A fresh start, but more work to be done
Emissions cap, more clean energy among next steps
President Obama has begun to chart a new course on energy and the environment. Yet, as he would readily acknowledge, the toughest obstacles lie ahead.
In January, members of Environment Michigan’s federal staff, Margie Alt, Anna Aurilio and Ivan Frishberg, applauded the president in the East Room of the White House as he directed his administration to take steps that will help states to put more hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars on our roads, reducing our carbon footprint and our dependence on oil.
In February, staff from our national federation, Environment America, were also in attendance as the president signed the economic recovery bill. The bill included an $80 billion down payment on clean energy that will create 1.5 million green jobs nationwide, including thousands in right here in Michigan.
“We’re thrilled the president has acted so boldly and swiftly,” said Environment Michigan’s Shelley Vinyard. “But there’s a lot of work left to do, and he’s going to need all the help he can get.”
Next steps to solve the climate crisis
Energy companies have proposed new coal-fired power plants across the United States. Environment Michigan is pushing for alternative plans that would expand energy efficiency programs, and increase support for wind and solar power.
The president has set a goal of generating 25% of our electricity from clean energy by 2025, and he has proposed a cap on carbon pollution. Environment Michigan supports both plans.
Despite the pro-environment majority in Congress, approval of these measures is far from assured—especially in the Senate, where the opposition needs only 41 votes to snarl progress in endless debate.
Meanwhile, we’re also working hard for energy-efficient building codes, increased investment in wind power, and greater protections for our forests.
“We can’t repair overnight the damage done over eight years,” Vinyard said. “But we’re determined to push hard, move quickly and restore real protections to our air, water and land.”
