Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. April 2, 2013.
As the Obama administration approaches a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, a national survey finds broad public support for the project. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) favor building the pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada’s oil sands region through the Midwest to refineries in Texas. Just 23% oppose construction of the pipeline. [Note: contains copyrighted material].
http://www.people-press.org/files/legacy-pdf/4-2-13%20Keystone%20Pipeline%20and%20Global%20Warming%20Release.pdf [PDF format, 10 pages].
Center for American Progress. January 9, 2013.
According to the author, despite congressional failure to pass essential legislation to reduce carbon pollution and establish a renewable electricity standard, during its first term the Obama administration successfully adopted policies to protect public health from air pollution, lower oil consumption, and create jobs. [Note: contains copyrighted material].
http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ObamaFirstTermEnergy1.pdf [PDF format, 11 pages].
Center for Strategic & International Peace. January 3, 2013.
U.S. “independence” from energy imports has been a key source of political dispute ever since the October War in 1973 and the Arab oil embargo that followed. Much of this debate has ignored or misstated the nature of the data available on what the U.S. options are, as well as the uncertainties involved in making any long range projections. This situation has become more critical during the last year as it becomes increasingly apparent that the U.S. has far more commercially exploitable oil and gas reserves than most previous estimates have indicated. Some estimates go so far as to project the U.S. could actually become an energy exporter in the future. [Note: contains copyrighted material].
http://csis.org/files/publication/130103_us_energy_independence_report.pdf [PDF format, 15 pages].
Congressional Research Service. January 2, 2013.
Congress has expressed interest in biopower–electricity generated from biomass. Biopower, a baseload power source, has the potential to strengthen rural economies, enhance energy security, and improve the environment, proponents say. Biopower could be produced from a large range of biomass feedstocks nationwide (e.g., urban, agricultural, and forestry wastes and residues). One challenge to biopower production is a readily available feedstock supply. At present, biopower requires tax incentives to be competitive with conventional fossil fuels. If Congress considers a renewable electricity standard or other measures (e.g., farm bill energy programs) that include biopower, there may be concerns about the carbon neutrality of biopower.
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41603.pdf [PDF format, 18 pages].
Congressional Research Service. December 18, 2012.
This report discusses the U.S. wind turbine manufacturing industry, its supply chain, employment and international trade trends, major federal policy efforts aimed at supporting the industry, and issues affecting its future. The wind industry’s national trade group, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), reported an estimated 30,000 Americans were employed directly and indirectly in wind turbine manufacturing in 2011, compared to 2,500 in 2004. Another 45,000 U.S. workers reportedly were employed in other parts of the wind industry in 2011, including construction and services.
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42023.pdf [PDF format, 38 pages].
