Power politics

To talk about energy consumption, right now, is to talk about politics.

The world’s eyes are on Copenhagen, where the United Nations Climate Change Conference (http://en.cop15.dk) currently sees nations the world over trying to figure out an action plan. And any action plan about climate change, is also, really, an action plan about energy consumption.

The most recent development saw the European Union agree to fund—to the tune of $3.6 billion—assistance programs to help poorer countries develop cleaner energy. The countries that will most benefit from these funds are in Africa, where energy development and sourcing is significantly less technologically advanced than in the U.S. and other developed nations.

Also this week, U.S. senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman announced the first step in passing a Senate bill solidifying a energy plan in this country. In a letter outlining the framework of the bill sent to President Obama, it appears the negotiations for an energy plan include almost every type of energy source out there. The letter is unspecific about a possible balance between theses different sources, as well. It does say that the goal is to cut carbon emission 17 percent by 2020.

The main points are as follows:

• Better jobs, cleaner air.
• Securing energy independence.
• Creating regulatory predictability.
• Protecting consumers.
• Encouraging nuclear power.
• Ensuring a future for coal.
• Reviving American manufacturing by creating jobs.
• Creating wealth for domestic agriculture and forestry.
• Regulating the carbon market.
• Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution.
• Building consensus.

The letter mentions numerous times that a lot of negotiation is left before any legislation passes. That’s obvious. Right now, it appears to be everything to everybody, and based more on nice ideas than tough choices. It’s becoming clearer and clearer—just look at the ongoing talks in Copenhagen—that to advance an effective energy policy, not everyone will not necessarily walk away happy.

-Ed Johnson