By Philip K. Verleger
The current discussion on the fate of President Obama’s legislative program to address global warming brings back memories (bad ones) of a similar presidential attempt more than 30 years ago.
Those of us who were part of the earlier episode know only too well how Obama’s effort is likely to fare.
In January 1977, Jimmy Carter became president. Energy policy had been a key part, if not the centre, of his campaign. Carter claimed the United States lacked an effective approach to energy and vowed to fix the deficiency.
Like President Obama, President Carter enjoyed strong Democratic majorities in Congress. Like Obama, the Carter administration included many very bright, often arrogant young men and women who were certain they had the solution.
