Never have we seen such double-talk / double-action in this world as we are seeing in our own back yard. USA and China are the two largest producers of energy now in the world. Though out of the two, the USA remains king of the hill for energy consumption per person. Of course along with that, pollution and climate degradation goes hand in hand.
Earlier in this blog, we brought back the story of how our government along with the car manufacturers and oil companies killed the electric car some years ago. Killed it because it didn't suit the profit model of the car companies and big oil. Killed it because some of the government puppeteer positions are partly held by both these industries.
On one hand, government spouts ecology, conservationism, energy independence, and having a people's choice in all matters. Then they go and do the exact opposite. Or better yet, they say they are for this or that, while doing little to bring it to reality with the importance and time-frame required to make it actionable. The only side that really seems to do anything of purpose is the people's side. More exactly, individuals and their companies who see the obvious needs and strive to fulfill them. But the problem to that is what also needs to happen is that government needs to take a true stand, and then either support efforts by these people or oppose them rather than double-talk and double-action.
For instance, this month, the US and China held the fourth China-US Economic Dialogue. The so called purpose of this is to promote long-term co-operation in energy, the environment and other related areas.
The Chinese government gives high priority to energy and resources conservation and the protection of the environment. They are speeding up the demonstration and promotion of the industrialization of energy-conserving and pollution-reducing technologies and adopting higher standards on energy conservation in major energy-intensive industries, such as iron, steel, non-ferrous metals, coal, electric power, petrochemicals and building materials, as well as in the construction and transport sectors. They are vigorously developing the circular economy and working to reduce energy consumption per 10,000 renminbi of gross domestic product by 20% by 2010 from the 2005 level.
The Chinese are developing renewable energy, promoting the use of hydropower, wind power, solar power, methane and biomass energy. They are planting more trees and better protecting natural forests and increasing the percentage of natural reserves.
What are we doing in our back yard?
President Bush wants to drill for oil in Alaska's pristine ecologically sensitive areas.
Washington's energy policy is to tax successful energy sources and subsidize unsuccessful ones.
A recent poll showed that 94 percent of Americans feel it is important for the U.S. to develop and use solar energy. A vast majority supported extending Federal tax credits for renewable energy.
H.R. 6049, a bill that would extend solar and other renewable energy tax credits would have legislation to extended the residential and commercial tax credits for solar energy for eight years. It is supported by a diverse coalition including manufacturers, construction firms, environmental groups, electric utilities, chemical companies, banks, investors, labor, public health and religious organizations, trade associations and many others.
What happened to the bill?
U.S. Senate, defeated it!
What happens now?
The loss of more than 116,000 jobs and $19 billion in investment in 2009 in the solar and wind energy industries alone!
What could this bill bring?
- Tens of thousands of American jobs
- Stabilize rising energy costs for families and businesses
- Help us achieve national energy security
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