As noted previously in this space, it is already assumed to be part of the fabric of any federal climate scheme that some slush funds will be created for pressure groups — for example, by giving them carbon-ration coupons to sell on the phony market that state intervention will call into being upon the creation of an artificial scarcity in emissions permissions. The pressure groups aren’t a covered entity, mind you, they just see another government sponsored entity being created (with its own Fed!) while getting a fat wad of taxpayer cash, and they fully expect to be given some pork out of it (you know, like ACORN and the bailout).

Today’s complainers are the “Environmental Justice Advisory Committee” (which I think is the same as the “Advisory Committee on Environmental Justice,” but one can never be sure). They demand “A carbon fee that would fund ‘a robust package’ of loans and incentives.”

You know . . . this pattern sounds familiar.

Of course, the green groups have already paved the way for the various grievance groups which constitute these umbrella organizations to offer “consulting” services, you know, helping utilities and others navigate the maze. No word yet whether ACORN is involved.

All of which — combined with Enron having started this scheme on our shores, Lehman Brothers having already been taking with both hands from it, Soros’ involvement etc. –fits nicely with an insightful reader suggestion that cap-and-trade constitutes “the next big Wall Street scam.”