Clean Energy, Jobs and National Security
The Phoenix Sun
In April, 2007, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi created acongressional committee to address three of the most pressing issues ofthe day: climate change, economic prosperity (in the form of jobs), andnational security. Today, the House Select Committee on EnergyIndependence and Global Warming, issued a final report. Afterthree-and-a-half years, 80 hearings and briefings with hundreds ofexperts testifying, the committee is no more. It will not continue inthe Republican-controlled House.
Which is too bad, because the three challenges — climate change,jobs, national security — remain as daunting today as they were in 2007. In many ways, the problems have grown over time.
Since the committee was first gavelled into session, American’s havespent $1.3 trillion on imported oil. Our jobless rate was 4.6 percent in 2007; in December, that figure stood at 9.8 percent. And the level ofCO2 in the atmosphere has gone from 385 to 388.59 parts per million inthese three plus years.
The committee report on this nexus should be required reading for all Americans — particularly those individuals convening in the nation’scapitol this week, as part of the 112th Congress.
Image: Vice-Admiral Dennis McGinn testifying before the Select Committee, December 10, 2010
Original Article on The Phoenix Sun
The Phoenix Sun covers solar power from Phoenix, Arizona – the sunniest major city in the nation. In addition to reportingon innovations in solar technology, green job growth and advice for homeowners who want to go solar, the Sun investigates stories you won’t findelsewhere. We cover the legal, political and regulatory framework that has keptthe US solar power industry far behind competitors in Europe and Asia. And wetrack the potential for a solar surge today and tomorrow. The sun isedited by investigative reporter Osha Gray Davidson who has covered theenvironment and politics for 25 years, writing for Mother Jones, RollingStone, the New York Times, and other national and international publications.Articles l Homepage