It
is good news that President Bush recognizes what many have sensed for a
long time; that we are dangerously reliant on oil in ways that our
economy and our environment can no longer tolerate.
If President Bush is serious about moving us in a new direction on energy he needs to:
Commit to renewable energy by
following the lead of 20 states and the District of Columbia, with
minimum renewable energy requirements. By 2017, these state renewable
energy requirements will result in enough renewable energy to power 20
million homes.
Commit to Cleaner More Fuel Efficient Automobiles
instead of standing in the way of at least 10 states (CA, WA, OR, NJ,
NY, CT, MA, RI, ME and VT) that have adopted clean cars standards that
would put more hybrids and advanced technology cars on the road; which
will reduce pollution and reduce gasoline consumption by billions of
gallons per year.
Commit to Energy Efficiency
as the fastest and cheapest way to address our energy needs. 10 states
(AZ, WA, OR, CA, MD, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA); frustrated by federal
inaction, adopted energy efficiency standards which will save consumers
in those states billions of dollars.
Promote Energy Conservation. The
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has found that a 2
percent reduction in electricity and natural gas demand could trigger a
25 percent reduction in wholesale natural gas prices within a single
year.
Promote Clean Energy Sources which
are cheaper and quicker to bring on line rather than casting our lot
with expensive and risky technology like nuclear power. The
administration is choosing to ignore both the costs and the risks
associated with nuclear power; including the lack of a safe disposal
for nuclear waste, the heightened risk of proliferation of nuclear
materials into the hands of terrorists, and the extraordinary costs
associated with nuclear power.
