U.S. ECO ONLINE - ENERGY 2009

U.S. ECO ONLINE - ENERGY
EnergyOnLine no 8

http://france.usembassy.gov

No 8 – December-January 2008

Annual Energy Outlook 2009
Energy Information Administration - December 17, 2008
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/pdf/aeo2009_presentation.pdf [21 pages].
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/pdf/appa.pdf [41 pages, Tables]

He early release report presents updated projections for U.S. energy consumption and production through 2030. For the first time in more than 20 years, the new reference case projects virtually no growth in U.S. oil consumption, reflecting the combined effect of recently enacted CAFE standards, requirements for increased use of renewable fuels, and an assumed rebound in oil prices as the world economy recovers.

The President’s Agenda on Energy & the Environment
http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/energy_and_environment/
“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. President Obama and Vice President 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.”

Energy Independence and Global Warming: 110th Congress Final Staff Report
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming – December 2008
http://globalwarming.house.gov/mediacenter/pressreleases_2008?id=0059#main_content

“Part I of the report addresses the challenges posed by the climate crisis and America’s growing energy needs. Part II provides recommendations on a series of “win-win” solutions that will bolster America’s energy security while achieving the reductions in global warming pollution needed to save the planet. Part III presents the findings and recommendations resulting from the Select Committee’s oversight activities. Part IV discusses international issues, and reviews the findings of the Select Committee Congressional delegations to Greenland and the EU, Brazil, and India.”

Investing in the Future: R&D Needs to Meet America's Energy and Climate Challenges
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming - Hearing – September 10, 2008
Investing in the Future - R&D needs to meet America's Energy and Climate Challenges
http://globalwarming.house.gov/pubs/pubs?id=0053#main_content

“As we have seen here on Capitol Hill and today’s witnesses from our top universities can attest, young people today are bursting with ideas on how to bring about the green energy revolution.”
Witnesses:
Dr. Susan Hockfield, President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Stephen Forrest, Vice President of Research, University of Michigan
Dr. Jack Fellows, Vice President, University Corporation on Atmospheric Research
Dr. Daniel Kammen, Professor, UC-Berkeley

Energy Priorities for the Next Congress
Sen. Jeff Bingaman (Senate Energy Committee)
Remarks at Center for Strategic and International Studies - November 18th, 2008
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=f9032d6a-3f9b-469c-bb64-bee84af7fb22&Month=11&Year=2008&Party=0

“We have just elected a new President, Barack Obama, who campaigned on a strong platform of energy efficiency, energy security, and renewable energy. That gives us the ability to harness his strong interest in energy to an effective bipartisan strategy in Congress. When you can get a combination of White House leadership and bipartisan Congressional engagement, chances of real progress are substantial.”



Making Domestic Energy Affordable
Ben Lieberman and Jack Spencer
The Heritage Foundation - Memo to President-elect Obama - December 8, 2008 – 4 pages
http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/upload/obamamemo_6.pdf

“Your promise to address the nation’s high energy costs resonated soundly with the voters, and your pledge to use safe nuclear power as a key part of our energy mix makes sense. You should not let the temporary decrease in gasoline prices distract you from keeping these promises. If you persevere and follow the right steps to open and use all domestic energy sources, including nuclear power, energy will become more affordable and plentiful for all Americans, and the nation will be less reliant on hostile nations for energy.
But you should not undercut these goals by shackling energy with costly restrictions and mandates…”


Investments in Clean Energy and Natural Resources Projects and Programs to Create Green Jobs and to Stimulate the Economy
Senate – Energy Committee – Hearing – December 10, 2009
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=f950a2d8-bd94-5d1f-ec07-a93bf518e2e5

A Framework for Achieving Energy Security and Arresting Global Warming
Ken Berlin Center for American Progress – Report - December 2008 – 34 pages
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/12/pdf/energy_security.pdf

Addressing energy security and arresting climate change will require a transition to a non-carbon based economy and more fuel-efficient vehicles. This will take decades, even with strong measures, so new initiatives will have to be durable enough to withstand political vicissitudes and arguments that regulations should be weakened during economic slowdowns. Because efforts to solve both issues are inextricably intertwined, they must be addressed together, and actions to solve one issue cannot compromise the ability to address the other successfully.

Renewing America: A Blueprint for Economic Recovery
Environment America – Report -November 2008 - 29 pages
http://www.environmentamerica.org/uploads/SO/o9/SOo90pehULc3juLoBFh4Yg/AME_RenewAmerica.pdf

“To revive the American dream, we need to rebuild our economy on a sound foundation—one that puts people back to work, contributes to long-term prosperity, rebuilds our communities, and protects our environment. There is one path to a renewed economy that achieves all of those goals—one that is increasingly recognized by opinion leaders, politicians, investors and workers as our best chance to work our way out of our current economic troubles, while building a stronger, more self-reliant and environmentally responsible America. It is the path to a clean energy future.”


IER’s Bold Stimulus Plan: A Roadmap to Improving the Economy and Creating Jobs, All at No Cost to the Taxpayer
Institute for Energy Research – January 27, 2009
http://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/2009/01/27/ier-offers-economic-stimulus-plan-urges-president-obama-to-adopt-historic-change/

“IER supports government policies that encourage private investment, foster job creation, and provide American consumers access to the vast, proven, affordable energy supplies they own beneath the 2.3 billion acres of government lands not leased for responsible energy production. These enormous taxpayer-owned resources, and the American jobs they would create, have been held hostage by a decades-long government policy of saying, “No, we can’t”… IER’s plan represents the most significant change in government energy policy in more than three decades. We urge the Obama Administration to say, “Yes, we can” to our two-part plan, which begins by embracing the fundamental medical precept: First, Do No Harm.”

Putting Energy in the White House
Dave Edwards
Progressive Policy Institute - Memo to the Next President – January 15, 2008
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=450020&subsecID=900202&contentID=254867

“Without a transformation of the energy industry, the unchecked American reliance upon fossil fuel will diminish our economy, distort our foreign policy, and further disrupt our natural environment. We can do better -- much better. The United States has the opportunity to be the world's energy innovation leader, creating a cleaner, more secure, and more prosperous future.”

Stimulus Package and Energy: Creating Green Jobs, Opportunities for All
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming – Hearing – January 15, 2009
http://globalwarming.house.gov/pubs/pubs?id=0062#main_content

The Committee devoted its first hearing of the 111th Congress to creating jobs and stimulating our economy through renewable energy and efficiency programs. The panel included Van Jones, founder of Green for All, an organization promoting green-collar jobs and opportunities for the disadvantaged; Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia; Trevor Houser, an expert on energy markets and climate change; and Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association.

Rethinking “Energy Independence”
Pietro S. Nivola The Brookings Institution – Study -December 29, 2008, – 12 pages
http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/papers/2008/1230_energy_nivola/1230_energy_nivola.pdf
Political leaders repeatedly point out that our current addiction to foreign oil is a matter of national security. The author challenges the assumption that the less oil the U.S. buys from abroad, the more insulated our economy will be from vagaries of the international oil market.

Current Energy Security Challenges
Senate – Committee on Energy and Natural Resources – Hearing – January 8, 2009
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=a7191f17-ce69-0588-430b-afe1a28d41b8

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy Efficiency as Economic Stimulus
Daniel Sosland, Derek Murrow, and Samuel Krasnow Progressive Policy Institute - Memo to the Next President - December 12, 2008
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=450020&subsecID=900194&contentID=254849
Energy efficiency -- a huge economic category that includes the design and installation of "green" insulation, lighting, building materials, appliances, vehicles, heating-and- cooling systems, and countless other technologies -- fits your economic-stimulus needs ideally, with important additional benefits for the health of our environment and the security of our nation.


Assessment of Achievable Potential from Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Programs in the U.S. (2010-2030)
Electric Power Institute - Web posted January 22, 2009 – 342 pages
http://my.epri.com/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_1630_277_848_43/http%3B/myepri10%3B80/EPRIDocumentAccess/popup.aspx/000000000001016987

Energy efficiency programs in the United States could realistically reduce the rate of growth for electricity consumption by 22 percent over the next two decades if key barriers can be addressed, according to the analysis. The potential energy savings in 2030 would be 236 billion kilowatt hours, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 14 New York Cities. However, achieving the ideal would require costly investments as well as political and regulatory support.

Measuring and Reducing Americans' Indirect Energy Use
Kenneth P. Green and Aparna Mathur
AEI Online - Energy and Environment Outlook - December 4, 2008- 6 pages
http://www.aei.org/publications/pubID.29020/pub_detail.asp

“The focus on direct energy use obscures the fact that Americans have many choices when it comes to reducing their energy and environmental footprint besides cutting back on the direct use of oil, natural gas, and electricity. Those who want to reduce their energy consumption but are unable or unwilling to forego the roomier house or car can cut down on discretionary medical purchases; minimize pharmaceutical waste; cut back on air travel; and replace high-energy foods (beef and refined grain products) with lower-energy foods such as poultry, legumes, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Can we both preserve consumer choice and expand options for energy conservation? Yes, we can.”

Green Affordable Housing: Within Our Reach
David M. Abromowitz Center for American Progress - December 2008 - 30 pages.
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/12/pdf/green_housing.pdf

The incoming Obama administration is poised to join with the 111th Congress on an ambitious agenda of reducing energy consumption, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a viable green jobs sector. To achieve these goals, one cannot afford to ignore housing, in particular the currently existing affordable housing. Affordable housing, consisting of almost 4.75 million apartments (nearly 14 percent of the nation’s 35 million rental units), is federally assisted in some way and thus open to clearly targeted green policies.

Lowering the Cost of Play: Improving Energy Efficiency of Video Game Consoles
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) - Issue Paper - November 2008 - 29 pages.
http://www.nrdc.org/energy/consoles/files/consoles.pdf
More than 40 percent of all homes in the United States contain at least one video game console. Video game consoles consumed an estimated 16 billion kilowatt-hours per year -- roughly equal to the annual electricity use of the city of San Diego. This issue paper provides recommendations for users, video game console manufacturers, component suppliers and the software companies that design games for improving the efficiency of video game consoles already in homes as well as future generations of machines.0

OIL
The Oil-Price Roller Coaster: Global Challenges for the Obama Administration
Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., and Owen Graham The Heritage Foundation – Backgrounder – December 18, 2008 – 16 pages
http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/upload/bg_2216.pdf
The U.S. should increase pressure on OPEC and non-OPEC countries, which are failing to meet production forecasts, to open access to IOCs while authorizing oil production in ANWR, other promising Arctic areas, and the lower 48 states to expand domestic energy production. Rising oil consumption within key oil-producing states leaves less oil for export, posing a significant constraint on future supply.

Research and Development: DOE Could Enhance the Project Selection Process for Government Oil and Natural Gas Research
GAO – Report -December 29, 2008 - 37 pages
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-186
“A recent GAO report noted important criteria for the Department of Energy (DOE) to consider in evaluating its oil and natural gas R&D efforts—including the likelihood that industry would perform the research without federal funding. The Office of Management and Budget has raised similar concerns. In this context, GAO was asked to review (1) how much U.S. industry has invested in oil and natural gas R&D over the last 10 years, and the current focus of these activities; (2) how DOE’s oil and natural gas R&D funding and activities compare with industry’s; and (3) to what extent DOE ensures that its oil and natural gas R&D would not occur without federal funding.”

Drilling in the Great Lakes: Background and Issues
Pervaze A. Sheikh and Adam Vann Congressional Research Service (CRS) - November 11, 2008 - 24 pages
http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/112526.pdf (Tip: copy and paste in your browser)

Drilling for oil and gas in or under the Great Lakes has generated interest among Great Lakes stakeholders, states, and Congress. Some opposed to drilling are concerned about the potential environmental, economic, and public health consequences. They contend that drilling will raise the risks of oil spills, hazardous gas leaks, and pollution that may harm lakeside residents and the Great Lakes ecosystem. Proponents of oil and gas drilling contend that drilling will increase local and regional tax revenues and employment, increase domestic energy production, and not be an environmental problem because of new technologies that lower the risks of oil spills and other accidents.

How to Save Gas
Phil Davies FRB Minneapolis – The Region – December 2008 – 8 pages
http://www.minneapolisfed.org/pubs/region/08-12/davies.pdf

Pricing mechanisms, not fuel-economy standards, offer the best hope for reducing motor fuel consumption.

COAL

The True Cost of Coal
Greenpeace – Report - Web posted December 1, 2008 -92 pages
http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/international/press/reports/true-cost-coal.pdf

According to the report, the global cost of coal was at least €360 billion last year alone. The figure arrives from CO2 damage costs, health costs and mining accidents. Coal burning has existed for centuries, and its use as a fuel has been recorded since the 1100s. It powered the Industrial Revolution, changing the course of first Britain, and then the world, in the process. In the U.S., the first coal-fired power plant opened on the shores of the lower East River in New York City in September 1882. Today, coal is used to produce nearly 40% of the world’s electricity. However, burning coal is one of the most harmful practices on the planet. 0

The Hidden Costs of Clean Coal: The Environmental and Human Disaster of Longwall Mining
Center for Public Integrity - January 13, 2009
http://www.publicintegrity.org/investigations/longwall/

Longwall mining is a highly productive underground process employed to quickly and cheaply extract coal, but the practice comes with a steep environmental price, as documented in a year-long investigation by the Center for Public Integrity. The report turns a spotlight on a devastating mining method that most Americans outside northern Appalachia have never heard of. An estimated 10 percent of all U.S. electricity now depends on coal from longwall mining, which has grown over the years in Appalachia and in the states of Illinois, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The Clean Coal Smoke Screen
Daniel J. Weiss, Nick Kong, Sam Schiller, Alexandra Kougentakis
Center for American Progress – Analysis - December 22, 2008 – 5 pages
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/12/clean_coal.html

“Despite the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity's attempts to convince Americans that “clean coal” is the solution to global warming, a CAP analysis determined that ACCCE’s companies spend relatively few dollars conducting research on carbon capture and storage, the most promising clean coal technology to reduce global warming pollution from coal-fired power plants. The coal and utility industries have spent millions of dollars to oppose mandatory reductions in global warming pollution until CCS is commercialized. Yet their paltry CCS research investment demonstrates that the ads and other public clean coal activities are merely designed to delay global warming solutions without suffering a public relations black eye.”

Producing Liquid Fuels from Coal: Prospects and Policy Issues
James T. Bartis et al. RAND Corporation – Monograph - January 2009 – 199 pages
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2008/RAND_MG754.pdf

The federal government can spark the creation of a commercially competitive coal-to-liquids industry by fostering early development of plants that would produce transportation fuels from coal, according to the study. It finds that a commercially competitive U.S. coal-to-liquids industry could produce as much as three million barrels of high-quality liquid fuels per day by 2030, an amount equivalent to 15 percent of current U.S. oil demand.

Importing Pollution: Coals’s Threat to Climate Policy in the U.S. Northeast
Union of Concerned Scientists - December 2008 – 44 pages
http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/importing-pollution_report.pdf

The Northeast’s cap-and-trade system for global warming pollution will be compromised unless utilities are prevented from importing additional coal-fired electricity, according to the report. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which applies to power plants in 10 Northeastern states, does not preclude the utilities that supply electricity to Northeast homes and businesses from buying more electricity from coal-fired power plants outside the region. That could increase the carbon dioxide emissions from those plants outside the region, offsetting emissions reductions under RGGI.

NUCLEAR

Protectionism Won't Fuel a Nuclear Renaissance
Jack Spencer and Daniella Markheim The Heritage Foundation – Backgrounder – December 16, 2008 – 8 pages
http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/upload/bg_2221.pdf

Expansion of nuclear power will result in increased demand for uranium. Growing fuel markets will create the environment that can sustain new enrichment capacity; artificially protecting domestic suppliers will not. The U.S. needs a domestic supplier of enriched uranium for national security purposes. The U.S. and Russia must continue to convert Russian weapons-grade uranium for use in peaceful power reactors.

Prime Numbers: The Nuclear Option

Charles D. Ferguson and Michelle M. Smith
Foreign Policy – Article - January/February 2009
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4586

“After a decades-long slowdown, nuclear power once again dominates global energy debate. Dozens of countries are vying to join the nuclear power club, and hundreds of new reactors are on the drawing board. But nuclear energy will not be the miracle cure for energy dependence or global warming that its proponents promise.”

Business Risks and Costs of New Nuclear Power
Craig A. Severance
Climate Progress – Study – January 5, 2009 - 37 pages
http://climateprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/nuclear-costs-2009.pdf
Several U.S. utilities are now advancing proposals for a new generation of nuclear power plants. Though massive cost overruns and construction delays in the 1970's and 1980's caused U.S. utilities to cancel over 130 nuclear plant orders 1, the nuclear industry is now hoping to ride a wave of concern over global warming. Can new nuclear power help the U.S. electric power industry cut greenhouse gas emissions, at a reasonable cost?

America's Nuclear Waste and What to Do With It
Bill Magwood and Mark Ribbing
Progressive Policy Institute - Memo to the Next President - November 7, 2008
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=450020&subsecID=900194&contentID=254827
A candid discussion is needed -- within your new administration and in the country as a whole -- about nuclear energy, a non-climate- changing power source that is actually capable of generating significant amounts of energy in the near term. The key to making nuclear energy a more viable alternative is the adoption of advanced spent-fuel recycling techniques to deal with one of nuclear power's most vexing problems -- the presence of radioactive waste material.

Creating a Nuclear-Fuel Bank
Sen. Evan Bayh Progressive Policy Institute - Memo to the Next President - December 5, 2008
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=450020&subsecID=900194&contentID=254843
How do we respond to valid and growing demands for civilian nuclear energy worldwide without permitting more countries to acquire nuclear weapons? The answer, in my view, is to set up an international nuclear-fuel bank that would supply fuel to any country that agrees not to develop its own enriching and reprocessing facilities.

Demonstration of the Interim Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel from Decommissioned Nuclear Power Reactor Sites
Department of Energy - Report to Congress - December 2008 – 26 pages
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/info_library/program_docs/ES_Interim_Storage_Report_120108.pdf
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s report discusses the status of the commercial spent nuclear fuel (SNF) inventory in the United States, at both decommissioned and operating commercial nuclear power reactor sites. It also summarizes the contractual arrangement the Government and utilities have under the Standard Contract for Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and/or High-Level Radioactive Waste (10 CFR Part 961), related litigation, and the financial liabilities resulting from the Department’s delay in performance under these contracts. Further, the report identifies legislative changes and actions that would be necessary for the Department to develop an interim storage facility and demonstration program for commercial SNF from the decommissioned reactor sites.

RENEWABLES

Toward a Just and Sustainable Solar Energy Industry
Dustin Mulvaney et al. Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition January 14, 2009 – 48 pages
http://www.etoxics.org/site/DocServer/Silicon_Valley_Toxics_Coalition_-_Toward_a_Just_and_Sust.pdf?docID=821

The report documents and analyzes the environmental and health hazards of solar panel systems in a supposed “win-win” solution to global warming. It covers the health and safety concerns as well as recommendations for building a just and sustainable solar energy industry.

Wind Energy Grows by Record 8,300 Mw in 2008
American Wind Energy Association - January 27, 2009 –
http://www.awea.org/newsroom/releases/wind_energy_growth2008_27Jan09.html

The U.S. wind energy industry shattered all previous records in 2008 by installing 8,358 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity, enough to serve over 2 million homes, reports the study. The massive growth in 2008 swelled the nation’s total wind power generating capacity by 50% and channeled an investment of some $17 billion into the economy, positioning wind power as one of the leading sources of new power generation in the country today along with natural gas. At year’s end, however, financing for new projects and orders for turbine components slowed to a trickle and layoffs began to hit the wind turbine manufacturing sector.

Wind Energy for a New Era
American Wind Energy Association – November 2008 – 24 pages
http://www.newwindagenda.org/documents/Wind_Agenda_Report.pdf
Developed for the new President and Congress, Wind Energy for a New Era presents the wind energy industry’s federal policy agenda. An overview of the recommendations as well as the full report are available.

ELECTRICITY

Electric Power Industry 2007: Year in Review
Energy Information Administration - January 21, 2009
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epa/epa_sum.html

In 2007, average retail electricity prices increased 2.6 percent from 8.9 to 9.1 cents per kilowatthour (kWh) This followed a 3-year period during which average fossil fuel prices for electricity generation increased a cumulative 30.2 percent. As fuel prices increased 30.2 percent, the National average retail price of electricity increased 17.0 percent from 7.6 cents per kWh in 2004 to 8.9 cents per kWh in 2006. Fossil fuel prices increased an additional 7.0 percent in 2007, contributing to the 2.6 percent average retail electricity rate increase.


Identifying Hurdles to Renewable Electricity Transmission

Kit Batten, Kari Manlove Center for American Progress – Report - December 18, 2008 – 8pages
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/12/pdf/renewable_transmission.pdf

The electricity grid in the United States is often heralded as one of the world’s first great technological achievements in modern history. The grid pioneered national access to electricity and spurred prosperity, and it now represents a central piece of economic and societal infrastructure. But nearly a century after grid construction began, no major updates have occurred. The current grid configuration cannot handle the growth in electricity demand expected over the next few decades unless we act quickly to modernize it. Our electricity grid is an integral but often overlooked element in the shift to a low-carbon economy. This report seeks to highlight the multiple challenges and opportunities for action to vastly increase our nation’s renewable energy generation and connect this clean energy to the grid via advanced electrical transmission construction.

Affordable Home Energy

Joy Moses Center for American Progress – Report - December 2008 - 46 pages
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/12/pdf/liheap.pdf

“It is imperative that Americans prioritize a policy agenda that solves the problem of unaf¬fordable home energy for low-income households—health, safety, and other relevant concerns dictate this course of action.” The author offers recommendations to help low-income households with their energy costs.

Lights Out for Thomas Edison
Sterling Burnett and Amanda Berg National Center for Policy Analysis - January 11, 2009
http://www.ncpa.org/pub/ba/ba637/
Although touted by many as the smart energy choice, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are not suitable for many common uses and should not be required by the government, according to the report. The authors argue: “For many uses, compact fluorescent bulbs may be more costly and troublesome than they’re worth.” The report concludes that despite manufacturer claims, many CFLs don’t come close to lasting the 10,000 hours they are supposed to last. In addition, CFLs also contain potentially toxic mercury, therefore, CFL disposal and breakage presents numerous health and environmental concerns.

CARBON EMISSIONS

Low-Carbon Energy: A Roadmap
Christopher Flavin Worldwatch Institute - January 6, 2009 – 52 pages
http://www.worldwatch.org/press/prerelease/EWP178.pdf

New technologies will permit rapid de-carbonization of the world energy economy in the next two decades, according to the report. These new energy sources will make it possible to retire hundreds of coal-fired power plants that now provide 40 percent of the world’s power by 2030, eliminating up to one-third of global carbon dioxide emissions while creating millions of new jobs. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels will diminish the climate crisis and will also act as an agent of recovery for an ailing global economy. Rebuilding the global energy system has the potential to create thousands of new businesses and millions of new jobs.


CO2-Emission Cuts: The Economic Costs of the EPA's ANPR Regulations
David W. Kreutzer, Ph.D., and Karen A. Campbell, Ph.D. The Heritage Foundation - Center for Data Analysis – Report - 29 October 2008 – 16 pages
http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/upload/CDA_08-10.pdf
The EPA's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) proposes an unprecedented expansion of federal ability to regulate CO2 emissions. Its limits on CO2 emissions would impose significant costs on virtually the entire American economy. Even under a fairly optimistic set of assumptions, the economic impact of the ANPR is likely to be serious for the job market, household budgets, and the economy overall.

AGRICULTURE - FOOD USA

Source: http://france.usembassy.gov
Million-Dollar Farms in the New Century
Robert A. Hoppe et al. U.S. Department of Agriculture - Web posted January 1, 2009 – 47 pages http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/eib42/eib42.pdf
Million-dollar farms, those with annual sales of at least $1 million, accounted for about half of U.S. farm sales in 2002, up from a fourth in 1982, with sales measured in constant 2002 dollars. By 2006, million-dollar farms, accounting for 2 percent of all U.S. farms, dominated U.S. production of high-value crops, milk, hogs, poultry, and beef. The shift to million-dollar farms is likely to continue because they tend to be more profitable than smaller farms, giving them a competitive advantage. Most million-dollar farms, 84 percent, are family farms, that is, the farm operator and relatives of the operator own the business.

Organic Agriculture in the United States: Program and Policy Issues
Renée Johnson Congressional Research Service (CRS) - November 25, 2008 - 13 pages http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/113547.pdf
Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) in 1990 as part of a larger law governing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs from 1990 through 1996 (P.L. 101-624, the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990). The act authorized the creation of a National Organic Program (NOP) within USDA to establish standards for producers and processors of organic foods, and permit such operations to label their products with a “USDA Organic” seal after being officially certified by USDA-accredited agents. The new omnibus law that will govern USDA programs and policies through FY2012 (P.L. 110-246; the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008) contains several provisions affecting organic agriculture and the NOP.

Fisheries Economics of the United States 2006
Rita Curtis et al. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Marine Fisheries Service – Report - January 6, 2009 – 166 pages
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st5/publication/econ/EconomicsReport_ALL.pdf
The United States commercial and recreational fishing generated more than $185 billion in sales and supported more than two million jobs in 2006, according to the study.

Report to Congress Pursuant to Section 403(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - January 2009 – 146 pages
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/msa2007/docs/biennial_report011309.pdf
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has produced the first ever report to Congress identifying six nations, France, Italy, Libya, Panama, People's Republic of China, Tunisia , whose fishing vessels were engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in 2007 or 2008. Annual global economic losses due to IUU fishing are estimated to be about $9 billion, according to an international task force on IUU fishing.

A Comparison of Household Food Security in Canada and the United States
Mark Nord and Heather Hopwood Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Web posted January 9, 2009 – 50 pages
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR67/ERR67.pdf
Food security, consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, is essential for health and good nutrition. The extent to which a nation’s population achieves food security is an indication of its material and social well-being. Differences in the prevalence of household-level food insecurity between Canada and the United States are described at the national level and for selected economic and demographic subpopulations.

Agricultural Markets and Food Price Inflation — A conference summary FRB Chicago - Chicago Fed Letter - January 2009 – 4 pages
http://www.chicagofed.org/publications/fedletter/cfljanuary2009_258a.pdf
On October 2, 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago held a conference that focused on the economic impacts of volatile agricultural prices and food policy, especially their intersection with the macroeconomy through food price inflation.

TRANSORTS USA

Source: http://france.usembassy.gov

Making America the World's Clean-Car Leader
Jan Mazurek Progressive Policy Institute - Memo to the Next President – January 15, 2008
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=450020&subsecID=900202&contentID=254868
Passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs account for nearly one-half of the 20 million barrels of oil consumed in the U.S. each day. If we are to sustain a car-centered national lifestyle, we must usher in a new era of clean, energy-efficient cars and trucks… You should therefore phase out CAFE and replace it with a new policy that focuses on cutting carbon emissions from cars and trucks.

Cash for Clunkers Center for American Progress and Smart Transportation.org – November 2008 – 5 pages
http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/2008/pdf/cash_for_clunkers.pdf
“Cars which are 13 years or older account for only 25 percent of total miles driven in the US, but they produce 75 percent of all pollution from automobiles. ..An effective “Cash for Clunkers” program would target Americans who own older, inefficient vehicles, often those of more limited means who would benefit most from upgrading to a more economical model. The program would offer a premium rate for these vehicles, which would be subsequently scrapped, with the owner agreeing to acquire a more efficient vehicle or use the voucher for mass transit.”

Putting America's Transportation System on Track
Paul Weinstein Jr. Progressive Policy Institute - Memo to the Next President – January 15, 2008
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=450020&subsecID=900200&contentID=254865
“If we choose to live in the past, America's transportation system will just keep creaking along. But if we take a regional approach, high-speed trains and traditional rail can serve an important transportation role in the 21st century. Such a breakthrough will not come cheap, and choosing five corridors to start the process will take political courage. However, the economic, environmental, and transportation benefits of high-speed rail are clearly worth the expense and the effort.”

Freight and Passenger Rail: Present and Future Roles, Performance, Benefits, and Needs
House – Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – January 28, 2009
http://transportation.house.gov/hearings/hearingDetail.aspx?NewsID=800
Background on on the roles of freight and passenger railroads in the U.S. economy; the impact of the current economic crisis on the railroad industry, its suppliers, and employees; the benefits of freight and passenger rail; and freight and passenger rail investment needs.

LE MARCHE DES MATIERES PREMIERES VU PAR LE FMI

Vague porteuse
Thomas Helbling, Valerie Mercer–Blackman et Kevin Cheng
Les consommateurs et les pays importateurs de matières premières commencent à souffrir de la hausse des cours des matières premières, et on s’inquiète des répercussions sur les pauvres dans les pays émergents et les pays en développement. L’envolée des cours pourrait avoir des effets durables.
(936 kb fichier pdf)
Voir Mineraux sur Internet

USA ENERGY

PUBLIC AFFAIRS - American Embassy

Sylvie VACHERET

Tel: 01 43 12 29 28

E Mail: vacheretsr@state.gov

U.S. ENERGY ONLINE

A SELECTION OF DOCUMENTS RECENTLY PUBLISHED ON THE WEB

N^o 2 – September/October 2007

ENERGY POLICY

Cutler J. Cleveland and Robert K. Kaufmann

The Bush Energy Policy

Center for Energy and Environmental Studies - Boston University – 14 pages

http://www.bu.edu/cees/research/workingp/pdfs/Bush_Policy0102.pdf

“Like his four predecessors, President Bush has identified dependence on imported oil as an urgent energy, economic, and national security concern. To close the 'oil supply gap' the President promotes the development of domestic resources of oil and natural gas. Will this policy succeed? This project assesses the economic, energy security and environmental issues surrounding the Bush Energy plan.”

Gregory J. Lengyel

Department of Defense Energy Strategy

The Brookings Institution - Paper - August 2007

http://www.brookings.edu/views/papers/lengyel20070815.htm

“The United States has a National Security problem, energy security, in which the Department of Defense has a unique interest. The United States imports 26% of its total energy supply and 56% of the oil it consumes. The DOD is the largest single consumer of energy in the United States and energy is the key enabler of US military combat power. Huge energy consumption, increased competition for limited energy supplies, ever increasing energy costs, and no comprehensive Energy Strategy or oversight of energy issues in the DOD have created vulnerabilities.”

Federal Electricity Subsidies: Information on Research Funding, Tax Expenditures, and Other Activities That Support Electricity Production

US Government Accountability Office – October 26, 2007 – 67 pages

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-102

“Because of electricity’s importance to producers, consumers, and businesses, the federal government has undertaken a wide range of programs to develop the electricity sector, which includes fuel suppliers, electric utilities, and others in the electricity industry. These programs have sought to, among other things, develop the nation’s electrical infrastructure, influence the types of fuels used to produce electricity, increase the use of renewable energy, and limit the harmful effects of electricity production.”

Reaping the Rewards: How State Renewable Electricity Standards Are Cutting Pollution, Saving Money, Creating Jobs And Fueling A Clean Energy Boom

Federation of States PIRGs – September 17, 2007 – 64 pages

http://www.uspirg.org/uploads/n9/pG/n9pGh-1aBbt5IAFiNOvCQQ/Reaping-the-Rewards-USPIRG.pdf

“America now generates twice as much electricity from the wind and the sun as it did just four years ago. RES policies have been among the most important factors in encouraging the development of renewable energy. This report documents the benefits that have already been achieved by states that have adopted renewable electricity standards.”

Energy Efficiency: Opportunities Exist for Federal Agencies to Better Inform Household Consumers.

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate – Report to the Chairman - September 26, 2007

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1162

“Overall, opportunities exist for the EnergyGuide program to improve how it provides information that could help consumers improve their households’ energy efficiency and decrease energy consumption nationally.”

Commodity Futures Trading Commission: Trends in Energy Derivatives Markets Raise Questions about CFTC's Oversight

United States Government Accountability Office - Testimony Before the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management - Committee on Agriculture - House of Representatives - October 24 – 25 pages

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-174T

“Energy prices for crude oil, heating oil, unleaded gasoline, and natural gas have risen substantially since 2002, generating questions about the role derivatives markets have played and the scope of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) authority. This testimony focuses on (1) trends and patterns in the futures and physical energy markets and their effects on energy prices, (2) the scope of CFTC’s regulatory authority, and (3) the effectiveness of CFTC’s monitoring and detection of abuses in energy markets.”

Energy Market and Economic Impacts Of S.280, the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007

Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy - July 2007 – 92 pages

http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/csia/pdf/sroiaf(2007)04.pdf

“This report provides estimates of the economic impact of Senate Bill S.280, the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007. This bill would establish a series of caps on greenhouse gases starting in 2012 and continuing to 2050. The report provides estimates of the effects on energy markets and the economy through 2030.”

TAXES

Kevin A. Hassett and Gilbert E. Metcalf

An Energy Tax Policy for the Twenty-First Century

American Enterprise Institute Online - August 9, 2007 – 5 pages

http://www.aei.org/publications/filter.all,pubID.26625/pub_detail.asp

“The United States' energy tax policy is rooted in a twentieth-century objective to encourage the development of the domestic energy sector. With the new geopolitical realities of the twenty-first century, it is an opportune time to revisit our policies.”

Eric Toder

Eliminating Tax Expenditures with Adverse Environmental Effects

WRI and Brookings - Policy brief - June 2007 - 12 pages

http://pdf.wri.org/Brookings-WRI_TaxExpenditures.pdf

“This policy brief examines four tax expenditures listed by the Joint Committee on Taxation—each with an annual revenue loss of over $1 billion—that increase consumption of fossil fuels. The first three—expensing of exploration and development costs, percentage depletion, and the alternative fuel production credit—encourage domestic production of fossil fuels. The fourth—exemption of qualified parking expenses—encourages commuting by automobile.”

Gilbert E. Metcalf

A Green Employment Tax Swap: Using a Carbon Tax to Finance Payroll Tax Relief

The Brookings Institution and World Resource Institute – Policy Brief – June 2007 - 8 pages

http://pdf.wri.org/Brookings-WRI_GreenTaxSwap.pdf

“A carbon tax is another way to limit emissions. This policy brief describes how a carbon tax could be implemented and presents an analysis of a Green Employment Tax Swap (GETS). Under this proposal, a national tax on carbon emissions is paired with a reduction in the payroll tax. In particular, the brief assesses the impact of a tax of $15 per metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is used to rebate the federal payroll tax on the first $3,660 of earnings per worker. This reform is both revenue-neutral and distributionally neutral.”

BILATERAL AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Frank Verrastro and Sarah Ladislaw

Providing Energy Security in an Interdependent World

The Washington Quarterly – Autumn 2007 – 10 pages

http://www.twq.com/07autumn/docs/07autumn_verrastro.pdf

“Concern over the continued ability to secure energy supplies from an in­creasing list of inaccessible, high-risk, or less than reliable parts of the world has prompted policymakers to once again raise the issues of the desirability and achievability of energy independence. Yet, focusing on energy indepen­dence, although politically attractive, is a misguided quest that can actually distract from the more important objective of managing the transition to a more sustainable and secure energy future.”

Zha Daojiong and Hu Weixing

Promoting Energy Partnership in Beijing and Washington

The Washington Quarterly – Autumn 2007 – 11 pages

http://www.twq.com/07autumn/docs/07autumn_zha-hu.pdf

“In an age of global interdependence, Beijing and Washington should seek to ameliorate differences on tense energy issues. Although dialogues on energy security conceptualizations and policy preferences are positive, they must move beyond talking toward a true partnership that can confront the common challenges they face as importers.”

Mark P. Sullivan, Clare M. Ribando, and Nelson Olhero

Latin America: Energy Supply, Political Developments, and U.S. Policy Approaches.

Congressional Research Service (CRS), Library of Congress - Updated May 8, 2007 – 23 pages

http://ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSreports/07Jun/RL33693.pdf

“Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela supply the U.S. with almost 50% of its imported oil and petroleum products. The oil reserves in the Western Hemisphere are approximately 24% of worldwide reserves. The U.S. has the largest proven reserves of natural gas in the hemisphere—approximately 37%. However, most Latin American and Caribbean countries are net energy importers. This report examines the current political environment in Latin America and its effect on energy production in the region. The report also discusses efforts to help Latin American and Caribbean countries that are dependent on energy imports. Lastly, it examines proposed policies for increased hemispheric energy cooperation and security.”

Zeyno Baran

EU Energy Security: Time to End Russian Leverage

The Washington Quarterly – Autumn 2007 – 14 pages

http://www.twq.com/07autumn/docs/07autumn_baran.pdf

“Questions regarding the security and sustainability of energy supply have mostly been left to individual EU member states and to the invisible hand of the market. Many European leaders preferred not to discuss the geopoli­tics of energy, instead delegating this portfolio to their economic ministries. Russia, the European Union’s primary oil and gas provider, has deliberately taken ad­vantage of this lack of cohesion to gain favorable energy deals and heighten European dependence on Russian supplies. Moscow is pursuing a divide and conquer strategy of amassing bilateral deals with member states..”

Erica S. Downs

The Fact and Fiction of Sino-African Energy Relations

The Brookings Institution - China Security - Summer 2007 – 27 pages

http://www3.brookings.edu/views/articles/fellows/downs20070913.pdf

“The expanding footprint in Africa of China's national oil companies (NOCs) lies at the heart of concerns of many policy-makers and pundits in the United States and Europe. China's deepening engagement with Africa is viewed as an erosion of their own interests and influence on the continent…This article examines a number of widely accepted "facts" about the growing involvement of China's NOCs in Africa. While some of these have some validity, others simply do not. Contrary to public opinion, China's NOCs are not "locking up" the lion's share of African oil as part of a centralized quest for energy.”

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Fred Sissine

Renewable Energy: Background and Issues for the 110th Congress

Congressional Research Service (CRS) - September 6, 2007 - 37 pages

http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/92953.pdf

“Renewable energy can be used to produce liquid fuels and electricity. A variety of funding, tax incentives, and regulatory policies have been enacted to support renewables as a means for addressing concerns about energy security, air pollution, international competitiveness, and climate change. This report reviews the background for renewables and describes the current congressional debate.”

Brent D. Yacobucci

Biofuels Provisions in H.R. 3221 and H.R. 6: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Congressional Research Service (CRS) - August 21, 2007 - 35 pages

http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/92963.pdf

“With recent high energy prices, concerns over energy security, and the desire to reduce air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, there is ongoing congressional interest in promoting greater use of alternatives to petroleum fuels. Biofuels — transportation fuels produced from plants and other organic materials — have attracted particular interest. Ethanol and biodiesel, the two most widely used biofuels, receive significant federal support in the form of tax incentives, loan and grant programs, and regulatory programs.”

National Geothermal Initiative

Senate Energy Committee - Hearing - September 26, 2007

http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=1656

“The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on S. 1543, a bill to establish a national geothermal initiative to encourage increased production of energy from geothermal resources by creating a program of geothermal research, development, demonstration and commercial application to support the achievement of a national geothermal energy goal.”

Witnesses: President of Icelqnd Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Alexander Karsner, U.S. Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Myers, Director, USGS, Susan Petty, AltaRock Energy; Dr. Lisa Shevenell, University of Nevada; Dr. David R. Wunsch, New Hampshire Geological Survey; Dr. Kenneth H. Williamson, Geothermal Consultant

GAS AND OIL

Josef Braml

Can the United States Shed Its Oil Addiction?

The Washington Quarterly – Autumn 2007 – 14 pages

http://www.twq.com/07autumn/docs/07autumn_braml.pdf

“Since the 1950s, U.S. energy consumption, mainly driven by the transportation sector and fed by oil, has almost tripled. Because the cultiva­tion of domestic resources has not been able to keep up with demand, the United States has become increasingly dependent on energy supplies from un­stable regions of the world. The costs and risks to national security provide the first major incentive for a readjustment of U.S. energy policy. U.S. dependency on foreign energy creates immense economic challenges and vulnerabilities as well.”

Facing the Hard Truths about Energy: A Comprehensive View To 2030 Of Global Oil And Natural Gas: Draft Report

NPC Global Oil and Gas Study - National Petroleum Council (NPC) - July 18, 2007 – 422 pages

http://www.npc.org/Facing_Hard_Truths-71807.pdf

“This study found that global energy demand is projected to grow by 50-60 percent by 2030. At the same time, there are risks to the supply of reliable, affordable energy. The risks, as outlined in this report, are political, infrastructure requirements, and lack of a trained workforce. The report concludes with strategies to meet these challenges.”

Joseph G. Haubrich and Brent Meyer

Peak Oil

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland – Economic Commentary – August 15, 2007 – 4 pages

http://www.clevelandfed.org/research/Commentary/2007/0815.pdf

“When will the world’s production of oil peak, and what will the economic consequences be?
Calculating when turns out not to be so straightforward as it seems, but predicting the likely
economic consequences is—and they’re not as bleak as many fear.”

Toni Johnson

Non-OPEC Oil Production

Council on Foreign Relations – October 19, 2007

http://www.cfr.org/publication/14554/

“Oil producers operating outside the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are responsible for producing 60 percent of the world’s oil and face increasing production hurdles. Experts say many of the non-OPEC producers have older, less productive wells, rising costs for new projects, and in some cases rising demand at home that may cut into exports.”

Federal Trade Commission Report On Spring/Summer 2006 Nationwide Gasoline Price Increases

Federal Trade Commission – August 2007 - 27 pages

http://www.ftc.gov/reports/gasprices06/P040101Gas06increase.pdf

“In response to the President’s April 2006 directive, staff of the Commission conducted an economic analysis and investigation of the national average gasoline price increases that began during the spring of 2006 and continued through the summer. Using this information, staff identified six factors that appear to explain the national average price increases that occurred during the spring and summer of 2006, and then quantified the price impact of each of those six factors.”

NUCLEAR AND FUSION ENERGY

Jack Spencer

The Nuclear Renaissance: Ten Principles to Guide U.S. Policy

The Heritage Foundation – WebMemo #1640 – September 26, 2007 – 4 pages

http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/upload/wm_1640.pdf

“Nuclear power has many advantages over other power sources, but a global expansion of peaceful nuclear technology could present risks if not managed properly. To reap the benefits of nuclear power, while minimizing the risks, the United States must commit to reestablishing itself as a technology leader in commercial nuclear power, avoid unwanted foreign dependencies, modernize its approach to waste disposal, promote marketplace freedom, and modify its approach to nonproliferation. The 10 straightforward principles laid out in this paper should guide Congress and the Administration's actions.”

Mark E. Gaffigan

Nuclear Energy: NRC Has Made Progress in Implementing Its Reactor Oversight and Licensing Processes but Continues to Face Challenges

Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, Committee on Environment and Public Works – U.S. Senate - October 3, 2007 – 17 pages

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-114T

“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for overseeing the nation’s 104 commercial nuclear power reactors to ensure they are operated safely. This testimony is based on GAO reports that reviewed (1) how NRC implements the ROP, (2) the results of the ROP over several years, (3) the status of NRC’s efforts to improve the ROP, (4) NRC’s efforts to prepare its workforce and manage its workload for new reactor licensing, and (5) NRC’s efforts to develop its regulatory framework and review processes for new reactor activities.”

Nuclear Energy: NRC's Workforce and Processes for New Reactor Licensing Are Generally in Place, but Uncertainties Remain as Industry Begins to Submit Applications

United States Government Accountability Office – Report to Congressional Committees – September 2007 – 41 pages

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071129.pdf

“Nearly three decades after the last order for a new nuclear power reactor in the United States, electric power companies plan to submit 20 applications in the next 18 months to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for licenses to build and operate new reactors. Since 1989, NRC has developed a new license review process that allows a power company to obtain a construction permit and an operating license through a single combined license (COL) based on one of a number of standard reactor designs. NRC expects its new process to enhance the efficiency and predictability of its reviews. GAO reviewed NRC’s readiness to evaluate these applications by examining the steps NRC has taken to (1) prepare its workforce and manage its workload and (2) develop its regulatory framework and review process for new reactor activities.”

Jack Spencer

Congress Must Implement CSC Treaty to Reinvigorate U.S. Nuclear Industry

The Heritage Foundation – Web Memo #1658 – October 9, 2007 – 2 pages

http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/upload/wm_1658.pdf

“September 29 marked the 10-year anniversary of the United States signing the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC). The House of Representatives has failed to pass legislation to implement the treaty. As it stands, U.S. firms are exposed to unlimited liability in U.S. courts, virtually barring them from competing for nuclear energy projects abroad.

Participating in the CSC will better enable U.S. companies to engage in peaceful international nuclear commerce. Congress should quickly adopt implementing legislation that will increase American competitiveness, demonstrate American leadership, and come at no cost to taxpayers.”

Fusion Energy: Definitive Cost Estimates for U.S. Contributions to an International Experimental Reactor and Better Coordinated DOE Research Are Needed

United States Government Accountability Office – Report to Congressional Committees - October 26 – 38 pages

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-30

“The United States is pursuing two paths to fusion energy—magnetic and inertial. On November 21, 2006, the United States signed an agreement with five countries and the European Union to build and operate the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache, France, to demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic fusion energy. The United States also built and operates facilities to pursue inertial fusion energy research. This report discusses (1) U.S. contributions to ITER and the challenges, if any, in managing this international fusion program and (2) the Department of Energy’s (DOE) management of alternative fusion research activities, including National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) initiatives.”

MISCELLANEOUS

Lisa Margonelli

Start-Up U

New America Foundation – California – September/October 2007

http://newamerica.net/publications/articles/2007/start_u_5890

“With global warming breathing down our necks, energy is hot. And Berkeley, where brainpower is mingling with government power-brokers to implement the state’s greenhouse gas legislation, is even hotter. Having just announced a $500 million ten-year deal with oil giant BP to found a new Energy Biosciences Institute on campus, Steven Chu, the Nobel Prize winner and head of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), made a pitch for more: “We are seeking industry partnerships ... We seek solutions. We don’t seek, dare I say, science papers anymore.””

Rajeev Dhawan and Karsten Jeske

What Determines the Output Drop after an Energy Price Increase: Household or Firm Energy Share?

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta - Working Paper 2007-20 – August 2007 – 12 pages

http://www.frbatlanta.org/filelegacydocs/wp0720.pdf

“During the past thirty-five years, energy use as a fraction of output has dropped significantly at both the household and the firm levels. Therefore, we investigate a dynamic stochastic generalized equilibrium model economy’s response to an energy price hike for different firm and household energy shares. Simulation results indicate that the economy’s output response is mainly determined by the firm energy share. Increasing the household energy share while keeping firm energy share constant actually decreases the output response.”

Green Energy News

http://www.green-energy-news.com/index.html

“Bruce Mulliken has been covering news and commentary on the world of clean, efficient, and renewable energy since 1996. His Green Energy News site is geared towards a broad audience that includes the general public, industry professionals, and government officials. First-time visitors will want to look at the "News Stories" on the front page which in recent editions have included pieces on the growing hydrogen economy, the potential of parking lots as a form of solar power, and the possibility of a zero emission electric vehicle with two wheels. Those looking for previous news features can browse the "Archives and Resources" area, which dates back to April 1996. Those looking for "green" events should browse over to the "Events Calendar" section, which provides links to upcoming events such as renewable energy conferences.”

Daniel Cohn-Bendit sur l'energie

Extraits de son article dans le Monde du 22/03/2007

Cinquante ans après le traité sur le charbon et l'acier les Européens doivent réduire leur dépendance énergétique, assurer la sécurité d'approvisionnement, mais en tenant compte cette fois de la dégradation climatique.

L'UE ne pourra plus compter sur ses ressources en pétrole et en gaz de la mer du Nord en cours d'épuisement . Selon la Commission européenne : sans changement radical de nos habitudes de consommation et de production énergétiques, la dépendance énergétique de l'UE d'ici à 2030 atteindra les 70 % de sa consommation - respectivement 80 % pour le gaz, 66 % pour le charbon et 90 % pour le pétrole. L'Europe importe déjà la quasi-totalité de son uranium, en provenance de pays instables.

Les litiges entre la Russie, l'Ukraine,et la Biélorussie invitent à une stratégie commune des sources d'approvisionnement: par ex. oléoducs evitant la Russie à travers des pays de transit déjà membres de l'Union (sauf la Turquie)...

Le volet énergétique devrait être inclus dans la future politique étrangère et de sécurité commune (PESC) toujours exclue du champ communautaire.

Ll'UE devra investir massivement dans les énergies renouvelables, pour des raisons économiques et ecologiques. 25 % de la consommation au moins devraient être assurés à partir des sourcesrenouvelable d'ici à 2020.

Mais il faudra également l'Allemagne et la France scinder les secteurs de la production et de la distribution. La consommation elle-même doit être maîrisée...
Technologies innovantes dans la rénovation et la construction des bâtiments (secteur qui consomme 40 % de l'énergie utilisée dans l'Union), ainsi que des voitures, des appareils électroménagers et domestiques plus économes.

Changement des comportements? suite aux efforts de Al Gore, Nicolas Hulot ou Nicholas Stern ( rapport au gouvernement britannique : si dans les dix années à venir nous n'avons pas trouvé les moyens de réduire la production des gaz à effet de serre, le coût pour l'économie mondiale d'ici à 2100 excédera celui des deux guerres mondiales pour s'élever à 5 500 milliards d'euros. Quant aux effets sociaux, il les compare à ceux subis lors de la crise de 1929 et estime à 200 millions le nombre de personnes déplacées pour cause d'inondations ou de sécheresse. Cela dépasse le cadre d'une élection...

L'exigence climatique nous invite à reprendre le modèle du pacte de stabilité pour l'appliquer au climat.Moratoire sur la construction de nouvelles centrales, viser à terme la fermeture des anciennes, tout en élaborant une politique des transports durable, notamment par une internalisation des coûts et une taxation spécifique (près de 30 % des gaz à effets de serre proviennent des transports responsables de 70 % de la consommation de l'UE en pétrole quand leur dépendance aux produits pétroliers est de 96 %), nous pouvons réduire d'au moins 30 % les émissions de gaz à effet de serre, en particulier le CO₂ d'ici à 2020 et de 40 % d'ici à 2030 sans pour autant recourir au nucléaire.

L'objectif doit être la stabilisation de la température à l'échelle planétaire qui ne devra excéder que de 2 degrés celle rencontrée à l'époque préindustrielle. L'UE se positionnerait en tête de la course à l'innovation et à la compétitivité. Le monde de l'entreprise comprend aussi que la lutte contre le changement climatique est une affaire rentable . La British Petroleum a investi dans l'énergie solaire.

Un chantier gigantesque que nous pouvons pourtant lancer en attendant que les Etats-Unis élisent un nouveau président qui respectera le protocole de Kyoto. Le nouveau traité constitutionnel aura conservé la base juridique nécessaire: le principe de lutte contre la dégradation climatique comme principe régissant toutes les politiques de l'Union.

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Daniel Cohn-Bendit est député Verts au Parlement européen