China may develop their clean energy industries at a far faster pace than the United States , according to Assistant Secretary of Energy David Sandalow. Speaking recently to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Sandalow noted that China is investing heavily in clean energy, including wind, biomass and solar power.
In written testimony to the commission, Sandalow said China has some of the world's largest wind farms, delivering power to cities over ultra-high-voltage long-distance transmission lines, and that two-thirds of the world's solar-powered water heaters are in China.
He added that the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act makes important investments in renewable energy, but that incentives must be established to drive renewable energy development. And, he said, the most important step would be to put a price on carbon.
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is appointed by the Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate. The commission reports to Congress annually on the national security implications of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the United States and China and provides recommendations for legislative and administrative action.
