Debunking Biassed Economics Industries whose products and activities contribute to global warming have been vastly overestimating the cost of reducing heat-trapping emissions. These dire economic predictions seem to be influencing the Clinton Administration's policy positions in the international negotiations, as well as alarming the public. A recently released report from economist Florentin Krause details why these economic predictions are fundamentally flawed and suggests that appropriate climate policies can actually boost the U.S. economy.
Economic Development Programs At the Energy Commission California has long recognized that cost and reliability of energy are two considerations that profoundly affect the location and expansion of business. Today, affordable energy ranks high on the list of long-term assets that California offers businesses. California's per capita energy costs are among the lowest in the nation. Mild climate and the emphasis on energy efficiency contribute to the state's ranking of 49th in energy costs per dollar of gross state product and 46th in per capita energy costs. And with electricity deregulation, the costs of doing business is being reduced because of competition.
Energy as an Instrument for Socio-Economic Development Initiatives in the energy sector are an important means to achieve sustainable human development. After all, as countries develop, their energy-service needs evolve and expand. And, the production and consumption of energy has a tremendous impact on economies, environments and industrial development. Energy should, therefore, be taken into account in any development strategy.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies as an Economic Development Strategy April 1996. (1.7 MB Downloadable PDF file, 113 pages). By Skip Laitner EconSkip@aol.com and Marshall Goldberg. The study finds that a modest 14 percent energy savings compared to a baseline projection in the year 2010 means an energy bill savings of $1.2 billion for Colorado ratepayers, a net gain of 8,400 jobs for the Colorado economy, and a reduction of 133,000 tons in critical air pollutants for the benefit of the Colorado environment. The latter figure is equivalent to the air pollution emitted by about 350,000 automobiles.
Energy Efficiency, Pollution Prevention, and the Bottom Line A 1997 study performed by the Alliance to Save Energy, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Natural Resources Defense Council, Tellus Institute, and Union of Concerned Scientists shows energy efficiency can be good for the economy, strengthening our competitive edge and creating jobs. Energy Innovations, A Prosperous Path to a Clean Environment (Energy Innovations) shows that, by following the proposed "Innovation Path," the U.S. could cut carbon dioxide emissions to ten percent below 1990 levels (Figure 1) while saving consumers money and creating additional jobs. Specifically, by 2010, national energy costs can be reduced by $530 per average household and nearly 800,000 additional jobs can be created (Figures 2 and 3). Following the "Innovation Path" would allow the industrial sector to reduce its primary energy use by 14 percent by 2010 compared to the present path. By 2030, the industrial sector could become a net electricity producer rather than a net consumer. Energy Innovations' Executive Summary is available on the web at: www.tellus.org/ei.
Evaluating the Economic Costs, Benefits and Tradeoffs of Dedicated Biomass Energy Systems: The Importance of Scale The economic and environmental costs, benefits and tradeoffs of bioenergy from dedicated biomass energy systems must be addressed in the context of the scale of interest. At different scales there are different economic and environmental features and processes to consider. The depth of our understanding of the processes and features that influence the potential of energy crops also varies with scale as do the quality and kinds of data that are needed and available. Finally, the appropriate models to use for predicting economic and environmental impacts change with the scale of the questions. This paper explores these issues at three scales - the individual firm, the community, and the nation.
Federal Actions on Climate Change - Next Steps - Renewable Energy The Government of Canada believes that renewable energy sources — such as hydro, biomass, wind, solar, waste and earth energy — can play an important role in Canada's efforts to address climate change while contributing to economic growth and job creation. Renewable energy sources currently supply 18 per cent of Canada's total primary energy supply, with large-scale hydroelectricity accounting for most of this supply. Canada's remaining renewable energy sources (including small-hydro) are largely untapped.
Rebuild America By accelerating energy efficient improvements in existing commercial and multi-family buildings, Rebuild America partnerships significantly cut energy bills, create local jobs, improve environmental quality, and provide more comfortable indoor environments that enhance the quality of life and worker productivity.
Solar Thermal Energy Technology: Potential for a Major European Industry Solar energy could be a key part of a global sustainable energy supply. European industry is in excellent position to build solar thermal plants, creating manufacturing jobs, and construction and operations jobs in some depressed regions of southern Europe. Going beyond Europe, the EU industry could assume a world leadership role and develop major export markets to North Africa and other sun-belt regions if it is given favourable policy treatment.
Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (SEED) The Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (SEED) project is a community-based renewable energy campaign started in 1993. Four organizations: Clean Water Fund, Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy, The Minnesota Project and the Sustainable Resources Center, have joined forces to work with farmers, rural leaders and organizations, and energy advocates to build a stronger base of support for renewable energy development in the state.
Sustainable Energy Strategy: Clean and Secure Energy for a Competitive Economy This document presents the Clinton Administration's national energy policy. The policy is built upon the bipartisan consensus that has emerged in the U.S. Congress, most recently embodied in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The policy is implemented by the Department of Energy and other Federal agencies, and it actively engages State and local government and the private sector, where much of the dynamism of our society resides. The Clinton Administration's energy policy responds to the concerns of today and the challenges of tomorrow. It recognizes the interrelationship between energy, the economy, and the environment and the importance of the international marketplace to our economic future.
Texas Renewables: A Potential "Giant" Before others recognized the value of oil, Jett Rink, the wildcatter in the 1956 movie "Giant" was making a fortune in the energy business. Today, Texas has the opportunity to become a leader in the global market for renewables.
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