Citizens, government should go green for a stronger economy

President Obama’s stimulus package is a solid down payment toward creating a cleaner, stronger economy. The government has a major role to play, but we can’t succeed in building a new economic future unless America’s citizens also step up in a major way. The Obama administration seeks to quadruple investment in energy efficiency and aims to double our capacity to generate electricity from renewable sources.

Several proposals would significantly boost mass transit funding, too.

Obama also has directed the Department of Transportation to set new fuel economy standards. And soon, states may be able to implement California’s tighter clean car standards.

Automakers can produce better cars. They have the technology today to make new cars and trucks that average 35 miles per gallon in 2015, 10 mpg more than today’s average vehicle. Additional improvements can deliver 42 mpg in 2020, saving Americans tens of billions of dollars a year, even after paying for fuel-saving technology.

That would reduce global warming pollution in 2020 by 350 million metric tons and oil consumption by 2.1 million barrels a day.

Later this year, Congress is expected to debate an economy-wide program to reduce global warming pollution. A strong program would keep the economy growing as it grows greener.

But beyond what the government can do, each one of us also has a responsibility to go green. Using less gasoline is the No. 1 way most of us can cut pollution. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the typical driver uses 683 gallons of fuel each year. Each driver burning that gas creates 13,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, the chief heat-trapping gas that causes global warming.

Refraining from speeding – and driving in the fuel-economy sweet spot of 55 miles per hour on the highway – can boost fuel economy as much as 23 percent. That’s equivalent to a 30-cent discount at the pump at today’s prices.

When it’s time to buy a new car, we should choose the most fuel-efficient model that meets our needs. And new standards for automakers will mean more fuel-efficient options.

Meanwhile, the typical household spends about $2,000 a year on electricity and heating fuel. Replacing energy-hungry appliances – air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters and refrigerators – with Energy Star-certified efficient models can pay for itself and more over time.

Finally, we can save money and cut pollution at the dinner table by eating less meat. Meat generally costs more per pound and more per calorie than other food. Likewise, raising livestock and poultry generates more pollution than growing fruits and vegetables.

We can have meatless meals more often. And when we do eat meat, we can reduce portion size. Federal health guidelines say a serving of beef or chicken should be 3 ounces – about the size of a deck of playing cards.

For too long, our government has subsidized huge feedlots and neglected more efficient, greener food producers. This must change, too.

Fixing our economy and fixing our planet will require citizens and government working together.

It’s a big job, but with many hands we can get it done.

KEVIN KNOBLOCH
McClatchy-Tribune

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