In his State of the Union address, President George W. Bush explained his National Energy Policy, an energy plan which breaks definitively with Republicans of the past who have not advocated environmentally-friendly policies. Bush claims that he has presented an energy plan that is environmentally sound and progressive in the development of “technology and innovation,” citing his effort to earmark $1.2 billion for research into the development of hydrogen-powered cars. Unfortunately, this proposal is the only specific project offered in the address and, while a step in the right direction, is misdirected and not representative of his true energy policies.
Bush’s NEP budget merely demonstrates a reorganization of spending, not the renewable energy revolution the President’s rhetoric would lead one to believe. While Bush proposed to increase research into hydrogen power by 120 percent for 2004, every other sector of Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy spending is either decreased (such as the 50 percent cut in Zero Energy Buildings) or is increased by less than three percent (such as the comical $68,000 increase in solar energy development). Committing $1.2 billion over five years for hydrogen power at first appears striking, but total EERE spending for 2004 would only increase by $37.2 million, a sobering indication of the true scope of his commitment.
We applaud Bush for recognizing the potential of renewable energy and formally offering a specific means for achieving cleaner, more efficient production. However, this effort should be in addition to, not at the expense of, other renewable energy efforts. Further, Bush’s desire for hydrogen power as a clean source of energy is undermined by his continued pressure for the opening of Alaskan reserves to oil drilling.
A National Energy Policy that is environmentally sound and efficient would increase research into ways of reducing costs of already proven technology, such as solar energy. According to Georgetown’s facilities management website, the energy generated from the solar panels on the ICC in one year could alone power 11,000 homes for the same period. Additionally, Bush’s new plan puts all his efforts into the widespread use of a technology that will probably not be realized for at least 20 years, while bringing major benefits for the big automobile manufacturers who would be researching hydrogen power.
While hydrogen power is a worthwhile endeavor, it is one that should receive its own increase in funding, not merely bureaucratic budget reshuffling. For Bush to achieve his goal of efficiency and environmental soundness, he must make a true financial commitment to the cause, not spout empty rhetoric.
