The United States has a responsibility to take leadership in reducing global warming pollution.
Taking these six steps could reduce U.S. carbon dioxide emissions by about 23 percent and global warming emissions by about 19 percent by 2020.
1) Stabilize vehicle travel.
2) Increase vehicle fuel economy standards to 40 MPG
3) Replace 10 percent of vehicle fuel with biofuels or other clean alternatives.
4) Reduce energy consumption in homes, business and industry by 10 percent from current levels.
5) Obtain 20 percent of our electricity from new renewable energy sources.
6) Hold emissions from other sources to current levels.
Table ES-1. Global Warming Emission Impact of the Six Steps (million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent) Strategy Savings MMTCO2E Stabilize Vehicle Travel 0* 40 MPG Fuel Economy and Heavy-Duty Truck Fuel Economy Standards 383 10% of Transportation Fuel from Renewables 61 10% Reduction in Energy Consumption 400 20% of Electricity from New Renewables 511 Total Savings 1355 2004 U.S. Global Warming Emissions 7122 Reduction Relative to 2004 19% * Avoids increase in emissions resulting from projected increases in vehicle travel between now and 2020.
