4/3/2009
The Obama Administration’s new energy policy
Mr David Rodgers from the US Department of Energy delivered a positive and enthusiastic update on the US energy policy at the AmCham event on April 2. The audience of around 50 included many of Sweden’s leading cleantech companies.
Rodgers applauded Sweden’s mindset and expertise in the field, saying "We’ll be seeking strategic partnerships in Sweden."
Click here to see Mr. Rogers powerpoint
He went on to outline the multilayered energy policy, designed to deliver wholesale changes to the future of energy production – and consumption – in the US, and make the country the world-leader on climate change. The policy, backed by billions of dollars of direct and indirect funding, covers all aspects of energy at the national, state, city, corporate and even individual level. The strategy is intended to maximize clean energy and reduce emissions, while generating jobs and contributing to economic growth overall.
André Heinz introduces the main speaker.
David Rodgers
Rodgers described the vast array of investment initiatives earmarked to achieve these objectives, including: R&D in bio-fuels and geothermal energy; a smart grid and transmission lines; grants, loans and tax incentives for clean energy; investment in lithium battery technology for the automotive industry; funding to help cleantech companies take innovations to market; state and city funding for clean energy projects; a low-income home "weatherization" program; rebates for choosing low-energy rated products – and many, many more.
What about the Administration’s target of an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050? "I don’t have the exact numbers to share right now ," said Rodgers, "but what I can say is that, with this policy, we could be on track to reach that target as early as 2030."
Berit Salheim, AmCham, David Rodgers and Frank Carrico, U.S. Embassy.
But much of the legislation surrounding the policy has yet to be passed by Congress: "It may be two years before some of the bills become laws," said Rodgers. But despite this, the prognosis is positive: "It is the aggressive and broad desire of Congress to make these changes. Nothing is more important to the President right now. But this issue is not unique to the US – it’s the responsibility of the whole world to make a difference."
Written by Julie Gunn at Battison & Partners AB
If you have any questions to David Rodgers, contact Tuula.Javanainen@mail.doc.gov
With special thanks to our sponsors:
Lennart Falk, GMS Language Service and David Rodgers
