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Global Climate Change Digest
A Guide to Information on Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depletion
Published July 1988 through June 1999

FROM VOLUME 3, NUMBER 10, OCTOBER 1990

REPORTS...
ENERGY POLICY

Item #d90oct33

Available (no charge) from Global Environmental Energy Project, Harvard Univ., 79 J.F. Kennedy St., Cambridge MA 02138 (617-495-1390).

The Transport Sector and Global Warming (E-90-11), E.A. Parson, May 1990. Examines the economics of, and trends in, passenger and freight transport for the world, with more detailed analysis for the U.S. Transportation energy use will decline in the U.S. over the next few decades, but will rise dramatically in Central Europe and the developing countries. Reviews trends in automobile size, new fuels, urban public transit high-speed railways and freight transport, finding that improved fuel efficiency for automobiles and trucks is the most promising option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Reviews a wide variety of policy options available to governments that set goals for emission reductions.

Taxes, Fuel Consumption, and Carbon Dioxide Emissions (E-90-12), T.F. Homer-Dixon, May 1990. This preliminary study first establishes a general framework for the analysis and evaluation of fossil fuel tax proposals. It then discusses the important concept of price elasticity of demand, difficulties in its application and some recent estimates of elasticity for fossil fuels. Finally, arguments in favor of an increased gasoline tax in the U.S. are given.

Item #d90oct34

Lessons From Japan: Separating Economic Growth from Energy Demand, 20 pp., 1990. Available from Assoc. Conserv. Energy, 9 Sherlock Mews, London W1M 3RH (tel: +44-71-935-1495); £15 + shipping.

Among the conclusions emerging from a review of Japan's experience: economic growth and energy demand can be decoupled; market forces alone will not achieve the potential for energy efficiency--a coherent set of measures administered by a single agency is a key factor; efficiency standards for appliances and buildings must be updated regularly; gains require a long-term approach with clear goals.

Item #d90oct35

Energy for America and World Economic Cooperation: The First, Foremost Challenge of the 1990's, R.L. Lawson, 12 pp., Jan. 1990. Available from Governor's Office for Coal and Energy Policy, POB 11888, Lexington KY 40578 (606-252-5535).

In this Univ. of Kentucky Distinguished Lecturer address, the president of the National Coal Association proposes an "energy Marshall Plan" centered on coal and clean coal technology, to be supported by the U.S. and other major nations.

Item #d90oct36

The Long-Range Role of Coal in the Future Energy Supply of the United States, June 1990. Available from National Coal Council Inc., POB 17370, Arlington VA 22216 (703-527-1191); $47.

Based on the "collective wisdom" of members of the Council, an independent, appointed advisory committee to the Secretary of Energy. Identifies problems that must be addressed and opportunities available to the U.S. because of its rich coal resources. Considered are three future scenarios with various degrees of environmental regulation and global cooperation. Among the resulting conclusions are that coal is a vital component of the nation's energy future regardless of scenario, and technology is the key to the future role of coal. Also available (same price) is Industrial Use of Coal and Clean Coal Technology, June 1990.