The 2007 Energy Bill Debate Heats Up with Power Shift 2007
by Lorna Li
The debate about fuel efficiency standards and renewable electricity standards in the new Energy Bill is getting hotter. While Congress discusses the Energy Bill behind closed doors, numerous student groups and environmental organizations, have been lobbying Congress hard this fall to get serious about global warming and to adopt a strong clean Energy Bill for 2007 .
All weekend, hundreds of students rallied on campuses across the U.S. in honor of the National Day of Climate Action on Saturday, November 3rd.
On Monday, November 5th, a huge student initiative took place on Capitol Hill called Power Shift 2007 - the largest youth lobby on global warming ever. 3,000 students demanded of their elected officials bold and comprehensive climate change legislation that will put America back on the path to a clean and just energy future.
* A minimum 35 mpg by 2020 fuel efficiency standard similar to the legislation that passed the Senate. We have the technology to go much farther, and urge you to support a significantly higher MPG standard.
* A Renewable Electricity Standard similar to the legislation that passed the House that will require utilities to get at least 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources like wind and solar power by 2020. The RES eligible resources should not include nuclear, municipal solid waste, or other non-organic waste and resources. 24 states have passed similar standards, and it is time for Congress to act.
* The inclusion of the Green Jobs Act of 2007 H.R. 2847
* Absolutely NO subsidies for Liquid Coal or Nuclear Energy.
In addition, the youth outlined three priorities that Congress must undertake in order address global warming:
1. Green Jobs Now
Create 5 million new jobs through a Clean Energy Corps to conserve 20% of our energy by 2015. A sweeping national mobilization for efficient buildings and transit systems, healthy communities, and energy independence would create pathways out of poverty and service opportunities for millions of Americans that want to join the fight against global warming.
2. Cut Carbon 80% by 2050: Start by reducing emissions at least 30% by 2020
This is consistent with what the European Union has committed to do. We need to lead, not follow, in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our generation. 100% of any pollution allowances generated from a cap on emissions must be auctioned from Day 1.
3. No New Coal
Reprogram fossil fuel and highway investments for clean energy and smart transportation choices. Start with a firm moratorium on new coal plants.
Other groups have initiated their own campaigns for a strong Energy Bill. ON Halloween, the Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency http://www.pewfuelefficiency.org delivered Spooky Truth Trick or Treat bags that highlighted the difference between a lower fuel efficiency standard or 32 mpg by 2022, proposed by the auto industry lobby, and the higher standard of 35 mpg by 2020:
Barrels of Oil Saved Per Day:
- 500,000 Auto Lobby Proposal
- 1.2 Million Senate Fuel Economy Compromise
Consumer Savings at the Pump:
- $11 Billion Auto Lobby Proposal
- $25 Billion Senate Fuel Economy Compromise
Emissions Reductions
- 85mmt CO2 Auto Lobby Proposal
- 206 mmt CO2 Senate Fuel Economy Compromise
According to the Union for Concerned Scientists maintains strong fuel efficiency and renewable electricity standards in the 2007 Energy Bill can create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, free us from dependence on foreign oil and
save consumers money.
Support a strong clean Energy Bill for 2007 today!
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