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Cap and Reduce Global Warming Pollution: Edwards will set an economy-wide limit on the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. He will build on the precedent of the Clean Air Act of 1990 -- which limited pollution causing acid rain through a sulfur dioxide cap-and-trade system -- to reduce pollution in a cost-effective and flexible manner. Caps will be based on the latest climate science with the goal of reducing greenhoue pollution by 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. |
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Lead the World toward a New Global Climate Change Treaty: Edwards' vision of addressing climate change recognizes its global nature. He proposes that the U.S. be a leader in creating an international policy by:
- Adopting caps to limit U.S. carbon emissions without sacrificing American competitiveness.
- Involving developing economies by sharing America's clean energy technology in exchange for binding greenhouse reduction commitments. If necessary, he will insist that strong labor and environmental standards in our trade deals include commitments on climate change. This new deal will require global participation, promote shared responsibility, and let American workers and businesses compete on a level playing field. |
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Generate 1 million new jobs in a "New Energy Economy" by creating a New Energy Economy Fund to jumpstart investment in the future. The $13 billion-a-year New Energy Economy Fund will be financed by greenhouse gas polluters through the sale of emission permits and by ending subsidies to oil companies. The resources will double the Department of Energy's budget for efficiency and renewable energy, accelerate new energy technologies to market and help new businesses get started, encourage consumers to buy efficient products, and provide transition assistance to workers in carbon-intensive industries. |
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Meet the demand for more electricity through efficiency by:
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educating consumers about energy efficiency;
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creating incentives for utilities to maximize their efficiencies in generating power;
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expanding the government's programs dedicated to energy efficiency, such as the weatherization programa and Energy Star;
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creating a Greencorp as part of Americorp to encourage young people to help fight climate change through hands-on volunteer projects.
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