WASHINGTON, DC, US, March 14, 2007.
A broad alliance of energy, environmental, agricultural, business and labour groups has released a set of specific recommendations to source 25% of U.S. energy from renewables by 2025.
The recommendations developed by the 28-member 25x'25 steering committee would generate US$700 billion in new economic activity a year, increase farm income by $180 billion, create four to five million new jobs, reduce oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels per day and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1 billion tons.
The ‘25x25 Action Plan: Charting America's Energy Future’ was based on consensus reviews of 400 organizations which have endorsed the 25x'25 vision. The action plan is the result of a months-long process involving groups such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Wildlife Federation and General Motors.
The 35 specific recommendations were presented to Congressional leaders with an explanation that they would cost just 5% of what the U.S. spent on imported oil last year, and would result in a dramatic increase in new jobs and economic activity, along with significant reduction in oil consumption and global warming emissions.
“The 25x'25 Action Plan unveiled today is an extraordinary statement by an array of voices,” says co-chair Read Smith. “This broad spectrum of individuals and organizations has worked together to put 'meat on the bones' of the 25x'25 vision. As our elected officials make the shift to renewable energy, this action plan is the course they should follow.”
“American agriculture is at the dawn of a new era in which we will strive to supply 25% of America's energy by 2025,” adds Bob Stallman of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “Technological advancements in cellulosic ethanol and wind and biomass energy make a new generation of energy available for all Americans.”
“Just as computers have revolutionized the way we live and work, new clean energy technologies are going to revolutionize the way we use and produce energy,” he adds. “The American Farm Bureau Federation and U.S. agriculture are committed to that change to put us on course to producing 25% of America's energy from renewables by 2025. This will create new economic opportunities all across America, improve our national security, and curb greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Through a commitment to renewable energy, we can help meet our moral responsibility to confront global warming to protect our children's future,” adds Larry Schweiger of the National Wildlife Federation.
The recommendations include expanded research for cellulosic biofuels and long-term incentives for green power generation, new infrastructure for expanding delivery of renewable fuels and renewable energy, a new program to ensure increased availability of flex-fueled cars, a new requirement for use of renewable energy by the federal government, new mechanisms for renewable energy credit trading among states, new funding for renewable energy systems, a new program for improving soil and water quality as well as increased support for existing conservation programs and for renewable energy projects in the Farm Bill.
In addition to 400 organizations, the 25x'25 Vision has been endorsed by 23 current and former governors and four state legislatures.
