Cleaner energy is more secure energy says Environmental Defense

New report shows energy alternatives are less vulnerable to terrorist attack and cleaner.

provided by Environmental Defense

new report released by Environmental Defense, Safe and Secure: Meeting America's Electricity Needs www.environmentaldefense.org), clearly demonstrates that an American economy powered by broadly distributed renewable energy, and linked with increased efficiency investments and cogeneration, will make the nation's electricity grid less vulnerable to future terror attacks.

    “Affordable technology exists for a new American energy economy that can deliver real cuts in oil consumption and greenhouse gas pollution, while at the same time making the nation's power supply more secure from terrorist attacks,” said Environmental Defense senior attorney Jim Marston. “The sunlight, wind and falling water that power renewable energy cannot be eliminated, and renewable energy is not powered by explosive, flammable or radioactive fuels, which are vulnerable to attack.”

    “Earth is already beginning to show the effects of global climate change, and responsible nations are taking action,” said Environmental Defense director of strategic communications Steve Cochran. “As the world's largest producer of greenhouse gas pollution, it's well past time for the United States to join the broad-based international coalition against global warming. Because the science on this issue is clear, the administration and Congress should work together on a clean energy package that protects America's national security, environmental security and economic security.”

    The report calls for:

• Incentives for home and farm windmills, energy-efficient buildings and lighting; 20% of US energy to be generated from renewables by 2020;
  
  
• Shifting research and development funding from fossil fuels and nuclear power to renewable energy;
  
  
• Establishing higher energy-efficiency standards for federal government operations and appliances; and
  
  
• Establishment of uniform air quality rules for distributed generation by the Environmental Protection Agency.

    Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization based in New York, represents more than 300,000 members. Since 1967 they have linked science, economics, and law to create innovative, equitable, and cost-effective solutions to the most urgent environmental problems