States Key to Climate Change, Energy Independence
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
The recent unrest in Egypt has sent oil prices upward as concerns mount that similar uprisings could spread to the major oil-producing states of the Middle East, reminding us, once again, of the need to end our dependence on foreign oil. Couple this with the difficult challenge of addressing climate change and the result may well be a stepped-up emphasis on developing alternative sources of energy and an increased focus on energy conservation.
A comprehensive national program that provides funding for research and the incentives necessary to reach our goal of energy independence would create new, green jobs and help put the brakes on climate change, but the Republican Party’s determination to block the establishment of any kind of cap-and-trade system aimed at reducing carbon production means that strong, national market incentives for innovation and large-scale investment in alternative energy remain elusive.
The answer, in the short term, seems to be innovation on the state level.
For the past several years, Rhode Island has been at the forefront of an effort that resulted in a regional, ten-state market for carbon trading with respect to large power generators. Together, with even more robust efforts in California, there is the potential to create national market power for reducing greenhouse gases and generating funding for renewable energy.
Uncertainty in the Middle East may also mean that Rhode Islanders are more inclined to back new, alternative energy production methods. One such energy project that could benefit is Deepwater Wind. Hailed by its promoters as a key answer to our energy problems, it has been buffeted by legal challenges and the downside that, at least in the beginning, electricity rates will be higher. The same scenario could play out as well in North Kingstown where a proposed wind farm has bumped up against strong local opposition in this seaside town.
With this stark reminder from abroad, it is important that Rhode Island build on its already impressive efforts to develop its own job-creating alternative sources of energy. The key will be to maintain the momentum long after the echoes of this recent Mideast crisis has past.
Rob Horowitz is a strategic and communications consultant who provides general consulting, public relations, direct mail services and polling for national and state issue organizations, various non-profits and elected officials and candidates. He is an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island.
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