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Energy PolicyA new energy economy is being born and the era of cheap oil is drawing to a close. The world's oil producers are being required to drill deeper in ever more challenging parts of the world. With diminishing oil discoveries and greatly escalating world consumption of fossil fuels, the future is certain to include increased fuel prices, fuel shortages, and increased competition with developing countries.In reaction to this growing problem, the Government's new energy policy has mandated programs to insure at least 25% of our nation's energy will come from renewable energy sources. Every state has or will pass legislation mandating minimum consumption of renewable energy. Currently nineteen states have passed the 10% mandate and others have passed a 20% mandate. The mandates require that of every gallon of fuel sold, 10% - 20% of the content must be biofuel. To further jump-start and sustain the Biofuel infrastructure, various government entities have established Biofuel subsidies, paid to Biofuel producers and blenders.  Federal laws encouraging the development of renewable fuels: Clean Air Act: (CAA) The purpose of this act is to protect and enhance the quality of the nation's air resources. Originally enacted in 1963 the CAA includes vehicle emission standards, regulating the emission of pollutants such as lead, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Corporate average fuel economy: (CAFE) Federal standards enacted in 1975 to regulate and improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks sold in the US. Council on Environmental Quality: (CEQ) An advisory council to the President established by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The CEQ coordinates federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. Energy Policy Act of 1992: (EPAct) A comprehensive legislative package that mandates and encourages energy efficiency standards, alternative fuel use, research and development on conventional fuels, and the development of renewable energy technologies. Also establishes several guidelines for radioactive waste disposal Federal Water Pollution Control Act: A federal regulatory law administered by the states. The act created the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. National Environmental Policy Act: (NEPA) A federal law enacted in 1969 and is the United States' basic national agreement for protection of the environment. It establishes policy, sets goals, and provides means for carrying out the policy. NEPA requires federal agencies to inform and involve the public in the agency's decision making process and to consider the environmental impacts of the agency's decision. National Forest Management Act: A federal law passed in 1976 requires the preparation of Regional Guides and Forest Plans National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Pollutants: (NESHAPS) Federal standards that control pollutants considered toxic to humans. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act: (RCRA) A federal law regulating solid and hazardous waste. RCRA governs the generation, storage, treatment, transport, and disposal of hazardous waste. U.S. Department of Energy: (DOE) A department of the federal government, established by the Carter Administration in 1977. It is responsible for the energy policy, nuclear safety, conservation, regulation, research, development, and demonstration. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: (EPA) A government agency, established in 1970, responsible for protecting the environment and public health. EPA seeks to safeguard the natural environment and also controls emissions from motor vehicles, fuels, and fuel additives. Contact your Federal Congressional Members Never underestimate the power of your words to your Senator or Representative. Please write to your Congressional members or your State Legislators and let them know what you think about current issues, remember they are there to listen to you, their constituent. House of Representatives Senate Current congressional bills |
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