So What's in Obama's Overstuffed Environmental Suggestion Box?
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York 
on 11.16.08
Photo courtesy of Timeout
After Election Day yielded a brand new (allegedly) environmentally progressive president-elect, the green-mined media and blogosphere predictably spawned a deluge of To-Do and Should-Do lists for the new head of state-to-be. Everyone from the prestigious New York Times to humble ol' yours truly was guilty of contributing to the advisory frenzy. But as resident TreeHugger John Laumer sagely pointed out shortly after, such suggestions are largely ineffective and potentially counter-productive: the most important thing we can do at the moment is fall in—Obama's suggestion box is full.
However, that doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile to peruse the suggestion box for recommendations drafted by some of the most respected environmental committees and organizations in the nation—even if Obama will likely never get around to reading them. Here are three leading environmental organizations' outlined suggestions for the new president-elect:
1. Presidential Action Climate Project
This group features a panel consisting of former senators and the likes of Ray Anderson, the CEO gone-green and now-chairman of Interface. And its contribution to the burgeoning box of environmental advice is:
-A tenfold increase in the federal investment in developing and commercializing clean energy technologies;-A 30 percent reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and 50 percent reduction on petroleum consumption by 2020
-A CAFE standard of 50 miles per gallon by 2025; and
-Meeting America's energy needs without constructing any new conventional coal power plants.
2. The American Wind Energy Association
Seems like AWEA will be swinging by Washington to drop off a few suggestions too. And it looks like they'll mostly concern—surprise—the importance of investing in wind power. Randall Swisher, AWEA's executive Director has issued the following advice:
" . . . Federal policy adjustments are needed to help the industry perform well in the context of the current financial situation. More broadly, the nation needs an energy policy that places a high priority on renewable energy both to stimulate the economy and fight climate change. With demand for clean, domestic energy resources on the rise and the need for environmental solutions becoming more urgent, wind power is the best option to quickly and lastingly address some of our nation's most pressing challenges."
AWEA also outlines the following suggestions:
-A national renewable electricity standard,-A long-term extension of the renewable energy production tax credit,
-A process to facilitate investment in transmission lines to tap the nation's vast wind and other renewable energy sources
-Meaningful climate change legislation measures
3. American Farmland Trust
With Mr. Obama heading for office, the AFT has issued a release with the following heading: "America Has a Historic Opportunity to Shape Farm and Food Policy." It includes, of course, a list of recommendations regarding agricultural policy for the upcoming term. Some highlights:
-Focus greater attention on protecting farmland and improving the economic viability of farms;-Increase the availability of fresh, local foods;
-Give farmers incentives to protect the environment; and,
-Strengthen the connection between local farms and consumers.
Some sound suggestions, there. But . . .
On one hand, these organizations' commendable initiatives and readiness to engage a new political era is admirable. But looking over just these three organizations' varied suggestions, you get a sense of how exhausting this incessant advice-giving is—and that, if anything, it might be overwhelming any potentially receptive parties. I'll refer you again to the sound call for patience and cooperation advocated by Mr. Laumer—and reiterate that once all the well-meaning white noise fades, we should all be ready and willing to help usher in the new era of environmental policy.
More on Obama and the Environment:
Obama and McCain Discuss Global Warming, Environmental Views in ...
Obama v. Bush: Climate Change Executive Order Reversals, Could ...
Green Eyes On: President Obama , How About Organic Farming ...
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Is School Food Harming Kids? Enlist a Labor Day Eat-In To Promote Fresh, Healthy Food
- Yes, There is Such a Thing as an Optimistic, Green American: Be One!
- The Happiest, Greenest Place on Earth—Seriously!
- Surf Green with Eco-Friendly Surf Gear
- Get Behind Supreme Court Nominee Sotomayor—60 Green Groups Already Have
- Green Glossary: Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
I had the great honour to meet and spend several hours with Ray C. Anderson in Atlanta in February 2006. It was he that suggested my book
www.strategicbookpublishing.com/ZEROGreenhouseEmissions.html
Ray did much to advise on sound poilcy for the Clinton administration. Obama would be well advised to do the same. But we need to get the will for change to come from the person in the street, not just those informed in the environmental area. Politicians will always walk in front of a popular parade of the people.
Bob Williamson
Chair & Founder
Greenhouse Neutral Foundation
The advice given by the lobbyists for these groups is no different from the advice given by lobbyists for tobacco industries. Both lobbying groups advocate economically unsound policies that would directly benefit their employers. The only difference is that environmental advice is given under the guise of altruism, meant to deceive easily-misled voters.
The advice given by the lobbyists for these groups is no different from the advice given by lobbyists for tobacco industries. Both lobbying groups advocate economically unsound policies that would directly benefit their employers. The only difference is that environmental advice is given under the guise of altruism, meant to deceive easily-misled voters.
The government can't fix it all.
It's got to be up to us. Check this out:
http://www.filthyrichmond.com/2008/11/its-up-to-us-to-save-environment.html
I can see that President-elect Obama would be very overwhelmed by all the proposed environmental changes, but I also think that there is great overlap in the policies described in this article. I think that Obama could potentially, at least minimally, address some of the proposed policy changes collectively if he realizes the relational aspect of them. For instance, by increasing the local foods as proposed by AFT, Obama's administration could begin to work towards a goal of decreased use in greenhouse emissions and petroleum consumption because the local shipments would require less travel nationwide. I think the task is daunting, but I am certain that Obama has the potential to meet the challenge head on.
What really stands out are the silly objectives of the American Farmland Trust. Nowhere did I see remove government subsidies from crops that contribute to the detriment of the nation's health, e.g. corn. If they want to promote the availability of fresh, local foods, then fresh, local foods need to be cheaper and/or provide better quality than what's shipped in without sacrificing convenience. Not every community is lucky enough to have a farmers' market and even those that do, they're not always convenient to go to. It's why produce delivery services which buy local produce wholesale and deliver direct to the home are attractive. Unfortunately some of those services sacrifice choice and selection and those services are only available in select markets. One of the benefits of high fuel costs is the fact that domestic products are price competitive to imported products where overseas labor tends to be cheaper.
Step 1: Reverse every single thing ordered by George Bush.
For a quick summary of what the Obama-Biden campaign promised and, if enacted, what those policies would mean for the environment, this article by Kindy Kruller of the Delta Institute is pretty helpful:
http://www.greenexchange.com/read.php?id=25
Yes but... the problem with many of the suggestions listed is that they are either expensive (at a time the budget is strapped beyond all experience), economically dysfunctional (at a time we can't afford to further depress the economy) or unambitious, at a time we need to pull out the stops.
The Obama team is actively soliciting suggestions because they really do need some fresh ideas that are cheap, effective and won't kill the economy. They know it. So please don't discourage the flow of suggestions that team Obama wants and needs -- just encourage some original thinking, in the interest of meeting the above criteria. This is a time for brainstorming, and it would be nice to see TreeHugger championing and debating the best fresh ideas.
Good ideas may come from outside the fold. For instance, few traditional environmentalists, who may love the idea of an economy-killing carbon tax, would come up with the alternative of tax cutting their way to a greener future with a pro-growth, no-carbon tax cut Because it would be heresy in some ways to use a favorite Republican, Neo-Conservative, Supply-Side policy tool. But in fact, making all green energy, green infrastructure and green vehicles 100% tax free at all levels (sales, income, interest, capital gains, dividends) is probably the most effective way to supercharge private investment in green energy way beyond what Obama could accomplish through Federal spending -- and BTW, simultaneously reduce energy costs, save the economy and the auto industry all at the same time. Because, dang it all, Milton Friedman was right when he said" If you want more of something, tax it less."
'Nuff said here, but you can read more at http://www.greenenergytaxcuts.com/2008/11/since-you-ask.html
So TreeHugger, so Brian, please keep the new ideas rolling.
Yes but... the problem with many of the suggestions listed is that they are either expensive (at a time the budget is strapped beyond all experience), economically dysfunctional (at a time we can't afford to further depress the economy) or unambitious, at a time we need to pull out the stops.
The Obama team is actively soliciting suggestions because they really do need some fresh ideas that are cheap, effective and won't kill the economy. They know it. So please don't discourage the flow of suggestions that team Obama wants and needs -- just encourage some original thinking, in the interest of meeting the above criteria. This is a time for brainstorming, and it would be nice to see TreeHugger championing and debating the best fresh ideas.
Good ideas may come from outside the fold. For instance, few traditional environmentalists, who may love the idea of an economy-killing carbon tax, would come up with the alternative of tax cutting their way to a greener future with a pro-growth, no-carbon tax cut Because it would be heresy in some ways to use a favorite Republican, Neo-Conservative, Supply-Side policy tool. But in fact, making all green energy, green infrastructure and green vehicles 100% tax free at all levels (sales, income, interest, capital gains, dividends) is probably the most effective way to supercharge private investment in green energy way beyond what Obama could accomplish through Federal spending -- and BTW, simultaneously reduce energy costs, save the economy and the auto industry all at the same time. Because, dang it all, Milton Friedman was right when he said" If you want more of something, tax it less."
'Nuff said here, but you can read more at http://www.greenenergytaxcuts.com/2008/11/since-you-ask.html
So TreeHugger, so Brian, please keep the new ideas rolling.
RECOMMENDED SOLUTION TO GLOBAL CRISIS
Otso-Otso (88) Program
Government Recourse to Economic Global-crisis (GREG)
In pressing times the Government plays vital role in cushioning the impact of economic crisis. Without concern initiated by highest official of government the impending problem suffered by its people can never attain solutions.
There are lots of suggested solutions to cure economic illness yet this one is my little way of addressing it.
Economic Managers throughout the Globe must consider the three (3) areas of concern; Global warming; Environmental Protection compliance sustainability and Food security, are the main stream towards economic survival.
The government must consider these as focal point of thrust in addressing socio-economic crisis. In other words must adopt measures to twist 90 degrees or make a paradigm shift from highly technical and industrial advantage to Agricultural base approach depending solely on natural implements with the reduced cost and double the harvest result by fertilizing the soil without extremely harming the earth.
Let us all go back to the basic by refraining of using chemical fertilizer which is harmful to both human and environment, rather than go ORGANIC AND PRO-BIOTIC harvest.
The solution is quite clear acclaimed worldwide as the most potent Organic Fertilizer out of vermicast…… the answer is Vermiculture and Vermicomposting… By utilizing our segregated garbage and household waste… together we can build the future of healthy people while preserving the environment and guarantee food security in a nature’s best harvest.
Earthworms are the lowly yet lovable creatures who can save the world from disaster. According to Aristotle “ earthworms are the intestines of the earth”. Like the human intestine is the source of all illness if abused and improperly treated. This time the creatures we consider useless and neglected by many will surely save us from famine and food scarcity.
The only secret I know in solving the global crisis is not by dealing so much to industrialization but redirecting towards agriculture technology with the aid of the angels of the earth the “EARTHWORMS”.
Otso-otso (88) depict earthworms ….. a good program to start with leading towards economic recovery , stability and prosperity.
I could not be heard with my small voice by the stardom of political leaders in the world ….. though I’m not losing hope that this whisper in the wilderness reached the ears of sincere and honest politicians whose agenda is founded by unselfish public service…
Our Cebu, Philippines provincial government headed by the innovative Vice-Governor GREG SANCHEZ, JR. is leading the way in GO ORGANIC PROBIOTIC FARMING. The Office continuously shared the concept and train Local Government Units, Cooperatives and Non-government Associations with the end view of saving the earth and mankind. OUR CRUSADE…. OUR PASSION…..
Recommended by:
Alan M. Ypil
Local legislative Staff Officer II
Head-Special Projects Section
Office of the Vice-Governor
Province of Cebu
Cebu, Philippines
Email add: bendador@yahoo.com.ph