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The ‘Green’ Debate: President Obama Praises the EPA for Growing the Economy and GM Refuses to Admit the Volt Was a Flop

Speaking before a throng of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees on Tuesday, President Barack Obama praised the agency for helping to grow the U.S. economy.

“The main reason I’m here is simple: I just want to say thank you. I want to say thank you to each and every one of you, because the EPA touches on the lives of every single American every single day,” the president said.

The ‘Green’ Debate: President Obama Praises the EPA for Growing the Economy and GM Refuses to Admit the Volt Was a FlopNo argument here.

“Just a few weeks ago…Lisa [Jackson] and I was able to announce new common-sense standards to better protect the air we breathe,” the president said.

Considering that the EPA has been fining fuel refiners for not mixing a biofuel that “does not exist” with their products, critics wonder what these “common-sense standards” actually are.

“Safeguarding our environment is also about strengthening our economy,” President Obama said. “I do not buy the notion that we have to make a choice between having clean air and clean water and growing this economy in a robust way. I think that is a false debate.”

Many critics would agree with the president’s last sentence. The debate isn’t over whether Americans should choose clean air or economic growth. Rather, the debate has been over whether businesses should be free to innovate naturally and on their own terms, or whether the government should artificially manipulate market demand by subsidizing pet projects.

“When we put in place new common-sense rules to reduce air pollution, we create new jobs building and installing all sorts of pollution-control technology,” the president said. “When we clean up our nation’s waterways, we generate more tourists for our local communities. So what’s good for the environment can also be good for our economy.”

Critics would strongly disagree.

Based on numerous examples of failed “green energy” initiatives backed by the Obama administration and the EPA, these “common-sense standards” (and the business that have been set up around them) have done little for economic growth. In fact, many critics argue that while “green energy” projects are excellent at spending taxpayer’s money, they fail to create jobs.

Remember when the White House and Solyndra both promised that the taxpayer “investment” of $535,000,000 would create 4,000 new jobs? In fact, only 585 jobs were created, according to ABC News. Then 585 jobs became zero jobs when the company filed for bankruptcy. That’s just one example of a failed EPA-friendly, government-funded entity. Consider the following:

  • Range Fuels: Bankrupt. Accepted $64 million from U.S. taxpayers and another $6.2 million from Georgia taxpayers.
  • Mountain Plaza Inc.: Bankrupt. Accepted $424,000 in stimulus funds.
  • Solyndra: $535,000,000 in government loans — bankrupt.
  • Evergreen Solar: Bankrupt. Accepted money all over the place: $125 million in stimulus funds for weatherization projects, $55 million in Massachusetts energy block grants, $5.3 million in federal stimulus cash, $984,400 in federal funds, and $758,388 in federal low-interest “Clean Renewable Energy Bonds.”

It would appear that EPA regulations, and businesses based on EPA-friendly “green” initiatives, have failed to provide jobs to the private sector.

And although these regulations have created the need for more government jobs, it should be pointed out that public sector growth is very different from private sector growth. When the EPA pays out millions of dollars to its employees, where do those funds come from?

“Our environment is safer because of you,” the president beamed. “Our country is stronger because of you. Our future is brighter because of you. And I want you to know that you’ve got a President who is grateful for your work and will stand with you every inch of the way as you carry out your mission to make sure that we’ve got a cleaner world.”

Remarks like this have led some political pundits to suggest that the president is willfully engaged in the denial of reality.

If this is the case, he’s not alone. Take, for example, General Motors.

“Last year wasn’t a great one for General Motors’ first production plug-in range-extended electric car,” writes Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield. Naturally, she’s writing about the Chevy Volt.

Now, most industry experts would agree that the Volt has been largely a flop. However, GM’s Vice Chairman Steve Girsky thinks it’s too early to tell.

“I think it’ll be May or June before we know whether this thing really has legs,” he said. “We are prepared for if it does.”

GM executives are unsure whether the Volt flopped?

Sales for the vehicle have been consistently low. For example, only 125 models were sold in July 2011. Keep in mind, this was after GM spokeswoman Michelle Bunker was quoted as saying that the Volt was “virtually sold out” due to its popularity — a statement later shown to be “misguided.”

This begs the question: how does GM define “flop”?

The ‘Green’ Debate: President Obama Praises the EPA for Growing the Economy and GM Refuses to Admit the Volt Was a Flop“Maybe we should give it a few more years before we know whether this thing really has legs…“

Perhaps the Volt has sold poorly because of its exploding batteries or because Americans aren’t interested in buying a car that suffers from poor range and long charge times.

Instead of addressing these issues and retooling their approach to the Electric Vehicle market, GM executives have resorted to blaming the dealerships.

“I don’t think the dealers are really pushing this car yet, as most of them only have one or two,” Girsky said.

Do Americans want clean water and air? Of course. Would Americans prefer to have better fuel efficiency? Yes. Would Americans like to see the economy get back on its feet? Absolutely.

Is expanding the public sector — while throwing taxpayer’s dollars at multiple failed “green” businesses – the best way to achieve these goals? Considering how it’s worked out so far, the answer is probably “no.”

Watch President Obama address the EPA via the White House website:

(h/t Weasel Zippers)

Comments (123)

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  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:26am

    Seriously, this idiot is on drugs, or he really is that dumb ! I gotta think those people in the audience were like the people at ENRON watching Ken Lay, tell them how wonderful everything was, just before it imploded…… If this moron marxist is re elected we are so screwed…..

    Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 1:20pm

      The true ineptness of this man is in full view for all the world to see……And he’s even inept to that as well.IF ARROGANCE IS PRISON OF THE MIND THEN OBAMA MUST BE A LIFER.

      Report Post »  
    • drphil69
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 2:08pm

      not a moron, he is evil, this is part of his plan… destroy the economy, push the proletariat to rise up against the bourgeoisie, declare martial law, cancel the election (due to safety concerns for the voters), and install himself as dictator for life.

      The only problem Obummer has is WE STILL HAVE OUR GUNS!

      Report Post »  
    • Restore the Republic
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 2:12pm

      His re-election would be the tipping point leading to another civil war. without a doubt.

      Report Post » Restore the Republic  
    • lukerw
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 3:20pm

      Unfortunately… they are more prepared for a Civil War (it is their plan)… then we are!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Renalden
      Posted on January 14, 2012 at 4:37am

      Gosh, I really have to unload my clip on my 9mil so it doesn’t get soft. Um, wait, do I need to plug in my truck…I forget. Oh dear, my cat wants some vegan food again…….NOT!

      Geeze, DUH!

      EPA = more jobs? Like the 163,000 that were added last year maybe? Save 3 billion over 10 yrs? Eat much alfalfa? About as green as the admin is going to get…

      Dave

      Report Post »  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:18am

    End the EPA and save billions.

    Report Post »  
    • SgtB
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 1:11pm

      End the EPA and save billions, jobs, manufacturing, and property rights. I’m beginning to like you even more you Jerk.

      Report Post » SgtB  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:15am

    He is still smokin crack…. Drug test that moron, but the EPA did create thousands of jobs… At the EPA !!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • NOBAMA201258
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:31am

      DETROIT “the president is willfully engaged in the denial of reality”,oh you mean LYING ! “1984” anyone? Get this POS out NOW

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:14am

    “When we clean up our nation’s waterways, we generate more tourists for our local communities.”
    Yea. OK Barry. America was an environmental wasteland before you stepped in and saved us all. I can’t wait to show my gratitude this November.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • commonsenseguy
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:30am

      @gonzo, hope you have a great day, really cold here about 22 will warm up to around 50,that’s could to me,anyway it has not slow down my fishing just have to go later in the day,just means i have to do more honey dews until it warms up enough, anyways,have a great day,and remember to laugh,we all need a good laugh every now and then and obama just gave me a good one, ““ the epa touches everyones lives”’ yep they do,just with a pole and some lube!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:36am

      Are there any fish still alive in those poluted waters? Pray for Obama and the EPA to save you! Have a good day buddy.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:13am

    thank you,thank you and thank you, for helping me screw the american people and for helping me become a dictator if not for all of your hard work and fines,and my ideology then we could have never took the greatest country on earth and make her one of the dumbest,most regulated part of the world that is now known as ““ the unintended socialist states of America””keep up the good work and just maybe,when i am a real dictator i will let each and everyone of you work for the regime, “” wink,wink “”
    now get out there and continue the take over and pray china don’t get here first or i want be the leader of the “‘ new world order “”.

    Report Post »  
  • skippy6
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:46am

    I know someone that worked for Solyndra, they were on their way to work when they heard on the radio that the company went bankrupt, what a way to lose your job!!! Go green!!! what a joke, Will any of that money ever be returned to us??? Not likely..

    Report Post » skippy6  
    • old white guy
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:06am

      obama truly is both stupid and dangerous. the lies just flow from him. it is nothing short of amazing.

      Report Post »  
    • AzCowboy
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:31am

      As Pat would say. A Hideous, Gila Monster, Vile, Disgusting Skanky sort of fellow. lol

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:20pm

      You can bet that a lot of that money will end up with the DNC and some of Obumblers PACs. They are giving bonuses to the employees now. Maybe they will contribute it to Obumblers campaign.
      Close all the coal fired electric plants and close all the coal mines, thats sure to create more jobs. It will also help raise the price of electricity. Fine the oil companies for not blnding their fuel with a product that does not exist, raise the price of gasoline even more.
      Yep, Obumbler and the EPA are really helping grow the economy, I see more and more homeless and people begging than ever before. Grow Economy Grow, King Obumbler the 1sr orders it to be so.

      OMG

      Report Post »  
  • mikee1
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:44am

    EPA DOES PROVIDE THOUSANDS of BIG GOV. JOBS. lol.

    Report Post » mikee1  
  • notreally
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:42am

    It’s true that there has been federal job growth. All socialists want government to grow.

    I wonder what the average pay is for these union parasites who worship the ground Obama walks on, the one who redistributes wealth, taking it from us and giving it to them.

    (Romney has pledged to cut in half the pay of federal workers)

    Report Post »  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:13am

      Notreally…Not really…good try though…Romney did not promise that.

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • legendarytwo
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:23am

    And God hardened the heart of Pharaoh.

    Report Post »  
  • Workforit
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:18am

    Another (in your face America) example of beyond stupid.

    Ron Paul 2012!
    “The only presidential candidate we can afford!”

    Report Post »  
  • quicker
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:11am

    Feb 2 2012 is Groundhogs Day and the State of the Union happens to be on the same day.This is a day of two meaningless events.One in which a creature of questionable intelligents looks to the future and the otherinvolves a groundhog

    Report Post » quicker  
  • LarryMunn
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:08am

    A cockroach in the concrete, courthouse tan and beady eyes
    A slouch with fallen arches, purging truths into great lies
    A little man with a big eraser, changing history
    Procedures that he’s programmed to, all he hears and sees
    Altering the facts and figures, events and every issue
    Rewrites every story, every poem that ever was
    Eliminates incompetence, and those who break the laws
    Follow the instructions of the New Way’s Evil Book of Rules
    Replacing rights with wrongs
    F, is for fighting, R is for red
    Ancestors‘ blood in battles they’ve shed
    E, we elect them, E, we eject them
    In the land of the free and the home of the brave
    D, for your dying, O, your overture
    M, he will cover your grave with manure
    This spells out FREEDOM, it means nothing to me
    As long as Obama is el presidente

    Report Post » LarryMunn  
  • MeMadMax
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 5:55am

    He’s not delusional…. this is part of the plan………….

    Report Post » MeMadMax  
  • tomloy
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 5:51am

    the problem with the chevy volt is GM first stated the volt would get 200 miles per gallon, a lie, and the engine would only serve to recharge the batteries. Then the design of the volt was changed, but GM didn’t bother to inform anyone. And the volt is too expensive to be practical at 39000 dollars. My guess is someone at GM didn’t want a car that got 200 miles per gallon was the reason for the design change.

    Report Post »  
  • johnpaulkuchtajr
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 5:40am

    It’s just hard to imagine that my Uncle Frank died on Omaha Beach so that this lump of stupid, pandering nonsense could become President of the United States.

    As part of his sentence for having committed treason against the US on numerous occasions, part of Obama’s sentence should be that he visit the grave of every hero who died in the service of his country and APOLOGIZE.

    Report Post »  
    • 000degrees
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:40am

      I for one don’t want him anywhere near our real heros….or their graves..

      Report Post »  
    • 100 Million Patriots Standing
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:04am

      ..of every hero that died or suffered defending us all against what Obama is happily instituting. Hitler was so stupid, all he had to do was become President of the United States, there would not have been a WWII and we would wind up in a very similar position.

      Report Post » 100 Million Patriots Standing  
    • adastra2005
      Posted on January 14, 2012 at 4:19pm

      I really enjoyed your comment. I do however have a way that makes it even more fabulous.

      Do not include “pandering nonsense” part.

      I think this is more to the point: “so that this lump of stupid could become President of the United States”.

      LUMP OF STOOOOPID – what a great line.

      Report Post »  
    • adastra2005
      Posted on January 14, 2012 at 4:20pm

      BTW … may I have your permission to re-use that? Lump of stupid. Makes me laugh every time I think of it.

      Report Post »  
  • momsense
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 5:36am

    I have come to the conclusion that our president is totally insane, and if not insane that at the very least delusional. and that his followers suffer fron the same disease.

    Report Post »  
    • In detroit
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 5:45am

      Amen, truth !!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • skippy6
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:14am

      Be careful how you talk, don’t utter anything against Obama, Homeland fascist suckurity may show up at your house in in full swat gear!!!! You can bet they will be watching this site more than the huff…..

      Report Post » skippy6  
    • SoupSandwich
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:37am

      Rational thought leaves nothing else to conclude. The beliefs of the liberal and dyed in the wool socialists are sick and delusional. Here, this coolaide full of metal shavings tastes great, really. Just don’t get it. Growing govt is always good to this group, and GM is now well entrenched with them. How are Volt sales and customer satisfaction? How is it good to have more beaurocrats to pay from tax money we don’t have? At what point do we all take our taxes out of the “system”? Where are our dividends from GM and Chrysler bailout? Buy Ford and punch a lib.

      Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:19am

      A car with a range of 25 miles here in Michigan. And it cannot do even that without running the risk of exploding without warning. No wonder less than half of the Chevy Volts made are sold. The recall will go pretty easy seeing that less than 10,000 were sold since the car came out. They Volt is an unintentional moving IED.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
  • roadhog
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 4:58am

    Would you Buy a Used Car From Obama??

    Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 4:55am

    Obama‘s ’Green common sense standards and regulations’ are at the expense of American jobs and industry. Obama has turned into a tyrant with a compliant congressional leadership; which as allowed the Executive branch to rule by its own will and requests.
    Obama’s not the only one who must be defeated this Novenber 6th. The Washington political elite are aiding and abetting Obama’s “Transformation”.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
    • Living In NYC
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 5:52am

      Our company double in size in 2010, tripled in 2011 and will double again in 2012.

      We could grow two more fold in 2012, but a service and product we could take on has EPA regualations…so we decided not to take on that product…we don’t have the time, captial or assests to deal with the EPA and the Federal Government!

      EPA is killing jobs at least for us…since we aren’t expanding our product / service lines and won’t be hiring employees for that particular service.

      Report Post » Living In NYC  
  • bates8963
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 4:43am

    Do ya really think Obummer wants a clean environment?…really?…. or that any of his policies are directed to effect clean anything…. If so, you do not comprehend the tactics of these people…… The holy grail is to collapse the system…period… regardless the cost to humanity or freedom. Sorry…. just the simple truth. Nothing else matters…… scorched earth is the destiny… evil is here and there is very little defense……. Do you really think the lions vs. the Christians is just a playoff game away? ……….. It’s here tomorrow you idiots!!!

    Report Post »  
    • In detroit
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 5:44am

      This man is a joke and anyone who voted for him is a joke well said bate , I get pissed off too once when you see how dumb poeple really are very sad what america became bunch a daw gon sheep I tell yeah

      Report Post »  
    • carbonyes
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 8:01pm

      BATES, you sir, hit the nail on the head, and the frigging American people absolutely need to get their head out of their hind end, wake up and take heed. Americans because of who we tend to be, how we were raised, and how we view life, can not seem to understand how a person like Barack Hussein Obama could possibly be the type of person that he in all actuality is, a lying, deceiving, totally self serving, self centered, narcissistic, power hungry individual. He does not care for nor does he in any way have empathy for the average American, whether that American be white, black, red, yellow or Hispanic, nor is he capable of having such feelings or empathies. Get it: He is not an American, and there is nothing about him that in any way shows any evidences or vestiges that would indicate that Americanism is in any way a part of him. He has absolutely been raised, groomed and indoctrinated to be the exact opposite, and Barack Hussein Obama has learned well.

      Manchurian candidate? No! Manchurian President! This is the man, or facsimile thereof, who occupies the White House. This man, Barack Hussein Obama is the enemy of America, the enemy of the American people, the enemy of our Constitutional form of government, and the enemy of traditional family values, the Judeo-Christian way of life and culture, and the enemy of free enterprise, the enemy of individual rights and freedoms. This is not opinion people, but pure, unadulterated fact, and you better get it.

      This man Bar

      Report Post »  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 4:33am

    It’s an fallacy for government to claim that if someone is against the over regulation by the EPA, that they don’t want clean air and water. The EPA is out of control. They‘re fining oil companies for not adding an additive THAT HASN’T BEEN INVENTED YET! That’s just nuts.

    The government shouldn’t be involved in any of this “green” stuff, especially at taxpayers’ expense. When the technology has evolved enough to make non-diesel cars profitable, private entrepreneurs will jump at the chance to make it happen.

    Report Post »  
  • rambosharley
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 4:27am

    My God that Communist is delusional! Is he still smoking crack? We’re all gonna be smoking something if this idiot gets 4 more yrs.

    Report Post »  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 4:14am

    This is what i heard Obama say….Let me give a shout out to my enviromental peeps at the EPA…you are really doing it! Carl Marx would be proud! Dont stop until every single person can breathe clean air and drink clean water without a speck of microscopic anything in any of it… Dont stop until the nation lies in total ruin becuse you regulated it to death. Keep it up, you are doing a great job, I am so proud of you!!…can i count on your vote in November?

    If we dont defund this COMMUNIST regulatory anchor we will all die from their idiocy! These people are LUNATICS!!

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 4:08am

    Yeah Obama praising Obama’s EPA , yes that’s what the head of the EPA Lisa Jackson named it : Obama’s EPA .
    Obama’s EPA policy has one & only one agenda = to kill business .
    & the VOLT electrocuted GM or instead of GM should we say our tax money .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • A Conservatarian
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 3:54am

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

    Report Post » A Conservatarian  
  • GBMBulletsSKNRD
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 3:24am

    This man is discusting.

    Report Post »  
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