Solutions

Most experts believe that the world will continue to depend on fossil fuels for much of the energy on which we all depend. So the question isn't "how do we get rid of fossil fuels," but "how do we use our abundant fossil fuel reserves in the best way possible."

We believe that with adequate time and sufficient resources, the United States will develop technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the use of fossil fuels. That way, we can have it both ways. We can continue to use the fossil fuels that keep energy prices low and our economy humming, while controlling the carbon dioxide emissions that concern some Americans.

These technologies, which collectively are referred to as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), are already in use in smaller scale applications, and work is already underway to scale up these technologies to handle the larger task of removing carbon dioxide from large facilities such as a coal-fired power plant. While some of the carbon dioxide that is captured can be used for other purposes, most will need to be stored underground, and work is already underway to identify places where such storage could take place. Fortunately, the United States is blessed with geologic formations that are estimated by some to be able to hold nearly 1000 years worth of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.

Developing these technologies would also give the U.S. a product that could be exported to other countries - particularly those countries that we already know plan to continue to rely on fossil energy to meet the energy needs of their people.

What is crucial to this effort is time. Most experts believe that CCS can be developed for commercial-scale use by 2020 and deployed on our existing power plants by 2025. As Congress debates climate change legislation, it is essential that the short term targets for carbon dioxide reductions not be implemented before the technology is available to meet them. In other words, let's not put the cart before the horse. Common sense tells us first things first. First develop the technology, then make the reductions.

Quick Facts

• CCS would be commercially deployable by 2025.
• By developing CCS technology, we can help other countries reduce their carbon dioxide emissions in a practical way that will not affect world economies.
• Several CCS projects are currently underway.