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I suport Obama , I'm a women and I 'm white. I'm not voting for him because he is black or any other reason then I believe in his message. My older kids wonder why I'm so wrapped up in this election when other times I have not. Like many I want change and Obama speaks to me when I hear him. I believe this is history. I hope that someday we will see a women in office, I just don't think that Women is Hillary Clinton. When last night I watched the people listening to Obama I saw men, Women, and those of different races and I started to feel very proud. Although I know that we still deal with race issues there was a time that a man like Obama a black man wouldn't have gone anywhere. With the struggles of those of color through the years I know this means a lot to them and I get that. For me as a point of history it just means more to me to see a black man running for president than a women. I just think its time. And before others point this out, if he couldn't do it and I didn't believe in what his message was I wouldn't be supporting him.
Excellent post. I am a fan of yours. This country needs more people like you.
I try to listen to Mr. O when he makes a speech or at the debates, interviews etc., but I don't recall his energy plan. In a few lines could you summarize for those of us that don't know? (Yes, I could google, but if you know off the top of your head, why not enlighten those who are just trying to keep up with the bare bones of these guys policies.)
I think some of the Obama fans that only speak of change and hope and how he can bring the country together and how inspired they FEEL when they hear him aren't taken very seriously....and honestly do come off as somewhat juvenile. You know, like we all felt at 16 after going to our first concert for some good cause.
I think being able to state several key points of your candidates platform is all that is needed when the question is asked: Why are you voting for __________. Especially on these kinds of boards, as it propells the discussion and makes things clear.
And I do agree with you on a few things. He definately won't be nominating any conservatives to the court and he is VERY motivational and inspiring.
I don't think motivational/inspiring speaking abilities is that high on my list of important presidential qualities. I appreciate a president that is a fantastic orator, but I'm really just care about the content. And I like brevity and clarity more than a lot of emotional tap dancing to sound impressive. That said, John McCain could use a bit more spark in his speeches...it wouldn't hurt!
As others have mentioned, it's all available on his website (just as other politicians have done with their agendas). I had to reformate it to post it here so if it ends up with some strange spacing that's my doing. I don't agree with all of these ideas, nor do I think that all of them will be successfully accomplished (no President ever manages to do everything they want), but I think as a general rule this is right direction to go (others will no doubt disagree - but then again, that's why there is more than one person running for the office):
Reduce Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
Cap and Trade: Obama supports implementation of a market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions by the amount scientists say is necessary: 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Obama's cap-and-trade system will require all pollution credits to be auctioned. A 100 percent auction ensures that all polluters pay for every ton of emissions they release, rather than giving these emission rights away to coal and oil companies. Some of the revenue generated by auctioning allowances will be used to support the development of clean energy, to invest in energy efficiency improvements, and to address transition costs, including helping American workers affected by this economic transition.
Confront Deforestation and Promote Carbon Sequestration: Obama will develop domestic incentives that reward forest owners, farmers, and ranchers when they plant trees, restore grasslands, or undertake farming practices that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Invest in a Clean Energy Future
Invest $150 Billion over 10 Years in Clean Energy: Obama will invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial-scale renewable energy, invest in low-emissions coal plants, and begin the transition to a new digital electricity grid. A principal focus of this fund will be devoted to ensuring that technologies that are developed in the U.S. are rapidly commercialized in the U.S. and deployed around the globe.
Double Energy Research and Development Funding: Obama will double science and research funding for clean energy projects including those that make use of our biomass, solar and wind resources.
Invest in a Skilled Clean Technologies Workforce: Obama will use proceeds from the cap-and-trade auction program to invest in job training and transition programs to help workers and industries adapt to clean technology development and production. Obama will also create an energy-focused Green Jobs Corps to connect disconnected and disadvantaged youth with job skills for a high-growth industry.
Convert our Manufacturing Centers into Clean Technology Leaders: Obama will establish a federal investment program to help manufacturing centers modernize and Americans learn the new skills they need to produce green products.
Clean Technologies Deployment Venture Capital Fund: Obama will create a Clean Technologies Venture Capital Fund to fill a critical gap in U.S. technology development. Obama will invest $10 billion per year into this fund for five years. The fund will partner with existing investment funds and our National Laboratories to ensure that promising technologies move beyond the lab and are commercialized in the U.S
Require 25 Percent of Renewable Electricity by 2025: Obama will establish a 25 percent federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to require that 25 percent of electricity consumed in the U.S. is derived from clean, sustainable energy sources, like solar, wind and geothermal by 2025.
Develop and Deploy Clean Coal Technology: Obama will significantly increase the resources devoted to the commercialization and deployment of low-carbon coal technologies. Obama will consider whatever policy tools are necessary, including standards that ban new traditional coal facilities, to ensure that we move quickly to commercialize and deploy low carbon coal technology.
Support Next Generation Biofuels
Deploy Cellulosic Ethanol: Obama will invest federal resources, including tax incentives, cash prizes and government contracts into developing the most promising technologies with the goal of getting the first two billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol into the system by 2013.
Expand Locally-Owned Biofuel Refineries: Less than 10 percent of new ethanol production today is from farmer-owned refineries. New ethanol refineries help jumpstart rural economies. Obama will create a number of incentives for local communities to invest in their biofuels refineries.
Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard: Barack Obama will establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard to speed the introduction of low-carbon non-petroleum fuels. The standard requires fuels suppliers to reduce the carbon their fuel emits by ten percent by 2020.
Increase Renewable Fuel Standard: Obama will require 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be included in the fuel supply by 2022 and will increase that to at least 60 billion gallons of advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol by 2030.
Set America on Path to Oil Independence
Obama's plan will reduce oil consumption by at least 35 percent, or 10 million barrels per day, by 2030. This will more than offset the equivalent of the oil we would import from OPEC nations in 2030.
Increase Fuel Economy Standards: Obama will double fuel economy standards within 18 years. His plan will provide retooling tax credits and loan guarantees for domestic auto plants and parts manufacturers, so that they can build new fuel-efficient cars rather than overseas companies. Obama will also invest in advanced vehicle technology such as advanced lightweight materials and new engines.
Improve Energy Efficiency 50 Percent by 2030
Set National Building Efficiency Goals: Barack Obama will establish a goal of making all new buildings carbon neutral, or produce zero emissions, by 2030. He'll also establish a national goal of improving new building efficiency by 50 percent and existing building efficiency by 25 percent over the next decade to help us meet the 2030 goal.
Establish a Grant Program for Early Adopters: Obama will create a competitive grant program to award those states and localities that take the first steps to implement new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency.
Invest in a Digital Smart Grid: Obama will pursue a major investment in our utility grid to enable a tremendous increase in renewable generation and accommodate modern energy requirements, such as reliability, smart metering, and distributed storage
Restore U.S. Leadership on Climate Change
Create New Forum of Largest Greenhouse Gas Emitters: Obama will create a Global Energy Forum — that includes all G-8 members plus Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa –the largest energy consuming nations from both the developed and developing world. The forum would focus exclusively on global energy and environmental issues.
Re-Engage with the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change: The UNFCCC process is the main international forum dedicated to addressing the climate problem and an Obama administration will work constructively within it.
With India, China and the rest of the Third World countries rapidly moving into the modern age, energy is going to be THE issue of this century (as we are already starting to see) and it's important that we are proactive rather than reactive in our approach to it. I believe this plan does just that.
Does this plan do everything I think it should? No, but I agree with most of the things here and overall approve of the plan. There is no mention of Nuclear Power for example - which I believe definitely needs to play a part in any long-term energy plan. As I said though, overall these are generally good ideas in my opinion.
There are those of course that will complain about the money being spent, but to me these costs (most of them anyway) are not money flying out the door, but rather investments. As I mentioned, energy is going to be THE issue of this century and the nations that move forward with new technologies will be the ones to reap the rewards in the end - while those that lag behind will suffer the consequences of using old, outdated technology (just as the US Steel and Auto industries have suffered from their slow adoption of such technologies).
What Change means is someone new. I get as many people do that nothing gets done in Washington and I believe Obama will work accross the isles to get things done. I like his Health plan and his thoughts of getting out of the war ect. He doesn't just stand there and say lets change things for fun. He has plans and how that change will take place. I read another post they points out that Obama and Hillary as far as their plans are very little apart. So what is the real reason that Hillary supporters can't back Obama. Black not a women wha? Because were they stand isn't that far apart and Hillary what is all her experience.
As others have mentioned, it's all available on his website (just as other politicians have done with their agendas). I had to reformate it to post it here so if it ends up with some strange spacing that's my doing. I don't agree with all of these ideas, nor do I think that all of them will be successfully accomplished (no President ever manages to do everything they want), but I think as a general rule this is right direction to go (others will no doubt disagree - but then again, that's why there is more than one person running for the office):
Reduce Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
Cap and Trade: Obama supports implementation of a market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions by the amount scientists say is necessary: 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Obama's cap-and-trade system will require all pollution credits to be auctioned. A 100 percent auction ensures that all polluters pay for every ton of emissions they release, rather than giving these emission rights away to coal and oil companies. Some of the revenue generated by auctioning allowances will be used to support the development of clean energy, to invest in energy efficiency improvements, and to address transition costs, including helping American workers affected by this economic transition.
Confront Deforestation and Promote Carbon Sequestration: Obama will develop domestic incentives that reward forest owners, farmers, and ranchers when they plant trees, restore grasslands, or undertake farming practices that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Invest in a Clean Energy Future
Invest $150 Billion over 10 Years in Clean Energy: Obama will invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial-scale renewable energy, invest in low-emissions coal plants, and begin the transition to a new digital electricity grid. A principal focus of this fund will be devoted to ensuring that technologies that are developed in the U.S. are rapidly commercialized in the U.S. and deployed around the globe.
Double Energy Research and Development Funding: Obama will double science and research funding for clean energy projects including those that make use of our biomass, solar and wind resources.
Invest in a Skilled Clean Technologies Workforce: Obama will use proceeds from the cap-and-trade auction program to invest in job training and transition programs to help workers and industries adapt to clean technology development and production. Obama will also create an energy-focused Green Jobs Corps to connect disconnected and disadvantaged youth with job skills for a high-growth industry.
Convert our Manufacturing Centers into Clean Technology Leaders: Obama will establish a federal investment program to help manufacturing centers modernize and Americans learn the new skills they need to produce green products.
Clean Technologies Deployment Venture Capital Fund: Obama will create a Clean Technologies Venture Capital Fund to fill a critical gap in U.S. technology development. Obama will invest $10 billion per year into this fund for five years. The fund will partner with existing investment funds and our National Laboratories to ensure that promising technologies move beyond the lab and are commercialized in the U.S
Require 25 Percent of Renewable Electricity by 2025: Obama will establish a 25 percent federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to require that 25 percent of electricity consumed in the U.S. is derived from clean, sustainable energy sources, like solar, wind and geothermal by 2025.
Develop and Deploy Clean Coal Technology: Obama will significantly increase the resources devoted to the commercialization and deployment of low-carbon coal technologies. Obama will consider whatever policy tools are necessary, including standards that ban new traditional coal facilities, to ensure that we move quickly to commercialize and deploy low carbon coal technology.
Support Next Generation Biofuels
Deploy Cellulosic Ethanol: Obama will invest federal resources, including tax incentives, cash prizes and government contracts into developing the most promising technologies with the goal of getting the first two billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol into the system by 2013.
Expand Locally-Owned Biofuel Refineries: Less than 10 percent of new ethanol production today is from farmer-owned refineries. New ethanol refineries help jumpstart rural economies. Obama will create a number of incentives for local communities to invest in their biofuels refineries.
Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard: Barack Obama will establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard to speed the introduction of low-carbon non-petroleum fuels. The standard requires fuels suppliers to reduce the carbon their fuel emits by ten percent by 2020.
Increase Renewable Fuel Standard: Obama will require 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be included in the fuel supply by 2022 and will increase that to at least 60 billion gallons of advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol by 2030.
Set America on Path to Oil Independence
Obama's plan will reduce oil consumption by at least 35 percent, or 10 million barrels per day, by 2030. This will more than offset the equivalent of the oil we would import from OPEC nations in 2030.
Increase Fuel Economy Standards: Obama will double fuel economy standards within 18 years. His plan will provide retooling tax credits and loan guarantees for domestic auto plants and parts manufacturers, so that they can build new fuel-efficient cars rather than overseas companies. Obama will also invest in advanced vehicle technology such as advanced lightweight materials and new engines.
Improve Energy Efficiency 50 Percent by 2030
Set National Building Efficiency Goals: Barack Obama will establish a goal of making all new buildings carbon neutral, or produce zero emissions, by 2030. He'll also establish a national goal of improving new building efficiency by 50 percent and existing building efficiency by 25 percent over the next decade to help us meet the 2030 goal.
Establish a Grant Program for Early Adopters: Obama will create a competitive grant program to award those states and localities that take the first steps to implement new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency.
Invest in a Digital Smart Grid: Obama will pursue a major investment in our utility grid to enable a tremendous increase in renewable generation and accommodate modern energy requirements, such as reliability, smart metering, and distributed storage
Restore U.S. Leadership on Climate Change
Create New Forum of Largest Greenhouse Gas Emitters: Obama will create a Global Energy Forum — that includes all G-8 members plus Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa –the largest energy consuming nations from both the developed and developing world. The forum would focus exclusively on global energy and environmental issues.
Re-Engage with the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change: The UNFCCC process is the main international forum dedicated to addressing the climate problem and an Obama administration will work constructively within it.
With India, China and the rest of the Third World countries rapidly moving into the modern age, energy is going to be THE issue of this century (as we are already starting to see) and it's important that we are proactive rather than reactive in our approach to it. I believe this plan does just that.
Does this plan do everything I think it should? No, but I agree with most of the things here and overall approve of the plan. There is no mention of Nuclear Power for example - which I believe definitely needs to play a part in any long-term energy plan. As I said though, overall these are generally good ideas in my opinion.
There are those of course that will complain about the money being spent, but to me these costs (most of them anyway) are not money flying out the door, but rather investments. As I mentioned, energy is going to be THE issue of this century and the nations that move forward with new technologies will be the ones to reap the rewards in the end - while those that lag behind will suffer the consequences of using old, outdated technology (just as the US Steel and Auto industries have suffered from their slow adoption of such technologies).
Ken
Thank you Ken, for taking the trouble for those who want others to do their work for them. Excellent. Kudos!
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