In Energy, It's 'All Of The Above' That's Necessary

An MIT professor testified before Congress for a broad policy to address energy and climate crises - including carbon pricing, carbon sequestration, expanded fossil fuel and nuclear production, and more research spending.

1 minute read

September 19, 2008, 12:00 PM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


"First, he said, charging for greenhouse gas emissions is essential, whether in the form of a direct carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system. Second, a major 10-year program to demonstrate carbon sequestration is essential to make clean coal a reality. Third, a push is needed to improve the efficiency of energy use in buildings, cars, and appliances.

Fourth, much more research is needed on potential energy solutions. This requires at least a doubling of federal research funding...Fifth, there should be an expansion of domestic oil and gas production, which he said is important to add credibility to US efforts to encourage other nations to increase their production. Sixth, commercial nuclear power should be expanded, although this requires addressing issues of cost, waste management, and nuclear weapons proliferation."

"After a question and answer period during which each of the 20 senators on the committee expressed their views, Deutch said "I'm impressed that all of you are saying that we need to do 'all of the above'" -- Given that support, he then asked, why isn't it happening?"

Thanks to Blossom Hoag

Friday, September 12, 2008 in MIT News

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