Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
120361101
label
Renewable Energy
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
120361101
contentType
document
title
Renewable Energy
citationUrl
collections
Records of the Council on Environmental Quality (Clinton Administration)
Kathleen McGinty's Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
120361101
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
42-t-7432005-20120769F-Seg2-047-010-2018
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
b9038ce0b12594f8
ocrText
FOIA Number: 2012-0769-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Council on Environmental Quality
Series/Staff Member:
Kathleen (Katie) McGinty
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
2891
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Renewable Energy
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
61
5
11
1
PAUL D. WELLSTONE
MINNESOTA
United States Senate
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-2303
permake final materials
January 30, 1992
The Honorable James A. Baker, III
Secretary of State
Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
uncopenewable Energy
By Messenger
Dear Secretary Baker,
Beginning February 5, the United Nations is sponsoring a
meeting in New York to review the progress of past efforts, and
the potential for future actions, to develop renewable energy
sources. The product of this meeting could be a new
international agreement to be acted upon at the UN Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED) in Brazil this June.
In August 1990, the United Nations established a high-level
working group of experts to prepare a comprehensive and
analytical study on new and renewable sources of energy in
preparation for the UNCED meeting. This group, the United
Nations Solar Energy Group for Environment and Development
(UNSEGED), examined the technological status of renewable energy
technologies and reviewed the progress which has occurred since
the Nairobi Program of Action was adopted in 1981.
Their report, Solar Energy: A Strategy in Support of
Environment and Development, concludes that the technical
potential for renewable energy sources is significant but their
future contribution is largely a political question. As the
working group report states:
"In the long-term, the utilization of renewable
energy sources is not likely to be constrained by
the availability of resources or cost-effective
technologies. Political and administrative
decisions are their primary constraints." (Report,
page 3.)
The UN Solar Energy Report contains a series of national and
international recommendations for action to address these
constraints. These proposals will provide the focus for the
discussions which will begin in New York in February.
As supporters of the development of renewable energy
resources, we wish to encourage the United States representatives
to take an active leadership role in these UN proceedings.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
The Honorable James A. Baker III
January 30, 1992
Page 2.
Further, in order to fulfill our Constitutional responsibilities
regarding any international agreement which may result, we would
like to be consulted about these discussions. In particular, we
would like to know whether:
a) the United States delegation will support adopting a new
international solar energy development plan of action as
part of the UNCED process?
b) the United States will support the recommendations made
in the UN Solar Energy Report for national and international
action?
c) the United States is preparing any of its own initiatives
to promote the development of renewable energy resources for
action at the UNCED Conference?
Given the immediacy of the February meeting, we would
appreciate your prompt response to this request. If you have any
questions about this inquiry, please feel free to contact us
directly or our respective staff -- Karl Gawell (Sen. Wellstone),
Katie McGinty (Sen. Gore), Russ Shay (Sen. Wirth), Kim Tilley
(Sen. Simon).
Sincerely,
Paul Wellstone al Dore
Paul David Wellstone
Timothy Wirth ), L, WITH
VaulAmin Al Core, J.
Paul Simon
February 11, 1992
TO: Katie McGinty, Gore
Russ Shay, Wirth
Kim Tilley, Simon
FROM: Karl Gawell, Wellstone (4-9694)
Based upon discussions I have had yesterday with Thomas
Johansen, primary author of the UN report, the negotiations in NY
on renewables are at a critical stage. Attached is a letter I
want to sent over to State today, and a copy of the draft text
which the Committee is considering. According to sources there,
the US is objecting to several paragraphs on policy grounds (tech
transfer and externalities) as well as anything which smells of
new funding.
They urge that we press now for US support for funding and
institutional support.
Let me know ASAP if you want to go on this letter which will
go out later today (4pm ish).
February 11, 1992
The Honorable James A. Baker, III
Secretary of State
Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
By Messenger
Dear Secretary Baker,
On January 30, Senators Gore, Wirth, Simon, and myself wrote
urging the United States to take a leadership role in advancing a
new international agreement to promote renewable energy to be
acted upon at the UN Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED) in Brazil this June.
While we have not yet received a response from the
Department of State, I/we understand that the United States
representative to the negotiations underway in New York has taken
a largely inactive role.
Without constructive support by the United States, the Draft
Resolution presently before the Committee on New and Renewable
Sources of Energy does not appear to offer much hope for
meaningful progress towards a new renewable energy plan of
action. It is our understanding that the United States has not
offered any proposals of its own to promote development of
renewable energy resources. Instead, our representative appears
to be pressing for additional deletions to the text which will
e
weaken it even further
The development of utilization of renewable energy resources
is critical to global environmental and development goals. As
the UN Solar Energy Report indicates, efforts over the past ten
years have been seriously inadequate and a significant new
international commitment is needed to achieve the potential of
renewable energy sources.
I/we urge your immediate attention to these discussions to
ensure that the United States plays a constructive, leadership
role. In particular, I/we urge the United States to support
efforts to strengthen and expand the international and regional
organizations necessary to promote renewable energy development.
I/we also urge the United States to support making the financial
commitment necessary to advance international renewable energy
efforts.
Sincerely,
Paul D. Wellstone
02/08/92 14:09 FAX 212 753 9366
BEEKMAN TOWER
0
002
7-II-92
p.m.
G-77
Draft Resolution
Development and Utilization of New and Renewable Sources
of Energy in the 1990s and Beyond,
1. The Committee on the Development and Utilization of New and
Renewable Sources of Energy,
2. Recalling General Assembly resolutions 36/193 of 17 December
1981, 37/250 of 21 December 1982, 38/169 of 19 December 1983,
39/173 of 17 December 1984, 41/170 of 5 December 1986, 43/192 of
20 December 1988 and 45/208 of 21 December 1990,
3. Reaffirming the validity of the Nairobi Programme of Action
and emphasizing the need for further development and
implementation of new and renewable sources of energy following
the objectives of the Programme,
4. Recalling also General Assembly resolution 44/228 of 22
December 1989 on the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development,
5. Recalling further General Assembly resolution 45/199 of 21
December 1990 on the Fourth International Development Strategy,
6. Stressing the importance of the continued development and
application of renewable energy technologies, taking into
account, inter alia, the importance of social, environmental and
developmental concerns,
7. Taking into account the fact that widely distributed and
accessible renewable sources of energy could constitute a more
significant share of
world energy supply,
8. Having considered the Secretary-General's Report entitled
"Solar Energy: A Strategy in support of Environment and
Development; a comprehensive analytical study on renewable
sources of energy", (document A/AC.218/1992/5),
9. Also having considered of the report of the
Intergovernmental Group of Experts on New and Renewable Sources
of Energy (document A/AC.218/1992/9), and the Pre-feasibility
survey "A Proposed Network of Centres of Excellence of
International Scope on New and Renewable Sources of Energy",
10. Reaffirming the fundamental objective of the NPA of
promoting concerted action in the context of the energy
transition for the development and utilization of new and
renewable sources of energy with a view to helping meet future
02/08/92 14:10 FAX 212 753 9366
BEEKMAN TOWER
003
2
overall energy requirements, especially those of developing
countries. Such energy transition from an international economy
based primarily on hydrocarbons to one based increasingly on new
and renewable sources of energy should be orderly and peaceful
and take place in a manner which, consistent with the needs and
options of individual countries, is socially equitable,
economically and technically viable, and environmentally
sustainable,
11. Observing that environmental problems, especially with
respect to the ozone layer depletion, climate change, urban air
pollution, acidification, land degradation, desertification,
erosion and deforestation, require strong and immediate action,
and that in this regard new and renewable sources of energy could
provide a major instrument to effectively address these problems,
12. Considering that developing an energy system based
increasingly on new and renewable energy sources will require
fundamental structural, economic, and institutional changes in
industrialized and developing countries. This can only be
achieved with a strong political will, active international
cooperation, and public and private involvement,
13. Considering also that adopting a long-term approach is
essential for the development of the infrastructure as well as
the policy and institutional arrangements needed for utilizing
new and renewable sources of energy,
14. Considering further that implementing such an approach will
also require short and medium-term transitional policies.
Effective implementation of the Nairobi Programme of Action
Toward these ends, the Committee
1.
Takes note of the Secretary-General's Report entitled "Solar
Energy: A Strategy in support of Environment and Development; a
comprehensive analytical study on renewable sources of energy",
(document A/AC.218/1992/5), the report of the Intergovernmental
Group of Experts on New and Renewable Sources of Energy (document
A/AC.218/1992/9), and the Pre-feasibility survey "A Proposed
Network of Centres of Excellence of International Scope on New
and Renewable Sources of Energy".
2.
Invites Member States to consider development of new and
renewable sources of energy in the context of their overall
national development plans and priorities, and coordinated as an
integral part of energy sector programmes.
02/08/92 14:11 FAX 212 753 9366
BEEKMAN TOWER
004
3
3.
Invites Member States to consider the following measures to
this end:
a.
Adopt and implement integrated national action
programmes on the development and utilization of new
and renewable energy sources, within the framework of
strategies and policies for the transition to energy
systems compatible with sustainable development.
b.
Establish targets for contributions of the different
new and renewable energy sources to their energy
supply, commensurate with the needs and options of
individual countries.
C.
Establish and strengthen, as appropriate, national
government institutions at an appropriately high level
responsible for the development and utilization of new
and renewable sources of energy. Where deemed
necessary, cooperative arrangements at the sub-regional
and regional levels should also be envisaged.
d.
Promote the utilization of new and renewable energy
sources through: education, training and information
programs; energy/environment planning and policy
coordination; and research, development and
demonstration, with a view to facilitating the
implementation of national plans, including policies
and programmes for achieving the targets established by
the countries themselves.
e.
Adopt energy policies that provide reasonable and
adequate incentives, measures and regulations for the
development and utilization of new and renewable
sources of energy. In this regard, environmental and
social costs could be incorporated in national energy
planning and project appraisals.
f.
Encourage funding of research, development and
demonstration in the area of new and renewable energy
sources, in particular through public energy
investments devoted to promoting research, development,
demonstrations and training related to new and
renewable energy sources, commensurate with their
potential to meet national energy needs and
international responsibilities.
g.
Establish and implement procedures for recording
statistical data on new and renewable-energy
applications in their respective countries.
02/08/92 14:11 FAX 212 753 9366
BEEKMAN TOWER
005
4
h.
Provide information on their national programmes for
promoting new and renewable energy sources in order to
facilitate international cooperation.
4.
Requests the Secretary-General and the United Nations system
to implement the following recommendations:
a.
Promote rapid implementation of systems based on new
and renewable energy sources, especially in developed
countries in order to reduce possible environmentally
harmful emissions in a manner consistent with their
magnitude.
b.
Promote all efforts in the energy sector so that new
and renewable energy sources and technologies for their
utilization, together with energy-efficiency
improvements, are given adequate priority as
instruments for sustainable development.
C.
Ensure that the various entities within the United
Nations system continue to carry out action-oriented
programmes and projects for the effective
implementation of the Nairobi Programme of Action, in
accordance with the areas for priority action set up
therein. With a view to secure a continuous effort of
the system towards development and utilization of new
and renewable sources of energy, new programmes and
projects should be prepared upon completion of current
ones, or suitable adjustment should be introduced to
current activities in the light of the experience
gained in their implementation. Technical cooperation
among developing countries as a modality in programme
formulation and implementation should be significantly
expanded.
d.
Promote increased funding, inter alia, from new and
additional financial resources, in support of the
implementation of national action programs on new and
renewable energy sources, in particular in developing
countries.
e.
Promote rapid and effective transfer of new and
renewable energy technologies amongst all countries
and, in particular, on favorable and concessional terms
to developing countries. In this regard, action should
be taken to adapt currently-available technologies to
local conditions, to support the build-up of the
endogenous expertise and infrastructure needed to
enable the implementation of new and renewable energy
programmes, and to promote local production of
technologies in order to enhance national self-
reliance.
02/08/92 14:12 FAX 212 753 9366
BEEKMAN TOWER
006
5
f.
Assist countries in the collection of data on new and
renewable sources of energy in a: standardized form, so
that it can be useful at the international level.
g.
Prepare and disseminate studies on new technological
developments, techniques and strategies for
identifying, locating and evaluating new and renewable
energy sources.
h.
Promote measures for assisting developing countries in
the development of credit and marketing facilities
designed to facilitate the development and utilization
of promising new and renewable sources of energy
technologies.
i.
Promote the allocation of a significant and increasing
share of aid funds devoted to the energy sector from
multilateral and international agencies to viable new
and renewable-energy projects.
j.
Promote the mobilization of additional and adequate
financial resources for the implementation of the
Nairobi Programme of Action through existing or new
financial institutions and mechanisms of the United
Nations system. In this regard, the Governing Council
of UNDP should be requested to consider revitalizing
the Energy Account and converting it to an energy fund,
as originally conceived.
k.
Coordinate activities carried out within and outside
the United Nations system, including intergovernmental
and non-governmental organizations, financial
institutions, with a view to effectively promoting the
utilization of new and renewable energy sources through
efficient utilization of resources and avoidance of
unnecessary overlappings and duplications.
5.
Recommends that institutional arrangements within the United
Nations system should be strengthened with a view to ensuring an
effective implementation of the Nairobi Programme of Action.
United Nations secretariat arrangements should be strengthened
consistent with the magnitude of the supporting tasks to be
carried out concerning the scientific, technical, monitoring and
coordination aspects of the development and utilization of new
and renewable sources of energy. When appropriate, Governments
should be requested to second technical staff. However, final
institutional arrangements should be implemented in the light of
the outcome and recommendations of the United Nations Conference
on Environment and Development.
6. Requests the Secretary-General to undertake the necessary
consultations with a view to enlisting enhanced financial support
02/08/92 14:13 FAX 212 753 9366
BEEKMAN TOWER
007
6
from donor countries and multilateral financial institutions for
the development and utilization of new and renewable sources of
energy.
7.
Invites interested Member States, the United Nations system
and the international community to provide the necessary
financial support to implement the Network of Centers of
Excellence as recommended by the Castel Gandolfo Colloquium of
high-level experts on new and renewable sources of energy. Such
a network should be linked to regional new and renewable sources
of energy centers and networks.
8.
Requests the Secretary-General to provide appropriate
assistance through the United Nations system in the measurement
and evaluation of new and renewable energy resources in
developing countries.
9. Requests further the Secretary-General to prepare an
analytical, comparative, and comprehensive study of experiences
gained world-wide in implementing new and renewable energy
strategies, and proposals for effective policies.
10. Requests further the Secretary-General and the United
Nations System to prepare a comprehensive report on the progress
in implementation of the present resolution at the forty-eighth
session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Contribution of the Committee on the Development
and Utilization of New and Renewable Sources of Energy
to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
through the fourth session of its Preparatory Committee
11. Requests the Secretary-General to forward to the fourth
session of the Preparatory Committee of the Conference for
consideration under Agenda 21 the reports entitled "Solar Energy:
A Strategy in support of Environment and Development; a
comprehensive analytical study on renewable sources of energy"
(document A/AC.218/1992/5) ; the report of the Intergovernmental
Group of Experts on New and Renewable Sources of Energy (document
A/AC.218/1992/9) : and the Pre-feasibility survey "A Proposed
Network of Centres of Excellence of International Scope on New
and Renewable Sources of Energy".