Number: 1991-06
WHEREAS, the Administration has failed to develop and implement a national energy policy based upon the efficient use of energy and the development of environmentally safe alternative energy technologies; and
WHEREAS, in the name of “national security” the Administration and others have proposed to exploit oil and gas resources in environmentally fragile areas, such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Outer Continental Shelf and the Rocky Mountain Overthrust Belt; and
WHEREAS, the continued reliance on the combustion of fossil fuels is a primary cause of global warming, acid rain and the emission of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, the continuation of subsidized rates for hydroelectric power generated at Federal dams has undercut energy conservation efforts and threatens riparian and recreational resources; and
WHEREAS, the development of environmentally safe alternative fuels could reduce reliance on foreign oil, provide additional market opportunities for U. S. farmers and producers, and contribute to our nation’s energy security; and
WHEREAS, improving the efficiency of our energy use has proven to have a multitude of benefits to American society, including the reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels and the saving of billions of dollars; and
WHEREAS, substantial energy savings and environmental benefits will result from the imposition of higher and technologically feasible gas mileage standards for America’s automobile and light truck fleets; and
WHEREAS, the use of “least-cost” methods of meeting our nation’s energy needs has proven effective in many sectors of the electric utility industry in reducing the need for constructing new power plants and saving money for electric consumers;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 21-24, 1991, in Memphis, Tennessee, urges the Administration and Congress to formulate a national energy policy that has as its cornerstone the development of “least-cost” and environmentally sound initiatives and incentives to increase the efficiency of our nation’s energy use, while encouraging the development of environmentally safe alternative energy technologies; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports a substantial increase in corporate average fuel economy standards for all automobile and light truck fleets sold in the U.S.