Climate science, policy, politics, and action
The Natural Gas Council will hold a news conference to discuss a new study that projects the impact of proposed greenhouse gas reduction policies on future natural gas demand and energy markets.
Contact: Jeff Eshelman at 202-857-4722
1201 15th St. N.W., Suite 5000
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Committee press release: Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment considered the status of developing competitive energy storage systems for stationary and vehicular applications – both of which could provide significant economic and environmental benefits for improving the nation’s energy storage capability.
“Better energy storage technologies will also enable us to operate electric utilities in a more flexible and efficient manner. Energy storage can also help us respond to power outages more efficiently, providing greater electricity reliability. This could be vital for maintaining operations at critical facilities such as hospitals during a natural disaster,” said Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX).
In the context of the hearing, the Subcommittee also discussed draft legislation entitled Energy Storage Technology Advancement Act of 2007, a bill soon to be introduced by Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN).
“Energy storage is also critical for the next generation of vehicles, which will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” added Chairman Gordon. “I also think public-private partnerships can improve the production process for advanced vehicle components so that the U.S. becomes a leader in manufacturing these breakthrough technologies. With so many benefits of energy storage technologies, I think additional federal investment to research, test and advance these systems should be a priority.”
Broad deployment of energy storage technologies can help to improve the operational efficiency and reliability of our electricity delivery system, and allow for more diversified electricity sources and vehicle models that reduce our dependence on foreign energy supplies and address concerns about global climate change. However, there is concern that the U.S. is falling behind in the race to develop and manufacture a wide range of energy storage technologies, and a significant effort is underway to build up a domestic energy storage industry for both stationary and vehicular applications.
In a clearly manipulative move, George Bush is inviting top leaders from around the world to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 27th and 28th to officially convey his “deep concern” about global warming. His proposed fix: more useless “voluntary” measures and huge subsidies for “clean coal” and nuclear energy. The event is clearly meant to undermine real international efforts now underway to achieve mandatory greenhouse gas cuts under the Kyoto process.
Join other concerned Americans in protesting this cynical conference on September 28th from noon-1:00 p.m. We’ll be holding a rally downtown next to the State Department, in the park at intersection of 21st St. and Virginia Ave. NW between D and E.
Sponsored by: Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Energy Action, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Oil Change International, SustainUS, the U.S. Climate Action Network, and the U.S. Climate Emergency Council.
Rescheduled from April 24, 2007.
The United States is committed to collaborating with other major economies to agree on a detailed contribution for a new global framework by the end of 2008, which would contribute to a global agreement under the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change by 2009.
To this end, President Bush asked Secretary Rice to host a meeting of major economies in Washington, D.C., on September 27 – 28, 2007. Bush intends to address the conference. At this meeting, we would seek agreement on the process by which the major economies would, by the end of 2008, agree upon a post-2012 framework that could include a long-term global goal, nationally defined mid-term goals and strategies, and sector-based approaches for improving energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we expect to place special emphasis on how major economies can, in close cooperation with the private sector, accelerate the development and deployment of clean technologies, a critical component of an effective global approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. James L. Connaughton, Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality, will serve as Bush’s personal representative.
At the center of CGI is our Annual Meeting, held in New York each September coinciding with the U.N. General Assembly. This is a working session designed to provide insights into global problems for the purpose of enabling productive action in CGI’s four areas of focus: education, energy and climate change, global health and poverty alleviation.
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The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) invite you to a briefing at which a new study will be released entitled Public Transportation’s Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction. The study, conducted by SAIC, examines the effect of public transportation on carbon dioxide emissions. It aims to answer the questions: how much net carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) is public transportation saving in the United States with the current level of transit services being offered? what is the significance of the emissions savings from transit at a household level and what can households do to save additional CO2? if public transportation services are expanded and ridership is increased, how much additional CO2 savings are possible? what are the key elements of consideration for a national climate strategy that embraces public transportation? This briefing will address these questions as well as look at the opportunities for successful policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
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In the United States, emissions from mobile sources represent about one-third of the total greenhouse gas emissions and 50 percent of all air pollution. Air pollution claims 70,000 lives a year, more than the 42,000 killed yearly in traffic crashes. One of the most significant actions that household members can take to reduce air pollution and their carbon footprint is to use public transportation. The study to be released shows that an individual switching his or her commute to public transportation can reduce their daily carbon dioxide emissions by 20 pounds- more than 4,800 pounds a year. When compared to other household actions, taking public transportation can be more than ten times more effective at reducing a person’s carbon footprint.
This briefing is free and open to the public. No RSVP required. For more information, contact Homer Carlisle- APTA Legislative Representative, [email protected] or (202) 496-4810 or Leanne Lamusga- EESI Communications Coordinator, [email protected] or 202-662-1884.
Please join the House Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Caucus, Renewable Energy and International Law (REIL) , Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute on September 25th for a roundtable discussion led by national and international policymakers, business representatives, and key stakeholders on issues of global climate and clean energy policy. The discussion will be set in the context of international and business perspectives on the energy and climate bills before the Congress and what can be expected on the global policy front in the coming months.
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The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
For more information, contact Fred Beck, [email protected] or 202-662-1892.