Repowering America with clean energy

Ambitious goals for 2009 and beyond

After the clean energy tax credits Environment America pushed in 2008 finally became law, we turned our attention to making sure that the new president and Congress pass a comprehensive energy plan that cuts our dependence on oil and reduces global warming. Together with our allies, we’re getting behind a bold plan to repower America. We’re calling for 100 percent renewable electricity and reducing America’s dependence on oil by 50 percent.

Saving energy through high-performance and zero-energy homes and businesses can cut energy use by 30 percent. While energy efficiency is the fastest and cheapest way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, we also need new sources of clean, renewable homegrown energy.

Concentrated solar power in the Southwest and in cities across America, and wind power offshore and on land could provide the power we need to meet our electricity demands and even help meet our transportation needs. Exciting new breakthroughs are being made every day to extend the reach of today’s technologies.

Political momentum

Environment America called on the new president and members of the 111th Congress to commit to the following principles: get to 100 percent renewable electricity; cut global warming pollution 80 percent by 2050; and cut oil use in half. We laid the groundwork with a report we wrote and released just after the election, “Renewing America,” a blueprint for rebuilding our economy on a sound foundation of clean energy. In addition, we educated the public door-to-door and activated our e-mail list to build support for the plan. We enlisted the support of scientists, business leaders and entrepreneurs to stand up to the opposition from the oil, gas and coal industries. President Barack Obama pledged during his campaign to invest $150 billion in clean, renewable energy. He has since reiterated the need for clean energy investment and committed to capping global warming pollution 80 percent by 2050 and to re-engaging in international climate negotiations. New Sens. Mark Udall (Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H), Kay Hagan (N.C.), Tom Udall (N.M.), Jeff Merkley (Ore.) and others we endorsed also made clean energy a centerpiece of their campaigns.