by Richard H. (Dick) Ball, Energy Issues Chair, Virginia Chapter
We recently observed the spectacle of the President and Congress stepping up to the plate and swinging at a curve ball called the energy problem. It appeared to environmentalists and some other observers that they hit a foul ball and then declared it to be a home run. What is now quite clear is that Washington is not going to lead us down the path to a sustainable energy future or seriously tackle the global warming issue. Those problems include pollution, global warming, degradation of land, increasing dependence on imports of oil and natural gas, and future shortages as the World exhausts its global oil and gas resources. In fairness, there are a few parts of the sprawling Energy Policy Act of 2005 that attempt to address energy problems in a positive manner, including a number of energy efficiency provisions (e.g., improving appliance and commercial equipment efficiency standards), providing some subsidies for efficient or renewable energy for industry and consumers, and supporting R&D on cleaner energy. It is estimated by the American Council on an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) that the final bill would reduce electrical energy consumption about two percent by 2020. Overall savings are only about 1/10 of the recommendations by ACEEE. Home owners may be able to take advantage of modest tax credits for efficient home improvements and solar power, with larger credits for builders of efficient new homes. High-efficiency vehicles may earn rebates up to $3400. But on balance, the bulk of subsidies are for the fossil fuel and nuclear industries plus a host of pure pork. Furthermore, new provisions give far-reaching power to the federal government to dictate sites for liquefied natural gas terminals, provide eminent domain for routing transmission lines, begin to survey currently-protected coastal waters for oil and gas drilling, exempt oil and gas drilling from some water pollution control laws, eliminate anti-trust provisions for utilities, and other powers that will help the energy industry steamroller their projects over a reluctant public. On balance, it appears that Washington is moving more backward than forward.
On the bright side of the energy picture, there is a groundswell of activity by state and city governments to tackle energy and global warming problems directly without waiting for the federal government to do it. The recent “US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement” has attracted much attention and picked up surprising momentum. To date, 174 mayors in 37 states have signed the agreement, pledging to reduce global warming carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in their cities to seven percent below 1990 levels by 2012. About 20 states have passed new legislation requiring electric utilities to include a minimum percentage of renewable energy sources in their mix of electric energy supplied, typically 15 to 20 percent by 2015 to 2020—the so-called “renewable portfolio standard” (RPS). Some states also are enacting or tightening laws encouraging or requiring efficiency measures in buildings, cars, and other energy uses. Environmental groups around the U.S., including the Sierra Club, are active in formulating or encouraging local governments in this direction and engaging in independent actions. The Sierra Club has launched a “Cities for Climate Protection” program to support and extend the Mayor’s program. If America is going to solve energy and global warming problems, it appears the lead will come from the grass roots.
Some city and county governments already appear interested in combating global warming and a few already are taking actions such as purchasing renewable electric energy and hybrid vehicles for their governmental use. The Mayors Climate Protection Agreement may spur further action. Those mayors and other local governments will need support and suggestions for additional projects. Typical examples might include making municipal buildings more energy efficient, “greening” city fleets of autos and buses, improving the energy efficiency of street lighting and traffic signals, and constructing solar arrays on city buildings and schools.
We need members who are willing to encourage their local governments and work with them to develop concrete programs. We will cooperate with the Club’s national program and possibly augment the menu of possible actions and supporting materials they are preparing such as examples and case studies of what local governments have done in other states. Many of you may have expertise, experience or ideas for additional projects and we could use your help developing and implementing such ideas. We especially need people to work at their local level with cities and counties. If you are willing to participate please contact the Ozark Chapter Office, (573) 815-9250.