In the Democratic debate which took place last night at Dartmouth University, we were again astonished (although we’re getting used to it) that there was no meaningful discussion about how the candidates plan to deal with climate change or any other environmental issue.
Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Democratic and Republican committee staffs are continuing a bipartisan exploration of the House (H.R.3221) and Senate (H.R.6) energy bills.
An analysis released today by Environmental Defense shows that even if the energy legislation under consideration is passed by the House and Senate, greenhouse emissions would continue to increase for the next three decades – even if the best fuel-saving and renewable energy provisions in both bills were combined in conference committee.
The analysis underscores the urgent need for this Congress to pass comprehensive climate change legislation that reduces emissions far below today’s levels by the middle of this century.
“Most scientists say we need to cut emissions around 80% below current levels. These bills cut 0% below current levels,” said Steve Cochran, national climate campaign director at Environmental Defense. “They certainly have important provisions and we hope they pass, but they cannot be the last word on climate change from this Congress.”
“These energy bills aim at some important goals promoting energy independence, boosting renewable energy sources, and raising auto efficiency standards. But they will not manage the global warming problem,” said Elizabeth Thompson, legislative director at Environmental Defense. “Even the best energy bill cannot substitute for comprehensive climate legislation” added Thompson.
Congress is poised to begin conference negotiations to reconcile the two energy bills, H.R. 6 passed by the Senate and H.R. 3221 passed by the House. Each contains different provisions designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels: among other things, the House bill includes a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that would boost the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources to 15% in 2020 and maintain that level through 2039, and the Senate bill aims to raise the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard for cars and light trucks to 35 miles-per-gallon in 2020.
Environmental Defense’s analysis examines how well U.S. greenhouse gas emissions might be reduced under a law that incorporates the key provisions of both bills. The result is a set of emissions reduction scenarios for more optimistic and less optimistic expectations for the outcome of the conference and implementation of the final law.
Under the more optimistic scenario one that assumes the best bill out of conference and full implementation by federal agencies greenhouse gas emission levels would still be where they are today in 2020, and 11 percent higher in 2040. Under the less optimistic assessment which assumes weaker CAFE standards and fewer actions on oil savings emissions would be 35 percent above 2005 levels in 2040.
Today, over 200 businesses, environmental organizations, and other groups (representing 40 states – including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) released the “Sustainable Energy Blueprint” – a policy paper that outlines a “plausible strategy for achieving a no-nuclear, low-carbon, highly-efficient and sustainable energy future.”
It provides a timeframe and series of policy recommendations for rapidly expanding the use of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies to enable a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gases while simultaneously phasing out nuclear power and ending most energy imports.
The “Sustainable Energy Blueprint” argues that three primary, longer-term objectives for the nation’s energy policy should be:
1.) reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a level consistent with a world-wide goal of global climate stabilization (assumes curbing U.S. CO2 emissions by 60-80% from current levels by mid-century);
2.) eliminating U.S. energy imports (i.e., oil and natural gas – now 58% and 15% respectively), while reducing overall use of oil and natural gas;
3.) phasing out the current generation of nuclear power while substantially curbing the production and consumption of fossil fuels, by increasing the use of energy efficiency and making a transition to sustainable, environmentally safer renewable energy sources.
Towards this end, it suggests a 2025 energy scenario in which total energy use is reduced by 20%, renewable energy provides more than 20% of domestic energy supplies, natural gas imports are eliminated, oil imports are cut by more than 40%, greenhouse gas emissions are 20% below current levels, and nuclear power is almost completely phased out.
By 2050, the “Sustainable Energy Blueprint” envisions a domestic energy mix in which energy efficiency improvements have reduced energy use from present levels by 40%, renewables account for at least half of total energy supplies, greenhouse gas emissions have been slashed by two-thirds from 2005 levels, fossil fuel imports have ceased, and nuclear power is no longer in use.
To view a copy of the report:
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