Full Title: Plan B: Near-Term Presidential Action for Energy & Environmental Leadership
Author(s): n/a
Publisher(s): Presidential Climate Action Project, Natural Capitalism Solutions
Publication Date: August 1, 2010
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Description (excerpt):
Since taking office in January 2009, the Obama Administration has used these authorities to implement a substantial body of actions related to climate change and clean energy. They range from the Environmental Protection Agency’s certification of greenhouse gases as a danger to public health and safety, which triggered regulation under the Clean Air Act, to the toughest requirements yet imposed on vehicle fuel efficiency, to an executive order that will increase the efficiency and reduce the carbon emissions of the federal government.
But substantial potential remains for executive action – and with the failure of the 111th Congress to pass legislation that puts a price on carbon, caps U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and establishes a national portfolio standard for renewable energy, proactive presidential leadership is more important than ever.
Consequently, PCAP plans to offer the Administration a fresh list of recommendations in January 2011, at the midpoint of President Obama’s first term. In the near term, PCAP recommends that President Obama implement five ideas prior to the United Nations’ 16th Conference of the Parties in Cancun:
- Work with States and local governments to create a national roadmap to the clean energy economy
- Declare a war on energy waste
- Begin reinventing national transportation policy
- Eliminate fossil energy subsidies under the Administration’s control
- Establish ecosystem restoration as a climate action strategy