Repowering America with clean energy
Ambitious goals in 2009 and beyond
After the clean energy tax credits Environment New York pushed in 2008
finally became law, we turned our attention to making sure that the new
president and Congress pass a comprehensive energy plan that cuts our
dependence on oil and reduces global warming.
Together with our allies, we’re getting behind a bold plan to repower
America. We’re calling for 100 percent renewable electricity and
reducing dependence on oil by 50 percent.
Saving energy through high-performance and zero-energy homes and
businesses can cut energy use by 30 percent. Energy efficiency is the
fastest and cheapest way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but we
also need new sources of clean, renewable homegrown energy.
Concentrated solar power in the Southwest and in cities across America
and wind power offshore and on land could provide the power we need to
meet our electricity needs and even help meet our transportation
requirements. Exciting new breakthroughs are being made every day to
extend the reach of today’s technologies.
Political Momentum
Environment New York called on the new president and new members of the
111th Congress to commit to the following principles: get to 100
percent renewable electricity; cut global warming pollution 80 percent
by 2050; and cut oil use in half. We laid the groundwork with a report
we wrote and released just after the election, “Renewing America,” a
blueprint for rebuilding our economy on a sound foundation of clean
energy. In addition, we educated the public door-to-door and activated
our e-mail list to build support for the plan. We enlisted the support
of scientists, business leaders and entrepreneurs to stand up to the
opposition from the oil, gas and coal industries.
President Barack
Obama pledged during his campaign to invest $150 billion in clean,
renewable energy. He has since reiterated the need for clean energy
investment and committed to capping global warming pollution 80 percent
by 2050 and to re-engaging in international climate negotiations. New
Sens. Mark Udall (Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Kay Hagan (N.C.), Tom
Udall (N.M.), Jeff Merkley (Ore.) and others we endorsed also made
clean energy a centerpiece of their campaigns.
Now that clean energy incentives are renewed, we’re focusing on a plan to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity.
