August
August 31, 2009
Idea of the Day: Environmental Protection While Producing Shale Gas
As a first step, the EPA must undertake a comprehensive scientific analysis of the air, land, water, and global warming impacts from natural gas production, including a lifecycle greenhouse gas analysis.
August 28, 2009
Idea of the Day: Promoting Bus Rapid Transit Systems
Bus rapid transit—which operates like a subway system, using a small number of dedicated intersecting roads or lanes for high-speed buses only—can address many problems at once.
August 27, 2009
Idea of the Day: Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon Capture and Storage, or CCS, is the most promising technique to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants.
August 26, 2009
Idea of the Day: Renewable Integration Credit
Utilities that use large amounts of solar or wind power may sometimes encounter specific additional costs due to the variable nature of these energy sources.
August 25, 2009
Idea of the Day: Achieving Low-Carbon Electricity
Electricity is responsible for about 30 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
August 24, 2009
Idea of the Day: Capturing the New Natural Gas Opportunity
Natural gas is “by the far the cleanest burning” fossil fuel, and produces slightly more than one-fifth of all U.S. energy.
August 21, 2009
Idea of the Day: Retire Old, Dirty Power Plants
As a nation, we can save money and reduce emissions by retiring these older coal-fired plants, or “electricity clunkers,” and using wind, solar, or natural gas power instead.
August 20, 2009
Idea of the Day: Incentives for "Dispatchable" Renewables and Electricity Storage
Establishing a dedicated incentive for deployment of “dispatchable” renewable energy will create demand for electricity-storage technologies and eventually move them into widespread adoption.
August 19, 2009
Idea of the Day: Support Health Care Enrollment Through Community Partnerships
Partnerships will be needed with other government agencies and community organizations to extend outreach efforts and identify those who may benefit from the exchange.
August 18, 2009
Idea of the Day: Subsidy Qualification as Part of the Screening Process
There should be minimal documentation requirements for individuals, while ensuring accuracy of the information.
August 17, 2009
Idea of the Day: Implement a Simple Screen and Enroll System
Health reform needs a streamlined enrollment process where there is no wrong door to health insurance.
August 14, 2009
Idea of the Day: Expand and Navigate Consumer Choice
Health care reform should allow families to keep their insurance if they want to, or have access to better insurance options through the exchange.
August 13, 2009
Idea of the Day: Connecting People to Insurance Through Streamlined Enrollment
The exchange can serve as the entity responsible for managing enrollment into all types of health insurance.
August 12, 2009
Idea of the Day: Increase Breastfeeding Accommodations
Employer supports for breastfeeding women can save companies the health- and absenteeism-related costs of limited breastfeeding options.
August 11, 2009
Idea of the Day: Access to Unemployment Insurance and Temporary Disability Insurance
It is also important to ensure that pregnant women who are unable to work can meet basic living needs for themselves and their families.
August 10, 2009
Idea of the Day: Establish a System of Quality, Comprehensive Childcare
Policymakers should explore a comprehensive system of guaranteed childcare that ensures children are safe, well-cared for, and ready for school.
August 7, 2009
Idea of the Day: Flexible Scheduling for Working Mothers
Flexible work schedules can be an effective and cost-efficient way for businesses to support working mothers and mothers-to-be.
August 6, 2009
Idea of the Day: Ineffective Uses of Title II Funds
Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or ESEA, provides approximately $3 billion to support state and district-level activities that improve teacher and principal quality and thereby improve student achievement. However, there is little proof that the program is achieving this goal.
August 5, 2009
Idea of the Day: Combat Discrimination Against Pregnant Women in the Labor Market
We must fight discrimination against women, especially on account of pregnancy, by strongly enforcing our already-existing antidiscrimination laws.
August 4, 2009
Idea of the Day: Creating a U.S- Russian Preservation Park
The Obama administration should revive this proposal and work toward the establishment of a joint heritage and natural preservation park in the Bering Sea region.
August 3, 2009