We Need More Green To 'Go Green', Says Panel

By AJ Swartwood

Daniel Weiss, Senior Fellow and Director of Climate Strategy at The Center for American Progress, outlined his concerns for the future of clean energy and pointed out that the United States has a long way to go to keep pace with a globalized economy.

Weiss, joined by a panel of green energy advocates, noted that the three key elements of a prosperous clean energy future are infrastructure, marketing and financing. During harsh economic times in the U.S. and the weakest global economic landscape that the world has seen in decades, the panel agreed that an often expensive push for clean energy can seem like an overwhelming obstacle.

“Financing is gonna be the biggest impediment… to advancing many of these technologies,” said Weiss.

Weiss believes the financial conundrum is not insurmountable and a variety of creative financial options have been introduced, including one that was featured in the American Clean Energy And Security Act that passed the Senate Environmental Committee. 

“We’ve been proponents of a Clean Energy Deployment Administration, which would have a sort of revolving loan guarantee fund for new and innovative technologies,” Weiss said. “We think that has a lot of promise.”

Colorado Governor Calls Clean Energy Future For America

By AJ Swartwood

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter spoke vehemently Wednesday in support of clean energy policy and its positive effect on job creation.

 “With a commitment to clean enegy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, you can create jobs,” said Ritter, who touted his home state as a leader in clean energy legislation and technology.

In the build up to November’s crucial midterm elections, debate has ignited among some states who are questioning whether clean energy initiatives are in the best interest for them and the country. Ritter said that in addition to the scientific and environmental motivation to transition to clean energy, the business and economic benefits of such a switch add ‘fuel to the fire’. He cited the billions dollars of investment and 2,600 jobs that the wind power company Vestas brought to his state because of Colorado’s commitment to clean energy.

“This ecosystem that we’ve created for renewable energy has been very significant, we attracted 465 million of venture capital from ‘06 to ‘08 for clean energy jobs,” Ritter said, showcasing the positive economic impact the investment in clean energy has had.

Ritter called on voters to support candidates who were committed to clean energy in the upcoming elections because that is where the future lies.

“We have been able to create a significant number of jobs as a result of our clean energy agenda,” Ritter said. “This is the way America needs to go.”

The Rocky Mountain State’s governor touted the steps he and his state have taken and believed Colorado was paving the way for the future of clean energy.

“We’ve just done a variety of things that over the long run can be used as a template for the nation,” he said.

New GDP Numbers Show Slowed Rate Of Growth

According to statistics released Friday by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at a rate of 3.2% during the first quarter of this year. Yet while some are celebrating the news, the figure represents a drop-off since the last quarter of 2009, when real GDP increased 5.6%. Still, President Barack Obama struck an upbeat tone when he addressed reporters in the White House Rose Garden this morning.

“What this number means is that our economy, as a whole, is in a much better place than it was one year ago...We’re heading in the right direction, we’re moving forward. Our economy is stronger, that economic heartbeat is stronger,” he said, flanked by a pair of CEO’s of clean energy companies who have been able to increase domestic payroll thanks to Recovery Act awards.

In reality, however, the statistics show the country’s economy remains in less-than great shape. During the early months of 2010 businesses built up inventories at a slower rate than the previous quarter, national exports decelerated and housing sales remained sluggish. In addition, prices of goods increased slightly while personal real income levels flat lined. Although consumer spending increased, some experts attribute this uptick to the fact that many Americans who filed taxes early capitalized on their returns.

Based on today’s numbers, the economic forecast for the future isn’t too bright, said Peter Morici, an economist and professor at the University of Maryland’s Robert Smith School of Business.

“Although the inventory rebuild has begun, the pace is slow reflecting tepid sustainable demand for U.S. goods and services...Looking ahead, data are not encouraging. After such a long and damaging recession, we should expect several quarters of 5 percent growth but poor and mistargeted economic policies will force Americans to settle for less.”

Obama Announces Plan To Explore Offshore Drilling

President Barack Obama announced today that his administration will approve oil and gas exploration off parts of the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

"Given our energy needs, in order to sustain economic growth, produce jobs, and keep our businesses competitive, we’re going to need to harness traditional sources of fuel even as we ramp up production of new sources of renewable, homegrown energy," said the President during remarks delivered on Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

The announcement marks the end of a long-standing federal moratorium on offshore drilling, and comes as somewhat of a surprise to both critics and supporters of Mr. Obama, who until now has opposed the idea of opening up U.S. coastlines to drilling for energy resources.

The initiative involves a slight compromise between the administration and environmentalists. While government agencies will be allowed to conduct studies in parts of the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, no exploration will be allowed to take place in Alaska's Bristol Bay, considered an oil haven by drilling advocates.

"My administration will consider potential new areas for development in the mid and south Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, while studying and protecting sensitive areas in the Arctic. That’s why we’ll continue to support development of leased areas off the North Slope of Alaska, while protecting Alaska’s Bristol Bay," said Mr. Obama.

The President's slightly modified energy strategy will likely be viewed as an attempt to appease groups on each side of the issue. Oil and natural gas companies, who may have a chance in two years to lease areas the government deems suitable for drilling, should embrace the decision. On the other hand, environmental organizations, who oppose increased domestic drilling, should appreciate the administration's continued attempts to promote the development of renewable energy sources, an initiative Mr. Obama acknowledged on Wednesday.

"With less than 2 percent of oil reserves, but more than 20 percent of world consumption, drilling alone cannot come close to meeting our long-term energy needs, and that for the sake of the planet and our energy independence, we need to begin the transition to cleaner fuels now."

Post-Recess: Senate Takes Their Turn On Energy/Climate Discussion

By Courtney Ann Jackson-Talk Radio News Service

The energy and climate debate is making its way to the Senate, just two legislative days after the House passed the Waxman-Markey energy bill. The Committee on Environment and Public Works heard from White House and other government officials Tuesday. They highlighted the importance of making the U.S. a leader in the clean energy market, reducing the effects of global warming, and creating new jobs in the process.

“Clean energy is to this decade, and the next, what the Space Race was to the 1950s and ‘60s. America is behind,” said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. “American businesses need strong incentives and investments now in order for this nation to lead the twenty-first century global economy.”

Other officials present included: Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

Chu said that he applauds the House for passing the clean energy bill and said he looks forward to working with the Senate to pass “comprehensive energy legislation.” He also noted that denial of the climate change problem will not change the outcome but comprehensive legislation that caps and then reduces carbon emissions will.

Committee Chairwoman Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said, “I expect you will hear fierce words of doubt and fear and worse from the other side of the aisle regarding our legislative efforts to move forward with clean energy jobs legislation. This is consistent with a pattern of “No we can’t.” I believe this Committee, when the votes are eventually taken on our bill, will reflect our President’s attitude, which is “Yes, we can, and yes, we will.”

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) agreed that the bill will pass through their committee but he does not believe it will pass on the Senate floor. He said the Senators will have more time to review the many points of the legislation than House members did prior to their June 25 vote.

Gov. Haley Barbour (R-Miss.) also testified Tuesday and stressed the importance of informing the public about the facts of energy policy.

“The gigantic effect of energy policy on American life means Congress should work particularly hard to ensure Americans know the facts about the policies Congress is considering. To the contrary, the House of Representatives added more than 300 pages of its 1200 page energy bill a few hours before it was brought to the floor and passed. That is just the opposite,” said the Governor.