Changes in Environmental Action Since Obama Took Office
July 16, 2009
Watch the video above for Obama talking about the energy crisis.
I believe Obama really does want to change our dependance on oil. But is he making it happen? That, I haven’t come to much conclusions about. In the beginning I was excited about him taking the presidency. I was convinced he’d at least do more (or try to do more) than Bush has done. At least he’s talking about it, and there’s talks of billions being allocated to greener energy, and I believe he comes from a place of sincerity when he says he wants to leave behind a green earth for his daughters.
But I grew a little concerned when he talked about ethanol and wood chips being integrated with oil. Having at least 10% of the oil contain “clean energy.” Biofuels, right now, aren’t the answer. It’s too expensive to maintain, especially ethanol. I’ve heard good things about algae fuel though there is no catch-all cure yet. It is still a bit too expensive to go mainstream and on a big scale. Algae is preferable over corn and wood because it can be “grown” in oceans or greywater, grown faster than corn or other vegetables, and requires less land mass to produce more fuel. I believe scientists are on the cusp of really discovering something huge and that it could be the next big thing. I’d want Obama to give these researchers grants to be able to do so, faster.
But it is not yet a viable source of energy. Though solar and wind power (and even wave power) certainly are. They might be expensive to set up, but once we do, it’s free energy for life, minus repairs and upkeep. I think there should be a huge-scale renewable power infrastructure movement. It would create a ton of jobs, provide cheaper energy, and set us on the road to being not-so-dependent on the Middle East for oil.
He’s right about the automakers and oil companies though. It’s not like we don’t have the technology. Countries all over the world have had cars for decades that have achieved 40mpg or even more. The average MPG of American cars in 2006 was 22.4. If that’s not sad, then you’re an evil soul that wouldn’t bat an eye at a puppy being kicked.
And, according to CNET:
Obama’s energy plan, detailed fully earlier this year, is ambitious. It calls for a $150 billion investment in clean technologies over 10 years, aggressive targets for greenhouse emission reductions, and programs to promote energy efficiency, low-carbon biofuels, and renewable energies.
But a troubled economy–among other barriers–means that bold, new energy legislation, notably caps on greenhouse gas emissions, is unlikely to pass in the first years of an Obama administration, according to experts.
I believe he wants to do as much as he can for the environment. The question is, will he be able to cut through all the big oil and special interest lobbylist, across the beaurocratic red tape, and allocate the necessary funds to do so? Will he be advised on issues of the environment by someone who isn’t linked to special interest groups?
Some research shows Jason Grumet as Obama’s Energy Advisor. According to the NY Times, “[Grumet] has been criticized by environmentalists as being too close to industry and too wedded to the use of nuclear power, ethanol and coal to generate energy. He has also been criticized by the industry for proposing mandatory climate change legislation and pollution rules that would raise the cost of producing electricity and manufactured goods.”
Hrmm. No wonder Obama likes the idea of ethanol. Besides that, I think he’s got the right idea. Share your thoughts in the comments.
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