Bill Richardson's Energy Plan

If the United Nations and most of the world's climate scientists are to be believed, then we are running out of time to do something about the greenhouse gases that are beginning to cause disastrous global climate changes. George Bush and his Republican cronies have already wasted the last seven years by denying that a problem exists.

This leaves us with precious little time in which to get started with the changes that need to be made. Since Bush has made it clear that nothing will be done during his administration, that makes it very important that the next president we elect have a clear and coherent plan of action.

I received the following letter from presidential candidate Bill Richardson. In it, he lays out his plan for dealing with energy concerns and global climate change. This is what he has to say:

It's time for a revolution.

We have been hearing about this country's energy crisis for years, yet our dependence on foreign oil has deepened, our fuel efficiency standards have stagnated, and our greenhouse gas emissions have multiplied exponentially. The time for incremental change and conventional thinking is long gone.
Today I'm calling for a New American Revolution - an energy and climate revolution.

There are five crucial elements to my plan:

Cut oil demand: 50% by 2020. Increasing the gas mileage of the average car to more than 50 mpg is just one way to help achieve this goal.

Change to Renewable Sources for Electricity: 50% by 2040. We could save customers $21 billion a year by 2020 by changing to alternative energy sources.

Dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions: 90% by 2050. We must set strict limits on emissions. We'll do it by instituting a market-based cap and trade system.

Restore America as the world's leader. We must return to the international negotiating table and support mandatory Kyoto-style limits on global warming pollution.

Get it all done without breaking the bank. By reducing oil imports and raising revenue from carbon permits, we will create more than 10 times more economic value than we spend to make this program happen.

The plan I'm proposing will inevitably draw questions. As when President Kennedy challenged this country to put a man on the moon, people will say it can't be done. But I believe that we are facing a global crisis where there can be no such thing as "can't be done."

My plan is more aggressive than any other candidate's. And I am the only candidate with the experience and record of accomplishment up for this challenge.

As Secretary of Energy, I pushed for a national renewable energy portfolio standard and the development of new vehicle technology. As Governor, I made New Mexico the Clean Energy State by supporting alternative energy tax incentives and setting aggressive targets to reduce global warming emissions.
As President, I will make this a Clean Energy Nation.

For too long, our leaders in Washington have denied and ignored the issue of global climate change. Now, it's up to us. The only way to reject the conventional wisdom that "it can't be done" is to build a movement that will not be denied. That movement can start with you.

Thank you for your commitment to a clean energy future,

Bill Richardson