Markey: Sarkozy Challenges U.S. on Global Warming in Speech to Congress
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Markey: Sarkozy Challenges U.S. on Global Warming in Speech to Congress
New World Energy Outlook Paints Grim Picture for Global Warming, Oil Demand as Congress Pushes Energy Legislation Despite Bush Veto Threat
WASHINGTON (November 7, 2007) – With oil climbing towards $100 on the global markets, and concerns over America’s energy policy and the ramifications of fossil fuel dependency on the planet, French President Nicolas Sarkozy highlighted the need for U.S. action on global warming today in a speech to Congress. The world’s energy and environment challenges were further highlighted today by the release of a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) saying oil and energy demand would increase by 50 percent by 2030, and global warming emissions by 57 percent if world policies are not changed.
“It's refreshing to see a President stand before Congress and implore America to take real, immediate action on global warming,” said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. “I just wish it were our President.”
In his speech today on the floor of the House of Representatives, President Sarkozy said: “Those who love the country of wide open spaces, of national parks, and nature protected nature reserves, expect America to stand alongside Europe in leading -- I repeat -- leading the fight against global warming that threatens the destruction of our planet. I know -- I know that the American people and its cities and states are increasingly aware of the stakes and are determined to act. Allow me to say with all the friendship that I feel for America that this fight is essential for the future of humanity, and we will not be able to achieve the results that we must achieve without America leading this fight. For the safe-guarding of our planet, of human kind, of the human species, we need America in order to protect our planet and its environment.”
Back in Europe, the IEA report released in London today indicated that new policies are needed to avert an environmental and energy crisis. The report says that if governments around the world stick with existing policies, the world’s energy needs would be well over 50 percent higher in 2030 than today. And without changes in policies, global energy-related emissions of heat-trapping carbon-dioxide will increase 57 percent by 2030. These are the mid-level scenarios, with increases expected if growth in emerging economies China and India quickens.
For oil, the geopolitical ramifications are on full display. Oil imports in China and India combined would jump from 5.4 million barrels per day (mbd) in 2006 to 19.1 mbd in 2030 -- more than the total current imports of the United States and Japan combined. Meanwhile, production of oil is expected to become even more concentrated in a few Middle Eastern countries. America currently imports more than 60 percent of its oil from foreign sources, chiefly the Middle East.
“If we don’t enact policies to reduce our oil dependence now, we’ll be on a path of inexorable dependence on increasingly expensive Middle East oil,” continued Rep. Markey. “We need President Bush to support the energy bill currently in congress, not another 20 years of holding hands with sheiks and begging for oil.”
Energy legislation currently being considered in Congress would raise fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, increase the use of renewable fuels like ethanol, and the use of renewable energy like wind and solar power. If all of the best provisions of the energy bill were signed into law by the President, the legislation would save more than twice the amount of oil America currently imports from the Persian Gulf and reduce global warming emissions by 40 percent of what is needed to save the planet.
In an administration letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi in October, the President threatened to veto the energy bill, including the protection of the oil industry as a reason for vetoing the bill.
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PLEASE NOTE: The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was created to explore American clean energy solutions that end our reliance on foreign oil and reduce carbon pollution.
The Select Committee was active during the 110th and 111th Congresses. This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record. This website, including external links, will not be updated after Jan. 3rd, 2010.
The Select Committee was active during the 110th and 111th Congresses. This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record. This website, including external links, will not be updated after Jan. 3rd, 2010.
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