President Obama is a strong believer in man-made global warming. He has often cited it as the cause of rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, and famine. He believes that we must act quickly to stem a possible catastrophe. He also believes that our dependence in foreign oil puts us in a place that makes foreign policy difficult. To alleviate these concerns, President Obama has proposed to drastically increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources and drastically reduce the amount of oil used in the US.
Senator Obama's plan for energy and the environment called for the investment of $150 Billion dollars over 10 years into research for alternative energy. He stated that this would create 5 Million new jobs. He called for a national low carbon fuel standard that would require that 10% of all fuel blends be made from biofuels and other renewable sources. He called for a drastic increase in the fuel standards for automobiles. He also promised tax incentives to those who would purchase energy saving equipment or cars, and to anyone who would optimize their homes for energy use.
In both campaign literature and in speeches and press releases, President Obama called for a cap and trade system to be put in place in the United States. He stated during the 2008 campaign and once in office that this system would increase the cost of doing business and that this increased cost would be passed on to consumers in the form of higher cost of electricity. He used the term :skyrocketing to describe the effect of the system on electricity costs. He stated that the purpose of raising the cost of electricity was to make electricity produced through clean methods more profitable.
During the 2008 election, Senator Obama called for a "windfall profit tax" on oil companies with the desire to use that money to fund research into alternative energy sources.
On the subject of drilling, Senator Obama noted in his blueprint that we needed "responsible domestic production", that we needed to tell oil companies to use the land that they were leasing or lose the leases on it, and he called for "appropriate offshore drilling". However, he also stated that "we can't drill our way out of the problem," and that the US had only 3% of the world's oil reserves. In May of 2010, President Obama announced that his administration would open new areas off the Atlantic coast to drilling. However, in the wake of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, the President has issued a moratorium on permits to drill.
President Obama's stance on the use of coal and "clean coal" technologies has been the subject of much controversy. In numerous campaign ads for coal producing states, Senator Obama claimed to support the coal industry and the use of coal. In campaign literature, he called for the creation of a number of clean coal factories with carbon sequestration technology. However, in states that are more pro-environment than pro-coal, Senator Obama often claimed that his policies would be detrimental to the coal industry and stated that if someone wanted to open a coal factory, that the cap and trade system he supports would bankrupt them.
CNN / Youtube Debate
In July of 2007, Senator Obama was asked about climate change and energy at the CNN / Youtube debate. He stated that he supported nuclear energy, capping emissions, and an aggressive tax.
Senator Obama: I actually think that we should explore nuclear power as part of the energy mix. There are no silver bullets to this issue. We've got to develop solar. I've proposed drastically increasing fuel efficiency standards on cars, an aggressive cap on the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted. But we're gonna have to try a series of different approaches.
Global Climate
In the time between the 2008 election and President Obama's inauguration, a global climate summit was held in California. It was widely attended by numerous governors and congressmen. President-elect Obama did not attend the event to avoid any ideas that he was acting with the authority of the President prior to assuming office. He did record and send a message that shows his beliefs on global warming, cap and trade, alternative fuels, and a few other items.
Few challenges facing America - and the world - are more urgent than combating global climate change. The science is beyond dispute and the facts are clear. Sea levels are rising. Coast lines are shrinking. We've seen record drought spreading famine, and storms that are growing stronger with each passing hurricane season.
Climate change and our dependence on foreign oil, if left unaddressed, will continue to weaken our economy and threaten our national security. ...
... But too often, Washington has failed to show the same kind of leadership. That will change when I take office. My Presidency will mark a new chapter in America's leadership on climate change that will strengthen our security and create millions of new jobs in the process. That will start with a federal cap and trade system. We will establish strong annual targets that set us on a course to reduce emissions to their 1990 levels by 2020 and reduce them by an additional 80% by 2050.
Further, we'll invest $15 billion each year to catalyze private sector efforts to build a clean energy future. We'll invest in solar power, wind power, and next generation bio-fuels. We'll tap nuclear power while making sure it's safe. And we will develop clean coal technologies.
... by generating 5 million new green jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced.
During the Presidential Debates in 2008, Senator Obama stated that he believes in man-made global warming. He also stated during the campaign that there was a 10-20 year window to address the problem.
I think that the climate change issue is the most serious environmental issue that we face. Because, once you hit some of these tipping points, and you've got the entire global system shifted, you can't reverse. We're on a trajectory to get to that tipping point. I actually think that we can still slow it and potentially reverse it. But we probably have about a 10-20 year window to do it. We don't have a lot of time still. And we have to start now, this year, next year, if we're gonna get serious about it.
Once in office, President Obama has continued to state his beliefs that global warming is real and man-made. He continues to assert the dangers of global and push for urgent measures to address the issue. He spoke about these beliefs at the UN in September of 2009, where has also noted once again that the purpose of the cap-and-trade system in the House was to increase the cost of electricity to make clean energy affordable.
That so many of us are here today is a recognition that the threat of climate change is serious, it is urgent, and it is growing. Our generations response to this challenge will be judged by history. For if we fail to meet it boldly, swiftly, and together, we risk consigning future generations to an irreversible catastrophe.
No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten every coast line, more powerful floods and storms threaten every continent, more frequent droughts and crop failures breed hunger and conflict in places where hunger and conflict already thrive. On shrinking islands, families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees. The security and stability of each nation and of all peoples, our prosperity, our health, and our safety are in jepeordy.
The time we have to reverse this tide is running out. And yet, we can reverse it. John F. Kennedy once observed that our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man.
It is true that for too many years, man kind has been slow to respond to, or even recognize the magnitude of the climate threat. It is true of my own country as well. We recognize that. This is a new day, a new era.
...
Most importantly, the House of Representatives passed an energy and climate bill in June that would finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy for American businesses to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Coal Power Facilities and Cap-and-Trade
In January of 2008, Senator Obama was speaking at a press event for the San-Francisco Chronicle and stated that he favored a cap-and-trade system and that such a system would necessarily increase the cost of electricity. He seemed to acknowledge that this was in some way contrary to his assertions of supporting expanded coal mining.
The problem is, can you get the American people to say "This is really important," and for their representatives to do the right thing? That requires mobilizing a citizenry. That requires them understanding what is at stake, and climate change is a great example.
You know when I was asked earlier about the issue of coal. You know .... under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket. Even ... regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad, because I'm capping greenhouse gases, coal power plants, natural gas, you name it, whatever the plants where, whatever the industry was, they would have to retrofit their operation. That will cost money, they will pass that on to consumers.
Internet Ad
In an internet based ad for the 2008 Presidential campaign, Senator Obama stated his belief in global warming and it's consequences, his desire for a windfall profit tax on oil companies, his opinion of fuel standards, and his position on alternative types of fuels.
... We know that global warming is real. That if we don't do anything about global climate change, that we could see catastrophic results. Everything from increased hurricanes to rising sea levels to famine, changing weather patterns, increased drought, wild fires. ...
... What I have said is that we should impose a fee or a tax on the windfall profits of oil companies that can be put into new development. If we increase fuel efficiency standards to 40, 45 miles per gallon, we could save the equivalent of all the oil that we import from the persian gulf. The technology exists to do it, what's been lacking is the sense of political will ...
... Today, there are two types of car companies. Those that mass produce fuel efficient cars, and those that will. ...
... A second component is what fuels we're putting into those cars. We've got to embrace biofuels, we've got to move not just on corn based ethanol, but cellulosic ethanol, and using wood chips to create energy. There are all sorts of energy approaches that can be taken so that our cars are burning cleaner fuel. And that's why I've proposed a national low carbon fuel standard, that would require 10% clean energy in all gasoline blends. ...
... A third thing that we can do is set up a renewable energy standard. ...
... And finally, we know that our dependence on foreign oil has perverse consequences to our foreign policy. We know that we're sending $800 million dollars a day to hostile nations and helping to fuel both sides of the war on terrorism. ...
Offshore Drilling
On March 31, 2010, the New York Times and other sources reported that the President was announcing a plan to end an offshore drilling moratorium for oil and gas along the eastern coast south of New Jersey, and in the gulf of Mexico. The ban remained in place along the Pacific Coast but was removed for portions of Alaska.
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig exploded and sank. The well that it had dug began to leak oil into the Gulf of Mexico and did so for several months before it was capped. The leaking oil had a large affect on the economy of the Gulf Coast as fishing, shrimping, and tourism industries were hard hit.
On May 27, 2010, President Obama announced a six month moratorium on deepwater drilling in response to the spill. He ordered all current rigs to be inspected. Drilling companies filed litigation claiming that the moratorium was not legal. The Obama administration lost it's case both in court and on appeal.
Blueprint for energy
Senator Obama made a series of videos for the 2008 presidential campaign which highlighted his views and plans for a number of items, including energy. That plan is outlined below, along with the video.
Reduce dependance on foreign oil
Need to expand responsible domestic production
Tell oil companies to use existing oil leases or lose them
Appropriate offshore drilling
US has 3-4% of oil reserves, uses 25%, can't drill our way out
Invest $150 B over 10 years
$15 B each year
Fast track investments in green energy business sector
Create 5M US jobs
Create a green energy economy
Invest in R&D of every alternative energy
Solar, wind, biofuel
Safer nuclear power and waste storage
Clean coal technology
5 demo plants with carbon capture and sequestration
Help fuel efficient car production
1M 150 plug-in hybrids on US roads by 2014
Increase fuel mileage standards 4% each year
Invest in R&D of plug in hybrids, focusing on battery technology
Give consumers $7000 tax credit to buy efficient vehicles
Encourage energy efficiency and conservation
Reduce electricity demand 15% by 2020
Fastest, cheapest way to reduce energy consumption
US to save $130B on energy bills
We do need to expand domestic production and that means, for example, telling the oil companies that the 68 million acres that they currently have leased that they are not drilling, use them or lose them. And I think that we should look at offshore drilling and implement it in a way that allows us to get some additional oil. But understand, we only have 3-4% of the worlds oil reserves and we use 25% of the world's oil. Which means that we can't drill our way out of the problem.
I will invest $150 Billion dollars in over the next 10 years, $15 Billion dollars a year to put America on the path to true energy security. This fund will fast track investments in a new green energy sector that will end our addiction to oil and create up to 5 million jobs over the next 2 decades.
We'll invest in research and development of every form of alternative energy, solar, wind, biofuels. We'll find safer ways to use nuclear power, and store nuclear waste. And we'll invest in the technology that will allow us to use more coal, America's most abundant energy source, with the goal of creating 5 first of a kind coal fire demonstration plants with carbon capture and sequestration so they are not adding to global warming.
We will help states like Michigan build the fuel efficient cars we need. And we will get 1 million 150 mile per gallon plug in hybrids on our roads, made in America within 6 years time. We can do that.
We're gonna increase fuel mileage standards 4% every year. We'll invest more in the research and development of those plug in hybrids, specifically focusing on battery technology. We will leverage private sector funding to bring these cars directly to American consumers . We'll give consumers a $7,000 tax credit to buy these vehicles. That's how we'll not only protect our auto industry and our auto workers, but help them thrive in the 21st century economy.
I'll call upon businesses, government, and the American people to meet the goal of reducing our demand for electricity 15% by the end of the next decade. This is by far the fastest, easiest, cheapest way to reduce our energy consumption. It will save us $130 B dollars on our energy bills.
Conflicting Statements on Clean Coal
During the 2008 election cycle, (Senator) Obama was repeatedly questioned about his views concerning the use of coal to generate electricity and the possibility of clean coal conforming to his plans for a cap and trade system. The videos below show various interviews, campaign rallies, and campaign commercials where Candidate (Senator) Obama and his running mate Senator Biden made conflicting statements concerning coal.
The first video is an advertisement for the Obama campaign specifically targeted to show support for the coal industry.
The second video shows Senator Obama at a rally on September 9, 2008 in Lebanon Virginia. Senator Obama clearly states that he believes that we can burn coal in a method that meets with his environmental beliefs. A union representative states that the President supports the coal industry. The video was produced by Organizing for America - the President's campaign website during the 2008 election.
The next video shows Senator Obama at a campaign rally in Waverly Virginia in August of 2007. At this rally, he specifically states that coal is not a viable option and that he will implement a cap and trade system to raise the cost of electricity generated by the burning of fossil fuels.
In an interview with the San Francisco chronicle, he notes that the idea of no coal is not realistic and then states that while he would not outlaw coal, his plans to implement a cap and trade system will bankrupt anyone who attempts to open a coal plant.
At another campaign rally, Senator Obama states that he will not license or encourage coal without the industry proving it can generate the electricity without generating the carbons that are (in his opinion) contributing to global warming.
The final video shows Senator Biden after he has joined the Obama campaign stating that they are against the idea of clean coal.
Presidential Campaign Website Statements
On President Obama's official website - Organizing for America - the following remarks are made about energy and the environment.
The Current Situation
The country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century. For too long, politicians in Washington have been beholden to special interests, but no longer. Our new, responsible energy policy recognizes the relationship between energy, the environment, and our economy and leverages American ingenuity to put people back to work, fight global warming, increase our energy independence and keep us safe.
The Solution
Chart a new energy future:
President Obama has a comprehensive plan to chart a new energy future by embracing alternative and renewable energy, ending our addiction to foreign oil, addressing the global climate crisis and creating millions of new jobs that can’t be shipped overseas.
Invest in clean, renewable energy:
To achieve our goal of generating 25 percent of our energy from renewable sources by 2025, we will make unprecedented investments in clean, renewable energy – solar, wind, biofuels, and geothermal power.
Fight climate change:
We will invest in energy efficiency and conservation, two sure-fire ways to decrease deadly pollution and drive down demand. And we will hold special interests accountable as we finally work to address climate change and its potentially catastrophic effects.
On change.gov - the official campaign website of Barack Obama, the following statements are made about energy and the environment.
The Obama-Biden Plan
The energy challenges our country faces are severe and have gone unaddressed for far too long. Our addiction to foreign oil doesn't just undermine our national security and wreak havoc on our environment -- it cripples our economy and strains the budgets of working families all across America. Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a comprehensive plan to invest in alternative and renewable energy, end our addiction to foreign oil, address the global climate crisis and create millions of new jobs.
The Obama-Biden comprehensive New Energy for America plan will:
Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future.
Within 10 years save more oil than we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined.
Put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars -- cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon -- on the road by 2015, cars that we will work to make sure are built here in America.
Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
Energy Plan Overview
Provide Short-term Relief to American Families
Crack Down on Excessive Energy Speculation.
Swap Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Cut Prices.
Eliminate Our Current Imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 Years
Increase Fuel Economy Standards.
Get 1 Million Plug-In Hybrid Cars on the Road by 2015.
Create a New $7,000 Tax Credit for Purchasing Advanced Vehicles.
Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
A “Use it or Lose It” Approach to Existing Oil and Gas Leases.
Promote the Responsible Domestic Production of Oil and Natural Gas.
Create Millions of New Green Jobs
Ensure 10 percent of Our Electricity Comes from Renewable Sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
Deploy the Cheapest, Cleanest, Fastest Energy Source – Energy Efficiency.
Weatherize One Million Homes Annually.
Develop and Deploy Clean Coal Technology.
Prioritize the Construction of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline.
Reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change.
American Clean Energy and Security Act
In June of 2009, President Obama used his weekly address to not his support for the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which had recently passed the House. In that address, he stated that the cap-and-trade system would create jobs and punish the people who emit carbon.
White House.gov Statements
Energy & Environment
"Each of us has a part to play in a new future that will benefit all of us. As we recover from this recession, the transition to clean energy has the potential to grow our economy and create millions of jobs -– but only if we accelerate that transition. Only if we seize the moment. And only if we rally together and act as one nation –- workers and entrepreneurs; scientists and citizens; the public and private sectors."
-PRESIDENT OBAMA, JUNE 15, 2010
For decades it has been clear that the way Americans produce and consume energy is not sustainable. Our addiction to foreign oil and fossil fuels puts our economy, our national security and our environment at risk. To take this country in a new direction, the President is working with Congress to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation to protect our nation from the serious economic and strategic risks associated with our reliance on foreign oil, to create jobs, and to cut down on the carbon pollution that contributes to the destabilizing effects of climate change.
The President has already made great strides toward changing our energy future. The Recovery Act constituted an unprecedented and historic investment in the clean energy economy. Investments in the development of renewable energy and clean technologies will lead to the energy sources of the future. Investments in high speed rail and advanced car batteries will lead to the transportation systems of the future. Investments in a smart electric grid and energy efficient homes, offices, and appliances will reduce our overall energy consumption as a nation. And all of these investments will lead to the industries of the future, help put America back in the lead of the global clean energy economy, and create millions of jobs over time. As the President said, “Now is the moment for this generation to embark on a national mission to unleash American innovation and seize control of our own destiny.”
Clean Energy Economy
The nation that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will be the nation that leads the 21st century. Today, we export billions of dollars each year to import the energy we need to power our country. Our dependence on foreign oil threatens our national security, our environment and our economy. We must make the investments in clean energy sources that will put Americans back in control of our energy future, create millions of new jobs and lay the foundation for long-term economic security. President Obama has already taken significant steps as part of a comprehensive strategy that will pave the way toward a clean energy future for our country.
Recovery Act Investments in Clean Energy
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included more than $80 billion in the generation of renewable energy sources, expanding manufacturing capacity for clean energy technology, advancing vehicle and fuel technologies, and building a bigger, better, smarter electric grid, all while creating new, sustainable jobs.
Appliance Efficiency Standards
The Administration has established more stringent energy efficiency standards for commercial and residential appliances, including microwaves, kitchen ranges, dishwashers, light bulbs and other common appliances.
Leadership in Sustainability
President Obama signed an Executive Order on Federal Sustainability, committing the Federal Government to lead by example and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2020, increase energy efficiency, and reduce fleet petroleum consumption.
Efficiency Standards for Cars and Trucks
In May 2009, President Obama announced the first ever joint fuel economy/greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks. In May 2010, President Obama created the first-ever efficiency and emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty cars and trucks.
Making Homes More Energy Efficient
Recovery Through Retrofit will eliminate key barriers in the home retrofit industry by providing consumers with access to straightforward information about their home’s energy use, promoting innovative financing options to reduce upfront costs, and developing national standards to ensure that workers are qualified and consumers benefit from home retrofits.
Climate Change
No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change. This is a global problem, and the Obama Administration is committed to leading the charge to reduce the dangerous pollution that causes global warming, and to make the investments in the clean energy technology that will power sustainable growth in the future.
International Leadership
Under President Obama’s leadership, the international community has taken significant measures toward a global solution to climate change, including reinvigorating the Major Economies Forum (MEF); eliminating fossil fuel subsidies; fostering bilateral energy and climate partnerships with China, India, Mexico, Canada and others; phasing down HFCs (Hydrofluorcarbons); and reaching an historic accord at the Copenhagen climate summit that maintains progress toward an international agreement that will ensure a prosperous and secure future for our children and grandchildren.
Monitoring Emissions
For the first time, the U.S. will catalogue greenhouse gas emissions from large emission sources – an important initial step toward measurable and transparent reductions.
Climate Change Science and Education
The U.S. Global Change Research Program, a collaborative effort involving 13 Federal Agencies, works to understand and respond to climate change as part of a government-wide effort to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and grow a clean energy economy. USGCRP’s guide, Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Science, explains in plain English the principles and concepts fundamental to climate literacy, and Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators provides useful resources for educators.
Climate Change Adaptation
The President signed the Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, on October 5, 2009, calling on the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force to develop, within one year, Federal recommendations for adapting to climate change impacts both domestically and internationally.
Voting Record
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008
In September of 2008, The US Senate passed the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. The Act created tax incentives for energy production and conservation. The bill was largely supported by the Democrats and largely opposed by the Republicans. The bill passed the House');
echo(' in May of 2008, and passed the Senate with widespread support in a 93-2 vote. Barack Obama cast a "No Vote"
Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007
Among other things, the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 removed oil & gas exploration subsidies. The bill passed the House in January and passed the Senate in June. In the House, the bill was supported by almost all Democrats and opposed by a majority of Republicans. After passing the House, the bill got the support of most Democrats and roughly half of the Republicans, passing in a 65-27 vote. Barack Obama voted in favor of the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007.
Barack Obama voted in favor of the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007.
Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006
The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 was an attempt to open up more areas of the Gulf of Mexico for oil drilling. It passed the Senate with broad support in a 72-25 vote. However, it was not raised in the House. Barack Obama voted against the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.
Barack Obama voted against the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.
Amendment - Reduction of Oil Dependence
In June of 2005, the Senate voted on an amendment to reduce oil importation in the US by 40% by 2025. The would have raised the original goals set in the bill form a 1 million barrel per day reduction to a 7.6 million barrel per day reduction. This would most likely be achieved through increased CAFE standards of 78 miles per gallon in cars and a 185-percent increase in light trucks. The voted failed 47-53. Barack Obama voted in favor of the amendment.
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the need for the United States to address global climate change through the negotiation of fair and effective international commitments.
Amends the Clean Air Act to approve the application of the state of California for a waiver of federal preemption of its motor vehicle emission standards.
A bill to promote the national security and stability of the United States economy by reducing the dependence of the United States on oil through the use of alternative fuels and new technology, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the USA PATRIOT ACT to place reasonable limitations on the use of surveillance and the issuance of search warrants, and for other purposes.
Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Energy Security to oversee all federal energy security programs, including coordination of all federal agency efforts to assist the United States in achieving full energy independence. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) a tax credit, against both ordinary and alternative minimum tax, for production of qualified flexible fuel motor vehicles; and (2) an alternative fuel retail sales credit. Amends the Clayton Act and the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit restrictions on the installation of alternative fuel pumps within fuel franchise documents. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to ensure that diesel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States, on an annual average basis, contains specified percentages of alternative diesel fuel. Sets forth a credit program for the generation of diesel fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an excise tax credit for: (1) production of cellulosic biomass ethanol; and (2) qualifying ethanol blending and processing equipment. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPA) to treat a medium or heavy duty hybrid vehicle as an alternative fueled vehicle. Sets a deadline by which: (1) any federal property with at least one fuel refueling station must include at least one alternative fuel refueling station; and (2) any alternative fuel refueling station on federally-owned property must permit full public access for the purpose of refueling using alternative fuel. Amends federal transportation law to require that any bus purchased with funds from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund to be a clean fuel bus. Amends armed forces law governing energy-related procurement to direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to use fuel produced from domestically produced fuel using starch, sugar, cellulosic biomass, plant or animal oils, or thermal chemical conversion, thermal depolymerization, or thermal conversion processes (covered fuel). Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts to: (1) develop and operate covered fuel production facilities; and (2) provide for construction or capital modification of such facilities. Amends the EPA to include among alternative fueled vehicles any vehicle propelled by electric drive transportation, engine dominant hybrid electric, or plug-in hybrid technology.
xpresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should act to reduce risks posed by global climate change and to foster economic growth by: (1) participating in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and leading efforts in other international fora with the objective of securing U.S. participation in agreements that advance and protect U.S. interests, that establish mitigation commitments by all countries that are major emitters of greenhouse gases, that establish flexible international mechanisms to minimize the cost of efforts by participating countries, and that achieve a significant long-term reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) establishing a bipartisan Senate observer group to monitor international negotiations on climate change and to ensure that the advice and consent function of the Senate is exercised to facilitate timely consideration of any applicable treaty.
