The Cap and Trade Debate - Observations from the Ivory Tower

Check out this article from Harvard Economist Robert Stavins on cap and trade:
http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/analysis/stavins/?p=581

What's Next for America?

With comprehensive health care legislation (almost) behind us, all eyes are on Congress and the President to see what issue will be next. Health care's hard-fought passage was won over the objections of a unified Republican opposition and about 15 percent of conservative Democrats. Certainly this legislative victory has changed the political calculus on the hill, strengthening some liberal Democrats, weakening some conservative ones, and bolstering the flagging stature of President Obama. There are two likely scenarios that will play out over the coming months.

On the one hand, there have been rumors that the Democrats will turn their attention next to the issue of immigration reform. This is certainly an issue deserving of attention, but making this the next political priority would send a signal of retaliation, not reconciliation. The Democrats would in effect be striking back at Republicans for their opposition to health care by attempting to split the Republican party. Hispanic voters taught Republicans a painful political lesson after their opposition to President Bush's failed reform efforts. As a result, they are reluctant to alienate the fastest growing voting group in America. Also, as an added political bonus for the Democrats, this issue would also fan the flames of the so called 'Tea Party' activists, further deepening divisions between GOP moderates and those on the far-right. While this move could be a political winner, it would be a venal one, and one that would most likely raise tensions and deepen divisions.

On the other hand, we have energy and climate legislation shaping up in the Senate. While consensus in the scientific community is still overwhelming, the science itself has been politicized, raising the bar for legislative action. It's an unfortunate truth that in politics emotions and perceptions often trump science and reason. One alternative is to focus on energy and jobs, rather than climate change. This would be an easier sell to an increasingly skeptical public. By focusing on energy (including its economic and international security dimensions) and job creation, Congress could pay back its trust deficit to the American people by engaging in constructive bipartisan problem solving.

The Air Force's energy plan could serve as a good model for legislative strategy. This policy is focused on three broad pillars:

1. Reducing demand by focusing on energy efficiency and smart growth;

2. Increasing supply by focusing on renewables, nuclear, and alternative/unconventional sources; and

3. Changing culture through education and incentives.

Regardless of your political views on health care, immigration, or climate change, one issue should be clear to any reader: our current energy consumption is untenable. Like it or not, fossils fuels are finite resources and will run out. Whether that's already happening (as many believe) or whether its further down the line, the sooner we transition to a clean energy economy, the more prepared we will be for this eventuality and the less of a shock it will be to our way of life. Making the transition will hurt some industries and they will fight back, but the benefits will outweigh the losses. America has the potential to be a leader in clean energy, increasing technology exports, decreasing our dependence on foreign energy supplies, reinvigorating a long-depressed manufacturing base, and creating quality jobs that can't be shipped abroad. Tell President and Congress that now is the time for constructive action on energy is now.

Great Energy Efficiency Article

In an article published today by the Mother Nature Network, reporter Russell McLendon states that, "from the federal stimulus to 'cash for caulkers,' home weatherization has never been hotter."

He goes on to provide a great overview of the energy efficiency incentives that have been provided under the Federal economic stimulus program, an overview of the proposed $6 billion Home Star program, and some general information about how weatherization works. McLendon ends with a set of links you can follow for more information and a 4 minute video by of U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu's senior energy adviser, Matt Rogers, speaking on National Weatherization Day:

Regardless of your level of technical understanding of this subject, this is a great article and definitely worth a quick read.

Welcome!

Welcome to The Utility Efficiency Update. I will be using this blog to share interesting news stories and keep you up to date on my perspective of how the science, law, business, culture and politics utility efficiency is evolving, with a particular focus on residential applications. I hope you find this site relevant and welcome your input!