Clean Fleet Reporthybrid & electric cars smart charged with renewable energy
New Reports from National Research Council Give U.S. Climate Action Plan Roadmap
New NRC report suggests a range of emissions from 170 to 200 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent for the period 2012 through 2050 as a reasonable goal for emission reduction in the United States, a goal that is roughly in line with the range of emission reduction targets proposed recently by the Obama administration and members of Congress. Even at the higher end of this range, meeting the target will require a major departure from “business-as-usual” emission trends. The report notes that with the exception of the recent economic downtown, domestic emissions have been rising for most of the past three decades.
DOT Reports Climate Action from Electric Cars to Public Transportation
A wealth of potential solutions, from electric cars, to better transit, to reduced VMT, are detailed in the recent Department of Transportation’s report to Congress. Not only is the report rich with promising climate action, solutions are detailed to address U.S. energy security, with 97 percent of our transportation coming from one source – petroleum. The United States is starting to reduce its total consumption of oil, become a bit more energy secure, and to implement promising strategies. By eliminating some of the biggest subsidies to oil and widening of highways, with some positive policy shifts, and with a modest carbon price, we could achieve significant reduction of oil use and reduce damaging emissions. Individuals, fleets, and regions have a wealth of options.
Oil Spill Leads to Transportation Action Plan
200,000 gallons of oil spill daily into the Gulf of Mexico, destroying the beaches of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Billions of dollars of damage is done. To the rescue, since 2005, Americans have used less oil by riding clean, riding together, and riding less. A transportation action plan can end our addiction to oil.
Climate Action Plan for Transportation – Bay Area Scenario
A growing number of communities, regions, and nations are planning to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. A climate action plan for electric cars, smart growth and better transportation can help make their future more secure and less impacted by potential draughts, water scarcity, food scarcity, and other effects of a climate crisis. This scenario shows how the San Francisco Bay Area can reduce on-road transportation emissions 80 percent by 2050, while delivering better transportation and liveable communities.
Meeting the Energy and Climate Challenge by Dr. Steven Chu
“The U.S. innovation machine is the greatest in the world,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu as he spoke at Stanford on March 7. He outlined the potential for breakthroughs in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and in batteries. He outlined a new Industrial Revolution as he presented solutions for the latest climate risks.
Obama Calls for Clean Energy Future in MIT Speech
President Barack Obama called for a clean energy future in his speech today at MIT. America has long been the innovation global leader thanks to great universities and research institutions. He called on the students and researchers to help harness more energy from “the wind, the waves, and the sun.” Obama called for the passage of the Senate Climate Bill (Boxer-Kerry) which would accelerate clean transportation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and start grid innovation and jobs.
Attack of the Killer Hairspray
I interviewed my former chemistry professor, Dr. Rowland, to understand the difficult process of scientific discovery, industry opposition, global treaties, and winning the Nobel Prize. His work lead to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed into agreement by 24 major countries of the world, including the United States. The process gives hope for an agreement in Copenhagen this December.
Al Gore Prioritizes Energy Innovation
At the Society of Environmental Journalists Conference I asked Vice President Al Gore about energy innovation. He answered with a surprisingly optimistic discussion of energy efficiency; renewable energy innovation in wind, solar, enhanced geothermal, and use of waste heat; and a transformative super grid. He also had some predictions for the Copenhagen Climate Summit.
Clean Energy and Climate Protection Bill Accelerates Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy
The House of Representatives passed the historic climate legislation. ACE encourages more electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and advanced batteries to be developed and commercialized in the United States. Should HR 2454 become law, cities will more rapidly roll-out convenient electric charging stations.
U.S. Agencies Report: More Drought and Less Food Due to Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A new science report representing a consensus of 13 U.S. agencies details impacts such as: heat waves will become more frequent and intense, increasing threats to human health and quality of life, especially in cities; warming will decrease demand for heating energy in winter and increase demand for cooling energy in summer that will increase peak electricity demand in most regions; water resources will be stressed in many regions.
