| Energy Policy and Climate Change |
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America needs energy security and a
responsible climate policy.
Our future is at risk from both over reliance on foreign oil and the
risks of unmitigated climate change. But with American ingenuity, highly
skilled workers, and smart investments we can begin to transform the way
we generate and use energy to solve both these problems. |
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The development and deployment of
carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is an essential climate
solution for America and the world.
With nearly half of America’s energy coming from coal-fired power
generation, it is critical that we enable the responsible use of our
resources by deploying advanced technology capable of reducing carbon
emissions. It is vital to energy independence, and will create countless
jobs for boilermakers and building and construction trades. Congress
must provide much needed regulatory certainty, as well as financial
assistance to accelerate the deployment of CCS. |
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The Boilermakers support a
comprehensive, economy-wide “cap and trade” program to avoid
catastrophic climate change impacts and make strategic investments in
clean energy technology.
We believe the following elements are an essential part of
comprehensive climate policy. |
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- Achievable emissions reductions
goals that avoid severe economic disruptionsparticularly in the
early years of a program–and discourage widespread fuel switching to
natural gas.
- Cost-containment provisions that
prevent volatility in allowance prices and mitigate economic
impacts.
- Revenue from any auction of
allowances should be reinvested in job-creating climate solutions,
such as carbon capture and storage, advanced vehicle technology, and
renewable energy. Any construction activities assisted through
auction revenue should include standards that promote high-quality
employment and fair competition.
- Preferences for the domestic
manufacture of new and emerging carbon reducing technologies to
revitalize the American industrial base.
- Provisions that seek to ensure
responsible climate action does not result in the off shoring of
both jobs and pollution to countries that fail to act. This should
include some free allocation of allowances to industries
particularly vulnerable to competitiveness impacts, as well as a
border adjustment mechanism imposed on major emitting nations–such
as China–should they fail to take make reduction commitments.
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Status: Committees of
jurisdiction in both the House and Senate are expected to consider
climate change legislation in the coming year.
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| Boilermakers’ Message to Senators and
Representatives: Support a responsible climate policy that invests
in a clean energy future, minimizes impacts on energy-intensive
manufacturing, and encourages the deployment of advanced coal technology
with CCS. |
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| Information provided by:
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers · Department of Government
Affairs 703-560-1493 office ·
www.boilermakers.org |
