Environment Council of Rhode Island

...building an ecologically healthy future in a sustainable economy

Federal Support for Renewable Energy

Pub Date: 
Wednesday, December 6, 2000

Whereas global climate change is agreed by most scientists to be real and occurring at a greater rate than thought five years ago; and

Whereas global climate change is widely agreed to be intensified by human actions resulting in increased emissions of greenhouse gases; and

Whereas the burning of fossil fuels is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions; and

Whereas the United States' extensive dependence on fossil fuels has led to war (Gulf War of 1990-91); and

Whereas fossil fuels are a nonrenewable resource; and

Whereas increased demand for domestic fossil fuel has led to intense pressure to explore for oil in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the coastal plain; and

Whereas conservation measures can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels; and

Whereas renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and fuel cells are available and technologically feasible; and

Whereas renewable energy sources and conservation efforts rarely are associated with financial incentives, which would make them economically nonviable;

Now therefore be it resolved that the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the Environment Council of RI (ECRI) encourage the President of the United States and the United States Congress to enact legislation to provide financial incentives for efforts aimed at the reduction of energy consumption in general; and

Further be it resolved NWF and ECRI encourage the President and US Congress to enact legislation to provide financial incentives for the implementation of renewable energy sources in place of fossil fuel consumption; and

Further be it resolved NWF and ECRI encourage the President and US Congress to enact legislation to provide resources for research and development of improved technology for the implementation of renewable energy.