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| Senate Energy Bills Awakens Action |
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The Senate energy bill, as devised by Senators Lieberman and Kerry, finally emerged after months of political argument in the shadow of the news developing from the Gulf oil spill, caused by the devastating oil rig fire. All of these events mean that energy efficiency and energy in general are hot topics for conversation and organizations should consider their energy needs and use, to see how they can cut down and become "greener."
The Senate energy bill, as devised by Senators Lieberman and Kerry, finally emerged after months of political argument in the shadow of the news developing from the Gulf oil spill, caused by the devastating oil rig fire. All of these events mean that energy efficiency and energy in general are hot topics for conversation and organizations should consider their energy needs and use, to see how they can cut down and become "greener." The Senate energy bill is causing people to take action all around the nation, as the American Power Act is put forward as a counterpart to the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which was the House of Representatives version of 2009. The Senate proposes that thousands of power plants and power-hungry industries, including refineries, will have to take part in a "cap and trade" scheme. Over the long term, this will reduce greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide emissions. Global warming is a byproduct of excess carbon emissions, as we know. When he came into power, President Obama said that he wanted to reduce these emissions by as much as 80% in 2050. This kind of objective will require major action and comprehensive legislation, without a doubt. Will the American Power Act be the legislation that spurs this action? Whether companies are directly affected by the new "cap and trade" program to restrict greenhouse gas emissions among those power hungry organizations, they will undoubtedly be affected by the increase in the cost of utilities. The Senate may implement rebates to individual consumers, to shield them from the effects, but commercial organizations now realize that their costs could rise as a direct result. Now, more than ever, they must implement a plan to become more sustainable. An energy plan should be part of every organization's ongoing activities, as the company works out how much energy it needs to operate. Every asset is responsible for energy and should be analyzed to see how efficient it is. Systems must be doctored to track this energy use and to see how many carbon emissions are attached. Legislation of some kind is almost certain to arise and the smart businessman would be prepared. The Senate energy bill plans to commence emission reduction efforts in 2013 and accelerate the results through 2050. The Senate may differ from the House of Representatives, who in turn may differ from the administration's position. However, there are calls from most sectors of society for change and a renewed push for more energy investment, especially as a consequence of the disastrous oil spill. Many organizations are focusing on sustainability and ensuring that they become energy efficient. Carbon emission reduction may be the focus of some, but others realize that if they saved fuel, then they can save money. A lot of people look in horror at the prospect of additional carbon taxes, especially as we emerge from a recession, but an attention to efficiency can only help every organization's bottom line, come what may. As the second half of 2010 unfolds, the Senate energy bill will be a major part of legislative action. Business leaders must understand that it is likely to impact their future. About the Author: Daniel Stouffer has a lot of data about the Senate energy bill and how a visit to www.verisae.com can aid you. |