First steps toward renewable resources

This Newsweek article, dated May 12, 2010, describes the first debates on a packed energy bill (called the American Power Act or the Kerry-Lieberman bill) designed to fight climate change. The bill includes $54 billion in federal loan guarantees for nuclear proponents, subsidies for companies that use/create renewable energy, and incentives for “clean coal” researchers. The bill also addresses the hot topic of oil drilling, which will increase but states can reject plans of drilling within 75 miles of their coastline.

The timing of this bill is precarious, as it immediately follows the huge oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and drilling’s reputation is less than spectacular at the moment.
Initially, environmentalists weren’t impressed with Kerry’s draft but have offered some support since.

We think this bill is a step in the right direction. Even if it doesn’t stop climate change or switch all energy sources to renewable energy, it’s better than doing nothing.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/camtrails/447548233/

By Brooke Adair & Alex Bishop