using Chinese steel. NTTAWWT.

“Yes, the price for gasoline and heating fuel has gone up, and the costs for many necessities of life.

“This is the fault of the energy companies who took a vital program, the carbon cap, and recklessly passed these costs onto the public, rather than adjusting their business practices.

“Until these companies can act responsibly, my administration will temporarily manage these company’s energy practices and carbon footprint. I don’t want to be a manager of American business, but the current crisis forces government to act.”