AMEriCA’S
Clean Energy Stars
A Report from Environment America
Nov 2007 - Aug 2008
Gold Star = Now has at least four
clean energy policies in place.
Silver Star = Now has at least two policies,
plus meaningful policies in one or two other areas.
rising Star = Evidences strong recent action on
energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
Shows Promise = Has instituted at least one
notable clean energy policy.
States are recognized for their aggressive adoption of initiatives in these five categories: renewable electricity standards; Clean
Cars program; energy efficiency standards and programs; energy efficiency standards for appliances; and building energy codes.
Source: Environment America’s “America’s Clean Energy Stars” report,
EnvironmentAmerica.org
“Tomorrow’s energy will come ers purchase a specified right to pol-
from a variety of sources, undoubtedly lute; and sellers that have reduced their Energy options
including wind, solar power, geother- emissions can realize a financial reward
mal and some sources we don’t even by selling their certificates. bIoFuELS
know about yet,” he told Natural Awak- Krupp believes that cap and trade Of all plant-based fuels, fireplace
enings. “I recently co-wrote a book will be in place within the next two wood is the simplest form.
called Earth: The Sequel, which looks at years, no matter who is elected presi- Ethanol made from corn has made
some of the country’s brightest inven- dent, and that the legislation “will cre- inroads, due to a 2005 federal mandate
tors and entrepreneurs who are devel- ate a cascade of private investment in for incorporation of 7.5 billion gallons
oping these alternatives. What we really new technologies.” of biofuels by 2012. But an accelerat-
need now is national ‘cap and trade’ Peter Lehner, executive director of ing “food vs. fuel” movement objects
global warming legislation, which will the Natural Resources Defense Coun- to concurrent increases in corn prices,
bring these new technologies into the cil, points out that lifting the current while others point out the energy re-
marketplace.” offshore drilling moratorium would not quired to produce corn ethanol exceeds
Under such a system, countries lead to any new production for seven the energy it delivers. Other, better,
will set a ceiling for global warming to 10 years, “And even then, it wouldn’t biofuels on tap include those made
emissions, and then manufacturing and significantly reduce energy prices.” from sugar cane, jatropha and algae.
other companies will have financial Instead, his environmental organiza-
incentives to reduce the pollution they tion would like to see development of a CoaL
produce to abide by that ceiling. In “low-carbon infrastructure” to replace Carbon-rich coal deposits are formed
the market, entities may buy and sell the 180,000 gas stations that pump oil from fossilized plants. Burned mostly
government emission certificates: buy- in the United States. to generate electricity, it’s still one of
the cheapest forms of energy, but at
enormous cost. Opponents cite coal as
the number-one aggravator of global
warming and fight destructive moun-
taintop removal mining practices that
have devastated Appalachia.
GEoTHERmaL
Modern Iceland heats almost all of its
buildings with hot spring water near
the surface there. But recent advances
make tapping into heat energy under
Earth’s crust accessible nearly any-
where. Geothermal heat pumps take
advantage of year-round 50-degree
38 Broward County
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