Developing countries are not bound to this pact. The administration will have to come up with a plan that not only limits carbon dioxide emissions but does so in a way that strengthens the economy, states the editorial. The administration will also have to decide who will be allowed to emit CO2. The authors believe these goals can be met by using market forces and rewarding efficiency. Then, tighten the standard over time.
American utilities waste more energy in a year than Japan uses, according to the authors.
To mitigate climate change and save money, we must pick the low-hanging fruit of improved efficiency. This will help the U.S. economy and help those developing nations that adopt similar efficiency standards. Water pollution from animal waste spills, manure runoff from fields, and leakage from waste storage facilities cuts across state lines.