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Opinion Articles: Does Congress Get It??? Doubling Co-Generation A Productive Idea Utilities Shouldn't Abandon Programs
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The R&D increases and tax credits would support development, commercialization, and adoption of a variety of advanced energy-saving technologies and systems, including:
Once established in the marketplace, these technologies could provide huge economic benefits for manufacturers, consumers, and the environment. Manufacturers will increase their revenues by selling more sophisticated, energy-efficient cars, heating systems, industrial process equipment, and the like. Consumers will cut their energy bills far more then any extra initial cost. U.S. industries will be well positioned to market cleaner, energy-efficient technologies to consumers and businesses worldwide. And the environment will benefit from reductions in air pollution, liquid effluents, solid wastes, and greenhouse gas emissions. "While this package is a step in the right direction, energy efficiency funding should be boosted above the President's request and the tax incentives package should be expanded," commented Ed Osann, Senior Policy Associate at ACEEE. "Last year was the hottest year on record. Climate-related disasters claimed 50,000 lives worldwide and cost insurers nearly $100 billion. Unfortunately U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are already up 10 percent from 1990 levels and are still rising. Much more needs to be done to cut these emissions. Stimulating more rapid innovation and adoption of new technology is the way to start," said Osann. "Even those members of Congress who do not believe that the Kyoto Protocol is a good idea should support these research initiatives and tax incentives." ACEEE also notes that the Administration's budget request for energy efficiency and renewable energy R&D in FY 2000 -- $1.04 billion -- is well below (15% below to be exact) the level of $1.23 billion recommended by the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) in a November, 1997 report to the President. "In years past, Congress has repeatedly cut the President's budget request for these programs. But considering the broad benefits of R&D in general and of energy efficiency and renewable energy R&D in particular, Congress should see the President's request and raise him another $200 million," said Geller. "The leadership of the 106th Congress should take a fresh look at sustainable energy programs and make the Millenium Budget something that serves the needs of future generations," Geller concluded. --
From The American Council for an |
he
American Council for an Energy-Efficient-Economy (ACEEE) supports the
Administration's request for energy efficiency R&D and deployment programs
at the Department of Energy (DOE) in FY 2000 as well as the proposed
tax incentives for purchasing extra-efficient new vehicles, equipment,
and homes. DOE is requesting $838 million for energy efficiency programs
in FY 2000, 21% more than the $692 million enacted for FY 1999. The
Administration also is proposing $3.6 billion over 5 years in tax incentives
for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other environmental technologies
that reduce emissions contributing to climate change. 
"These
R&D increases and tax incentives will speed the development of innovative
technologies, save consumers and businesses billions of dollars, and
reduce pollution of all types," said Howard Geller, Executive Director
of ACEEE. "These initiatives are the minimum steps needed to accelerate
energy efficiency improvements and stop the growth in our greenhouse
gas emissions, as the U.S. promised to do when the Senate ratified the
Rio Climate Change Convention in 1993," Geller added. "The President's
proposals make sense and should be welcomed by members of both parties
in Congress." |
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