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Issues: Oil & Energy

Slower, Costlier and Dirtier
A Critique of the Bush Energy Plan

This May 2001 NRDC report is an extensive analysis of the Bush administration energy plan that was released on May 17. NRDC's energy experts found it heavily biased in favor of the most polluting fossil fuels -- coal and oil -- at the expense of the environment and public health. Furthermore, the plan would have no impact on energy prices, and no practical effect on U.S. dependence on foreign sources of oil. The report picks up where our February report, "A Responsible Energy Policy for the 21st Century," left off -- it demonstrates that the United States can meet its energy needs without undermining environmental safeguards or ruining the last remaining pristine wilderness areas in the country.

OVERVIEW & QUICK REFERENCE
Press Release, 5/17/01
Statement by David G. Hawkins, director of NRDC's Climate Center, Critiquing Bush Energy Plan and Offering Responsible Alternative
Tale of the Tape: Comparing President Bush's Energy Plan and NRDC's Plan

FULL REPORT IN PDF
Adobe Acrobat file (size: 146k)
Click here if you need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Links indicate sections available as individual webpages)
Executive Summary
Attacking America's Environment
Energy Efficiency: Lip Service, But Not Much More
Coal: Using Even More of the Dirtiest Fuel
Electric Power: More Pollution and Higher Bills
California and the West: Don't Call Washington for Help
Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: No Need to Despoil
Drilling the Outer Continental Shelf: Threatening Our Coasts
Drilling on Public Lands: Scarring the Landscape
Nuclear Power: Unacceptable Risks at Too High a Price
Renewable Energy: Limited Support for Inexhaustible Sources
Energy Infrastructure: Overriding Local Decision-Making
Attacking Oil Refinery Clean Air Rules: More Pollution, Less Law Enforcement.
Reducing Reformulated Gasoline Blends: Will the Cleanest Prevail?