Martin O'Malley editorial: 'We can get all our energy from renewables'

[bigtree]

We can get all our energy from renewables

by, Martin O'Malley - June 29

Last weekend, at a meeting in Sioux City, I was asked a question I’ve heard from people all across the state: As president, what would you do to support the investments we’re already making in Iowa on renewable energy?

Iowans deserve a clear answer to that question from every candidate. Here’s mine: My administration would call for 100 percent of our energy to come from renewable sources by 2050.

Clean energy is a job creator, pure and simple. Iowa and Maryland prove it. Both of our states set standards and targets to encourage investment in renewable fuels. Iowa did this first among states, and now is a leader in biofuel production and wind generation. Last year, the number of Iowans working in the wind industry increased by 50 percent. In Maryland during my time as governor, we doubled our renewable portfolio standard and created thousands of new green jobs.

Now is time to take this progress to the next level. New technologies now put an independent clean energy future decidedly within our reach as a nation. With a comprehensive climate and energy plan, we can create up to five million new jobs in the next decade alone.

This is why, as president, I would use my executive power on day one to declare the transition to a clean energy future the number one priority of our federal government. And this is exactly what I’m coming to Iowa to talk about over the Fourth of July weekend.

read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/caucus/2015/06/30/omalley-can-get-energy-renewables/29489855/

[elleng]

1. IF there were any doubt about who leads on environmental matters!

[bigtree]

2. talking the talk

...walked the walk in Maryland!

This is as ambitious a proposal as any I've ever seen on the campaign trail, certainly the more wide-reaching, challenging environmental proposal in this one.

[FSogol]

4. It would also add a well-needed boost to the US economy and create a lot of jobs.

From a Washington Post article on his policies:

Some of those actions include retrofitting federal buildings to higher energy-efficiency standards and new requirements for the federal automobile fleet. O’Malley says he would also establish a “Clean Energy Job Corps” with the aim of retrofitting buildings and creating new green spaces across the country.

[bigtree]

7. that's the most compelling argument in favor of this proposal

...outside of the prevention of our extinction.

[FSogol]

8. You would think that environmental issues would be enough, but pointing out the economical issues

can't hurt.

BTW, another awesome post, Bigtree. Keep up the good work.

[NCTraveler]

3. Now that is setting a goal.

"My administration would call for 100 percent of our energy to come from renewable sources by 2050."

We will send a man to the moon........

Yes we did.

[bigtree]

6. good analogy, NCTraveler

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.

- JFK Address at Rice University, September 12 1962

[FSogol]

5. K & R. n/t

[Peacetrain]

9. Excellent!!

[bigtree]

10. Alternet: 7 Surprising Realities Behind the Transition to Renewable Energy

1. Solar is now so cheap that global adoption appears unstoppable.

2. Wind power adoption is rapidly altering energy portfolios around the world.

3. National and subnational energy policies are promoting renewables, and many geographies are considering a price on carbon.

4. The financial sector is embracing renewables – and starting to turn against fossils and nuclear.

5. Coal use is in decline in the United States and will likely fall at the global level far sooner than once thought possible.

6. Transportation will move away from oil as electric vehicle fleets expand rapidly and bike- and car-sharing spreads.

7. Nuclear is on the rocks due to rising costs and widespread safety concerns.


read more: http://www.alternet.org/environment/7-surprising-realities-behind-transition-renewable-energy

related:

Presidential Candidate Martin O’Malley: We Can and Should Be 100% Powered by Renewable Energy by 2050
http://www.alternet.org/environment/presidential-candidate-martin-omalley-we-can-and-should-be-100-powered-renewable-energy

Martin O’Malley position paper on the environment
https://martinomalley.com/the-latest/a-jobs-agenda-for-our-renewable-energy-future/

Martin O'Malley editorial: Zero out fossil fuels by 2050
http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/06/18/pope-francis-encyclical-clean-energy-technology-campaign-column/28859409/

[JustAnotherGen]

11. Five million new jobs and the +

They will be highly skilled jobs - not mcjobs!