Study Argues For Cutting Costs And Emissions (NAPSA)—There’s good news —and better news—for consumers who want to cut energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the sametime. First, the good news. A new study contends that a policy that attempts to address both issues— reducing both costs and emissions— is both possible and beneficial. The analysis found that implementing a suite of climate, energy and transportation policies would allow the United States to meet an emissions-reduction cap of 56 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and save consumers and businesses $465 billion in that year. According to the study, “Climate 2030: A National Blueprint for a Clean Energy Economy,” the average U.S. household would enjoy a net savings in 2030 of $900 on its energy bills: $580 on transportation (fuel, vehicle and driving) costs and $320 on electricity, natural gas and heating oil. Businesses collectively would realize net energy bill savings of $130 billion. The two-year study was conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The UCS believes its policy recommendations would put the nation on a path to reduce heattrapping emissionsby at least 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050, the target that UCS experts contend is necessary to prevent the worst effects of climate change. The even better news is that consumers and businesses would Union of | Concerned Scientists Citizens and Scientists for Environmental Solutions @ A new study contends that con- sumers would benefit from public policies that reduce emissions and costs at the sametime. not have to wait 20 years to see benefits from UCS’s recommended initiatives. The analysis found that by 2020, the United States could meet a cap of 26 percent below 2005 levels and save consumers and businesses $346 billion in that year. Most of the net energybill savings over the next two decades would be due to more energy-efficient buildings and industrial processes, cleaner cars and a more efficient transportation system. The UCS analysis concluded that the United States could reduce energy demand bya third through improved efficiency in buildings, industry and transportation systems. Said UCS President Kevin Knobloch, “Combining a carbon cap with strong efficiency, renewable electricity and transportation standards can deliver those emission cuts and save Americans a substantial amount of money.” For more information, go to www.ucsusa.org.
