Congress held hearing on climate change and how utilities can play a role in curbing CO2 emissions. While some who testified, such as Duke Energy Chairman and CEO Jim Rogers were surprisingly open to a cap and trade system, Bob Murray, President of Murray Energy Corporation started off their comments by saying that any attempt to limit CO2 emissions is an attack on the poor.

" It seems to us that the leadership of this Congress, with the support of the Majority of this Committee and some Republicans, are intent on helping Mr. Gore and those of his ilk in achieving his unquestionable legacy, which will be the destruction of American lives and more death as a result of his hysterical global goofiness, with no environmental benefit...".

It is these types of polarizing statements that make it challenging to combat climate change by negotiating on a plan that will be sustainable and economically viable. I don't understand the logic of this rhetoric -- Al Gore wants to kill Americans and hurt the poor? What would possibly be his motivation?

Duke's Rogers was much more reasonable in trying to find a solution that is not disruptive and recommended a cap and trade system.

"I am also here to advocate for the tens of millions of electricity customers in the 25 states where more than 50 percent of their electricity is generated using coal. To address climate change, we must have a bridge to a low-carbon economy. To cross that bridge, I have advocated for many years that we need an economywide cap and trade program for CO2."

Climate change and the human contribution has been agreed upon by nearly all scientists who study it. It is now not a question of if, but how, we should address it.

You can watch the full testimony of the hearing here.