I’m also of the opinion that global warming of a few C would be a good thing, particularly if it is as described by the GW crowd – much warmer nights and winters, somewhat warmer days and summers with much of the rise in the upper latitudes.

Warmer is typically better for all forms of life. Think tropics.

That being said
a) I am quite dubious that the current climate change is being primarily driven by humans,

b) but think that the private adoption of CFLs, improved solar efficiency, increased deployment of nuclear plants, more exotic areas of research (e.g., solar satellites in space or this) and someday hybrids (right now they’re less energy efficient net than the equivalent non-hybrid vehicle once you factor in the additional energy required to manufacture) will be a good thing as improved energy efficiency means we can apply the energy to new things and in general, energy + intelligence = productivity = improved standards of living.

c) I think 46 mpg is actually a pretty lousy advance if you think about it – Geo metros got up to 58 mpg in the 80s from a non-hybrid engine and were actually cheaper than most cars. They, however, didn’t get the press and tax advantages.

d) The typical solutions proposed by the AGW crowd scare me to death – massive regulation of the energy markets, massive restrictions on travel (see England), mandatory adoption of technologies (see CA with CFL), tax advantages for continually not ready for prime time technologies (wind) and tax breaks for politically favored things which would actually be counter-productive (ethanol). It’ll intrude into everyday life and really muck up the energy market which will muck up the advantages I noted in b) while dramatically lowering our standard of living.

Regardless if Exxon-Mobil has the right to spend money on slowing down the global fight to help save the world, it is only hurtful to all of us.

We should all be part of the solution and help save our world for our children’s future. Be Examples, Be Leaders.

My company currently has a 2007 Toyota Prius which is a hybrid. It currently averages 46 MPG. I would encourage others to take take similar action in changing the world.

Jason M. Shipley
http://www.tenships.com

If you somehow think that’s ok, how is it differnt from politicians telling newspapers that it is illegal (or they can’t) pay reporters to do research on the latest political scandal? Or perhaps research on some specific industry?

The rest of us equate limiting private money used to promote speech with limiting the speech itself.