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Global Climate Change Policy
March 31, 1999
Contact: Allison Sayler
Te: 202-296-2237, ext. 14
Email: asayler@aaes.org
Man-made carbon dioxide emissions have been identified as a major potential cause of global climate change. Therefore, AAES supports strengthening U.S. research efforts into technologies to improve energy efficiency, utilize non-carbon energy sources, and minimize and sequester carbon dioxide. Results of such research would produce valuable benefits to society and the economy, whether or not carbon emission reductions will ultimately be required to address global climate change.
AAES believes the United States and all nations have an obligation to continue prudent and cost-effective measures to promote efficient use of natural resources, conservation, recycling, and environmentally responsible waste disposal. It remains the responsibility of the engineering community to provide technical leadership to address the world's environmental challenges.
Background
The United States has signed the Kyoto Protocol, which would require carbon emissions in the United States to be reduced by 7% below the levels that existed in 1990 by between 2008 and 2012. This translates to a requirement of reducing carbon emissions by 500-600 Million Metric Tons (MMTC). Present technology may afford some reductions, but not enough to meet the Kyoto targets within the time-frame specified without costly, non-sustainable changes in the energy mix.
The largest man-made contributors to greenhouse gas emissions are the transportation sector, the electric power generation sector, the building sector, and industrial sector. Analysis has shown the potential capabilities of each of these sectors to reduce their carbon emissions and that the time frame for meeting Kyoto carbon emission goals is not sufficient using existing technologies while maintaining the nation's diverse energy mix.
Policy Recommendations
AAES believes that the United States would be in a better position to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions if it were to pursue the following policies:
- A
detailed assessment of current or nearly available
cost-effective technologies for reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and steps necessary to accelerate
their penetration into the marketplace.
- Aggressively
support development of advanced carbon reduction
technologies, using such mechanisms as government-industry-university
research partnerships and permanent extension
of the R&E Tax Credit.
- Expand investment in advanced energy efficiency
technologies in all sectors of the economy.
- Increase investment in technologies that reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
- Hasten development of renewable energy technologies.
- Expedite research into carbon sequestration
technologies.
- Ensure continuation of nuclear power's significant role in the U.S. energy mix. This would include spurring research on advanced nuclear technologies, speeding the re-licensing of existing nuclear plants, and resolution of the waste disposal issue.
Finally, AAES believes that a robust debate on other policy alternatives should occur, whether or not the Kyoto Protocol is ratified by the United States.
For further information:
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Role for Federal Research, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 1998, (202) 962-8690
Nuclear Power: The Leading Strategy for Reducing Carbon Emissions, American Nuclear Society, 1998, (202) 312-7400
General Position Paper of ASME International on Technology Implications for the United States of the Kyoto Protocol Carbon Emissions Goals, American Society of Mechanical Engineers International, 1999, (202) 785-3756