Here’s the energy problem: At the present we obtain most of our energy by burning carbon fuels - oil, coal, natural gas and biomass – that increase CO2 in the air; this increases global warming. To avoid catastrophe, we must find ways to decrease use of carbon fuels and increase the use of non-carbon fuels that do not produce CO2. How do we accomplish this?
Solving the energy problem is urgent. Some experts claim that we have only about 10 – 20 years to do it. Others think we have even less time.
In addition to being urgent, the problem is extremely complex. There are too many scientific unknowns that churn together to give us our climate. As far as remedial actions are concerned, considering technological factors alone is not enough. We must also take into account scientific, ecological, economic and political factors as well.
Although not normally emphasized, the energy problem is long term. Merely reaching the point where most of the CO2 is removed from the air will not permanently solve the problem. Previously emitted CO2 may stay in the air for a century or so. Although we may not know it today, we may find that non-carbon energy sources produce non-CO2 forms of unacceptable waste. Another factor is the growth of world population, which will place further burdens on our energy system.
We need to act now. We need the advice of energy experts trained in science, engineering, ecology, economics and politics. We need a long-term solution. We need a Federal Energy Board (FEB).
The Federal Energy Board (FEB) would perform a task similar to that done by the Federal Reserve Board (FRB). The FRB controls the flow of money; the FEB the flow of energy. The FRB’s main tool is the manipulation of interest rates; the FEB’s energy costs. The FRB’s primary goal is achieving prosperity; the FEB’s keeping the climate stable and CO2 (and other waste) emissions low.
The major functions of the FEB are:
• ANALYSIS – Determine CO2 content in air and stability of the climate. As far as possible, predict future climate conditions. Write annual report.
• PRIORITIZATION – Calculate priorities for each energy source, carbon and non-carbon, based on evaluations of energy scientists, energy engineers, energy ecologists, energy economists and energy politicians
• EDUCATION – Educate the public about making homes more fuel efficient, buying cars using less gasoline, and explaining many ordinary-living behaviors that may save energy. In addition to these ideas, FEB will offer advice about R&D and investments to companies and financial organizations. It may also train climate experts or help universities to do this. In addition, FEB would coordinate activities with the UN, foreign governments and climate labs around the world
• RECOMMENDATIONS – A big reason for the FEB is to make recommendations to Congress, the Federal Executive and to state capitols about changes needed in rules, regulations, laws and execution approaches.
President-elect Obama has appointed an energy team with Carol Browner as energy "czar" to coordinate activities among the team and Departments of Transportation, Interior and Commerce, as well as other agencies affecting energy policy. This is great. I believe the FEB could supply the energy team with well thought-out information to help them make good decisions.