Economic Advantages of Green Energy Take Precedence over Environmental Benefits in Obama Acceptance Speech
by Matthew McDermott, Brooklyn, NY on 08.29.08
Many of you have probably seen, heard or read about Barack Obama’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last night. For those who haven’t seen it and who have 45 minutes to spare, a video of the entire speech is embedded above. However for those with less time on their hands, here are the relevant portions in regards to what Mr Obama has said in regards to energy policy.
Environmental and climate change policy were not mentioned.The fact that these are absent from this speech is slightly disconcerting, but if pushing forward the economic benefits of renewable energy is what it takes to convince more people of its virtues (and the end result is lowered greenhouse gas emissions), then I won’t begrudge Barack for not mentioning them in this venue.
Ending Oil Dependency
And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as president: In 10 years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East. We will do this.Washington -- Washington has been talking about our oil addiction for the last 30 years. And, by the way, John McCain has been there for 26 of them. And in that time, he has said no to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars, no to investments in renewable energy, no to renewable fuels.And today, we import triple the amount of oil than we had on the day that Senator McCain took office.
Now is the time to end this addiction and to understand that drilling is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution, not even close.
It probably goes without saying that better fuel efficiency standards, more investment in renewable energy and more consistent government policy on incentives (too bad this last one wasn’t mentioned...) are all perennial themes on TreeHugger. It’s also good to see that Obama has said that simply drilling for more oil is not a realistic proposition for kicking the oil habit.
Energy Security/Independence
As president, as president, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I'll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. [...] Yes, government must lead on energy independence, but each of us must do our part to make our homes and businesses more efficient.
I would have liked to see renewable energy come first in the speech—and as we’ve said before, there’s really no such thing as clean coal— but then again I don’t have to carry coal-producing states. I guess we’ll have to see how this one pans out if Obama is elected.
In regards to the government leading on energy policy, but all of us having to do our part to improve how efficiently we use energy: It sounds like he’s been reading TreeHugger.
On Renewable Energy
And I'll invest $150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy -- wind power, and solar power, and the next generation of biofuels -- an investment that will lead to new industries and 5 million new jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced.
Can’t complain here, especially considering there’s mention of the next generation of biofuels, rather than the support he’s previously shown for corn ethanol.
Obviously there’s no specific policy to comment upon here, but the fact that he recognizes the economic benefits of increasing renewable energy investment is good to see. As I said at the outset, while I might argue that the environmental benefits of renewable energy are even more important than the real economic benefits, in uncertain economic times if that's what it takes to sell the concept, then so be it.
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I like what he said and myself and my wife are currently more inline with his views and goals. So I must admit that I try to avoid politics as much as possible. So is there a website that anyone can recommend to do the research on each candidates position? Especially now with McCain announcing his running mate. This is too important of an election to base your choice on what the media provides you.
I like what he said and myself and my wife are currently more inline with his views and goals. So I must admit that I try to avoid politics as much as possible. So is there a website that anyone can recommend to do the research on each candidates position? Especially now with McCain announcing his running mate. This is too important of an election to base your choice on what the media provides you.
TH...
Please remember Americans think bank account first and foremost...
He played it fine...
If the issue still gets addressed...should we not be happy about that???
The environmental benefits of renewable energy are almost entirely inherent -- his attempt to focus renewable energy as a positive economic benefit can be adopted by a broader base of people and is at least an order of magnitude more effective than attempting to sell renewable energy primarily as an environmental issue with positive economic side-benefits.
We already know of the environmental benefits -- we don't need politicians to sell the concept to us, stop demanding/whining for affirmation and start working towards getting the job underway. If in order to bring the silent majority to our way of thinking means initially speaking to the positive economic benefits then speak to the positive economic benefits first!
Regarding Clean Coal, there is a simple approach to this problem. Simply pass legislation that states that no new coal plants that aren't clean (setting specific emission requirements, of course) can be built, and that by 2012 all plants need to reduce emissions by 80%.
If the coal industry is so proud of their ability to provide clean energy, let them prove it. If, on the other hand, as we all know this is a fiction, let's call their bluff and get this advertising campaign pushing clean coal killed once and for all.
Very well said; you are absolutely correct!
He said he will invest in clean coal technologies, not build clean coal power plants. Remember, this is a political speech.
You say "there's no such thing as clean coal" and I agree, but there isn't ANY clean energy production, it's all just graded on a curve (coal at or near the bottom). There aren't cheap, tiny efficient PVs for the masses either, but do you want stop investing in the technology? That's called giving up. This is a politcal speech, it's intended to say nothing, but say everything. And I think he did a good job. He's is (attempting) to change our pollution through the main concern of Americans: the economy. That says a lot. He could have left the two disconnected, but he strengthened the benefit of clean energy by marrying them. Bravo. That's good writing.
You'll never sell "save the world" to the majority. But you can sell "better for you." And that's good marketing.
Economy is way more pursuasive than morality or science, which are politically dangerous (yes using facts of science gets you nowhere in this country).
Fine by me, whatever means necessary.
As an engineering student, my focus on environmentalism, has little to down with the actual environment, and more the fact that systems which are not sustainable, are therefore poorly designed. This speech made all the important points in that regard as far as I'm concerned.
Simply put, everyone can get behind the idea of domestic renewable (and therefore more economically stable) fuel, as well as sources of clean electricity, which will soon offer great economic advantages over coal and others.
Like everyone else has said, telling people to conserve doesn't work, it never has and never will. creating replacements which offer people clean alternatives with no change of lifestyle is the only thing people will actually get on board with. This is the mentality Obama is utilizing, as opposed to his opposition, which prefers to pretend everything is just great as is.
@ Josh
http://www.votesmart.org/ has backgrounds and voting histories on everybody from state to federal level. good luck.
Troll seems to have it right in my view. Obama's got the bulk of the Dem vote, now he has to continue working on the middle and left leaning conservatives.
(Anyone else find it ironic that the GOP oil flunkies are referred to as "conservatives")
... "end our dependence on oil from the Middle East"
?
Why the Middle East specification?
Is it to keep (some amount of) addiction on oil, but now based on imports from Brazil or Russia?
Why the Middle East specification?
Is it to tap into the US 'feelings' about arabs and muslims?
Why the Middle East specification?