Northeast Assembly Thread

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Just sayin', you need to include that there's 48 hours of debate.

Crap... I thought I had...

Rookie mistake

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I support wormyguy's motion to amend.

I don't - I either fundamentally don't agree with it - or there's bureaucratic nightmares a-plenty within it.

[tpfkaw]

Call me just a crazy sentimentalist, but if we're talking about something which is highly disruptive, such as a shallow-water wind farm, that could turn places dependent on the fishing or tourism industries (for example) into ghost towns, it might be best to consult the people who will be affected first, for the same reason that it would be wrong to turn a public park into a landfill without first consulting the surrounding population.  If that requires a "beaureacratic" nightmare, then so be it.  My proposal does not create a single new regional agency - in fact it reduces bureaucracy by partially ending regional administration over our shallow territorial waters.  I'm not exactly sure how someone who's proposing the partial nationalization of the entire power generation and transmission industry is complaining about supposed bureaucracy, but that's the way it goes.  I also like stating that you oppose my amendment before even having read it.  Mind reminding us who's supposed to be the "adult" here, Polnut?

In any case, Han says he will veto this bill without my amendment.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Ah, lol

I certainly read it.

[Sbane]

I generally support this Bill and it's aims - however, I do have some serious concerns about section 3 - which places some quite unparalleled restrictions on the grounds for challenging the construction of a turbine to be based only on environmental grounds, and even more specifically, if the project affects endangered species.

I would highly doubt this section would not be easily challenged, and likely, in my view, successfully. 

I understand your concerns. I was trying to streamline the approval process but I may have overreached. Local input should be considered, but I don't think gifting off the continental shelf to municipalities is the answer.

Would you be able to support the bill without provision 3, or would you require further changes? Furthermore would you be willing to write an amendment that is more to your liking? Thanks.

[Sbane]

I'm supportive of the bill, though I can't help but ask about the fourth point.

It states that the government will take part ownership of 49% in order to help start ups. My question to you, Representative Bane is will the government, inevitably sell off its share once the wind farms have been propped up; or will the government continue to maintain partial ownership?

I would approach the issue like a business would. If a wind farm is performing well and is quite profitable, it would be silly for the government to sell off it's stake. On the other hand, if projects are not profitable, it would be in everyone's best interests to sell of those assets.

I would like to reiterate that this is not some sort of government takeover of industry. This is why I restricted ownership up to 49%. I view us as minority stake holders acting as investors propping up a new industry. We would not be in control of operations of any of these facilities. We would not be involved in everyday business decisions.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I can certainly support this Bill with a few changes.

I think while the aim to restrict the challenges is ok, it's far far too restrictive. I would completely remove section 3 - and replace it with....

3) There must be a community consultation process prior to the construction of any wind power turbine, as well as a environmental impact study of the site and surrounding area.

[Sbane]

Ok, I will support that change. Hopefully common sense will prevail and locations where there truly isn't a lot of commercial or recreational traffic, will have wind farms installed.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Debate period has ended.

Please vote Aye or Nay

Voting period will conclude in 24 hours.

[tpfkaw]

You have to vote on the amendment first.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Slap head - sorry doing three things at once.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

We will now vote on Rep Wormguy's unfriendly amendments to the proposed Bill

- please vote 'aye' or 'nay' ... vote will last 24 hours.

[Free Palestine]

YEAH MAN

[Sbane]

Nay

[tpfkaw]

Yea

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Nay

[Rowan]

No sir

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Alright voting on the Rep Wormguy's has ended

Ayes: 2
Nays: 3

The amendment does not pass.

We will now move to vote on the Bill in its entirety.

Voting will conclude in 24 hours

[tpfkaw]

Nay

[Sbane]

Alright voting on the Rep Wormguy's has ended

Ayes: 2
Nays: 3

The amendment does not pass.

We will now move to vote on the Bill in its entirety.

Voting will conclude in 24 hours

Wait, don't we have to vote on the amendment you made to the bill?

[Rowan]

Alright voting on the Rep Wormguy's has ended

Ayes: 2
Nays: 3

The amendment does not pass.

We will now move to vote on the Bill in its entirety.

Voting will conclude in 24 hours

Wait, don't we have to vote on the amendment you made to the bill?

Didn't you accept it as friendly?

[Sbane]

Alright voting on the Rep Wormguy's has ended

Ayes: 2
Nays: 3

The amendment does not pass.

We will now move to vote on the Bill in its entirety.

Voting will conclude in 24 hours

Wait, don't we have to vote on the amendment you made to the bill?

Didn't you accept it as friendly?

Yes. I suppose no vote is needed in that case? Sorry about the confusion.

I vote Aye on the bill.

[Psychic Octopus]

Aye

[Free Palestine]

Nein

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Aye