Al Gore Goes to Washington

Gore presented ten ideas for action:

1. Freeze U.S. CO2 emissions immediately and develop a program to reduce emissions 90% by 2050
2. Reduce income taxes and instate pollution taxes to make up the difference
3. Earmark pollution tax revenues for assisting low-income groups adapt to the low-carbon economy
4. Negotiate a strong international cap and trade treaty which would start in 2010 and incorporate developing countries
5. Establish a moratorium on the construction of any new coal fired power plant that is not compatible with carbon capture or sequestration
6. Create a smart electric grid which allows individuals to sell excess energy from home production back into the grid at a regulated price
7. Raise CAFE standards as part of a broader energy efficiency package that regulates utilities and buildings in addition to automobiles
8. Set a date to ban the production, sale and use of incandescent bulbs
9. Set up a Carbon Neutral Mortgage Association to separate the costs of home energy efficiency measures from the home’s purchase price
10. The FCC should require companies to disclose their carbon emissions
    

At both hearings, Gore was asked about the role developing nations, especially India and China, should play in the fight against climate change. Some committee members argued against U.S. However, several members focused on identifying constructive ways to engage those countries to become part of the solution. Notably, Rep. Bartlett of Maryland highlighted some of China’s recent efforts to combat climate change and proposed reaching out to them to increase cooperation on the issue. action on the grounds that developing countries’ inaction would render it futile.

Promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy and emissions reductions in the U.S. is the first step towards effective international action to curb climate change.

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