Voluntary Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the United States Climate VISION Spotlight February 12, 2004 Early in his term, President Bush directed his Administration to develop a new approach to addressing climate change. While recognizing the long-term nature of the climate challenge, this approach also recognizes the need to take short-term actions to begin slowing the growth in greenhouse gas emissions without harming the economy. The President set an ambitious national goal of reducing greenhouse gas intensity-the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per dollar of GDP-by 18 percent over 10 years. In doing so, he challenged the business community to take part in the effort. A year ago, the federal government and industry organizations representing thousands of companies from 12 energy-intensive economic sectors joined in a voluntary partnership called Climate VISION. Those economic sectors include automobile manufacturers, chemical manufacturers, railroads, the oil and gas industry, the electric power industry, the mining industry, and the cement, iron and steel, aluminum, magnesium, semiconductors, and forest products industries. Joining in this presidential initiative were the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Agency. Climate VISION works with industry to identify and pursue cost-effective solutions to reduce emissions using existing technologies; develop tools to calculate and report emission intensity reductions; speed the commercial adoption of advanced technologies; and develop strategies to reduce emissions intensity in other economic sectors. Over the past year, the Administration has laid a strong foundation for progress. The Climate VISION program provides a venue to identify cost-effective opportunities to achieve immediate improvements in greenhouse gas intensity. The Department of Energy and other federal agencies are moving forward to help their partners develop strategies and work plans to meet their greenhouse-gas reduction goals. In the coming year, the Administration will build on these accomplishments and explore promising opportunities to partner with the private sector to develop and implement new energy-efficient technologies and practices in areas such as new residential and commercial buildings, coal gasification, nuclear energy, electricity transmission, and other areas to advance the President's goal. What's New February 9, 2004 Today, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mike Leavitt joined 52 freight shippers and carriers from around the nation to promote the SmartWay Transport Partnership. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a major voluntary program that will increase the energy efficiency and energy security of our country, while significantly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. read more December 2, 2003 The Department of Energy today released two reports from the U.S. Climate Change Technology Program that present a portfolio of federal R&D investments in climate change technology development, and highlight President Bush's initiatives along with other important developments related to climate change. read more                   | Security and Privacy Notices [Presidential Statements | Program Mission | How to Participate | Private Sector Initiatives] [Resources & Links | Technology Pathways | News & Events] Contact Us | Site Map | 1605(b) | Home