I read an article in the Washington Post today that I thought was articulate, succinct, and correct. And it was all those things. But it wasn't sincere. It couldn't have been.

The article, "The Power in the Carbon Tax," made several good points. Among them was that environmental laws should not only discourage bad behavior, but encourage good behavior as well.

The article also called for a carbon tax--including a tax on gasoline--and the creation of a cap-and-trade carbon system. Both good ideas, and ones I favor as well.

I must admit, I thought the article was great--timely and well written. But then I saw who wrote it: Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Only the byline didn't say all that. It simply read: John D. Dingell. To the layperson, that could be anyone.

I literally slapped myself on the forehead. Who does this guy think he is?

The Carbon Tax & Fuel Economy Standards: More Flip-Flops Than Margaritaville

While the ideas presented in the article were good ones, most were either far astray from what the Congressmen has been adamantly fighting for in Congress or disguised to make his view seem better than it really is. Some statements even contradict what Mr. Dingell said just one day before.

Let's take them one by one.

1) "I have also endorsed a minimum 30 to 35 percent increase in vehicle fuel economy standards."

Yes, you sure have, Mr. Dingell. But you failed to mention that the bill you favor would give automakers until 2022 to reach 32 miles per gallon, with escape clauses in the event of technological or economic obstacles.

There are so many things wrong with that, I hardly know where to begin. I guess I'll start with a question: What "technological obstacles" could there possibly be? Especially when the highest average overall fuel economy for both cars and light trucks in the U.S. was reached in 1987.

And as far as economic obstacles go: I guess you wouldn't want to offend your constituents at GM and the other Detroit players by twisting their arm to do something that was inherently good. Surely, you see the good effects of their lobbying efforts, being a representative from Michigan.

Plus, if you're such a fan of increasing fuel economy, why didn't you back Edward Markey's (D-Mass) proposal of raising the standard to a universal 35 mpg by 2018? Would that have put a wrench in the plans of your Detroit automakers?

2) "I said, as I have on many occasions, that we would have to go to some kind of cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions."

I'll let an article printed in the Washington Post just the day before clear this up: "He [Dingell] is critical of the cap-and-trade approach to limiting greenhouse gases that many senators have embraced because, he said, it has not worked well in Europe and is a tax mechanism in disguise. He said if Congress opts for a cap-and-trade approach it should learn from ‘the follies' of Europe."

Which is it?

Maybe this excerpt, from the previous article, hit the nail on the head: "Some lobbyists have suggested that Dingell was so unlikely to win support for his tax approach that the Democrat, the longest-serving member of the House, was simply maneuvering to make sure no legislation on fuel economy is adopted at all."

You can't be a public servant at the same time you're fighting for the best possible outcome for special interest groups. The former makes you a congressman. The latter makes you a prick.

Right About One Thing

In his propaganda piece, Mr. Dingell notes that, "History shows that we respond to market forces."

It sure does.

Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Dingell. That's exactly what we're seeing now.

Toyota's hybrid sales in the U.S. totaled 61,635 units in the first quarter of this year--an increase of 68% over the same period last year. In March of this year, Prius sales were up 133% from the same month, the year prior.

And let us not forget that Toyota recently overtook GM as the world's largest automaker. Plus, with production facilities popping up all over the country, Toyota is quickly earning a reputation as the most American car you can buy.

As you are well aware, the news out of Detroit isn't so upbeat. Maybe that's why they need your help. I guess that's what happens when you fail to adapt--you wither and die.

But not all are as mulish as the American auto industry. Some companies have noticed a shift in market sentiment and acted accordingly.

These are companies focused on renewable energy, energy conservation, and increasing the availability of fresh water.

And they're already making a killing, with plenty more to come. All without sacrificing quality or buying votes in Congress.

The market gets what the market wants. And Green Chip has the track record to prove it.

We consistently reap the benefits of investing in companies that are providing real solutions for a changing world.

To find out more about how to profit from companies that are making a difference, or just to show your discontent with Mr. Dingell and his like-minded associates, click here.

Until next time,

Nick