Although it seems like every day we see more evidence of the dangers of global warming, according to a new report released by the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, Arizona can act now to reduce its share of global warming pollution by adopting policies which would lead to cleaner cars, the more efficient use of our energy and more solar and other clean renewable energy sources.

"A Blueprint For Action: Policy Options To Reduce Arizona’s Contribution to Global Warming" contains 14 policy strategies that if adopted would help Arizona stabilize its emissions despite dramatic population growth. The report states these strategies would improve Arizona’s energy security and begin the technological shifts necessary to reduce Arizona’s emissions of global warming pollution to levels that do not have a harmful effect on the climate.

“Arizona could make major strides towards reducing its share of global warming pollution by acting now to make cars cleaner, increase conservation and energy efficiency and expand the use of solar and other clean energy sources,” stated Diane E. Brown, Executive Director of the Arizona PIRG Education Fund.

The following 14 strategies include policies that take advantage of readily available savings at low cost, or even net economic benefit, to Arizona.

To reduce emissions from transportation:

1. Adopt the clean cars program, which will put increasing numbers of hybrid-electric cars on Arizona’s roads and impose limits on vehicle carbon dioxide emissions.

2. Require the sale of low-rolling resistance replacement tires that improve vehicle efficiency without negatively affecting safety.

3. Establish a revenue-neutral “feebate” program to reward the purchase of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

4. Require automobile insures to offer pay-as-you-drive automobile insurance, in which insurance rates are calculated by the mile, rewarding those who drive less, while potentially reducing accidents.

5. Adopt policies that would reduce growth in vehicle miles traveled by cars and light trucks on Arizona’s highways, such as measures to reduce sprawling development and encourage the use of transit and other transportation alternatives.

6. Establish a renewable fuels standard, such that a portion of motor fuel, both gasoline and diesel, comes from renewable sources.

To reduce emissions from homes, businesses and industry:

7. Reduce energy use by expanding energy efficiency programs provided by electric and natural gas utilities.

8. Expand appliance efficiency standards for residential and commercial products, saving money for consumers and reducing emissions.

9. Improve the efficiency of new commercial and residential buildings and thereby reduce building-related energy costs and global warming pollution.

10. Expand the use of energy-efficient combined heat and power systems in industry and commercial buildings.

To reduce emissions from electricity generation:

11. Dramatically increase the installation of solar photovoltaic and thermal energy systems on homes and businesses through direct incentives and new methods of financing.

12. Expand and strengthen the state’s proposed Renewable Energy Standard so that 30 percent of all electricity consumed in Arizona comes from new, clean, renewable sources.

13. Stop the growth in emissions from coal-fired power plants, using appropriate public policy tools such as greater energy efficiency measures or a carbon “cap and trade” program.

To reduce emissions from other strategies:

14. Reduce government sector emissions through “lead by example” measures, such as the purchase of renewable power, cutting energy consumption in new buildings in half, increased energy efficiency, and purchasing more efficient vehicles for state fleets.

Brown stated, “The state can significantly reduce its global warming pollution by creating and implementing programs to achieve the greatest emission savings. Investing now in our growing infrastructure can make enormous differences down the road.”

The consensus view of climate science holds that global temperatures are increasing, that human activities are the cause, and that further warming is inevitable unless emissions of gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere are significantly reduced.

The report documents that a changed climate in Arizona is anticipated to include a variety of impacts including less available drinking water; an increase in heat waves and extreme high-temperature days resulting in an increased risk of heat-related illness and death; more fuel for wildfires during hotter and drier summers; a decline in number of farmed acres; and increases in rodent-borne diseases.

Recognizing the problems associated with global warming pollution for Arizona, Governor Janet Napolitano issued an executive order creating the Arizona Climate Change Advisory Group (CCAG). In June 2006, the group is charged to provide her with recommendations regarding climate change policy. Working with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, the governor also recently created the Southwest Climate Change Initiative to craft joint strategies for reducing global warming pollution.

The Arizona PIRG Education Fund said its recommendations are a starting point and urged the CCAG to investigate other policy options to reduce global warming emissions, especially with regards to reducing vehicle-miles traveled and encouraging the developing of non-fossil, non-nuclear sources of energy and to provide clear benchmarks against which to measure its progress. The Arizona PIRG Education Fund also urged the state to adopt strong goals for reducing global warming pollution in line with neighboring states - New Mexico intends to reduce its pollution by 10 percent below 2000 levels by 2020 and California has announced it will reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

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The Arizona PIRG Education Fund conducts research and education on public interest issues.

The Arizona PIRG Education Fund works on climate change and energy issues with organizations including the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, Grand Canyon Trust, Sierra Club, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, The Ormond Group, and Western Resource Advocates.