'Super storm' Sandy may not be directly attributable to CO2 induced climate change, but increasing ocean temperatures put the eastern coast at ever-increasing risk of powerful storms.
Fossil fuel companies have been at the heart of our nations' energy system for over a century. As the U.S. is poised to become the world's largest oil producer, it is clear that efforts to expand energy-reladed jobs have worked, at least in this sector.
At a time when the economy is struggling it is important to keep energy prices low to speed the economic recovery. However, soon it will be more important to increase revenues to reach a balanced budget. Taxing these companies could help reduce the federal budget deficit while creating a more balanced playing field for innovative energy technologies.