Energy Realities

Passing current climate change legislation would require the United States to reduce emissions from fossil fuels by 80 percent in only a few decades.

Our emissions have not been that low since 1910, way before cell phones and the personal computers. Today, fossil fuels are responsible for generating more than 70 percent of the nation's power, while wind and solar provide less than 2 percent. It is clear that current climate change legislation does not have reasonable timetables in place for success.

So, how DO these rushed timetables and restrictions affect global climate change? Studies show that we won't even lower global climate by two-tenths of one degree. In fact, Lisa Jackson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency verified that U.S. efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions via this bill will have little to no impact on atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gasses if carbon restrictions are not made elsewhere in the world.

Quick Facts

• Fossil fuels, like coal, natural gas and petroleum, currently provide more than 70 percent of the nation's power.
• Hardships faced by Americans as a result of current climate change legislation would result in a mere 0.2 degree reduction in the world's climate - all pain for no gain.
• Climate change bills now being considered call for up to a 20 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 and more than 80 percent by 2050.