Shrink-Swap-Sequester
1) Shrink the amount of energy we use
2) Swap traditional energy production for renewable energy
3) Sequester and capture CO2 emissions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed finding last week, concluding that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare. The finding opens greenhouse gas emissions to regulation under the Clean Air Act, although the Obama Administration has indicated a preference for comprehensive legislation to address climate change and to create the framework for a clean energy economy. The proposed finding identified six major greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Carbon dioxide is the dominant greenhouse gas emitted in the United States, and it is primarily emitted through the combustion of fossil fuels. Efforts to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide will largely involve reducing the emissions from fossil fuel use, either by minimizing energy use through energy efficiency; switching to cleaner energy sources, such as renewable energy; or capturing and sequestering the carbon dioxide emissions.
The EPA’s “endangerment finding” focuses on the impact of climate change rather than on specific regulatory proposals. It finds that climate change may lead to higher levels of ground-level ozone, which is harmful to human health, and that it could lead to increased drought, heavier downpours and flooding, more intense storms, more frequent and intense heat waves and wildfires, greater sea level rise, and harm to water resources, agriculture, wildlife, and ecosystems. Although the endangerment finding does not include any proposed regulations, it does specifically call out automobiles as a source of greenhouse gases. The proposed endangerment finding is in response to a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. It will be open to public comment for 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
2 years ago • Notes