Imminent Victory | Green Energy News

September 26, 2004 – Vol.9 No.27

IMMINENT VICTORY.

Don’t start the party just yet, but you can start planning it. The Russian lower house of parliament, the State Duma, is set to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Ratification will mean the global accord will go into effect early next year.

Even then the hard work will be only beginning. Kyoto is just a first step. Scientists think we need the equivalent of a dozen Kyoto’s to slow global warming.

But Americans, for the most part will be watching from afar. The U.S. - as a nation - isn’t participating. Yet. But consider the following:

--- A number of states are concerned enough about climate change to start the rule-making process to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some states are taking the issue to court. Why is this important? Washington always looks to the states for ideas. If something looks like it’s a hit beyond the Beltway politicians are quick to jump on the bandwagon so as not to appear asleep at the wheel.

--- At latest count 16 states have Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) to mandate that specified percentages of electricity be generated from renewable sources in future years. Aside from attempts from those states to free themselves from fossil fuels, those states are also attempting to reduce global warming emissions. Again, if the list of states with RPS continues to grow, expect Washington to begin asking for a national RPS and, in effect, begin to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

--- There’s the issue of national credibility among our friends in the world. The U.S., once a respected and admired nation, now has lost many friends - in part because of the current administration’s refusal to sign many international treaties, including Kyoto. We really need our friends back. Signing Kyoto would help.

--- There’s the issue of national energy security coupled with terrorism and global oil supply. Any excuse - such as cutting greenhouse gas emissions - to move the nation away from imported oil would be beneficial to the future of the country.

--- There are business and job opportunities in renewable and clean energy to be considered. The country needs them right now. Large, global companies such as General Electric will benefit from Kyoto as they will be able to sell wind turbines and solar arrays to Kyoto-complying countries. Kyoto will be good for business for any company that has the ability to work in global markets. Those who can only work domestically will be missing opportunities that should be here at home.

--- There’s finally the issue of technological prowess. The U.S. was once the leader in renewable energy technologies. Now other nations are leading. Japan with solar. Germany, Denmark and Spain lead with wind energy (though GE is in the top tier). The UK wants to become the leader in ocean energy technologies. The most efficient vehicles are developed outside the U.S. Even fuel cells, which we think of as a U.S. technology are developed more outside the U.S. than in.

So is Kyoto - or some other effort by government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in cards for the U.S.? Probably so. In time.