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Washington–The House Energy and Commerce Committee today released a discussion draft of comprehensive energy and climate legislation. Below is the statement of Greenpeace US Global Warming Campaign Director Steven Biel:
After more than a decade of denial and delay by U.S. leaders, Chairmen Waxman and Markey have placed clean energy and global warming at the very top of Congress’s agenda as the world looks to the United States for leadership in the run-up to Copenhagen. The draft bill is a good first step in the right direction, but the bill must be strengthened to ensure that it will achieve the goals of transitioning to a clean energy economy and solving global warming.
America’s economy and climate are in crisis. From Gulf coast homeowners bracing for increasingly intense hurricanes to communities across the country facing water shortages and wildfires, Americans are seeing first hand what global warming looks like. The good news is that the solution to our economic crisis and the climate crisis go hand-in-hand. We must achieve energy independence with clean energy, which will create millions of new jobs, save trillions in fuel costs, and prevent the economic devastation we face if global warming goes unchecked.
Among the bill’s highlights:
-Science-based global warming pollution reduction targets. The Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finds that, to limit warming to 2 degrees, developed nations must achieve emissions cuts of 25-40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80-95 percent by 2050. The bill represents the first legislative effort ever that embraces these science-based emissions reductions goals, though
loopholes included in the bill raise doubts about its ability to achieve them.
-Renewable electricity standard requiring 25 percent of electricity be generated from clean sources by 2025. Such a ramp-up of renewable energy is a prerequisite to meeting science-based emissions reductions while reaping the full economic benefits of clean energy.
-A broad program of energy efficiency standards and investments. The bill recognizes that energy efficiency is the fastest, most effective way to spark economic growth and achieve pollution reductions. The bill would achieve efficiency improvements across the transportation sector while dramatically improving the efficiency of homes and businesses across the country.
-The bill sets aside robust funding to stop international deforestation, which is responsible for 20 percent of global carbon emissions.
-Cap on emissions of F-gases. These pollutants, with global warming potential hundreds to thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide, can be and must be replaced with safer alternatives. The bill would be an important step towards a phase-out of these dangerous global warming pollutants.
Key short-comings that must be addressed include:
-Two billion tons of pollution offsets, a virtually unlimited amount equal to a quarter of all U.S. emissions. If all the offsets in the bill were used, the bill’s emissions reductions could be met without any reduction in fossil fuel emissions for more than 20 years. We cannot solve global warming by simply planting trees and continuing to pollute forever.
-The coal industry receives untold billions dollar in handouts for the false promise of carbon capture and sequestration, with American ratepayers and taxpayers footing the bill.
Finally, the discussion draft is largely silent on how auction revenue from the cap will be used. We urge the committee to dedicate this revenue to the short-term up-front investments needed to transition to a clean energy economy, including investments in clean energy development domestically and in the developing world as well as adaptation efforts for countries and communities most directly affected by climate change
The House Energy Committee - fighting the climate crisis
The Florida Senate, Nuclear, and the Politics of Energy
Word is out that the Florida Senate is voting today on a bill (PSB 1154) that will allow nuclear energy and clean coal to be included in the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). For those of you who are new to this term, RPS was put together to promote renewable energy within the state.
They are calling the bill, “Clean Portfolio Standard”. The new name is indicative of the inclusion of nuclear energy and clean coal. The irony is that nuclear energy is not renewable and is already subsidized by the people; and the technology has not been developed to make coal clean.
For most of us, the question comes to mind, "Why do we need to have legislation to promote renewable energy? Why can't we just do it? Renewable energy makes sense. People have been using solar for a long time and the technology of wind and hydro(water) are catching on. So why don't we just let it develop on it's own?
But the truth is, there is a lot working against the production of renewable energy. Renewable energy needs funding in order for it to be a viable source of energy. In order for it to be more affordable for the average person, just like the hybrid car, it needs to be produced in mass quantities. Take the computer for example. When computers first were developed, they took up entire rooms and were owned only by large corporations. Eventually, computers were developed down to a size that could be used by everyone. Through mass production, the price also came down. What first used to cost thousands of dollars, now costs only hundreds of dollars for something that is 10 times better than what it used to be. You rarely meet a person who doesn't own or have access to a computer.
Renewable energy works on the same principle. More demand equals more production, more competition, and better pricing. Renewables will create an industry, jobs, stimulate the economy, fight global warming, and diversify our energy portfolio. It will also help our nations security by dispersing our energy sources throughout the state. That will help keep us from the vulnerability of a terrorist attack. You can't shut down the state by attacking it's source of energy when the source of energy is the entire state.
Time is also a factor. Unlike computers, a time table was set by scientists who are working to fight against global warming. There is an immediate need to curb the carbon dioxide that is getting released into the earth's atmosphere in massive quantities. A global action must take place in order for us to meet these guidelines. Even those who support nuclear energy, never deny the possibilities that renewable energy brings to the climate crisis.
Governor Crist has set a 20% renewable energy goal to be reached by 2020. The RPS has been set up to meet that goal. Supporters of renewable energy are confident that Florida can meet that goal without the inclusion of nuclear energy. The caveat of the senate bill is how it limits nuclear. The bill limits nuclear energy to only 25% of that 20%. So it breaks down to 1/4 of the equation. This is actually good if you are looking for a compromise. And most senators will agree, they want to make everyone happy. Even the coal industry should be happy...despite the fact that they can't seem to produce the clean coal that they promise.
But is that enough. Do we have to make everyone happy? I would love to eat ice cream every night and start my day with a slice of cheesecake and a cup of coffee. But what will happen if I get just that. I'll get fat and my teeth will fall out. I'll be happy, but only for a short time, because my clothes won't fit and I'll be miserable. Then I'll get sick and have to spend a lot of money fixing me. Sound familiar? Replace the word "I" with the "United States" and then replace the words "slice of cheesecake" with "cruise around the block with in my brand new Hummer" and the words "a cup of coffee" with "shop until I drop. Thank you President Bush!" Get the picture. We don't need people who are going to make everyone happy. Sometimes compromise is not always good for us. Just ask my "Mr. Burn until you cry" personal trainer. He would be more than happy to tell you about paying for your mistakes.
So for all of those who feel that renewable energy needs the same chance to develop as all of the other modern day technologies that have made this world a better place, today is not a great day. In fact, it's a down right pin in the balloon of optimism. Just when you think you have made some headway, someone comes to you and says "let's compromise".
Contact your senators and let them know that there is no compromise when it comes to doing what is right! Florida Senate
Ten Things to Consider Before we Start Building Nuclear Plants in Illinois Again
France is not problem free when it comes to nuclear. Take a look at this article:
http://www.alternet.org/audits/132852 "The French Nuclear Industry Is Bad Enough in France; Let's Not Expand It to the U.S."
And unless you are volunteering to have the waste stored in your back yard, you are making the point that there is no certainty of it's safety. And if you are willing to live with the waste in your back yard, please tell me where that is, so I can make sure we are not neighbors.
About Green Energy
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Action Alert for Renewable Energy in Florida
Two big things going on this week in Florida Politics.
First: there s a strong push to have the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard(RPS) introduced on the floor of both the House and Senate. Certain Utilities are pushing to have nuclear included in the RPS. But many are opposed to it, saying that it doesn't belong in the RPS because will create an unfair advantage, not only to renewable energy like wind and solar, but it will also make it harder for the smaller utility companies to compete (i.e. the money will go to the two big ones and quash out all of the little guys)
So the many of the environmental groups are asking you to call SOH Rep. Cretul and ask him to support RPS without including Nuclear (HB 1317). You can call him at:(850) 488-1450
Second: President Obama had been a strong supporter of renewable energy and has included it in the budget. He needs not only your support, but the support of Senator Bill Nelson who is considered a swing vote. Please call Senator Nelson and ask him to support renewable energy in the budget. You can reach him at: (202) 224-5274
What do Gov. Crist, Rep. Fitzgerald, and Rep. Kreegel have in common?
Reprinted from Creative Loafing
This week I spent some time at the Florida state capitol with our senators and representatives talking about the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS). It is set up to meet Governor Crist’s goal of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020 for the state of Florida, and will help cut the pollution that causes global warming.
Here’s the back story:
From 2000 through 2006, the average residential rates for electricity have risen 41 percent; this is without any significant investment in renewable energy. This year, Florida taxpayers are expecting to see a substantial rate hike from Progress Energy, Florida Power and Light (FPL) and Tampa Electric (TECO) due to a rise in the cost of fossil fuels and the early cost recovery for nuclear plant development. Customers of Progress Energy are looking at a 25 percent rate hike, FPL customers are looking at 16 percent and TECO customers are looking at 12 percent. (Note: Progress Energy customers were in such an uproar the company decided to put a hold on its rate hike. For now.)
While the price of fossil fuels and natural gas continue to go up, the cost of renewable fuels has just gotten lower. The price-per-watt at peak photovoltaic solar (PV) has dropped from $27 in 1982 to approximately $8 today. The rate passed on to the customer that is introduced in the RPS for renewable energy is $3 to $4 per month (74 cents a month in Gainesville), which is relatively low compared to the Early Cost Recovery for nuclear at $11 to $15 per month.
We have reached a 16-year high in the unemployment rate in Florida; it now sits at 8.1 percent. The state lost 255,000 jobs in the past year alone. Construction accounted for 30 percent of the jobs lost. More than 750,000 Floridians remain unemployed. What is significant about renewable energy is the opportunity that it will bring to our local economy. While renewable technology can be developed throughout our communities, the building of nuclear power plants will benefit only a very few. With only two utility companies in Florida set up to promote new construction of nuclear power plants, FPL and Progress Energy, the benefits to the economy are limited.
Here’s the opportunity:
Rep. Fitzgerald, (D-Sarasota), has a bill up for consideration based on a successful model currently in use in Gainesville. That city has a feed-in tariff on renewable energy that is already in place and has reached its cap on solar payments for this year and next due to the overwhelming participation of its residents.
The head of the energy committee, Rep. Kreegel (R-Punta Gorda) is considering attaching Fitzgerald’s bill to a larger energy bill this legislative session. Just recently, the state Senate had a committee hearing on renewable energy where so many people showed up to speak on behalf of renewable energy that they had to hold a second meeting the following week just to allow everyone the opportunity.
Now here’s the issue:
With so many reasons to support a renewable energy future for Florida, and so many people who are crying out for the opportunity that renewables will bring to the local community, why hasn’t the bill been brought to the floor? The Florida legislative session is half over and there seems to be nothing on the books as of yet. Since the scandal of former Speaker of the House Ray Sansom there has been an incredible focus on who’s in charge. New Speaker Larry Cretul has been cleaning house, and not many seem to know his agenda.
So now there’s a really good chance that no bill will pass in the legislature by the end of the session except what the bare minimum required of our legislators — to balance the budget. Where does that leave the people of our state, other than the unemployment line? It seems that Gov. Crist is our only hope. He not only has the political clout to put pressure on the legislature, but he also has our support. And for Gov. Crist, his time is running out, too. He is waiting to announce his decision on which office he will run for in 2010: U.S. senator or a second term as governor.
But what will Gov. Crist say to Floridians if the session closes and nothing passes to improve our economy? It’s time for our state government to step up to the plate and get to work. The people of Florida are watching and waiting.
Where is the country headed?
Pres. Obama reconfirmed his direction and placing a valuable importance on renewable energy. I am with him all the way with the exception of what is being called "clean coal". All I can say is, "what does he know that I don't?" So far, very few have stepped up and even mentioned clean coal as a viable option. In fact, I have only heard it referenced in a positive light during the election process and something to consider. But for everything I know about coal. There is and never will be anything "Clean" about it.
When President Obama asked if he will seek re-election in 2012, he responded "If I could get done what I think needs to get done in four years, even if it meant that I was only president for four years, I would rather be a good president — to take on the tough issues for four years — than a mediocre president for eight years," Obama said. Personally I think it's a stupid question, but I liked his answer.
You can view parts of his speech below. I would be curious what your comments are.
Earth Hour - Get involved
On March 28th, 2009 at 8:30pm - All around the world, people are getting involved by one simple act: turning off their power for one hour. Sponsored by the World Wildlife Federation, Earth Hour is asking you to vote against Global Warming. By the simple act of turning off your lights, you can show the world that Global Warming has to be stopped!
Here's the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, talking about what his plans are for Earth Hour and beyond.
Jon Stewart takes issue with Jim Cramer
This is just a small excerpt of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and his interview with Jim Cramer of Mad Money. It's important because this it the first time that someone of the media is standing up for the average homeowner/investor. It's worth a look.
You can view thier entire interview on the website.
Criticism of Renewable Energy
Are they so afraid of alternatives that they will do anything to stamp them out before they have even had a chance to prove themselves? (yes, I am still bitter about what happened to the electric car of the 1970's)
But the truth is, alternative energy has proven itself to be a viable source of not only energy, but also a great economic stimulus (Just not here in the United States). Pro-nukers are quick to site France as their poster child for a nuclear energy success story. But alternative energy advocates are able to site Germany and Spain as their success story.
My question is, "Why isn't anyone citing the United States when it comes to a success story?"
Right now in Florida there is a battle going on, not only within the state, but also amongst our legislators about renewable energy and how it will play an important part in Florida's future. The energy lobbyists are working hard at asking that new nuclear plants be included under the umbrella of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and change the name to be "Clean Energy Standard". This is in response to Governor Crist and the goal that he has set to have 20% of Florida's energy come from renewable energy sources by 2020.
Does it seem reasonable to include nuclear in the RPS? Sure, if you want to play politician and make everyone happy. But does that make it right? Nuclear energy already has plenty of funding. Floridians are currently paying for new nuclear reactors that won't come on-line for years. In fact, we are paying for the possibility of cost increases and we haven't received a single watt of energy from a new plant.
A lot of nuclear supporters are saying that nuclear power has no carbon footprint and will immediately help solve the problems of global warming. They will also tell you that there is a bottomless supply of plutonium and that we won't have to worry about the disposal of nuclear waste for another 600 years. They will also say that it creates jobs, will take up less land, and is more dependable than renewables.
Renewable energy supporters will point out that nuclear energy is not "clean" because it creates a hazardous waste that no one has figured out what to do with. And no one is really comfortable with dumping our problems onto future generations for them to figure out.
Renewable advocates will also tell you that the jobs created for new nuclear plants are not near as many jobs that are created for the industry of renewable energy (solar, wind, water, etc.). Renewable energy can create industries and promote entrepreneurism. They will go on to tell you that some 240,000 people in Germany were employed in the renewable energy sector in 2006, especially in small and medium sized companies. Over half of these jobs are attributed to the Renewable Energy Sources Act.
Renewables can also export products and services to many countries that do not have the capability to do for themselves. The job growth is immediate and requires very little federal regulation to move a project along...unlike nuclear.
But the reason this issue is important is truly because of a few things. One, there is money coming to the RPS and nuclear wants to be included. Two: there is also the issue of control. Right now energy suppliers have a monopoly on the market. None of us have a choice as to who we get our energy from. The energy suppliers want to keep it that way.
Truthfully, I would like a choice. I like having the chance to shop around for a new phone service when I get the feeling that I am being uncared for by my current supplier. I also like the thought of being able to be a part of a new industry and have more of a say in how it all works. Already, alternative energy suppliers are starting to make a mark on my city and have introduced great new products that I never would have dreamed about.
As for my state, Florida exports very little. Produce is the main export and it is affected every time the weather takes a turn for the worse. Then there's tourism. And we all know what happens to tourism when a hurricane hits or the economy tanks.
So, besides the fact that renewable energy has a proven track record, can be developed to be efficient and compact if we support it financially, can create industries and promote entrepreneurism, it also does good for the world we live in.
Coal has got to go!
It's time to stop giving people who insist on living under a rock "air time" We should no longer be arguing about the existence of Global Warming and what causes it. Even if you ignored the facts about coal and it's impact on Global Warming, you have to recognize that from it's smallest example of Black Lung, Coal has got to go. Even if you only look at the disasters in Tennessee and Kentucky that were caused by coal mining, Coal has got to go. And even if you saw what is happening to the mountain tops, Coal has got to go.
Can't we just agree that COAL HAS GOT TO GO!
California Emissions Battle Nears Climax, Other States Anxious
Last year Governor Crist tried to pass a similar bill, but was stopped by Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda and others who also wanted a national standard. The problem with Kreegel was that he was the recipient of funds from automakers around the same time...which puts into question his motivation and sincerity.
Allowing the states to mandate their own set of emission standards would follow suit with the same school of thought when we allow the states to mandate other laws, like same-sex marriage. If it's good for one law, it should be good for all. The automakers obviously have a tough time doing what is right for anyone else but themselves. Let the people decide what is good for their state and let the Governor do what is asked of him/her by their constituents.About Cars
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
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