I think Andrew wins bonus points for using the word “Ecdysis”!

For those of you, like me, who needed to look that one up in the dictionary…

Ecdysis (noun): the process of shedding the old skin (in the case of reptiles) or casting off the outer cuticle (in the case of insects and other anthropods)

Jenny’s About to Choke in a Carbon Constrained Economy may be my fav though! I’m forwarding on our current entries to NRDC!

Now on to the supposed “real” news that “for the first time, we have over 40 coal-related companies agreeing to federal regulation of carbon dioxide, provided our 12 principles are met.” (emphasis added there on a subordinate clause that is truly the dominant one in that sentence.

For a close look at these 12 “principles” of the coal industry, check out this post by my friend Adam Siegel and this spot on comment summarizing ACCCE’s 4-page statement of principles by fellow Oregon climate activist Jim Edelson (who goes by OregonJ at DailyKos):

“The coal industry supports carbon regulations if no limits are placed on building new coal-fired power plants without CCS, that no liability for the failure of any sequestration plan be placed on the polluter, that no state be able to limit GHG emissions, and that, until that day when (if ever) the coal folks come up with a CCS widget, that there be unlimited CO2 emissions from the burning of coal that can be offset by somebody else’s actions. Oh, I almost forgot one principle, the coal industry wants about $200 billion taxpayer dollars to figure out this CCS thing.”

Did Jim miss anything David?

I don’t know how to be any clearer about who we are and where our money comes from! We say so near the top of the press release we sent out announcing the launch of our new organization!

For that matter, you glossed over the REAL news about the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity:

For the first time, we have over 40 coal-related companies agreeing to federal regulation of carbon dioxide, provided our 12 principles are met.

And for the cynical among you, those principles are available for anyone to see.

(See the PDF link on this page: http://www.cleancoalusa.org/docs/beyond/ )

Apparently Clueless Corporate Coal Executives?

Says ACCCE CEO Stephen Miller in the release:
“Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility for individuals, businesses and government alike. At the same time, many Americans are also deeply concerned about the growing reliance on imported energy and increasing energy costs,” said Miller. “Coal is an abundant energy resource found right here at home, and it is also affordable. Shielding American consumers – especially working families and people living on fixed incomes – from unnecessary energy price increases must be a national priority.”

Right. As if you really care about working families, Mr. Miller. How dare you pretend.

How about –

About to Choke in a Carbon Constrained Economy

Also, why are you also glossing over the fact that over 40 companies from the coal-based electricity sector have pledged to support a mandatory carbon management program that meets the goals of achieving emissions reductions, preserving fuel diversity and energy security, and protecting consumers from increased energy costs?

Are you saying that you don’t think energy costs should be affordable? Are you saying that protecting energy security should not be a priority? Do you believe (contrary to EVERY credible forecast out there) that we won’t need coal to meet future energy needs here in the US or around the world?

We’ve made a commitment to a plan to achieve further emissions reductions and do so in a way that meets growing energy demands and keeps energy costs affordable for the consumer. If you have different ideas, let’s hear them.

ABEC became ABECC, Americans for Burning every last Chunk of Coal. What will ACCCE become?

Best submission will win lifelong pride and honor (or something equally intangible), although I can make sure your idea gets to NRDC, who is not doubt working furiously on another parody website to keep ACCCE in check.