Obama unveils climate change plan; “less coal, for sure”; international, executive actions highlighted

Who’s saying what in support of the Climate Change Plan?

BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood
“Biotechnology enables energy efficiency and use of renewable resources in manufacturing and fuels as well as increased productivity on our agricultural lands. h acre while reducing pesticide applications, and water and on-farm fuel use. In addition, we are encouraged by the president’s plan to use advanced biofuels to help reduce CO2 emissions in the transportation sector.”

Renewable Fuels Association CEO Bob Dinneen
“There is perhaps no better example of a proven successful climate change energy policy than the Renewable Fuel Standard. President Obama has been a strong supporter of this program, which has helped reduce this country’s dependence on environmentally hazardous petroleum while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 50 percent when directly compared to gasoline.”

Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) Executive Director Brooke Coleman
“The President is right to identify the Renewable Fuel Standard and existing federal regulations as critical to the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector. Pound for pound, advanced ethanol is the most carbon reductive alternative to gasoline in the world, and the RFS is driving the commercial deployment of our industry.”

Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs, National Biodiesel Board
“As this plan makes clear, a key part of the equation in addressing climate change is breaking our dependence on fossil fuels. Biodiesel can help do that in a practical, cost-effective way.

Mary Rosenthal, executive director of the Algae Biomass Organization
“While many people think of CO2 emissions as a problem, algae technology companies see them as valuable inputs for the production of algae-based food, fuel and animal feed. By reusing CO2, algae-based technologies provide carbon-intensive industries with an emissions reduction approach that is a revenue-generating opportunity, rather than a costly expense.”

Adam Monroe, Americas Regional President of Novozymes
“We’re ready to answer President Obama’s call to fight climate change – biotechnology is already doing its part. By creating renewable fuel, we’re generating investment and jobs, and cutting emissions from cars and trucks. We’re also innovating new technology to capture carbon emissions from power and other industrial plants.”

The House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition
“The President’s plan takes a measured approach to addressing climate change, engaging with states and key stakeholders to develop proposals to curb carbon pollution. SEEC Members will continue to fight for policies in Congress that will address climate change, and will press for action.  The time to act is now and we applaud the President’s leadership.”

Nicole Lederer, co-founder of Environmental Entrepreneurs
“President Obama has given us a commonsense approach to reduce the mounting economic costs of climate change by cutting carbon pollution, while at the same time sending a clear and critical market signal that will continue to drive American leadership and innovation in the clean energy sector.”

Operation Free spokesman Michael Breen
“Our military leaders agree: Climate change is a threat to our national security and if left unchecked, will increase instability and conflict in the most volatile regions of the world.  This places a direct burden on our military. With this proposal, the President is showing true leadership by taking meaningful action that will strengthen our national and economic security.”

Jason Bordoff, Director of Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy and former Special Assistant to President Obama
“While the President has announced a series of important actions today, that does not change the need for Congress to act. Congressional legislation that puts a price on carbon is needed to let markets decide how to most cheaply reduce emissions in the longer term, provide incentives for innovation, and put the U.S. on a path to reduce harmful pollution.

Adrianna Quintero, Director of Voces Verdes and a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council
“Recent polling shows that 86 percent of Latinos in the United States support the president taking action to control the pollution that causes climate change. This step…demonstrates a firm commitment from the President to take action to reduce the pollution that is threatening the climate, the health of our communities and our economic well-being.”

Victoria Simarano, The Climate Reality Project
“The three main planks of President Obama’s plan — reducing carbon emissions, providing international leadership, and preparing the United States for climate-related disasters — are critical steps forward domestically and abroad. Fortunately, the solutions and technology are already at our disposal, and the President’s plan will create the enabling environment to bring these solutions to scale.”

Samantha Smith, Leader of WWF’s Global Climate and Energy Initiative
“The plan’s limits on dirty coal-fired power and getting rid of subsidies for fossil fuel companies will do a lot to move the US away from burning fossil fuels, by far the biggest source of carbon pollution. These steps are needed in many countries, both developed and developing, if we are to reach a cleaner, renewable future.”

In today’s Digest, we highlight analysis from critics, look at the impact of money in the debate, and assess the bottom line. With infographics and charts to make for a fast read, all via the page links below.