while on his visit to the Wethersfield Wind Project
6/30/2008
EPA Guidance on Potentially Illegal RIN Trading Practices
| The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently publicized practices that it claims are illegal under its complex system for documenting compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard. The system requires obligated parties to establish that they have purchased sufficient Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), which are generated by the sale of renewable fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol. The EPA notice suggests that some RIN market participants' efforts to correct clerical errors in their RIN transactions may be creating additional civil exposure. Properly documenting RIN transactions has been a source of substantial concern to producers, marketers and purchasers of renewable fuels. The EPA's recent notice probably exacerbates those concerns for past transactions but does provide some useful guidance for future transactions. (click to read entire article) |
Honda Insight Hybrid Wins Hypermiling Competition with 124 Miles per Gallon
 This year's Tour to the Shore fuel economy competition had the goal of beating the previous record: 75 MPG in a Honda Insight hybrid. That might seem hard to do, unless you are Jack Martin, a member of the Triad Electric Vehicle Association in Burlington and teacher of Sustainable Transportation at Appalachian State University. He squeezed out 124 miles out of one gallon of gasoline in his unmodified Insight hybrid (and he has one passenger).He did it by using hypermiling tricks. More details below. (Click to read entire report) |
Biodiesel’s New Approval Rating Could Ease Warranty Concerns
| Lack of warranty support for biodiesel has been a major stumbling block for new diesel owners who want to start using the fuel. But three long-awaited ASTM specifications could help change that. Automakers and engine manufacturers have been requesting a finished blend specification for B20 biodiesel blends for several years, with some citing the need for that spec as the single greatest hurdle preventing their full-scale acceptance of B20 use in their diesel vehicles. On June 19th, after more than five years of research and discussion, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) finally approved the following specifications for biodiesel fuel: * Changes to the existing B100 biodiesel blend stock specification (ASTM D6751) * Finished specifications to include up to 5% biodiesel (B5) in the conventional petrodiesel specification (ASTM D975) * A new specification for blends of between 6 percent biodiesel (B6) to 20 percent biodiesel (B20) for on and off road diesel. (Click to read entire article) |
6/29/2008
Institute fights monthly tariff for renewables
| The Goldwater Institute is asking the state Supreme Court to strike down rules that require Arizona Public Service Co. to get a certain percent of electricity from renewable sources such as solar. The organization filed a petition last week arguing that the Arizona Corporation Commission overstepped its authority by requiring APS to charge customers a monthly tariff to support renewable energy. Officials said they are hopeful that by targeting the APS tariff, they can get the renewable-energy rules stricken and free other state utilities from the requirement. The commission passed a requirement in 2006 requiring public utilities to get 15 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2025 and earlier this year approved an increased tariff on APS customers to help the utility provide incentives for that power. (Click to read entire article) |
Harpswell man's biomass plan gone with the wind
| HARPSWELL — A Harpswell consultant who planned to build a $50 million biomass boiler in the Millinocket area lost his spot on the power grid to a wind farm project and has scrapped plans for the plant — and the 30 jobs he hoped it would bring to the area. "We can't get the power out, so the project is essentially dead," Jerry Tudan of Peregrine Technologies in Harpswell said. "Nobody's going to commit to building a $50 million project if you can't sell the project." Tudan planned a biomass plant that would have provided renewable power using sawdust and bark. He also hoped to build a chip mill so the biomass plant could control its own fuel, he said. "We were looking at 30 to 35 jobs," he said. Tudan had lined up investors for the 17-megawatt project, which he said Tuesday would more than provide a town of 15,000 people with domestic power. But during the course of "due dilgence," during which developers worked on issues including environmental permits, First Wind, a Massachusetts wind project developer, registered for the spot on the power grid that Tudan had planned to use. (Click to read entire article) |
BEGWS to proceed with upgrade project
| BATH - Village Mayor David Wallace and representatives of Bath Electric Gas and Water Systems agreed last week to proceed with plans to upgrade the public utility's electric infrastructure at a potential cost of $7.1 million. Wallace said the village would issue bonds to finance the project, and the utility would pay back the bonds with higher electric rates. The mayor's agreement with BEGWS includes using utility employees in the actual construction process. That provision could reduce overall labor costs by $1 million, Wallace estimated. "We've got a good electric crew," said Wallace. "It's what they do, and I think they can save some money." Because the utility does not have the authority to issue its own bonds, the village municipality is the only entity empowered to issue debt to cover the cost of the project. That means, Wallace noted, the village itself would be responsible for paying back the bonds in the event future rate increases for BEGWS are not approved by the New York Public Service Commission. (Click to read entire report) |
State plan on energy is overdue
| AT ISSUE: Governor needs to follow through and get a policy in place. There is little dispute that the energy needs of New York City are increasing. There is, however, major dispute over a plan to meet those needs by cutting an ugly swath through Upstate New York. That problem – and future controversies – can best be addressed by New York state developing a comprehensive energy policy that doesn’t help one part of the state at the expense of another. It was just two years ago that New York Regional Interconnect proposed building a 1,200-megawatt power line from Marcy to Orange County to meet growing energy needs downstate. Locally, the line would run through communities including South Utica, the town of New Hartford, Clayville, Cassville and Waterville. (Click to read entire item) |
6/26/2008
The cityZenn - Dream Electric Car
| Till now we have battery operated cars or hybrid cars. Hybrid cars reduce your gas consumption and air pollution. If you are using battery operated cars, you can’t drive on the spur of a moment. You have to PLAN and recharge the batteries. Otherwise your vehicle will carry you for a few miles and then it will stop and you will be stuck somewhere you don’t want to. You also have to compromise on the size, space and speed of the car. And since you are using a storage device in the car, you have to fear and respect that too. Can’t we have a car that goes 250 miles on a single charge? Can’t we recharge it in five minutes? And drive it at 80 M.P.H.? Don’t dismiss it as wishful thinking! A Toronto-based firm ZENN Motors promises such a highway capable model in near future with no gasoline engine, no batteries, and no emissions! |
County Investment Unlikely In Near Future
| Even the mere promise of horizontal drilling reform in New York aimed at developing a valuable natural gas reserve called the Marcellus Shale has recently resulted in a great deal of investment farther east along the state's Southern Tier. But it remains to be seen when, if ever, it will be economical for energy companies to access the rich Marcellus Shale farther west in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, where the 400-million-year-old rock formation begins to thin out. Press reports filed in Binghamton tell of energy companies offering property owners $2,500 an acre for mineral rights - 10 times the going rate only a few months ago - in addition to 15 royalties on all gas production. The investment has been spurred by a measure that until Monday was only in the works - a measure aimed at easing the restrictions on horizontal drilling in New York, a practice that makes it possible to access the Marcellus Shale. (Click to read entire article) |
NYSEG wants to add infrastructure
| SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. -- NYSEG wants to add infrastructure to meet demand and increase reliability in Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties. The energy company wants to build a transmission line from the Town of Campbell southeast to the Town of Erwin. NYSEG's plans also include two new substations in Campbell and at Corning Incorporated's Sullivan Park complex in Erwin. The project requires local and state approval and will include public comment. NYSEG wants to have it planned by late next year and built by the end of the following year. |
6/25/2008
Iberdrola acquisition of Energy East - PSC vote to accept Judge Epstein's recommendations
| June 25, 2008 Jodi Fansler New York Public Service Commission Empire State Plaza Agency Building 3 Albany, NY 12223-1350 Ms. Fansler, The Citizen Power Alliance is a coalition of independent groups organized to promote sound energy and environmental policy. CPA holds public officials and regulators accountable, while seeking the protection of the public interest. CPA urges the PSC to accept Judge Rafael Epstein’s recommendation to reject approval of the Iberdrola Energy East takeover. The argument that Iberdrola is going to spend $2,000,000,000 on industrial wind development if the PSC approves the acquisition is spurious. Current projects Iberdrola wants to control in NYS are already in different stages by wind developers. This two billion is not new monies for additional project, but represents funds slated to buy out interests of companies like UPC/First Wind, Noble and Horizon. Iberdrola has a record of EU anti-trust violations. It would be not only tragic but also fundamentally negligent for the PSC to allow a foreign conglomerate to have such vast power over the NYS electric utility system. PSC deregulation policy must be enforced which requires that the entire commission needs to maintain the strict firewall between electric generation from transmission and distribution. CPA members represent scores of activist groups who engage the regulator process to enforce sensible energy policy for New York State. We are the taxpayers who bear the burden of special interest benefits. Eco preservation demands fiscal responsibility and viable technological solutions. Community power requires government transparency and effective industrial regulation. Commerce must balance development and profit with responsible civic stewardship. Regards, Citizen Power Alliance cc: Ethics Secretary to the Commission |
Chairman Brown - Iberdrola and Energy East
| Thank you for considering my views, below, on the wind farms in the Naples and Cohocton Hills and the pending acquisition of RGE/NYSEG by Iberdrola. I'm a believer in the free market. I'm also a believer in finding new energy sources for our area and our nation. But I also believe that community interests must be balanced with the imperatives of the market. The Iberdrola deal doesn't make the cut at any level. Few in the community were consulted. Deals were crafted in secret and one day, towers went up. And after the towers, a 100- foot wide swath of gigantic utility poles across sixteen miles of beautiful landscape was announced. There is no benefit to local residents, except landowners, in this deal. Power won't be cheaper for us, (wind power isn't a consistent source of power), jobs won't be created locally, it won't add measurable tax revenues to local schools, and perhaps worst of all, our scenic viewscapes -- which add mightily to the tourism revenues in the area -- are being marred forever by these huge turbines and proposed utility poles. The economic vitality of the area is closely tied to its beauty. Mar the natural environment and you're left with little to attract hikers, bikers, skiers, kayakers, and Sunday drivers who bring dollars to the community. You also add one more reason for companies to decide not to relocate here and for young people to move away. Iberdrola has a reputation in Europe and North Africa both as an innovator and emerging monopoly. When a winter ice storm knocks out power lines, and folks don't have light or heat, think about who you're going to call for repairs. RGE may have had its challenges, but they've performed well in times of crisis. Will Iberdrola feel it needs to take care of folks who don't live in their backyard? It's a botched deal all around. I urge you to uphold Judge Epstein's recommendation to reject this deal. There is no real benefit in this deal to NYS citizens, only to the commercial wind interests at great taxpayer and ratepayer expense. |
What is the NYS Public Service Commission’s Role?
| The NYS Public Service Commission’s role is to protect NYS citizens. Administrative Law Judge Rafael Epstein has recommended that PSC members reject Iberdrola’s acquisition of Energy East (RG&E and NYSEG) as there is no public benefit to the acquisition and in fact would violate Public Service Law, Article 70. They would be breaking one of their own laws put in place to protect the citizens of NYS! THE PSC should be allowed to do its job on behalf of NY citizens without lobbying interference from politicians, like Sen. Charles Schumer. Senator Schumer is either ignorant to the widely and easily accessible, scientific information on industrial/commercial wind’s problems and ineffectiveness, or has already been bamboozled by the commercial wind interests’ incomplete and misguided propaganda. We strongly oppose handing over control of our power grid to a foreign entity. We are asking you to uphold Judge Epstein’s recommendation to reject this deal. The people of NY State deserve our laws to be upheld. There is no real benefit in this deal to NYS citizens, only to the commercial wind interests at great taxpayer and ratepayer expense. What good is commercial/industrial wind if it does virtually nothing to eliminate use of fossil fueled electricity generation or reduce CO2 emissions? What good is it when it negatively affects communities’ health, safety, property values and quality of living? What good is industrial /commercial wind when all it has done is pit neighbor against neighbor and split communities apart? We need to place our focus and resources on renewable alternatives that will deliver the goods, based on science, not misleading and incomplete data. |
CFTC's Chilton to say carbon markets will soar
| NEW YORK (Reuters) - The head of the U.S. commodity futures regulation agency is scheduled to say on Wednesday that greenhouse gas emissions markets could become the largest commodity market. "Even with conservative assumptions, this could be a $2 trillion futures market in relatively short order," Bart Chilton, the commissioner of the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, said in a release ahead of an appearance in New York. The European Union regulates greenhouse gases and launched an official emissions market in 2005. Both U.S. presidential candidates support prompt regulation of the gases blamed for warming the planet to encourage cutting emissions with markets. |
6/24/2008
Eminent Domain in Steuben County
| Bath - On Tuesday night, seven property owners in one Steuben County town will find out if they will lose their land to a wind turbine project. That's according to our newspaper partner, the Leader. On Tuesday at 7 p.m., the Prattsburgh Town Board is scheduled to vote on whether to move ahead with eminent domain proceedings. Board members had agreed last week to hold off on voting before ironing out legal issues with two local school districts. Earlier this year, the school districts challenged a deal between the town and the developer who wants to build 36 wind turbines in Prattsburgh. Districts are concerned about loss of tax revenue because of the deal. |
6/23/2008
Sign and Support the petition against the Iberdrola/Energy East PSC approval
| N.Y.S. Public Service Commission Chairman Gary Brown and Commissioners, I / We the undersigned ask that you continue to OPPOSE the Iberdrola/Energy East merger. The Public Service Commission made an “informed” decision, acting in the best interest of the “People”. Do Not let the NYS Governor or other Politicians influence your final decision. Iberdrola should not be allowed to monopolize electricity generation and supply in NYS. Please ignore attempts by politicians such as U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and N.Y.S. Senator Joseph Bruno to pressure the Public Service Commission into changing your decision on the issue. Judge Rafael Epstein’s recommendation should weigh heavily on your final decision. In this recommended decision, the primary recommendation is that the Commission disapprove the transaction on the ground that it does not satisfy the “public interest” requirement of Public Service Law (PSL) §70. If the PSC allows the merger, wouldn’t you be breaking one of your own laws designed to protect the people? The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) does not believe that the quantifiable benefits expected from the proposed transaction sufficiently outweigh the risks that it creates for consumers. Iberdrola, (a Spanish company backed by Middle East Oil Companies) has already swayed some politicians to their side by offering to infuse $2 Billion into New York State with wind projects, over the next five years. Iberdrola has fed Senator Schumer a $2 Billion carrot, when in fact the $2 Billion includes projects already scheduled to be built. Iberdrola is buying up companies with already approved projects but counting them as part of the $2 Billion infusion of capital. Furthermore, of this $2 Billion, how much is for the turbines and other components which are made out of state or overseas, and how much will actually be infused into our local economy in the form of labor and material purchases? Our tax dollars, through subsidies will be funneled out of the U.S. A few politicians are now ready to sell out the beautiful hill tops and communities of New York State to a Spanish Company who will cover every hill top with thousands of 500’ tall wind turbines. And to make matters worse they want to give them complete control of delivering the electricity to our homes and businesses. What was the reason for electricity deregulation? Will “Natural Gas” be next for Iberdrola in NYS? Please, PROTECT the consumers! OPPOSE the merger! (Name)______________________________________ (Address)___________________________________ (City)_______________________________ (State)___________ (Zip)______________ (Signature)______________________________________ (Name)______________________________________ (Address)___________________________________ (City)_______________________________ (State)___________ (Zip)______________ (Signature)______________________________________ (Name)______________________________________ (Address)___________________________________ (City)_______________________________ (State)___________ (Zip)______________ (Signature)______________________________________ Fax to: 1-518-486-6081 Phone the Secretary to the PSC @ 1-518-474-6530 or Acting Executive Deputy @ 1-518-473-4544 with your comments. E-mail any comments to: jodi_fansler@dps.state.ny.us & secretary@dps.state.ny.us Print out the petition form |
Coal Plants and Algae Fuel..Symbiotic?
 Seattle-based Inventure Chemical and Tel Aviv-based Seambiotic announced this week a joint venture to create biofuels from algae fed by a coal-fired power plant. Apparently, this is an idea growing in popularity. Seambiotic has developed a way to convert algae to biodiesel, ethanol, or specialty chemicals, and they’re testing their open-pond algae farm in Israel. The coal power plant and algae farm are working hand in hand to power one another – the flue gas emissions from the power plant will be used to grow the algae, which is in turn converted to fuel to either operate the plant, or be sold. While it makes sense to use alternative, sustainable fuel sources to power industry, there seems to be a broken logic behind using that fuel to feed coal plants – one of the very energy sources from which we’re looking to separate ourselves. I suppose the venture is worth a go, since we aren’t likely to get off coal in the very near future and so this provides ample opportunity to test out different methods of growing and creating algae-based biofuel. With how quickly other companies are jumping on the algae biofuel and biodiesel bandwagons and making research advancements, it seems possible that we’ll soon see lucrative ways to grow algae without coal, utilizing 100% clean techniques so we can wean ourselves off these unsavory power sources. |
NY Adopts New Energy-Efficiency and Net-Metering Initiatives
| New York announced two policy initiatives to address the state's future energy needs and potentially reduce the cost of power in the state. The first is an energy efficiency program, called the Energy Efficiency Portfolio, that seeks to reduce electricity use 15% by 2015. Managed by the Public Service Commission (PSC), the program is expected to provide more than $4 billion in benefits to customers while creating thousands of jobs. Beginning in October 2008 the PSC will begin collecting an additional $172 million a year in System Benefits Charges (SBC) on consumer electric bills. The funds will be used to reduce peak demand for electrcity, improve system reliability and reduce the need for new transmission and generation facilities. If the program works as expected, the PSC expects customer power bills to decline 2.1% to 4.1% in 2011. The second policy initiative, passed by both houses of the state legislature, is an expansion of the state's net metering law, which allows electricity customers with qualified renewable energy systems to sell excess energy back to their local utilities. The changes allow for increases in the size of eligible solar photovoltaic systems to 25 kilowatts for residential customers and up to 2 megawatts (MW), or the customer's peak load, for commercial customers. The changes for wind power allow for non-residential wind power generators to net meter up to the lesser of their peak load or 2 MW. It also increases the maximum size of wind facilities for farm operations from 125 kilowatts to 500 kilowatts. In addition the size of eligible bio-mass electricity generating systems on farms will be increased from 400 kilowatts to 500 kilowatts. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "The expansion of net metering paves the way for greater independence and cost-savings for New York's energy consumers. This legislation will encourage residents, businesses, schools and non-profits to reduce costs by producing power through non-polluting alternative sources such as solar and wind technologies." |
Renewable Energy a 'Finance-driven' Industry
| One thing was clear at last week's Renewable Energy Finance Forum (REFF) in New York City: This budding industry is still a very risky one for investment. That reality has been illustrated by Congress' failure to extend the Investment (ITC) and Production Tax Credits (PTC); a situation that has spooked some investors and is starting to cause a shift of capital to other countries and other industries. “If you don't like policy risk, you don't belong in this market,” said Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association, in a speech to attendees. “But if you are willing to get into that risk, you belong in this business.” “It is clear that we are now a finance-driven industry. All of you here are in the right place at the right time,” said Michael Eckhart, President of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). “However, as we move forward there will be big successes and failures and only the strong will survive.” (Click to read entire item) |
6/22/2008
Early signees feel cheated by landmen
| When a representative from an energy company paid a visit to Raurie Skinner's farm offering $1,900 for the rights to search for natural gas under her property, it seemed like her lucky day. At $50 an acre, she jumped at an easy payday by simply signing the paper, with the possibility of thousands or even millions of dollars more in royalties if drillers extracted gas from under her 38-acre farm in the Town of Kirkwood. Now, 12 months later, she watches with deep regret as Southern Tier residents sign for $2,500 an acre, and her neighbors hold out as competing offers drive deals even higher. The natural gas boon bringing six- and seven-figure windfalls to thousands of Southern Tier property owners is a bust for thousands more who signed away rights to their land without knowing much about the riches underneath. Some claim they were mislead or swindled. Others blame their own naiveté. (Click to read entire article) |
The Economist June 22, 2008 Letter by David Amsler
| June 22, 2008 To: The Editor The Economist 25 James Street London SW1A 1HG UK E-mail: letters@economist.com Ref. The Future Of Energy; On your centerfold advertising wind turbines lies the reputation of The Economist spread wide for all to see. Change the grid and society to accommodate the output of fickle winds, and then still rely on natural gas for the more than 75% of the time the capricious winds do not drive wind turbines to put out their rated power. Also in that special section are advertisements by bankers that stand to profit from that form of corporate communism called Cap and Trade. Carbon Credits -- To each according to his need, from each according to his ability -- to reduce carbon output. Think it will work better with corporations than with people and governments ? Shame. David Amsler 417 Bush Hill Rd. Franklinville, NY 14737 USA |
6/21/2008
AeroCam Turbine First to be Blowin' in the Wind for Under $1 Per Watt
 The "$1 per Watt" barrier may not sound as impressive as the sound barrier, but this next-gen wind turbine is the first, and has an unusual design. The AeroCam's horizontal-axis, flat-blade shape has blades that are dynamically angled to maximise wind-catching. It's also compact, so can fit into urban environments, and captures wind from any direction. Plus, AeroCam turbines make less noise and vibration than conventional ones, wear out less quickly and cost less to build. They may even be cheaper than solar panels, so it seems like a win-win-win. Since a 250kW unit will cost US$250,000, it'll be your energy suppliers, not you, that ends up owning one. |
Power grid bottleneck stalls Maine project
| A gridlocked New England power grid in Maine has stalled a Harpswell developer's plan for a $50 million biomass boiler in Millinocket. Jerry Tudan, of Peregrine Technologies, had already lined up financing for the 17-megawatt project that would bring 45 jobs to the Katahdin region when he got the bad news from the grid manager. Tudan said his company sought to register the site with ISO-New England, only to be told that a northern Maine wind farm project had registered earlier and had "maxed out" any available access to the grid at this time. Tudan has no quarrel with First Wind, the Massachusetts developer of Stetson Mountain and other wind projects in northern Maine. But he said that company is among several that have queued up for so much space on the grid in coming years that no one else can fit. "There's no bitter tears here toward First Wind about it," Tudan said. "That's the marketplace, though I feel very bad about how it went because we had a beautiful project." (click to read entire article) |
GALLOO ISLAND: Public has suggestions on draft document by NANCY MADSEN
| SACKETS HARBOR — What did we miss? That's what state Department of Environmental Conservation officials were asking members of the public who attended hearings on the proposed Galloo Island Wind Farm at 3 and 7 p.m. Tuesday at the public safety building, 411 W. Washington St. DEC, as lead agency for the environmental review process, sought input on what studies should be required for the project's environmental impact statement. "We're hoping to get input from the public on what should be in that document," said Jack A. Nasca, the chief of energy projects and management division of environmental permits for DEC. He said the department is holding the sessions to create a broad list of the areas in which the public is concerned about the effects of turbines. There are areas where locals have more expertise than DEC. For example, Lawrence C. Barone, a village trustee and business owner, asked that special attention be paid to the historic significance of the island. "I'd like to see you have a professional photographer with a naturalist and a historian create a digital record of the island as it is today," he said. "The tree-stump field, cedar roots, rock piles and shoreline construction, wood and stone fencing, outbuildings and utility poles are all examples of the type of objects that tell the story of the island and should be left in place." The draft scoping document does include some archaeological studies in consultation with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Christine Eggleston, chairwoman of the Hounsfield Zoning Board of Appeals, said she wanted to know more about the way the facility's supply system would work. "I'd like an investigation of the impacts on the shore-side residential and recreational resources," she said. While Oswego would be the port used for the large barges of equipment, small goods and staff would come from Henderson, Sackets Harbor and other north country landing sites. Other members of the public veered from the areas of the environmental impact studies and gave statements supporting or opposing the proposed project. David W. Altieri, the village's Heritage Area director, asked if the company and state would consider maximizing the positive effects, not just minimizing the negative effects. "By opening access to the island, you could open historical resources, natural resources and recreational resources to the public," he said. About 40 members of the public appeared at the evening hearing and 12 gave statements during both sessions. The department will accept written comments through June 30. The draft scope is available at the Hounsfield town clerk's office, Hay Memorial Library and Henderson Free Library. After the scope is finalized, the developer will work on the studies outlined in the document. |
6/20/2008
Public Service Commission OKs Marble River wind farm
| ALBANY -- The New York State Public Service Commission has authorized the construction and operation of Marble River LLC's wind-energy project in the towns of Clinton and Ellenburg. The project is capable of generating up to 229 megawatts of electricity and connecting with an existing New York Power Authority transmission line. In granting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, the commission included conditions to assure that the reliability of the interconnected electric grid is addressed and that the facility is managed in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Marble River, when constructed, will be the second-largest individual wind-energy project in New York. The largest is the 320-megawatt Maple Ridge in Lowville, Lewis County. (Click to read the entire report) |
Environmental lobby blocking energy policy
| Never in all my years have I felt so unrepresented by my government. Corrupted by special interest money Congress does the bidding of its contributors. Their only concern is staying in office no matter the cost to the country. Yes my friends we have the best government money can buy. I am sad to say this bunch in Washington is little more than con men and in some cases just plain fools unqualified to hold office. Both parties are failures. There is no leadership. The lack of a common-sense energy policy is but one example. We have had 30 years to find a solution. Congress has done nothing. One reason is the environmental lobby. This group is the new home of Marxists and anti-capitalists and with their champions in the Democratic Party, they have prevented us from using nuclear power, building new refineries and domestic drilling. They have been very effective in hijacking energy legislation. Of course they will tell you it's for the environment. Who could be against that? The truth is we all want a clean environment, not just one party. Today we can have a more secure energy supply and protect the environment too. The technology is available to do both sensibly. If we don't act now, it's going to be much worse in the future. Likely to the point most of us cannot imagine. Like it or not, oil is the fuel that drives our nation and will continue to do so for the near future until new technologies come on line. So what to do now? In the short term we must drill here now. Continue to develop vehicles that can use new alternative fuels. Continue with "clean coal" and natural gas supplies that we have in abundance. Solar, geothermal, shale, nuclear, hydroelectric and wind. How do we pay for it? Tax credits to corporations and individual inventors to develop these programs. Next, money can be diverted from our defense budget by bringing all the troops home from Europe and Korea. They are rich enough to defend themselves. The Cold War is over, we won. Next, we need to conserve. We waste far too much. Drive less, drive smart. And we have the power of the pocketbook to make our voices heard now. Boycott gas by not buying it one day or more until the supply goes up and the price comes down. This will force the oil speculators to stop driving up the price on the world market. And lastly, write Washington to voice your opinion. It's still our country. Vince Scordo Watertown |
Energy East deal in limbo, Schumer seeks meeting
| New York’s senior senator, Charles Schumer, lashed out at the state’s Public Service Commission today, calling its demands “irrational and illogical,” following a non-binding ruling by an administrative law judge Monday to reject Iberdrola SA’s $4.5 billion buyout of Energy East Corp., parent to New York State Electric & Gas Corp. NYSEG has nearly 90,000 customers in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. The commission is seeking “to place severe restrictions on the world’s leading wind power producer,” Schumer said in a written statement. In his ruling, the judge urged the commission, should it decide to go ahead with the buyout, to require Iberdrola to sell of all of its wind-energy assets in the state, among other conditions. But Schumer said that stipulation would risk jobs and a $2 billion investment in the state’s economy. The Democrat said he is seeking to meet with PSC Chairman Garry A. Brown about Iberdrola’s bid, which likely will be withdrawn if PSC rejects the plan. “I am requesting this meeting to discuss the importance of brokering a deal that will keep customer rates low, provide system reliability and bring much-needed wind power to New York,” Schumer said. The PSC is expected it issue its ruling on the buyout next month. New York is the last of four Northeastern states to weigh in on the deal. Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine have approved the buyout. |
6/19/2008
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ENERGY SAVER LIGHT BULBS!
NY utility settlement will retrofit school buses
| Settlement with New York utility will pay for retrofitting of school buses to cut pollution ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Money from a state settlement with a western New York utility will be used to retrofit school buses to reduce air pollution. State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said Rochester Gas & Electric, which is a subsidiary of Energy East Corp., settled violations at its Russell Power Plant last February. The utility agreed to replace the plant with a cleaner one, pay a $200,000 civil penalty and fund $500,000 worth of clean energy projects. On Wednesday, Grannis said the clean energy money will be used to purchase and install emissions control equipment on public and private school bus fleets in Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans and Wayne counties. |
Take Back The Light: Commercial Fluorescent Recycling Starts in Ontario
| If you think the mercury in compact fluorescents is a problem, the issue of factories and offices is far greater, with more mercury per bulb and a lot more bulbs- thirty million go to the dump each year in Ontario alone, and improper disposal accounts for 312 kg (687 lbs), enough to contaminate Lake Erie. Now Ontario, Canada has developed what they call the first comprehensive fluorescent tube recycling program in North America. 98% of each lamp is diverted from the dump and the glass, aluminum, phosphorus and mercury are all separated and used in new products. Compact fluorescents are just a blip on the radar compared to this kind of volume that has been going on every day for years, but as of next year they will be accepted in the program as well. It's not perfect; we would prefer to see them take residential bulbs now, ending one of the main talking points for the anti-CFL troglodytes, and it requires personal initiative rather than producer responsibility or a deposit on everything. But it is a start.  The Recycling Process* Lamps move on the conveyor to a negative pressure containment area * Lamps are then broken in the negative pressure machine to allow the capture of glass, aluminum, brass, and phosphor-mercury powder * The phosphor-mercury powder is put into the retort treatment unit where it is heated to separate the mercury from the phosphor powder * The triple distillation process cleans the mercury, thereby making it eligible for reuse * The mercury is collected and allowed to cool to liquid form and then sent to Bethlehem Apparatus in Hellertown, Pennsylvania in one ton containers where it is triple distilled and then resold. |
Historic Energy Efficiency Program Gets Underway
| The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) recently commenced its historic Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS), a far-reaching, ground-breaking energy efficiency initiative that seeks to reverse the pattern of ever-increasing energy use in New York by reducing electric usage 15 percent of projected levels by 2015; one of the most aggressive efficiency programs in the nation. "Never before have we faced such significant energy challenges," said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. "The unprecedented rise in energy prices we are experiencing puts to rest any doubts the market is changing. To confront this new and unpleasant reality, we must immediately take bold steps to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption of ever-more costly fossil fuels that we have come to depend on. Doing nothing should not be considered as an option." Chairman Brown added: "The unprecedented energy efficiency program we are approving today will be critically important for the State's future energy policy. Without doubt, energy efficiency is the most cost-effective, and most immediate, way to reduce the burden of rising energy and environmental costs on residential and business customers. The steps we are taking will establish a framework for ensuring energy efficiency becomes an integral part of the New York energy industry. This initiative is squarely in context of broader State policies designed to develop a clean energy industry and economy." (Click to read entire report) |
Renewable Energy Tax Credit Extension Vote Fails in U.S. Senate
| On Tuesday, The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 (H.R. 6049) failed to pass a procedural vote to limit debate and proceed to consideration of the bill. The vote count was 52-44, 8 votes short of the 60 needed to overcome a potential filibuster. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) reserved the right to bring the bill up again at a later date, possibly following the Senate's Fourth of July break. "The longer these extensions are delayed, the more workers are shed and renewable energy projects are undermined." The issues bringing the clean energy tax extensions to a stalemate have to do with how H.R. 6049 will be paid for. Democratic leadership in both houses of Congress have said that extensions must be paid by a decrease somewhere else in the federal budget. Republican leadership has said that tax credit extensions don't fit that rule because they are in fact a stimulus and have gotten behind extension legislation deviod of offsets. “The longer these extensions are delayed, the more workers are shed and renewable energy projects are undermined," said Scott Sklar, President of strategic energy policy and market firm The Stella Group. "Time for Congress to get off the stalemate and move the extensions which over ten years cost the same as one month of the Iraq War.” |
Scenic Hudson Honors Land Conservation Groups
| HUDSON VALLEY – Scenic Hudson will honor 13 local, regional and national land trusts at its gala at Listening Rock Farm in Wassaic, Dutchess County, on Saturday, June 21. Scenic Hudson is saluting the groups for their outstanding work in safeguarding critically important land and scenic wonders throughout the Hudson Valley. Scenic Hudson credits the land trusts with preserving and enhancing the assets that inspired the Hudson River School painters in the 19th century, that earned the region its designation by Congress as a National Heritage Area, and that provide hope for a sustainable future in the 21st century. “These organizations, their boards, staff and members bring skill, passion and resources to bear to preserve the places that give the Hudson Valley its very identity – and quality of life. We have partnered with many of these organizations in the past – to protect scenic vistas, push for crucial environmental legislation and halt sprawling riverfront projects – and we look forward to many more successes,” said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan. (Click to read entire list) |