ENERGY POLICY STATEMENT: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) calls for a decisive U.S. energy policy to address global warming, urban air pollution, and economic competitiveness. The primary recommendation is to prioritize energy efficiency through tax strategies, such as a carbon dioxide tax and phased-in gasoline taxes, and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies. The report also advocates for stimulating renewable energy sources, halting deforestation, and leading international efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions, including a total phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

• Global warming is predicted to cause temperature increases of 1.5-4.5° C by 2030 if current greenhouse gas emission trends continue, potentially leading to climate instability, ecosystem collapse, and rising sea levels.
• Carbon dioxide is the primary driver of global warming, accounting for half of all greenhouse gas warming; 80 percent of these emissions come from burning fossil fuels and 20 percent from deforestation.
• The U.S. faces a significant disadvantage in international economic competitiveness due to energy costs; in 1986, the U.S. spent 10 percent of its GNP on energy, compared to 4 percent spent by Japan.
• Energy efficiency is identified as the first priority for U.S. policy because it is the fastest and least costly way to reduce emissions and improve competitiveness, noting that the U.S. is only half as efficient as Japan, West Germany, and Italy.
• To stimulate efficiency, the report recommends exploring a 'carbon dioxide tax' and a phased-in gasoline tax, while suggesting a 'gas sipper' rebate for replacing inefficient vehicles.
• Federal subsidies for fossil fuels and nuclear power should be removed as they discourage the use of low-carbon fuels and efficiency strategies; for example, oil and gas tax expenditures are estimated at $7 billion over five years.
• The U.S. should lead international efforts to limit greenhouse gases, including calling for an international convention on energy usage and seeking a total phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which contribute 15-20 percent of greenhouse warming.

APA

Environmental and Energy Study Institute (1988). ENERGY POLICY STATEMENT: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS. https://www.eesi.org/files/EESI-Energy-Policy-Statement-A-Call-to-Action-on-Climate-Change-1988.pdf

Chicago

Environmental and Energy Study Institute. ENERGY POLICY STATEMENT: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS. 1988. https://www.eesi.org/files/EESI-Energy-Policy-Statement-A-Call-to-Action-on-Climate-Change-1988.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Environmental and Energy Study Institute |title=ENERGY POLICY STATEMENT: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS |date=5 October 1988 |url=https://www.eesi.org/files/EESI-Energy-Policy-Statement-A-Call-to-Action-on-Climate-Change-1988.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{environmentalandenergystudyinstitute1988energy, author = {{Environmental and Energy Study Institute}}, title = {{ENERGY POLICY STATEMENT: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS}}, institution = {Environmental and Energy Study Institute}, year = {1988}, month = oct, url = {https://www.eesi.org/files/EESI-Energy-Policy-Statement-A-Call-to-Action-on-Climate-Change-1988.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }