quotables

Notable quotable

“I like real food. Food that I can pronounce the name of.” — House minority leader John Boehner, protesting to the new, healthier menu offered at the House cafeteria thanks to Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s “Greening the Capitol” program (Background on opposition from ag lobbies here. Some rather … piquant comments from Chris Bower here.)

Notable quotable

“Environmentalism isn’t a communist plot.” — Colorado resident Dave Peterson, on the polarization of opinion on new state rules for oil and gas production

Notable quotable

“Current economic growth, 11.5 percent or above 11 percent, is too fast and at too high a cost … The government should curb economic growth within a reasonable range that is compatible with energy and resource supply and without causing more imbalance.” — Han Yongwen, secretary general of China’s National Development and Reform Commission

Studs Terkel on reclaiming work

“Work is about daily meaning as well as daily bread. For recognition as well as cash; for astonishment rather than torpor; in short, for a sort of life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying … We have a right to ask of work that it include meaning, recognition, astonishment, and life.” — […]

Notable quotable

“I really would like to vote for this bill because we desperately need an energy bill. The world and particularly the United States faces a real challenge on energy in the future. But I cannot vote for this bill primarily because of the corn ethanol mandate. A recent article in The Economist noted that our […]

Notable quotable

“We seek your leadership. But if for some reason you are not willing to lead, leave it to the rest of us. Please get out of the way.” — Kevin Conrad, U.N. delegate from Papua New Guinea, during contentious last-minute climate talks in Bali. Conrad’s blunt declaration was met with applause.

Notable quotable

“You know, the Gore-leone crime family is now the number one crime family in the world, when you think about it. He’s about to pull off the biggest scam in the history of the world. It’s bigger than any bank heist, bigger than any drug deal. It’s bigger than any counterfeiting scheme, and he’s doing […]

Notable quotable

“The Arctic is often cited as the canary in the coal mine for climate warming. Now as a sign of climate warming, the canary has died. It is time to start getting out of the coal mines.” — NASA climate scientist Jay Zwally

Notable quotable

“Within the last few months, most of the planned coal plants in the United States have been cancelled, denied permits, or been involved in protracted litigation. Accordingly, the company submits that IPP 3, Bridger 5, and the IGCC option at Jim Bridger, are no longer viable options for the 2012 and 2014 time frame, respectively.” […]