Silver Linings to "Procrastinational Rulemaking"

As a quick follow up to the news of EPA's latest delaying tactic and Stephen Johnson's upcoming Australian foray, we've realized there are a few silver linings here, both serious and humorous:

1) While EPA's delaying tactics here are clearly extralegal and in defiance of the Supreme Court (and its own findings regarding global climate change impacts in the California wavier denial), at least a public comment and study period can be utilized to help defend the next administration-- which hopefully will follow through with a more proper response (more on concerns otherwise soon)-- against industry forces' inevitable lawsuit.

2) Johnson's trip to Australia might not be an entirely bad thing-- after all, that nation recently elected a new Prime Minister who has reversed his predecessor's skepticism about climate change as a dire threat to human health and welfare. Prime Minister Rudd and his government just might have an extended opportunity here to impress this reality upon the EPA as it starts a new "study" period.

3) We're really looking forward to our friends at the Competitive Enterprise Institute and elsewhere-- perhaps looking to regain some momentum and credibility after their latest PR gambit was slammed by their own allies-- denouncing Johnson's carbon-emitting airplane trip halfway around the world to engage in yet another study, just as they've done for Al Gore's attempts to draw more attention to the imminent threat he won't admit to. After all, as Senator Boxer pointed out, Johnson could have at least done this much closer to home!

Look out for that new ad campaign any minute now...