Dodd Unveils Comprehensive Energy Plan
Bold plan would enact a Corporate Carbon Tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent, eliminate dependence on Middle East oil
Plan would also require new cars to get 50 miles per gallon and lower clean energy hurdles for consumers and businesses
WASHINGTON, DC - Touting energy policies that would begin to turn back the clock on global climate change, eliminate our dependence on Middle East Oil, and create a "new American prosperity," Senator and Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd announced his energy plan at a major address this morning at the Center for National Policy in Washington.
"Our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels is one of our biggest problems - a problem that impacts our health, our environment, our national security, our competitiveness," Dodd said in the speech. "But breaking that dependence is our single greatest opportunity - for a brighter, greener, healthier, more prosperous and secure future."
Dodd is the first presidential candidate to call for a Corporate Carbon Tax, which, in conjunction with an aggressive "cap-and-trade" system, would dramatically decrease carbon emissions at the same time its revenues stimulate innovation in energy efficiency and alternative fuels.
Roger Ballentine, President of Green Strategies Inc. and former Chairman of the White House Climate Change Task Force and Deputy Assistant to the President for Environmental Initiatives in the Clinton White House, applauded Senator Dodd's vision. "I think Senator Dodd has laid out a courageous and comprehensive plan to solve our climate and energy crisis. His call for a corporate carbon tax, tough cap-and-trade rules and strong efficiency standards will likely be the gold standard against which all plans will be measured," said Ballentine.
Calling for historic investments in biofuels and other clean energy technologies, the reduction of costs of energy efficient consumer products and tough 50 miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency standards in vehicles, Dodd said America can eliminate its dependence on Middle East oil by 2015.
Dodd's plan would:
- Reduce 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050;
- Enact a Corporate Carbon Tax that will generate an estimated $50 billion annually and will fund fast tracked research, development, and deployment of renewable technologies and expedite the process for bringing energy efficient technologies to market;
- Increase efficiency standards for consumer products;
- Raise fuel economy standards in automobiles to 50 mpg;
- Impose tough standards for the construction of new coal plants;
- Increase renewable electricity standards to 20% by 2020;
- Make the Production Tax Credit permanent for clean and renewable sources of energy;
- Make high-efficiency automobiles affordable for every American family;
- Require that all new government vehicles use hybrid, plug-in, or other fuel efficient and alternative technology.
- Require that all new and existing federal buildings be equipped with the latest energy efficiency technologies.
- Create a technical education curriculum that trains a new generation of automobile mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and construction workers to install, repair and maintain energy efficient goods across the spectrum, from cars to lamps.
- Increase access to affordable and convenient mass transit systems across all regions of the country.
- Export safe renewable energy technologies to, friends, allies and developing nations.
Dodd called for proven leadership to address the environmental challenges that will face the next President of the United States. "With a leader who can bring people together and inspire them, we can solve our energy crisis. We can create a New American Prosperity," said Dodd.
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