Center Supports President Obama's 'Clean Energy Standard'

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

By Norris McDonald

President Obama covers all bases when it comes to energy policy.  He is pro coal and pro nuclear, while being on the cutting edge in promoting a 'green energy economy.'  We support President Obama's 'all of the above' energy strategy because that is what it will take to meet America's voracious energy appetite.  The president stated in his 2012 State of the Union, "This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy – a strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs."  President Obama also called for a 'Clean Energy Standard:'

"The differences in this chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan to fight climate change. But there’s no reason why Congress shouldn’t at least set a clean energy standard that creates a market for innovation. So far, you haven’t acted. Well tonight, I will. I’m directing my Administration to allow the development of clean energy on enough public land to power three million homes. And I’m proud to announce that the Department of Defense, the world’s largest consumer of energy, will make one of the largest commitments to clean energy in history – with the Navy purchasing enough capacity to power a quarter of a million homes a year."

In his 2011 State of the Union, President Obama proposed a Clean Energy Standard (CES) to require that 80 percent of the nation’s electricity come from clean energy technologies by 2035. That is a bold goal, particularly considering that the percentage he cites for clean energy is now held by fossil energy.  According to the “Annual Energy Outlook 2012” from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2010, fossil fuel represented 83 percent of U.S. energy consumption. Although total energy use grows only 10 percent between 2010 and 2035, the fossil fuel share stays high at 77 percent in 2035. The electricity sector reflects similar percentages to the total energy sector.

Since 1985, part of the Center's mission has been to promote 'practical solutions to energy and environmental problems,' and to 'promote the efficient use of natural resources.'  I believe that President Obama brings a balanced approach to energy and environmental policies and it is for this reason that we support most of his proposals.

See Also:

Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Lisa Murkowski WHITE PAPER ON A CLEAN ENERGY STANDARD

Obama Wants A “Clean Energy Standard.” What Does That Mean? The Washington Post, 1/25/2012