The National Academies Summit on America's Energy Future Summary of a Meeting (2008) / Chapter Skim
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14 Barriers and Potential
14 Barriers and Potential
Pages 133-138
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From page 133... ...
One reason for the limited success of these programs is that the United States does a good job of developing technologies but is less adept at commercializing those technologies, Bingaman said. For example, the Clinton-era Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles spent about $300 million a year in research and development on such technologies as hybrid engines.
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From page 134... ...
Few presidents are that engaged in energy issues. The one possible exception was President Carter, who unsuccessfully proposed substantial taxation on the use of hydrocarbons, "and so far as I've been able to see," Schlesinger said, "most politicians have not wanted to emulate him." The success of governmental policies depends on how well the political process works, Schlesinger observed.
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From page 135... ...
Also, politicians tend not to think quantitatively, Schlesinger said. They do not consider the vast amounts of effort required to reduce the more than 7 billion barrels of oil that the United States uses each year or the amounts of greenhouse gases released.
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From page 136... ...
And the Environmental Protection Agency writes national ambient air quality standards, national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants, and new source performance standards for new industrial facilities, including petroleum refineries; rates vehicle emissions standards; promulgates fuel recipes for different parts of the country at different times of the year; and establishes effluent standards for ethanol and other biofuel plants in the United States. "This is clearly the agency that has the biggest impact on energy in the United States," said Portney.
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From page 137... ...
"Greater diversity of energy types, sources, and distribution networks can help improve the security and reliability of energy supplies, mitigate the economic consequences of high oil prices, and promote responsible environmental stewardship." As Samuel Bodman described the situation, "The bottom line is this: We are seeing a convergence of forces that tells me that our nation is on a path to a cleaner, affordable, and more diverse energy future. The rigorous debate and analyses that the Academies are fostering -- and to which all of you are lending your extensive expertise -- will help ensure that we continue on the right pathway toward a more secure energy future." CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS To reduce energy intensity, the contributions of scientists and engineers will be essential, Bingaman said.
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From page 138... ...
"Not enough of us spend enough time talking to the public," said John Holdren. "I suggested in my AAAS presidential address last year that everybody in the science and technology community who cares about the future of the world should be tithing 10 percent of his or her time to interacting with the public in the policy process on these issues, and a lot of that is just giving talks.
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