A strange new argument is being made by President Barack Obama's administration in regard to climate change legislation. It is that unless drastic new rules are put in place here, the United States will fall behind other countries - including China.

Already, "The United States ... has fallen behind," Energy Secretary Steven Chu told members of Congress this week.

Indeed, some countries - most in Europe - have implemented new industrial emissions laws that cost their residents dearly. But China? That mega-power has refused steadfastly to adopt climate change rules such as those proposed in the United States.

China already may be the world's top polluter. It has been reported that two new power plants go into service every week in that country - and the vast majority of them are fired by coal, with few emissions controls.

Pollution by countries such as China and India is one reason why many analysts believe global warming cannot be curbed by legislation in countries such as ours.

Obama has made it clear that pleasing leaders of other nations is a top priority for him. That's fine - as long as U.S. national security and Americans' economic interests are not damaged. But claiming that we must have climate change legislation to keep up with a country that refuses limits is simply being dishonest.