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Contents:
Introduction |
Solutions | Reckless Energy Policy Drives Global Warming |
The Hard Facts of Global Warming |
States and Industry | PDF Version of this Report
Solutions: Moving America Forward
We have the technology today to move America forward into a cleaner energy future. Cars that go farther on a gallon of gas, more efficient buildings and homes, and renewable energy are the solutions to America's Energy problems.
Energy Efficiency
The most important action we can take to curb global warming is to consume energy more efficiently. Energy efficiency is the cleanest, safest, most economical way to begin to curb global warming. Using less energy for the same task puts money in the pockets of American families and reduces pollution that warms the planet and endangers our children and our communities.
Cars that Go Farther on a Gallon of Gas More Efficient Vehicles
The biggest single step we can take to curb global warming is to raise the fuel economy of our cars and light trucks. Cars and light trucks account for 40% of U.S. oil consumption and emit 20% of the nation's carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution, the heat-trapping gas that causes global warming. Each gallon of gasoline burned pumps 28 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere, with the average car emitting approximately 63 tons of CO2 over its lifetime - and the average SUV or pickup emitting around 82 tons. However, by using advanced technology - like hybrid engines, smarter transmissions, and aerodynamic designs - we can cut global warming emissions from automobiles in half.
Read More about Clean Cars
Buildings and Homes that Conserve Energy
We can save energy in our homes and office buildings by installing energy efficient appliances, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, and using better insulation. These responsible steps would keep millions of tons of carbon dioxide pollution out of the atmosphere each year. Buildings like this home outside of Frisco, TX use half the electricity of similar sized building by incorporating current technology and thoughtful design - saving money and reducing its impact on the environment. American industry can also benefit from energy efficiency technology; by installing energy efficient equipment, companies can reduce production costs and become more competitive.
Read More about energy efficiency in our homes and buildings
Clean, Renewable Energy from the Wind and Sun
The technology to produce clean, dependable energy from renewable sources like wind, solar, and geothermal energy is here and ready to power America. Technological advances brought the cost of electricity generated by wind down 82 between 1981 and 2009. Solar energy technology has made remarkable progress as new photovoltaic cells have been developed to convert even greater amounts of sunlight directly into electricity. These clean sources of energy can produce electricity for our homes and businesses without polluting the environment, affecting the global climate or endangering human health.
Read more about clean, renewable energy
Taking these steps would do more than just cut pollution and curb global warming. Investing in clean cars, renewable energy and energy efficiency today would jumpstart our economy by making America a leader in clean power and making us more competitive in the international economy. A report released in 2004 by Redefining Progress showed that 1.4 million jobs could be created by national policies that mandate cleaner cars and energy efficiency. Clean energy choices are also vital to making our nation more secure. The United States imports more than half of its oil, making us dependent on foreign nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Venezuela for our energy security. By making our cars and light trucks go farther on a gallon of gas, we can lessen our dependence on oil, making our country more secure.
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photos courtesy of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
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