The EPA and Department of Energy held a press conference today to give details about the Bush Administration's plan for expanding the use of biodiesel and ethanol. Today's announcement mirrors the goals set forth in the State of the Union address: 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuels must be used in vehicles annually by 2012, and 35 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2017.
According to EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, that is the equivalent of taking 2.3 million cars off the road, and would eliminate 13 million metric tons of greenhouse gases.
Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said the plan is "a critical step in improving the energy security of the country." While invoking President Bush's name at every opportunity, Bodman also admitted that this global warming thing is for real.
The plan also calls for "modernizing" CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) standards, which will reduce emissions by 5 percent. The details of this aren't out yet, but the auto industry isn't going to like any tinkering with the fuel economy regulations.
The administration again is not asking for us to sacrifice at all for the sake of the planet or national security. No calls for conservation or driving less, taking public transit, or driving smartly. Switching to ethanol and biodiesel is environmentally advantageous, but it will drive up food prices and have an impact on the landscape. That may not be enough to matter.
Source: EPA
