This week industry leaders, scientists, policy experts, and elected officials met at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in an attempt to define a national agenda to accelerate the development of renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies in the United States.
Highlights of the National Clean Energy Summit, which was hosted by Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), included an opening address by former president Bill Clinton, more big ideas from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the announcement by Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) of $10 million dollars in funding for enhanced geothermal technology.
Clinton outlined a list of ten actions the U.S. government should take to help solve the looming energy crisis. He also confirmed reports that his foundation is looking into assisting the development of solar thermal projects in India.
The ten items were:
1. Pass legislation to put a price on carbon emissions and establish a cap-and-trade system.
2. Renew and lengthen tax credits for renewable energy.
3. Establish the federal government’s role in modernizing the electrical grid.
4. Mandate the decoupling of utility rates from usage levels.
5. Accelerate the adoption of low-energy lighting.
6. Fund carbon capture and storage projects.
7. Acclerate the move from corn-based ethanol to more sustainable biofuels, like cellulosic ethanol.
8. Shut down urban landfills.
9. Accelerate the move to hybrid and electric vehicles and modernize the railway system.
10. Lead the global adoption of clean energy
Wind Turbines on Skyscrapers
On Tuesday, Bloomberg addressed the Summit, announcing details of a new plan to put power-generating wind turbines on building and bridges in New York City, as well as off-shore.
"I think it would be a thing of beauty if, when Lady Liberty looks out on the horizon, she not only welcomes new immigrants, but lights their way with a torch powered by an ocean windfarm," Bloomberg said, according to a copy of his speech acquired by Reuters.
He also pushed for a straight carbon tax, instead of a cap-and-trade system, as the most efficient and "corruption free" method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"Some want a cap-and-trade system, which is like taking three right turns instead of one left," he said.
He also said the city will soon begin pushing private building owners to conserve electricity.
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