Government Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions through the Automobile Industry

A new day is dawning in support of regulating greenhouse gas emissions. The target? The automotive fuel economy.

On May 19, the Obama Administration announced tough new standards for the automobile industry: a mandated national average for automobiles and light trucks of 35.5 miles per gallon, to be met in less than seven years. The current national standard is slightly more than 25 miles per gallon. The new rules, which will go into effect in 2012, will create a single new national standard that will yield a car and light truck fleet in the United States that is 40 percent more fuel-efficient by 2016 than it is today.

The Obama Administration claims that, over its life, these new rules will reduce oil consumption by 1.8 billion barrels and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 900 million metric tons. This is especially significant considering that the auto industry accounts for 17 percent of man-made carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S.

Congress is also considering “cap and trade” legislation to limit carbon emissions across the economic spectrum. This legislation would set up a system for trading emission allowances so that the private marketplace can use available fossil fuels most efficiently.

Supporters say that the environmental benefits of cap and trade and automotive-emissions standards far outweigh the costs. Critics such as congressional Republicans say that the plan could damage economic growth at a time when the nation is struggling through a recession. However, this proposed regulation is part of a broader White House strategy to confront the risk of global warming while making green-collar jobs a centerpiece of the economy, thus aiding the struggling American workforce.

Naturally, environmentalists are ecstatic over the 40 percent improvement in the fuel economy. According to the Sierra Club’s Carl Pope, “President Obama is putting the pedal to the floor when it comes to slashing our dependence on oil and confronting global warming. Last month the administration closed the books on the Bush era of climate denial once and for all by acknowledging the threat of global warming, and now today they moving forward with a plan that will give new life to the American auto industry and ensure that the next generation of clean, efficient autos will be made right here in the U.S.A.” Dan Becker of the Safe Climate Campaign praised the Obama action as “the single biggest step we’ve taken to curb global warming.”

Even the automobile industry is pleased with Obama’s changes. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, an industry group representing 11 carmakers, praised the new regulations. “The President has succeeded in bringing three regulatory bodies, 15 states, a dozen automakers and many environmental groups to the table,” said Dave McCurdy, the group’s CEO. Among the green groups attending the event were the League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund and the Union of Concerned Scientists–not welcome White House visitors during the Bush years.

Hopefully this change will help to reduce America’s carbon footprint while simultaneously focusing on less fuel consumption and the promotion of green jobs.

Article partially excerpted from MNN.

Earth Hour: Your Commitment Beyond

You probably heard of Earth Hour, an international effort that took place last Saturday, March 28th to save energy and raise awareness about global warming. Earth Hour counted with the participation of millions of individuals, thousands of cities, and many governments committed to taking action on global warming. More than a gesture of energy-saving, Earth Hour was symbolic because it demonstrated a global will to enter a new future powered by energy efficiency, renewable energy, and more sustainable lifestyles. In effect, it showed a universal commitment by people to move human society towards sustainability.

Among the landmarks that participated in Earth Hour are:

• The Great Pyramids in Egypt
• The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
• The Empire State Building in New York, USA
• The UN headquarters in New York, USA
• The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Wembley Stadium in London, UK
• The Bird’s Nest Stadium, the Water Cube, Ling Long Tower and Pangu Plaza in Beijing, China
• The Oriental Pearl Tower and the 492m high Shanghai World Financial Center, in Shanghai, China
• The Reserve Bank of India, the Air India buildings, and Indian Tourism Development Corporation’s flagship Ashok Hotel, in India
• The World Bank in Washington D.C.
• Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy
• The Big Ben in London, U.K.

Beyond Earth Hour, we have to continue to show our commitment to combating global warming and moving towards a greener planet. Green Irene is here to help you achieve that goal beyond Earth Hour. Our Green Home Makeover and Green Office Makeover are affordable, high-quality services that can get you going on making energy conservation permanent, reducing your waste and water use, protecting human health by eliminating toxic substances, and much more. Green Irene’s greenbase is also ready to provide you with any information you need to help you Go GREEN, in addition to a full research team ready to answer any questions not answered by our greenbase. In addition, Green Irene carries products that can complement your Green Home or Office Makeover. We carry green products that will ensure that what our Local Eco-Consultants recommend can be implemented right away. Green Irene offers the best, national solution for you to continue your commitment to Earth Hour and move towards a more sustainable lifestyle. So, in honor of Earth Hour, why not continue your commitment today with Green Irene. Sign up today for our services and begin the process of Going GREEN.

To learn more about Earth Hour, see this video below:

To see pictures from around the world, click here.

Rosamaria Caballero Stafford
Co-Founder and the Original Green Irene

Do You Know Your Family’s Carbon Footprint?

Global warming is one of the most pressing problems we face today. The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is causing the planet to warm quickly. This is having serious effects here and around the world, including stronger storms, hotter summers, more frequent drought and flooding, and even the loss of species.

Each of us contributes to increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in various ways. Each time we consume electricity, food, and other goods and services, we contribute to global warming because of the carbon dioxide emissions associated with most daily activities. The amount we contribute annually is known as our carbon footprint.

Your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant can show you how to determine how much your family contributes to global warming. The Carbon Footprint Calculator allows you to determine your carbon footprint from all the activities in which you engage in your daily life. The calculator will basically add up all the carbon contributions associated with your consumption and living patterns to determine how much carbon dioxide you emit every year and how this compares to the global average and averages across other countries.

With this Calculator, the Eco-Consultant can show you how much your family contributes so that you can make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your contribution to global warming. You will find that most of the changes you can make will actually not affect your lifestyle and will perhaps even save you money. Ask your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant to find out more about your carbon footprint and what you can do about it. Also, after you take the steps we recommend and you’re still determined to be a carbon-neutral family, we have green carbon offsets for your family’s auto and air travel.

Rosamaria Caballero Stafford
Co-Founder and the Original Green Irene