For many Americans, the current economic crisis and the evidence of global warming are combining to create an increased awareness of the environment and energy efficiency. Last summer, a tank of gas cost more than our grandparents made in a week, and this summer, prices are still expected to be over $2.70 per gallon.
During the presidential campaign, the candidates were aware of this increased public interest in the environment, and President Obama put forth some ambitious energy policy goals. Throughout the first few months of the Obama Administration, progress has been made to try to attain the energy objectives set forth during the campaign.
Highlights of the Energy and Environment Agenda include a focus on improving gas mileage in cars, further developing domestic power generation using renewable energy, increasing the efficiency of appliances in the home, and expanding the sector of the economy known as “green jobs.”
The administration’s policy on the environment is closely linked to the energy policy. Goals include a treaty that will reduce worldwide mercury pollution, a plan to close carbon loopholes, and a tougher stance on pollution.
Recently, the government has made some significant progress toward attaining these ambitious goals. Read on to discover what’s been happening to continue work on the Energy and Environment Agenda.
New Steps Toward More Efficient Vehicles and Appliances
When the Obama Administration announced new fuel efficiency standards , the public reaction was mixed. Automakers will need to gradually increase their average fleet fuel efficiency to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. While this may add some money to the price of a new car, it’s expected that consumers will recoup the extra cost at the pump during the first few years of ownership.
These new standards may seem especially challenging to the already-burdened domestic car manufacturers. However, a new study by the University of Michigan indicates that significant fuel economy increases would actually add at least $3 billion to the bottom line for Detroit automakers. The study finds that the standards would force automakers to compete for the business of fuel-conscious consumers.
On June 11, the government announced that an investment from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help develop even more efficient cars and trucks. Even heavy duty trucks will become more efficient through engine and system technology developments. Passenger cars and trucks are also expected to become more efficient as part of the program. Total investment is up to $240 million.
In addition, the government is implementing new standards for the “Energy Star” program. In order to qualify for the “Energy Star” label, appliances and other products will need to meet new, more rigorous standards. In May, new standards were put in place for computer servers, commercial griddles and ovens. Both standards are expected to recoup significant energy savings.
Developments in Domestic Power Generation and “Green Jobs”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act focused heavily on creating new “green jobs” while also reducing America’s greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on foreign oil. This includes $11 billion to create a “Smart Grid” system to help transport clean wind and solar energy to urban centers.
Solar energy received some important funding on June 11 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 24 solar energy projects were selected by the government to receive funding in the amount of up to $50 million annually. The projects were targeted for funding because they seem likely to have a significant short term impact on the solar energy industry.
Training for solar energy jobs was also supported in mid-June. As the solar energy industry grows, the administration wants to ensure that a trained workforce will be ready to step into the new solar energy jobs. These jobs are considered “green jobs” and are a major focus of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The investment in solar energy training is made up of two parts. A new single organization will be created to oversee national training curricula, develop best practices for solar energy training, and provide information for workers interested in moving into the field of solar energy. Additionally, regional training centers will be created to provide more local and hands-on training to new workers.
New Progress on Environmental Goals
Significant progress has also been made on some of the goals for improving the environment. In mid-June, nine projects received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects are working on technology to reduce emissions from future coal-fired power plants. In the past, these developments have been referred to as “clean coal technology,” but many environmentalists have mixed feelings about the whether it is really possible to make coal clean.
Carbon sequestration also received funding in mid-June. The first commercial-scale carbon sequestration project in the US will begin project development in 2009 and 2010. The project, located in Matoon, IL, would receive about $1 billion in federal funding. Environmentalists disagree on the idea of carbon capturing and sequestration. Some feel that the energy required to capture and sequester the carbon may be unsustainable and impractical.
The administration is also focusing on reducing mercury pollution throughout the world. Through a legally-binding treaty with other countries, the administration hopes to reduce mercury contamination worldwide. Mercury contamination has been linked to a variety of health problems, and has a significant impact on the nervous systems of humans and animals. Half of all mercury contamination in the US is actually due to sources outside our borders, so it is imperative that other countries participate in the treaty. No significant developments have occurred since February regarding this issue, but the treaty is expected to be finished in 2013.
Recent Steps to Protect the Marine Environment
Protecting our marine environment is an important goal of the Obama Administration, and some progress has been made this year. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included funding to reduce diesel emissions. The Administration also hopes to reduce the pollution of the Great Lakes and to reduce air pollution from docked ships.
Many types of pollution have a significant impact on our marine environment. As steps are taken to protect the environment in general, it is likely the steps will positively impact the marine environment as well.
What Can You Do?
First, it’s important for all businesses and individuals to make a voluntary effort to reduce pollution and carbon emissions. Simple changes like replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs can provide significant savings. Driving less and using less energy in the home and business will have a direct impact on our energy consumption and environment.
Additionally, a bill is currently before Congress to limit the emission of greenhouse gasses and encourage use of more renewable energy. The bill underscores the link between energy production and protecting our environment. To learn more about the bill and offer your support, it’s a great idea to contact your local representative. You can make a significant difference by making your voice heard.
Even a few simple changes on the part of an individual or family can have a very big impact on our environment. For more on what you can do to help, check out our research area.
Sources
1. The People History
2. Energy Information Administration
3. PR Newswire, Update: Fixing Detroit: How Far, How Fast, How Fuel Efficient?
4. Department of Energy
5. Recovery.gov
6. Energy Star
7. Solar Energy Technologies Program
8. Department of Energy Funding List
9. US Department of Energy
