uvAggravator2.0

That was the description today by Del. Albert Pollard (D-Lancaster) of our Attorney General's recent decision to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency so as to challenge the concept of "global warming."  I stood with Albert today at a press conference organized by Democratic lawmakers to protest the AG's position. 

Never mind that the U.S. Supreme Court -- that noted band of tree huggers -- declared in 2007 that carbon dioxide emissions posed a threat to human health and thus were under the jurisdiction of the EPA.

Never mind that our former President George Bush recognized the concept of global warming in his promotion by tax credit of alternative fuels and solar energy. 

Never mind that Virginia's Climate Change Commission reached a bipartisan consensus in 2007 that reducing carbon emissions and promoting alternative energy was a critical step for Virginia, especially due to its unique nature as a coastal state.

All of this is now apparently "junk science."  And we want out.

The Attorney General's petition, which is apparently unique in its challenge to the EPA, is not a costless decision.  Litigating that matter all the way to the Fourth Circuit will take up substantial attorney time, perhaps $250,000 or more. 

And all for a case which the Commonwealth is certain to lose -- as the EPA has clear jurisdiction to regulate air quality.

Who's going to pay for this legal bill?

Not the Tea Party.  Not the Republican National Committee.  Not the Club for Growth.

Instead, the Virginia taxpayer will pay.  That ain't right.  There are a lot better uses for our tax dollar than paying a team of attorneys -- not usually in Federal court -- to take on the Federal government, its lawyers and its environmental agency on an issue which has been decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Make that a butter knife.