International Climate Negotiations, Durban, South Africa, December 2011
Climate talks yield limited agreement
Familiar standoff between U.S. and China
Youth calls for immediate action

Senator Lugar’s Practical Energy & Climate Plan

The Alliance to Save Energy hosted U.S. Senator Lugar to speak on his energy and climate bill in Indianapolis on Aug. 13, 2010.   Thanks to Senator Lugar for his leadership on energy efficiency.   According to the NRDC, the bill includes several strong provisions to strengthen energy efficiencies of buildings, but its weaker vehicle fuel efficiency standards undercuts new landmark EPA and National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration standards.  According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the bill does not hold polluters accountable for their global warming emissions and does not include a limit or price on global warming pollution.  The projected 11% energy reduction includes reductions that are already likely to occur through existing policies, such as fuel economy standards.  Sen. Richard Lugar indicated that his bill (Senate Bill 3464) to put the nation on a practical diet for its insatiable appetite for energy is unlikely to be heard in Congress this year, but is optimistic it will see some action next year. Read more IndyStar

Smart Energy The bungled BP oil disaster offers a timely reminder that America needs to rethink energy policy.  Indianapolis Star Editorial, June 20, 2010...

Tackle oil dependence with local decisions With the BP oil disaster continuing to devastate the Gulf Coast, many Hoosiers wonder how -- hundreds of miles from that distressed region -- we can make any dent in helping to solve this extraordinary national tragedy. Many concerned citizens will rightly direct their energies toward Washington, where lawmakers are considering a cost-effective, market-based carbon cap system to spark major innovation in oil-saving technologies.  But the battle to deal with the nation's oil addiction should not be limited to D.C. The stakes for the health of waterways and wildlife, national security, public health and economy are far too high. They call on us to take this fight into state and local communities. By Jesse Kharbanda,  June 20, 2010…

Let's put our energy into becoming more efficient In a time when money is tight and natural resources are precious, Hoosiers continue to waste significant amounts of both because energy conservation has gained so little traction in Indiana.  Indianapolis Star Editorial, June 20, 2010…

Lugar takes best shot at energy plan Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., seeks to address both realities with a bill to be introduced next week aimed at wooing colleagues whose support is lacking for the Democratic plan of the moment.  Indianapolis Star Editorial, June 5, 2010…