By: Brandi Thompson, Cody Vojacek, Seth Wenninger, Kelly White

Greenhouse Effect“The phenomenon whereby the earth's

atmosphere traps solar radiation, caused by the presence in the atmosphere of gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane that allow incoming sunlight to pass through but absorb heat radiated back from the earth's surface.”

1st discovered in the 19th century Gained attention in the 1960’s when it was

hypothesized to be increasing global temperatures.

Carbon Dioxide is being targeted 0.038% of atmosphere Prior to Industrial revolution - CO2 - 280 ppm Now - CO2 – 360 ppm

Burning of fossil fuels, mineral and metal production, deforestation

Global WarmingMany scientists believe increased CO2

emissions are increasing global temperatures.World temperature has increased 1°F since 1970.Increased melting of glaciers and arctic ice

shelvesDecreased animal populationsFears:

Rising sea levels Hurricanes, storms, floods, droughts Disease Ecosystem disruption

Kyoto Protocol160 nations met in Kyoto, Japan in 1997“The goal is to lower overall emissions from

six greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs, and PFCs.”Goal was to reduce total emissions by 5.2% of

the 1990 level.Entered into force in 2005 with 187 countries

ratifying.

United States PositionDid not ratify Kyoto protocol due to harmful

effects on economyThe Bush administration offered incentives to

businesses to voluntarily reduce emissions. There have also been incentives for

companies to produce and use renewable energy.

Cap and Trade BillIn June, 2009 U.S. House of Representatives

passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.Requires 20% of electricity to be renewable by

2020.Improve energy productivity by 2.5% by 2012Establishes a cap and trade system

Cut emissions by 17% of the 2005 level by 2020 and by 83% by 2050.

Cap and Trade SystemGovernment sets limit (cap) of emissionsCompanies are required to buy permits or

allowances to emit gasses, most importantly CO2.

If they emit more than they are allowed, they are taxed.

Companies can sell or trade their allowances to other companies

Each year the nationwide cap is lowered.

The bill now has to be voted on in the senate.Support has greatly fallen in the last few

months.Republicans are nearly unanimous in their

disapproval.A growing number of democrats and most

independents disapprove.

Pros of the Cap-and-Trade Bill

Limiting total U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide

- An effort to prevent threatening weather conditions in the Midwest farm states, massive coastal flooding, and frequency in Gulf coast hurricanes.

-Reduce carbon emissions by 65% 0f 2005 levels.

Pros of the Cap-and-Trade Bill

Provides bonuses for companies

- Companies can sell unused carbon credits to other companies who have not met the goals.

- Offers bonus allowances for carbon capture and storage.

Cons of the Cap-and-Trade Bill

Driving already rising energy costs even higherObama: Energy prices will “skyrocket.”

- Higher prices cause lower industrial output - Greater competition from overseas

manufacturers. - The loss of thousands of jobs.

Cons of the Cap-and-Trade BillAdding devastation to an already weak economy

- Disposable household income would decrease by up to $6,000 by 2030.

- Gasoline prices would increase by almost 100% by 2030.

- Electricity prices would increase by over 100%.

- School and hospitals will experience a tremendous expenditure increase.

Cons of the Cap-and-Trade BillUnfairly targets U.S. manufacturers - Industrial sectors will pay twice through

additional costs of carbon embedded in energy purchases and higher costs of natural gas and electricity.

- Industry sectors carbon emissions have risen 2.6% since 1990.

- Residential sectors carbon emissions have risen 29% since 1990.

Our Proposal

In response to cap and trade legislation

Suspend Cap and Trade If…Gas prices reach $5 per gallonElectricity increases beyond 10% of prices in

2009Unemployment increases to 15%

Prevent companies from placing full burden on consumers

Without Fuel LimitationCost of living increasesWages will not increase since profit is not

increasingCNS News

Gas expected to rise to $4.50 by 2050With cap and trade

Gas increases to $4.50 by 2030; $5.50 by 2050

Electricity IncreasesGradual increase is naturalDramatic increase harms small businesses

and consumersSmall businesses may close as result of rising

costs Not enough profit to compensate

Consumers Natural increase projected at $0.04 by 2050 With C&T: Increases of 22% by 2030

Unemployment LimitationRestricts unemployment from increasing

beyond: 15%Current rate of unemployment: 10%Natural rate of unemployment: 5%

Additional LegislationGovernment can outline expectationsRequire companies to take responsibilityConsumers should not have to accept full

transfer of costs

Other Alternative• GOP’s Energy Alternative

• American Energy Act• Idea by Pence, Shimkus, and Upton; 3

Republican congressman• Controls CO2 emissions by increasing supply of

carbon free nuclear energy• Establishes a goal of licensing 100 new nuclear

reactors• Revitalize an entire manufacturing sector-

creating hundreds of thousands of jobs• Burdensome regulatory process-fast track

approval program for PP applications

Disposal of wasteSafe storage for spent fuel rodsFuel recyclingNuclear Regulatory Commission can finish

review of national repository without political interference

Gov’t prevented from blocking storage facilities from private company contracts

Own Natural ResourcesAreas in the US are off-limits Allows exploration in the Arctic National

Wildlife RefugeEnvironmentally safe leasing of oil and

natural gas fields in the outer continental shelf in the west.

Revenues from the leases would fund development of tech. to increase clean, renewable energy sources (Wind and solar)

IncentivesBill offers tax incentives for purchases of new

plug-in cars and hybrid vehiclesExpands the successful tax incentives that

have encouraged homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeALwQtJa0E