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May 29, 2007
100
Ways to Save the Environment
Ranging from methods to conserve
energy at home and reducing toxicity, to using less water, producing less
trash, and consuming less fuel. (External Link)
Arctic, Tropical Islands Team Up for Climate Pact
Arctic peoples and tropical islanders will try to
strengthen an unusual alliance on the front lines of global warming from
Sunday by seeking ways to cope with melting ice and rising seas.
Asia Carbon Market a Matter of Time - ABN
Asia, with its fast-growing economies and major
greenhouse gas emitters, could see its own carbon trade exchange open in
a few years, a senior official of Dutch bank ABN AMRO said on Friday.
Australian Scientists Say Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Are
Accelerating
Australian government scientists have found that greenhouse
gases are being pumped into the earth's atmosphere faster than
ever since the turn of the century. They have also found that
emissions in Australia are increasing considerably faster than the
global average. From Sydney, Phil Mercer reports.
Bill protecting birds worries wind energy industry The American Wind Energy Association is sharply criticizing a
new bill it claims will essentially outlaw new wind power development
and phase out existing wind farms.
Britain May Have Missed Its Chance for Clean Coal
They warned that BP's decision to abandon plans for the
development of a "green" power plant at Peterhead,
Scotland, following this week's Government white paper on energy, could
be the start of a slowdown in British efforts to tackle climate change.
Calif takes another step in fight against global warming
California, with the strictest pollution laws in the
nation, has taken another step in reducing its contribution
to global warning.
The California Energy Commission on Wednesday imposed new
rules that forbid municipal utilities, including the Los
Angeles Department of Water and Power, from signing new
contracts with coal-fired power plants unless those plants
find a way to pump their emissions underground.
California governor vows to complete solar energy plan
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger pledged Thursday to
greatly increase the use of solar energy in California by building
1 million solar roofs.
China Drought Hits Water Supplies to 1.6 Million
Nearly 1 million people in China's western province of
Gansu are short of drinking water as the area faces its worst drought in
60 years, the official Xinhua agency reported late on Thursday.
China Initiates Real-Time Monitoring Over Nuclear Power Plants
China has started trial operations of a nuclear emergency
response system that allows for real-time monitoring of the
country's nuclear power plants, said a government official on
Friday.
China Shrugs Off EU Calls for Climate Change Action
China shrugged off on Tuesday calls from the European
Union to take more action on climate change, saying it was still a
developing country and it was up to industrialised nations to
shoulder more responsibility.
Coal plant opponents win one battle, lose another
But environmental groups were cheering legislation the Texas
Senate passed Tuesday that would affect the permitting process for
power plants. It would require state regulators to consider the
cumulative pollution impact of all existing and pending power
plants within 124 miles before issuing an air permit for a new
one.
Controversy surfaces in new Yucca Mountain bill
Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., the ranking member of the Senate
energy committee, has introduced legislation that would speed along
development of nuclear storage capabilities at the controversial Yucca
Mountain site in Nevada.
Crude futures fall in low volumes, as supply fears fade slightly
At 10:26 GMT, the July ICE Brent futures contract changed hands at $69.66/barrel, down 5 cents from Monday's settlement. The July NYMEX WTI futures contract traded at $64.37/b down 83 cents from Friday's settlement.
Diesel vehicle popularity tops hybrids, forecast shows Diesel powered vehicles sales will outstrip hybrid vehicle
sales by 2012, a new forecast shows.
Sales of both types of vehicles are on the rise, but diesel powered
passenger vehicles provide similar fuel economy at a lower cost than
hybrids, said a report from UBS, a financial services company, and
Ricardo PLC, a consultant to the automotive industry.
Drought Kills 400,000 ha in Ukraine, Reduces Crop
Severe drought across Ukraine has already killed about
400,000 hectares of crops, the Agriculture Ministry said on Friday,
seeing a further significant fall in the 2007 grain harvest.
French anti-nuclear campaigners protest against EPR reactor
The group is also protesting against the creation of a new high tension power link to the new reactor which, according to the campaigners, carries "important health risks" and would "disfigure the west of France."
GE Makes Critical Investment In Southern California Seawater
Desalination Project
GE Water & Process
Technologies, Poseidon Resources Corporation, American Water and Acciona
Agua have joined together to invest in the final stage of the
desalination project to bring a long-term, drought-proof, safe and
affordable supply of drinking water to the water-scarce region.
Georgia may adopt tougher limits on mercury releases
For the first time ever, Georgia is set to limit the amount of
mercury that power plants can release into the air.
As proposed, the state mercury rules are more strict
than those issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, although
not as tough as originally outlined last year.
Global Warming-Hurricane Link Spurs Controversy
Climate scientists agree there have been a lot of strong
hurricanes lately. They agree that warmer seas have given these storms
some extra punch. But they disagree how much global warming is to blame.
Group raises nuclear waste worries-- Environmentalists claim hauling
radioactive materials poses threat; Duke Energy disagrees
That truck in the next lane on Interstate 77 could be
carrying radioactive nuclear waste, and if a new government program gets
funded, more trucks with more waste could travel local highways, local
environmental groups warned this week.
Indian Firm To Burn Toxic Waste from 1984 Industrial Disaster
An Indian firm plans to burn toxic waste from the Bhopal
disaster, the world's worst industrial accident, despite
environmentalists' objections.
Iowa Governor signs renewable energy bill
Culver made renewable energy a top
priority during his campaign, and has repeatedly said he intends to make
Iowa the renewable energy capital of the world with the initiative.
Iran makes steep nuclear gains, U.N. says
IAEA reports it is less able to monitor Tehran. U.S. begins
naval exercises in the Persian Gulf.
Defying the international community, Iran has sharply
upgraded its capacity to enrich uranium in recent months while the
outside world's access to and grasp of Tehran's nuclear program "has
deteriorated," according to an unusually blunt report Wednesday by the
International Atomic Energy Agency.
Judge stiffens salmon rules after report of violation at dams-- BPA must
realized fish-protection measures aren't optional, James Redden says
"Apparently, BPA's sales commitments to customers always trump
its obligation to protect ESA-listed species," Redden wrote in his
order. "BPA must realize, however, that the fish-protection
measures detailed in the 2000 and 2004 BiOps are not optional. Nor
is compliance with the ESA."
Leak forces shut down of newly restarted reactor at Browns Ferry
Operators shut down a newly restarted reactor at the
Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant early today after a leaky pipe burst,
spilling about 600 gallons of non-radioactive fluid inside a building
housing generating turbines.
Mexico Launches Plan to Combat Global Warming
Mexico promised to plant 250 million trees this year and
ban old trucks and buses from the roads as part of a plan launched on
Friday to fight global warming.
Monsoon Rains Arrive Over India's Southern State
India's annual monsoon rains have hit the country's
southern coast on Monday, four days ahead of the normal date of June 1,
the weather department said on Monday.
Nuclear waste in limbo-- Uranium rods pile up outside plant, but there's
no place for them to go
As the Pacific Northwest's only nuclear power plant unplugs
Saturday to refuel its core with new uranium rods, decades-old
questions about how to handle nuclear waste are on display at the
Columbia Generating Station about 10 miles north of Richland.
NYMEX crude opens 57 cents higher, led by surging RBOB
25May2007
July crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange opened 57 cents
higher at $64.75/barrel Friday with upside lead provided by the product
markets. Ongoing refinery woes in the US caused an onslaught of selling in the
crude market Thursday, but lost gasoline production pushed RBOB prices higher.
NYMEX crude opens 90 cents lower on unfavorable chart picture
29May 2007--A downturn in product prices added to bearish sentiment as a host of refinery restarts late last week suggested an increase in output that would ease the current supply/demand balance in gasoline, in particular.
Ohio University plans composting program
The Athens, Ohio, school is using a $250,000 grant from
the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to develop the composting
program. The university believes it is planning to install the largest
in-vessel composting system at any U.S. college.
Project Aims to Prove Coal Can Clean Up Its Act
If Japanese Facility Succeeds, Texas Could
Add Gasification Plants. When the coal gasification demonstration plant fires up in
September, the designer, Mitsubishi, expects to prove it's
possible to burn the types of coal available in Texas without
polluting.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 052907
Solar activity has been very low. The geomagnetic field
is expected to be quiet May 29 - 31.
Rich Must Pay Bulk of Climate Change Bill, Oxfam Says
Coping with the ravages of global warming will cost $50
billion a year, and the rich nations who caused most of the
pollution must pay most of the bill, aid agency Oxfam said on
Tuesday.
The call, barely 10 days before a crucial Group of Eight (G8)
summit in Germany which has climate change at its core, is
likely to make already tense negotiations even tougher.
South England May Bear Brunt of New Nuclear Plants
The South of England could bear the brunt of a push to build a
new generation of nuclear power stations, government documents
have revealed.
State penalizing coal power plants-- In reversal of past policy,
Constellation Energy is fined
Maryland- In a major shift, Gov. Martin O'Malley's environmental agency
has decided to enforce air pollution rules at coal-fired power
plants that were routinely ignored under past administrations.
Storms Wreak Havoc in Europe and Turkey, 23 Dead
Heavy storms, landslides, flash floods and lightning
have killed at least 23 people in Europe and Turkey, officials said on
Monday.
Subprime Loans, Making Sense of a Growing Problem
Subprime mortgages are very quickly becoming every lender’s nightmare
and as SunGard Bancware Erisk Monthly points out, taking a balanced view
on the issue is an important step to understanding how the chaos
surrounding high-risk, high-interest loans began and what the future
holds for the spiraling situation.
Sustainable Buildings Standard to Define Green Buildings
A proposed new standard that will provide minimum guidelines
for green building practices is nearing completion. Applicable to
new commercial buildings and major renovation projects, it will
address energy efficiency, a building’s impact on the atmosphere,
sustainable sites, water use efficiency, materials and resources,
and indoor environmental quality.
The Utility Industry's Approach to Global Climate Change
The utility industry is pursuing a solution to global
climate change that could lead to significant reductions in emissions
related to global climate change. The industry needs to aggressively
pursue these steps in order to have a significant impact on emissions,
but many key steps are being undertaken or have been started.
U.S., China Move Forward on Environment, Energy Issues
At May 23 press briefing, U.S. officials said
the countries agreed to collaborate on methane capture from coal mines
and other clean-coal technologies, address illegal logging and fishing,
and reduce or eliminate trade barriers.
UK Relaunches Household Green Energy Grant Scheme
LONDON - Britain from next week will again offer households money for wind
turbines or solar panels after a two-month grant freeze.
Uranium Rich in Peru
Peru, the world's second-largest producer
of silver and the sixth-largest producer of gold and copper, is also a
uranium rich Latin American country which has attracted several
multinational mining firms to explore one of the world's most important
energy minerals frequently used in nuclear power plants.
US Senators propose CO2 capture demo at congressional power plant
US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Barbara Boxer and Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander, the senior Republican on a global warming subcommittee, are pursuing legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Capitol Power Plant.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 052907
•ICE Brent crude futures were rangebound Tuesday,
after the bank holiday weekend, amid thin trading volumes. NYMEX WTI was
catching up with Monday's fall in ICE Brent, restoring the WTI-Brent spread
to levels seen on Friday. At 10:26 GMT, July ICE Brent changed hands at
$69.66/barrel, down 5 cents from Monday's settlement.
Xogen Technologies Inc. is developing a technology for the treatment of
wastewater, producing energy in the process
This technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry’s
approach to wastewater treatment by vastly reducing the footprint of
treatment plants, eliminating most of the conventional unit
processes, eliminating the production of biosolids and
simultaneously producing a byproduct, oxyhydrogen gas, for reuse as
an energy source.
May 25, 2007
A left-leaning think tank speaks out on gasoline
there was not an outcry for the heads of oil companies
to be paraded through town, though oil company profitability was invoked
several times. ..."It could make a bad situation worse," Weller said.
"You already have growth under 2%. It will remain there wil the housing boom ending and
nothing else that replaced it. You layer on top of
that gas prices worries. It will make it harder to
get back to faster growth."
Australian government provides funding to reduce barriers to renewables
The government of Australia will fund five projects to
demonstrate ways to store electricity from green power sources.
Bills to cut energy costs failing to take charge
...for the
second year in a row, philosophical differences between Senate and House
Democrats over deregulation could jeopardize efforts to pass any bills
before the session ends June 6. "I think we're certainly at risk of
nothing happening because of the gulf between the two chambers over the
fundamental question of whether we should have a competitive marketplace
in Connecticut," said Joseph Brennan,
Bills would expand SPR from 1 billion to 1.5 billion barrels
Sponsors of a House bill to expand the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to 1.5 billion barrels would like to attach it to a broader House energy bill which could be ready by July 4, a congressional aide said Tuesday.
California awards $25 million in alternative fuels grants
The California Air Resources Board said Thursday that it had awarded $25 million in grant money to 40 projects to encourage early adoption of alternative fuels.
Canada Changes Course - May 7, 2007
The Canadian government, like many other signatories,
apparently "hoped" that their commitment to the principles
of the Kyoto Accord would be enough to trigger some form
of internal movement to reduce releases. Obviously,
assuming that the 30% increase statement is factual, the
consumers- Commercial, Industrial and Individual- didn't
change their approach in response to the government's
"commitment."
Canadian IPP becomes first to export wind power to U.S.
West Cape Wind Energy has become the first independent power
producer to export wind power from Canada into the United
States.
Clinton Foundation & Microsoft To Develop Online Tools For Worlds
Largest Cities To Monitor Carbon Emissions
The Clinton Foundation and
Microsoft Corp. have announced a long-term partnership to develop a
suite of technology tools that will enable cities to accurately monitor,
compare and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The technology will
include both software and services.
Comet EV coming from China to challenge the VentureOne
The
VentureOne might soon have some competition from China. China Car
Times has got some info on the Comet, a new three-wheeled, all-electric
city vehicle.
Darling Backs Nuclear to Stop UK Energy 'Drying Up'
Alistair Darling today paved the way for a new generation of
nuclear power stations after saying he feared UK electricity
supplies could "dry up" without them.
DOE Plans New Round of Clean Coal Demonstrations
The U.S. Department of Energy announced today it is planning a
new round of its Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI), aimed at
technologies that will capture carbon dioxide for sequestration or
other beneficial uses.
Energy Dept. Awards $22.7 Million for Basic Solar Energy
Research
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $22.7
million in basic research projects aimed at improving the capture,
conversion and use of solar energy. The research will help
increase the amount of solar power in the nation's energy supply.
Energy Efficiency Investments and Renewable Energy Purchases Together
Are 'Twin Pillars' in Reducing Carbon Emissions
Aggressive investments in energy efficiency in the short run
and growing purchases of renewable energy over the long run are a
powerful one-two solution for businesses, local governments, and
states aspiring to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions now,
according to a new report by a pair of clean energy advocacy
groups.
EPA Approves Deep Well Disposal Of Hazardous Waste From Chemical
Manufacturing Facility
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency has approved a petition by Occidental Chemical
Corporation to inject liquid hazardous waste from their chemical
manufacturing facility near Wichita into a deep underground well.
Federal committee adopts resolution of 25 x '25
The agriculture committee of the U.S. House of
Representatives has adopted a resolution that calls for 25% of
the country’s energy to come from renewables by 2025.
Gas industry groups warn House bill would harm US energy
security
US oil and natural gas groups are urging the chairman of the US House Resources Committee to reconsider portions of a bill that would rescind certain elements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, saying that the changes would "make the nation less secure by actually discouraging new energy supply."
Global
Carbon Levels Spiraling
Warnings about global warming may not be dire enough, according
to a climate study that describes a runaway-train acceleration of
industrial carbon dioxide emissions.
Hydrogen Breakthrough Could Open The Road To Carbon-free Cars
UK scientists have developed a compound of the element lithium
which may make it practical to store enough hydrogen on-board
fuel-cell-powered cars to enable them to drive over 300 miles before
refuelling.
Inbox 052407
On my last trip I was struck by my hotel room. In the bathroom
there was a note that you often see in hotels: Please hang up
your bath towels to help us conserve water and energy and help
the environment.
A positive message, to be sure. So my wife and
I hung up our towels -- and housekeeping ended up washing them
anyway.
India to buy wind technology
An Indian
parliamentary standing committee has asked the government to
explore the possibility of buying wind technology from abroad to
tap wind energy potential in the country.
Kerr-McGee Reaches Major Settlement on Natural Gas Production in
Colorado and Utah
Washington, DC - Kerr-McGee Corp. will spend $18M on pollution controls
in the first comprehensive settlement under the Clean Air Act that will
reduce harmful emissions and conserve natural gas at production facilities
across Utah and Colorado. The control measures and operational improvements
are expected to reduce annual emissions of air pollutants by more than 2,500
tons in Utah and more than 3,000 tons in Colorado, the Justice Department
and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced recently.
Killer Hurricanes Thrived in Cool Seas
Hurricanes over the past 5,000 years appear to have been
controlled more by El Nino and an African monsoon than warm sea surface
temperatures, such as those caused by global warming, researchers said
Wednesday.
Matheson Hopeful on Energy Bill
Rep. Jim Matheson is optimistic the House will get a new energy
policy passed this year, with the Democrats holding to their
promise to write a bill by July 4.
Mortgage Rates Rise on Consumer Confidence and Fed Remarks
Freddie Mac yesterday released the
results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year
fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.37 percent with an average 0.4 point
for the week ending May 24, 2007, up from last week when it averaged 6.21
percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.62 percent.
Nebraska governor signs bill to spur wind energy development
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman Monday signed into a law a bill designed
to encourage wind development in the state, which lags behind many others in
building wind facilities.
Novel Sugar-to-Hydrogen Technology in Development
Now, researchers at Virginia Tech, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory (ORNL), and the University of Georgia propose using
polysaccharides, or sugary carbohydrates, from biomass to directly
produce low-cost hydrogen.
Nuclear debate is 'unavoidable'-- EC officials
EC President Barroso said he believed that EU "member states cannot avoid the question of nuclear power.
Nuke Waste
Routes Discussed
What's the best way to get nuclear waste to a "dump" at Yucca
Mountain?
The same way the government wants to haul highly radioactive
spent fuel for entombment in a "repository" at the mountain: By
train and truck, over railways and freeways across the United
States with the least risks of accidents and terrorist attacks.
Oregon House Passes Renewable Energy Act
On May 23, the Oregon House of
Representatives passed Senate Bill 838, the Oregon Renewable Energy
Act with strong, bipartisan support (41-18). Led by Governor Ted
Kulongoski, the bill received overwhelming support from cities,
counties, farmers, labor, businesses, environmentalists, consumer
advocates, tribes, students, investor-owned utilities, municipal
utilities, and the Public Utility Commission.
Peak Soil-- Why Cellulosic ethanol and other Biofuels are Not
Sustainable and a Threat to America’s National Security - Part III
How come there are over 116 ethanol plants with 79 under
construction and 200 more planned? The answer: subsidies and tax
breaks.
Philippines in US$1.3 Billion Biofuels Project
A unit of state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. said
on Wednesday it had signed a US$1.3 billion deal with UK-based NRG
Chemical Engineering to build biofuel refineries and plantations in the Southeast Asian country.
Plans for alternative-fuel plants multiply as third firm eyes region
"We're not even remotely afraid of
competition," Wyatt said, explaining that the potential market is so
vast.
President Responds to High Court
The Bush administration is now outlining how it will
achieve carbon dioxide cuts, all in the wake of a U.S.
Supreme Court ruling that says those emissions tied to
global warming can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.
While the measure falls short of what the green community
would like, the president says it is practical, voluntary
and innovative.
PV Costs to Decrease 40% by 2010
The solar industry is poised for a rapid
decline in costs that will make it a mainstream power option in the
next few years, according to a new assessment by the Worldwatch
Institute in Washington, D.C., and the Prometheus Institute in
Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Quote of the
Day 052307
"The gas industry is strong enough for it to be addressed
on its own merits...Gas co-operation is exceptional... Let's work on a
single market, not politically but technically."
European politics
must not be allowed to complicate energy questions, the secretary of Eurogas
Jean-Marie Devos said Wednesday at the second European Union-Russia gas
conference in Berlin.
Reducing greenhouse gases would help economy, U-M study says
A yearlong study by students and researchers at the University
of Michigan said the state could reduce greenhouse gases 12% while
at the same time adding $380 million to the economy and creating
3,400 new jobs if it required more renewable energy.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 052407
Solar activity continues at very low levels. Region 956
(N03W60) produced a B5 flare...The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to major storming. Extended
periods of southward Bz accounted for the most disturbed periods.
Researcher Develops Tool For Fighting Soil And Groundwater Pollution
Monitoring programs for
ground water protection from pollution hazards were traditionally based
on information pulled from groundwater. This monitoring method is
well-established around the world, and there are even laws in several
countries requiring this type of groundwater monitoring for potential
polluters. But the method is flawed...
Researchers Develop Method for Enzymatic Production of Hydrogen from
Biomass at High Yields
Researchers at Virginia Tech, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and
the University of Georgia have
developed a novel method using multiple enzymes as a catalyst for the
direct, low-cost production of hydrogen from biomass.
Santee Cooper will hold forum on proposed power plant
Santee Cooper will hold an information
forum Monday for those who have questions about a proposed $984 million
power generation plant to be built along the Great Pee Dee River near
Kingsburg in Florence County.
Senators Backing Clean Coal Electricity; Cooperatives Benefit From
Federal Plan to Build; Traditional Power Plants
West Virginia's two U.S. senators say it's possible to promote
coal and clean air initiatives at the same time.
They're throwing their support toward a controversial federal
loan program for building coal plants that some say clashes with
congressional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Senators rake MSHA for lack of safety progress
One year after the passage of the Miner Act, congressional leaders still aren't happy with the progress of safety in US coal mines. One group of senators intends to introduce its own bill that would add more requirements to the Miner Act.
Solar Power
Market Heats Up
Solar power should become a mainstream energy choice in
three or four years as companies raise output of a key ingredient used
in solar panels and as China emerges as a producer of them, according to
a report by an environmental research group.
Solar Power Set to Shine Brightly
The solar industry is poised for
a rapid decline in costs that will make it a mainstream power option in
the next few years, according to a new assessment by the Worldwatch
Institute in Washington, D.C., and the Prometheus Institute in Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
Spectacular Growth of the Green Energy Market
The Green Energy sector is growing at
breathtaking speed, driven by the challenges of climate change, surely
unprecedented in our time.
SWANA urges Senate to reconsider waste-to-energy
The Solid Waste Association of North America, a professional
trade association, is urging the Senate to include waste-to-energy as
a renewable energy resource in pending legislation that would
encourage the development of alternative energy sources.
Swedish leader wants more cooperation on renewables
The prime minister of Sweden has toured the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States.
Fredrik Reinfeldt visited the Department of Energy laboratory
for tours of the research facilities and for demonstrations on
solar, wind, biofuels and hybrid vehicles. The visit concluded a
tour of the U.S. which included a meeting with President George
Bush to discuss bilateral cooperation in renewables as well as
climate change and trade.
The Cause of Conservation - May 9, 2007
There's been so much focus on the
proposed buyout of TXU and the utility's plans to build new coal-fired
generation in Texas that we've seen very little on alternative solutions
to the state's electric capacity issues. Finally federal and state
legislators are confirming what United Cooperative Services (a
not-for-profit electric cooperative utility in North Texas) has been
preaching for the better part of two years: educating consumers on HOW
to manage their energy use is the quickest, least expensive and most
environmentally acceptable way to address both the nation's and Texas'
growing capacity issues.
Trade focuses on wild movements between crude benchmarks
The controversy over the continuing fall in the value of WTI relative to other international benchmarks picked up further steam Thursday, as the already wide premium that Brent is holding to WTI blew out further, and WTI spent another day less than the value of Dubai.
Two House panels approve bills to establish nuclear fuel bank
The House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee spending bill for fiscal 2008 includes $100 million, while the House Foreign Affairs Committee bill authorizes $50 million.
U.S. and China Address Energy Security and Environmental Stewardship in
Strategic Economic Dialogue
"Pollution knows no geographic or political borders. But by working together
at the SED, we are moving America and China toward a cleaner, healthier,
more productive future," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
U.S. reports reduction in carbon emissions
U.S. carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels decreased by
1.3 percent in 2006, marking the first time since 2001 that absolute
emissions declined.
U.S. seeks support for renewables from other IEA countries
The United States is calling on other countries to diversify
energy portfolios to include more renewable energy sources.
UK to
bury old nuclear plants
Site Director Joe Lamonby said many people living in the area would
like the site eventually covered by green fields to blend into the
surrounding area, even if it is not within their lifetime.
US BLM proposes options for leasing in Alaska petroleum reserve
In addition to royalty relief, the rule, released Tuesday, would allow for extensions beyond the usual 10-year leasing term. There would be virtually no limit to the number of 10-year extensions a lessee could apply for...
US
Court changes the GHG landscape
After years of recalcitrance and even outright hostility by the
administration of President George Bush to regulating the emission of
American-generated greenhouse gases, the long – and in many circles,
maddening – wait for the US federal government to take action may finally be
over.
US Economic
Update 052507
Durable goods orders rose by a softer-than-expected 0.6% in April, with
forecasters looking for a more robust 1% gain after March’s gain was
boosted to 5% from the earlier estimate of 3.7%.
US House panel boosts DOE fiscal 2008 budget, slashes GNEP funds
The US House Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee Wednesday approved a $31.6-billion fiscal 2008 spending measure that would direct large spending increases to energy efficiency, renewable energy and science.
US plastic resin buyers shrug off summer hurricane reports
US polyolefin and PET resin buyers have largely ignored forecasts of hurricanes this summer opting not to build inventory as a hedge against possible supply disruptions and resultant rocketing prices, industry sources said. The hurricane season officially arrives on June 1.
US senator says reconsideration of oil mergers 'may be in order'
"On the surface, it seems that Big Oil is pumping cash rather than petrol, strengthening profits rather than fixing rusty pipes, and they're using their dominant market positions to buy back their own stock rather than meet the growing demand for fuel in this country," Schumer said at a hearing of the Joint Economic committee,
US to have GHG cap-and-trade in two years-- ex-New York governor
The US will have in place within two years a cap-and-trade program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of the economy, former New York Governor George Pataki said Tuesday.
US Weather
Commentary 052507
The
multi-month evolution of Lithographic, Atmospheric and Oceanographic
parameters that our research believed would mature in late-May 2007,
have indeed done so, setting the framework for the 2007 Summer Season.
Yesterday, temperatures in the mid to upper 80's (10=B0F - 16=B0F warmer
than normal) spread as far north as Wisconsin and Michigan, and
expanding eastward, temperatures in the NYC-metro region should break
90=B0F on =46riday (normally around 75=B0F).
What's Moving the Oil Markets 052407
•On Wednesday the Energy Information Administration reported a 2-million
barrel build in US commercial crude stocks. Looking more closely at the data
a 900,000 barrel build in Cushing, Oklahoma, the delivery point for NYMEX
WTI, muted a change in WTI futures prices, widening the WTI-Brent spread to
$5.73/b.
•Brent futures continued to be supported by unrest in Nigeria, which has
seen a spate of attacks on oil infrastructure in the oil rich nation.
Wind power bills just hot air, environmentalists say
For years, environmentalists have asked Kansas lawmakers to require
power companies to use wind-generated energy.
Lawmakers again balked in the legislative session that ended this
month, though they took small steps toward encouraging renewable energy
and energy efficiency. But as long as the wind blows, environmental
groups vow to keep trying.
May 22, 2007
A New Twist on Using Wood for Fuel
...disproving the convention that you can't teach an old
dog new tricks, a team of researchers at the University of Georgia has
created a new biofuel derived from wood chips
that can be mixed in with biodiesel and and petroleum diesel
to power conventional engines.
Americans Discover the Allure of Off-Grid Living
Before power lines, people had no choice. They
used lanterns, lit fires for warmth and packed away
winter ice against hot summers.
But now, a growing number of Americans are
shunning power lines, choosing to live "off the
grid," without commercial power -- and still
enjoying their computers and large-screen
televisions.
Answers Sought on Alabama Plant Shutdown
An overloaded computer network shut down a nuclear
reactor in Alabama last year, and even nine months later, regulators
cannot pinpoint the source of the failure.
Belching chimneys instead of solar panels
Coal has been enjoying a resurgence in Blair's Britain,
despite being the most CO2- intensive fuel of all.
BioPerformance Fuel resumes one year after Texas AG shut-down
Pill/powder product, said to increase mileage and horsepower, and
to decrease emissions; is now back on sale -- and now admitted to contain
Naphthalene (moth balls). Is it without competition?
Brown's vision for a nuclear Britain
Gordon Brown is to face down sceptics in his party and give the go-ahead
for a new generation of nuclear power stations, which will be built
across the country.
California governor previews plan to reduce carbon emissions
Addressing an international crowd at the Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory Friday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger previewed
the details of the state's proposed low-carbon fuel standard,
which he said could set the model for the rest of the world to
reduce gas emissions.
Canadian firms propose wood-fired plants for British Columbia
Canadian developers Pristine Power and Nexterra Energy said Tuesday they have proposed jointly developing 200-MW in power plants fueled by wood waste in British Columbia in an investment totaling C$500 million ($455.6 million).
Climate Change Bill Passes Washington State House
On a bipartisan 84-14 vote, the House of Representatives passed
a climate change bill late Thursday that offers incentives to
utilities for reducing their carbon emissions while keeping alive
plans for a coal gasification plant in Kalama.
Climbers Face More Risks as Alps Crumble
The ice that glues Alpine peaks together is slowly melting, loosening rocks
and making classic European climbs like the Eiger and Matterhorn even
riskier than in the past.
Coal may provide enough power to fuel its own comeback Out of favor for years,
coal is cheap, competitive with other energy sources.
Company won't build renewable-energy plant
A company that announced in 2005 that it
would build a renewable-energy plant that could convert animal waste
into electricity has applied for a permit to build. But it won't be a
renewable-energy plant.
Crude benchmarks higher, pulled up by RBOB futures
Global crude futures continued Wednesday's late rally as a series of
refinery glitches pushed NYMEX RBOB futures over 6 cents/gallon higher, dragging crude futures behind them, traders said Thursday.
Deadlock at Climate Talks Mars Kyoto Hopes
Deadlock over how to bring the United States and big
developing nations to the climate negotiating table frustrated UN-hosted
talks this week, meant to lay the groundwork for a conference in
Indonesia in December.
Demand For Cleaner Water Drives Advances In Desalination Technologies
Desalination technologies are gaining prominence because
of resultant high-degree pure water and effective handling of water
shortage. The increasing need for clean water is the driving factor for
advances in desalination technologies to purify water and wastewater.
EIA sees world energy consumption climbing 57% by 2030
World energy consumption is projected to increase sharply from 2004 through 2030, with most of that growth taking place outside of the industrialized nations, the US Energy Information Administration's said Monday in its International Energy Outlook.
EPA deal saved Massey contracts with government
Federal regulators cut a deal four years
ago that saved Massey Energy from potentially losing at least $85
million in coal sales to government-owned power plants, according to
new court documents and records obtained under the Freedom of
Information Act.
Floods, fires and strike create obstacles for US, Canadian coal
The major US coal-hauling railroads are battling forest fires, floods and other operational hurdles that are hampering their ability to haul the commodity, while north of the border, one of the major Canadian railroads is trying to run trains while its main maintenance worker union is on strike.
Gas bills to jump in June-- Company says customers to see a 9.9%
increase in their costs
Rising natural gas costs will push
monthly bills higher for UGI Penn Natural Gas customers next month and again in December, the
utility company said Wednesday.
Global natural gas demand to reach 163.2 Tcf in 2030- US EIA
World natural gas consumption will increase by an average of 1.9% a year between 2004 and 2030, rising from 99.6 Tcf in 2004 to 129 Tcf in 2015 and reaching 163.2 Tcf in 2030, the US Energy Information Administration said Monday
Influencing Climate Change Policies
Corporate America considers climate change legislation
to be inevitable and has begun to factor that into the
cost of production. But companies are urging members of
Congress to ease into the process or risk substantial
economic harm.
NERC projects reliable electricity this summer, barring extreme weather
Electricity capacity margins are expected to be adequate to ensure
reliable electric service throughout North America this summer, under
normal summer weather conditions, according to Rick Sergel, president
and CEO of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).
Nigeria overtakes Saudi Arabia in US crude import rankings-- EIA
Nigeria overtook Saudi Arabia in the US crude import rankings in March, preliminary data from the US Energy Information Administration shows. The African producer leaped from fifth place in February to third in March, pushing the world's top exporter into fourth place, the data shows.
NYMEX crude opens 52 cents lower, led by falling RBOB prices
June crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange opened 52 cents lower at $65.75/barrel Tuesday, led by falling RBOB prices and shaking off potentially bullish news developments.
Peak Soil-- Why Cellulosic ethanol and other Biofuels are Not
Sustainable and a Threat to America’s National Security - Part II
The idea we could run our economy on discarded fried
food grease is very amusing. For starters, you’d need to feed 7 million
heavy diesel trucks getting less than 8 mpg. Seems like we're all going
to need to eat a lot more French Fries, but if anyone can pull it off,
it would be Americans.
Polar Bears at Risk as Warming Thaws Icy Home
Time may be running out for polar bears as global
warming melts the ice beneath their paws. "There will be big reductions
in numbers if the ice melts
Potential Market for Plug-in Hybrids
A new study shows that when consumers
understand what plug-in hybrids are, they
want them. The vehicles, which have large
onboard batteries, can be recharged
overnight by plugging them in, storing
enough electricity to power daily commutes.
For longer distances, a gasoline engine
kicks in, assisting the electric motor and
recharging the battery. The major automakers
do not yet offer plug-in hybrids, but
several are developing them. For those
consumers who can't wait, a handful of
companies offer conversion kits for
conventional hybrids.
Quote of the
Day 052107
"Lithuania and the EU have both offered help to find a
technical solution. Regrettably, Russia just declined our offer. This gives
a bad name to Russia as a reliable energy supplier...A number of time we
have proposed to Russia information and cooperation and we have had no
answer."
Lithuanian Prime
Minister Gediminas Kirkilas
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 052207
Solar activity was very low. Region 956 (N03W32) is
decaying but continues to produce occasional B-class flares. The
geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to minor storm levels.
A weak CME observed on 19 May may produce isolated unsettled to active
periods on 22 May.
Researchers Create New Form of Matter
Physicists at the University of Pittsburgh have
demonstrated a new form of matter that melds the
characteristics of lasers with those of the world's best
electrical conductors - superconductors.
The work introduces a new method of moving
energy from one point to another as well as a low-energy means of producing
a light beam like that from a laser.
Schwarzenegger Accuses US Government On Warming
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and fellow
Republican Gov. Jodi Rell of Connecticut accused the US government on Monday of
"inaction and denial" on global warming.
Senate bill encourages farmers to grow energy crops
Three Democrats from Midwest and Upper Midwest states have
proposed legislation that would encourage farmers to grow cellulosic
energy crops that would be used exclusively for producing fuel.
Seoul to launch 330-bln-won fund for renewable energy
South Korea's Commerce and Energy Ministry said Sunday it will
launch a 330-billion-won (US$357 million) fund this week that
invests in renewable energy facilities.
Solar Power
Market Heats Up
Gil Walker likes to call solar power "free" energy.
It isn't really, at least not to begin with, but he's trying to
make a point: Sunlight is abundant, reliable and available to
everyone. Harness it, and the sun's energy can provide a perpetual
source of heat and electricity that doesn't cost a thing.
SolarCity's Collective Power Program Taps Communities Into the Sun
SolarCity, a community-wide installer of solar systems, has
successfully completed two additional cooperative solar power
programs to enable and accelerate the migration to renewable
energy sources.
Study warns U.S. shouldn´t rely too much on corn ethanol
Meat and poultry producers are warning the United States is
near the tipping point of over-relying on corn-based ethanol, which
will raise the nation´s retail food prices and erode meat and grain
exports.
Survey finds strong support for higher US fuel-economy standards
A new survey by the Consumer Federation of America finds strong support for higher vehicle fuel-efficiency standards in the US, including in areas where people are more dependent on cars and where many vehicle manufacturing plants are located.
The
Escalating Rise in Gas Prices
The Associated Press says that many US
energy officials are predicting that an increasingly slower growth rate
may be on the table for the worldwide demand for oil and refined products.
Experts are saying that the decelerated
rate will begin in 2015 and that oil’s share of total world energy
consumption will decline to 33 percent only 15 years later.
US Homeland Security panel presses NRC on cybersecurity policies
The chairman of the US House Committee on Homeland Security is asking the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to move quickly to ensure nuclear power plant operators put comprehensive cybersecurity policies in place.
US House committee heads urge Bush to reverse course on climate
Democrats who head 15 US House of Representatives committees asked President George W. Bush on Friday to reverse his stand against substantial efforts to curb global climate change when the G8 countries meet next month.
Utah to
Get Raked Over Coal?
A growing outcry over global warming and the push for carbon
regulation could pose serious risks for Utah consumers who rely on
coal-fired power plants to generate their electricity.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 052107
•Crude futures were stronger Monday,
as further unrest in Nigeria as well as a resurfacing of tension over
Iran's the nuclear enrichment program added support to the energy
complex, brokers said.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 052207
•Global crude futures retreated
slightly in early European Tuesday trading from strong gains seen on
Monday. Prices were still underpinned by ongoing geopolitical concerns
and gasoline supply fears in the US ahead of peak demand season, sources
said.
With $60 barrel oil, CTL plant could earn 20pct return, US DOE says
"The price of coal-derived liquid fuels has traditionally been unable to compete with the price of fuels derived from crude oil," the report said. "As oil prices continue to rise, however, domestic sources of transportation fuels are becoming more affordable."
May 18, 2007
10 Japan Power Firms Punished for Illegal Water Intake, Other Law
Violations
The Japanese government on Wednesday punished Tokyo Electric
Power Co. and nine other electricity firms in Japan for covering
up illicit practices including secret intake of massive amounts of
water for power generation.
Alternative Energy Delaware Ponders Windmills in Its Search for Future
Power
Two hundred towering windmills, each so tall that its blades
would loom over the U.S. Capitol Dome, could be built in the
Atlantic Ocean near a popular beach retreat, under a plan being
considered in Delaware.
Americans Discover the Allure of Off-Grid Living
a growing number of Americans are shunning power lines, choosing to
live "off the grid," without commercial power -- and still enjoying
their computers and large-screen televisions.
Arctic Islands Invite Tourists to See Climate Woes
A remote chain of Arctic islands is advertising itself
as a showcase of bad things to come from global warming.
Australian Water Crisis Could Be Worse Than Thought
Water shortages facing Australia's drought-hit prime
agricultural area might be worse than expected, the government was told
on Wednesday, as river towns braced for unprecedented restrictions on
water use.
'Blowing in the Wind' - Companies Want Wind Energy-- if Only They Could
Get it!
MANCHESTER, England--Red tape surrounding "green" wind energy is hampering UK
companies looking to significantly cut their carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions.
Calif. to Change Fuel Mix by Ranking Carbon Output
California will rank the greenhouse gas emissions of
motor fuels, which could drive people to use low-carbon alternatives, an
aide to the state's governor said.
Can Americans Get Charged on Electric Cars?
The ZAP Xebra is a three-wheeler running
on basic batteries, silent and easy to maneuver. It is more than
a golf cart and less than a compact car and costs just under
$10,000.
"They are cute in their own ugly way. They are the VW of
the electric cars.
Canadian Company Acquires the Power to Vaporize Waste
A Canadian company has acquired the only plasma gasification
technology commercially proven to vaporize old boots, beds and
baby diapers and transform the household waste into energy such as
electricity.
Canadian firms propose wood-fired plants for British Columbia
BC Hydro is evaluating expressions of interest for wood-fueled power plants and is expected to issue a request for proposals this summer.
Chromium in Drinking Water Causes Cancer - US Agency
A type of chromium highlighted
in the film "Erin Brockovich"
causes cancer in lab animals when they drink it in water, and it could be
harmful to people, the US National Institutes of Health said on Wednesday.
Clean Energy Spending Can Curb Climate Change - WWF
The world can avoid the worst effects of climate change
with investments in clean energy so long as the wholesale shift from
fossil fuels starts within five years, the environmental group WWF said on Tuesday.
Climate change-- A guide for the perplexed Our planet's climate is anything but simple. All kinds of
factors influence it, from massive events on the Sun to the
growth of microscopic creatures in the oceans, and there are
subtle interactions between many of these factors.Yet despite
all the complexities, a firm and ever-growing body of evidence points to
a clear picture: the world is warming...
Colorado Gov. Ritter and FPL Energy Break Ground at the Nation's
Second Largest Wind Farm
"Colorado's Eastern Plains boast some of the best wind
resources in the nation. With the addition of this new wind farm,
Colorado increases its supply of clean, non-polluting energy
sources. And little to no water is required to produce this
power," Ritter said. "The town of Peetz and Logan County welcome
the new jobs and revenue from this project. It's an excellent
example of how Colorado benefits from the new energy economy."
Contaminated Salvador Lake Is Mystery Bird Magnet
An artificial lake in El Salvador brimming with sewage
and industrial waste is mystifying scientists by attracting thousands of
migratory and sea birds.
Copper
stolen from utility poles
Joy Weld stepped outside to retrieve her
paper last Saturday morning and noticed something odd about the utility
pole standing beside her chain link fence. Six feet of the ground wire
running up the pole had been snipped off.
Crude benchmarks higher, pulled up by RBOB futures
Global crude futures continued Wednesday's late rally as a series of refinery glitches pushed NYMEX RBOB futures over 6 cents/gallon higher, dragging crude futures behind them, traders said Thursday.
Driving Down
High Prices
Consumers are bellowing for relief from near-record
high gasoline prices. Congress is acting. But the
prescriptions offered by the two political parties are at
odds. One side is arguing that there needs to be a
significant increase in fuel efficiency standards while
the other is saying that more domestic oil supplies are
the answer.
EC Calls for International Agreement on Energy Efficiency
"Climate change and energy security are global challenges that
must to be tackled at a global level," Mr Piebalgs said. "If every
single country in the world adopted an approach to energy
efficiency, we could reduce global CO2 emissions, improve global
energy security and contribute massively to economic development
and the emergence of new and clean technologies."
Energy
bill makes it to House
Washington State--Senate Bill 838 would require large utilities such as Pacific
Power and Portland General Electric to get 25 percent of their
electricity from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar,
by 2025. Gov. Ted Kulongoski supports the mandate and considers it
a centerpiece of his energy agenda.
Energy Dept. Awards $11.2 Million for Hydrogen Research
DOE's Office of Science selected 13 projects that will focus on
fundamental science in support of hydrogen technologies.
Universities and national laboratories in 10 states and
Washington, DC will conduct the research.
Feds allege thousands of Massey violations of CWA
With a 300-plus page lawsuit and multiple complaints filed in US District Court, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Justice are charging Massey Energy and a number of its subsidiaries with thousands of water pollution violations allegedly committed over the past six years.
Fossil executives say mass production of renewables not a near-term
possibility
Executives in the U.S. oil and gas industry say government
involvement in supporting the development of renewable energy
sources is necessary to alleviate the problem of declining oil
reserves.
Gasoline Price Determinants
Gasoline prices tend to be volatile due to a number of
factors ranging from feedstock availability,
fundamental supply/demand shifts, plant
outages, government taxes and
fuel specifications.
Gasoline
Production
Gasoline is produced by "breaking
down" the larger hydrocarbons in crude oil into smaller ones with between
3-12 carbon atoms. Crude oil contains a wide range of hydrocarbons,
organometallics and other compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen and other
impurities. The hydrocarbons can contain up to 60 carbon atoms.
Gasoline Properties
Gasoline manufacturers now routinely use additives to
prevent intake valve deposits (IVDs), which have an adverse effect on
emissions. Many cars have anti-knock sensors which compensate by
slowing spark timing, but this can reduce power and acceleration.
Geothermal industry predicts global acceleration of growth
Forty-six countries could be generating electricity from
geothermal by 2010, up from the current 21 nations around the
world.
Grassroots Group Launches National Campaign Against Congressional Effort
to Repeal Energy Law
The Partnership for America grassroots alliance is urging
Congress not to repeal a law intended to help America reduce its
reliance on foreign energy. The Partnership urged Members of both
political parties to retain key energy supply provisions of the
2005 Energy Policy Act (EPAct05).
Great American Gas-Out Running On Fumes
In fact - and at the risk of torturing a metaphor -
disinformation shrouds the reality of the Great American Gas-Out
2007 like smoke from a distant blaze. Alas, when we take to our
streets and highways, we rarely are surrounded in economists, which
helps explain how even well-meaning gasoline consumers are in an
eye-burning, nose-watering dark regarding the cause of skyrocketing
fuel prices.
High energy prices will not stem growing demand for petchems
The growth of global demand for basic chemicals and plastics is expected to remain high despite high energy costs, Gary Adams, president of Chemical Market Associates, Inc. said Thursday.
How Can I Find Tested Solar PV Systems
The solar industry is changing from an emphasis on solar
water heating to one where people want PV systems. I see it in the calls
and letters I get, and it is increasing in this direction rapidly. Your
comment about California makes everyone in the other 49 states envious.
Inbox 051707
A-flow-ha Hawaii: The impact of the Supreme Court´s
recent flow control decision crossed the Pacific in no time
flat. In the wake of that ruling, Honolulu officials have
abruptly reversed their long-held stance opposing shipment
of the city´s trash to landfills in the mainland United
States.
Investment for wind will be one-third of nuclear by 2015, predicts IEA
Considerable investment will be required in new power
generation over the next decade, if the world is to meet
increasing demand for electricity and replace aging power units.
Iraq says US report on missing oil is incorrect
The Iraqi oil ministry has rejected a US government report which estimates that Iraq could be losing up to 30% of its refined products output as a result of smuggling and corruption.
Kentucky mine faces $761,000 in fines for 'flagrant' violations
MSHA defines a flagrant violation as a "reckless or repeated failure to make reasonable efforts to eliminate a known violation of a mandatory safety and health standard" that may cause death or serious injury. Under the Miner Act, a civil penalty of up to $220,000 may be assessed for each flagrant violation.
Kerr-McGee Reaches Major Settlement on Natural Gas Production in
Colorado and Utah
Kerr-McGee Corp. will spend $18 million on pollution
controls in the first comprehensive settlement under the Clean Air Act
that will reduce harmful emissions and conserve natural gas at
production facilities across Utah and Colorado. The control measures and
operational improvements are expected to reduce annual emissions of air
pollutants by more than 2,500 tons in Utah and more than 3,000 tons in
Colorado, the Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) announced today.
La Nina Stirs Up Pollution in Chilean Capital
Known best as a catalyst for devastating hurricanes, the
La Nina weather anomaly is helping to stir up some of the worst
pollution seen in Chile's capital Santiago since 1999, and it could last
for months.
Lawmakers to fix solar plan 'glitch'
State lawmakers are poised to fast-track an emergency bill
designed to fix a "glitch" in California's heralded "Million Solar
Roofs" program that was supposed to encourage homeowners to
install solar energy units but ended up scaring them off.
Lithium Technology Corp. Offers Large Lithium Iron Phosphate Cells
for HEV Applications
"Batteries made of LTC’s cells can provide 3000
charging cycles, which would be able to do 150,000 miles to 80% capacity
for a 100km or 60 mile all electric range plug in hybrid, which no other
technology can claim," said Dr. Andrew Frank, Professor, Mechanical and
Aeronautical Engineering at the University of California, Davis .
Louisiana Senate to consider OCS funds bill to protect coastline
A bill that would create a Louisiana non-profit corporation to tap future revenues from oil and gas drilling in the federal waters of the Outer Continental Shelf, with the funds to be spent on protection of the state's coastline is to be considered by lawmakers later this week, sources said.
Low-impact paper, high profile-- Mohawk says investment in environmental
projects makes premium lines
Mohawk Fine Papers Inc.'s premium sheets include such shades as
mahogany, ocean mist, desert haze, eucalyptus and balm. But starting
today, all that high-end paper will come in one color: green.
Mayors Urge G8 to Stabilize Greenhouse Gas Levels
Mayors of some of the world's largest cities concluded a
climate change summit on Thursday by urging the Group of Eight to commit
to stabilizing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere when it meets
next month.
MEA coal-fired plant plan spurns heated debate
A proposed coal-fired plant to provide much of the electricity
for nearly 53,000 customers of Matanuska Electric Association is
nowhere near the permitting stage yet, but the prospect has
already generated heated debate.
Midwest region of North America works together to meet goals for
renewables
The states of Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and
Wisconsin, as well as the province of Manitoba, will implement a
regional renewable energy tracking system.
The purpose of the Midwest Renewable Tracking System is to
help participants meet their renewable energy standards and
objectives.
Mortgage Rates Edge Up on Fed Inflation Jitters
Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE)
yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey
(PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged
6.21 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending May 16, 2007,
up from last week when it averaged 6.15 percent. Last year at this time,
the 30-year FRM averaged 6.60 percent.
New Light on
Solar Energy
Kermit the Frog once exclaimed, "it's not easy being green,"
but today being green is the fast track to raising both profits
and environmental consciousness. Take the rapidly expanding
solar-energy market, which has picked up momentum in the past few
years and which was the topic of a RBC Financial Group report,
"Investing in Solar Now," released on May 9.
New York seeks aggressive reduction in energy usage through expanded
efficiency initiatives
The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today
initiated a proceeding to design an electric and natural gas
Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EPS). The EPS will establish
targets for energy efficiency, similar to the existing Renewable
Portfolio Standard, and other programs, intended to reverse the
pattern of increasing energy use in New York.
NRC okays restart of long-idled TVA nuclear unit
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission May 15 authorized the Tennessee Valley Authority to restart Browns Ferry-1, removing the last regulatory hurdle to the unit's return.
Nuclear Power Generation Is an Established Part of the World's
Electricity Mix Providing Over 16% of World Electricity
Nuclear power is generated
using Uranium, which is a metal mined in various parts of the world.
Presently, nuclear power produces around 15% of the world's energy
needs, and produces huge amounts of energy from small amounts of
fuel, without the pollution that you would get from burning fossil
fuels.
Proposed transmission corridor brings more than 100 to meeting
For the most part, a three-person energy
panel stared icily, took occasional notes and rarely smiled at clever
remarks from a room of mostly angry citizens questioning the timing,
environmental impact and placing of federally propos d national electric
corridors.
Purdue Process Generates Hydrogen from Aluminum Alloy
Water added to aluminum mixed with Gallium can produce hydrogen
on demand. As a catalyst, the Gallium is not consumed. The oxidized
aluminum can be recycled. The process is close to being cost competitive
with petrol.
Real estate execs reluctant to embrace green building-- Survey
A third of real estate executives say green construction won’t be
in their plans during the next 12 to 18 months, according to survey by
law firm Bryan Cave LLP.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 051807
Solar activity decreased to very low levels. There is a
slight chance of an isolated M-class flare from Region 956. The
geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominantly quiet levels on 17
May.
Predominantly unsettled to active conditions with isolated minor storm
periods are possible on 19 and 20 May, due to a recurrent coronal hole high
speed stream.
Reports Assert Davis-Besse Reactor Deteriorated Swiftly-- FirstEnergy
Calls '02 Incident a Fluke, Seeks to Collect $200M From Insurer
(Reports) concluded most of Davis-Besse's old head deteriorated from
leaky reactor acid in the final three weeks before the plant's
historic two-year outage began on Feb. 16, 2002, in contrast to
government research -- which FirstEnergy had never disputed --
that the problem took years to unfold.
Rethinking Retail
Markets
New studies looking at the merits of electricity
deregulation are springing forth. About 10 years ago, the
concept was all the rage and promised to weaken utility
monopolies and replace them with competitive enterprises
that would modernize the industry.
ScottishPower planning Europe's largest clean coal development
The utility hopes that this would reduce the plants' carbon
dioxide emissions by 20%.
The development project, which regards the utility's two
largest power plants, would be the biggest of its kind in Europe
Snafu puts power plant zoning back on council table
Council members had voted unanimously last week
following a five-hour public hearing to approve annexing land and zoning
it for the controversial $1.3 million power plant on the northeast side
of the city. .. But Mayor Tim Hurley said there will not be a repeat of
the May 7 hearing, where more than 50 people, mostly power plant
opponents, were allowed to speak. "It won't be a hearing because the
hearing is closed,"
Solar PV predicted to grow 40% per year
Demand for solar PV power will grow 40% per year by 2011,
“offering opportunities for investors who can ride out near-term
bumps,” according to a report from one of the top investment
banks.
Southern California Edison Proposes the Nation's First Full-Scale
Assessment of Advanced Coal Technologies
Southern California Edison (SCE), today requested state regulatory approval
to conduct the nation's first feasibility assessment of combining
several advanced "clean" coal technologies, on a full commercial
scale, in an effort to advance these emerging approaches to
low-carbon generation.
Southern Co. Takes Aim at Renewable Energy Bill
Southern Company, by spending huge sums
both on lobbying and on political campaigns, is among the biggest
power players in Washington. The utility, which reported $14.4
billion in revenues in 2006, helped derail an administration plan to
create a national electricity market three years ago.
Spot gold rebounds above $670oz in Asia on weaker US dollar
"Spot gold rose above $670/oz during New York trade as fund managers were busy buying on the back of a weaker US dollar and a firmer oil price," one trader said.
Storm Surge Swamps Low-Lying Maldives Islands
Because the Maldives are on average just 1.5 metres (five feet) above sea
level, inhabitants are especially alert to rising waters, fearing the
islands may be obliterated within a few generations by rising sea levels
brought by global warning.
Study Sheds Light On Earth’s CO2 Cycles, Possible Impacts Of Climate
Change
A research team, including
Kent State Professor of Geology Dr. Joseph Ortiz, tracing the origin of
the large carbon dioxide increase in Earth’s atmosphere at the end of
the last ice age has detected two ancient “burps” that originated from
the deepest parts of the southern ocean around Antarctica.
Study Shows Southern Ocean Saturated with Carbon Dioxide
The Southern Ocean around Antarctica is so loaded
with carbon dioxide that it can barely absorb any more, so more of the
gas will stay in the atmosphere to warm up the planet, scientists
reported Thursday.
The City of Hartford Announces Significant Green Energy Purchase to Help
Lead Connecticut's Clean Energy Efforts
The City of Hartford is leading the way when it comes to
committing to clean energy by utilizing wind, solar and hydro sources.
The Capital City will offset 20 percent of its power needs from
renewable energy sources.
TXU
adds to wind-power portfolio
TXU Wholesale, already the state's
largest purchaser of wind-generated electricity, said Tuesday it signed
a five-year contract to buy all the power from a 209-megawatt wind farm
southwest of Abilene.
U.S. retains top spot for attractiveness to renewable energies
The United States continues to be the most attractive country
in the world for renewable energies, according to a quarterly
global assessment.
It received a ranking of 72 on the ‘all renewables’ index
compiled by the consulting firm Ernst & Young.
UK Tries to Get US in Carbon Trading Plan
British Prime Minister Tony Blair believes he is close to
persuading US President George W. Bush to accept an ambitious plan
to bring the world's greatest polluters into a global partnership
for the first time to fight climate change.
US Drops Oil Development Plan for Remote Alaska
The US Bureau of Land Management Monday dropped plans to
allow development of remote federal land in northern Alaska because the
oil and gas industry has little interest in exploring the highly
inaccessible region.
US House farm bill authors target oil, gas perks for biofuels
The US House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit and Energy is to debate on Tuesday the energy title portion of an agriculture bill that would direct billions of dollars in oil and gas tax breaks toward research and development into biofuels.
US House Republicans call for government probe of GHG offsets
Republicans in the US House of Representative urged congressional researchers on Thursday to investigate the market for greenhouse gas offsets, which has come under increased media scrutiny.
US House Republicans press committee for further probe of MMS
Republicans say ...overlooked MMS and what they call its "culture of mismanagement, ethical lapses and cover-ups" in favor of more political topics.
US senators criticize as too weak EPA rule on mercury emissions
A Bush administration rule designed to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants came under fire at a Senate hearing Wednesday by members of both parties who criticized the regulation as too weak to protect human health and the environment.
USEC's trash could be treasure-- Local officials hope lobbying effort
will extend Paducah plant a few more years
Local leaders want Congress to require the U.S. Department of
Energy to transfer control of spent uranium to USEC, a move which
could help extend the life of the 1,100-employee Paducah Gaseous
Diffusion Plant.
Utilities Brace for Worker Shortage
Like tens of thousands of his peers, Bryan -- an employee of
Dominion Virginia Power or its predecessors for 28 years -- is
considering retiring in about seven years, when he becomes
eligible for full benefits. Yet there aren't nearly enough young
power industry workers in the pipeline to take their place. The
nation faces a shortage of utility workers just as it gears up for
the biggest wave of construction in decades to meet soaring power
demand.
Vast region of Antarctica melted, refroze in 2005, says NASA
An inland area of snow in west Antarctica the size of
California melted in January 2005 in response to warm temperatures,
according to a team of NASA and university scientists, who used radar to
make their observations.
Venezuela
takes over oil rigs
Venezuelan
state-oil company PDVSA said it will take over day-to-day
operations of 18 oil rigs now run by foreign companies, the
latest move in the country's effort to take control of its
petroleum sector.
We Have Just Begun to Tap Geothermal Energy's Potential, Industry Leader
Tells Congressional Hearing
A leading US geothermal developer applauded new House
legislation seeking to tap possibly hundreds of thousands of megawatts
of new geothermal energy to meet US power needs. "Today, nearly 3,000 MW
of new geothermal power are under development, which will create over
10,000 new jobs and new investment of over $7 billion, but much more is
possible...
What's Moving the Oil Markets 051607
• Global crude futures were weaker Wednesday, retracing
gains made on Tuesday after Shell declared force majeure of Nigerian Bonny
Light crude exports, with predictions of further builds in US
inventories in the background, market sources said. At 1028 GMT, the
June ICE Brent futures contract traded at $67.86/barrel,
•July ICE Brent had risen earlier in
the day but fell sharply on reports that protesters had left the Shell
oil pipeline in Nigeria, saying production could continue.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 051807
• Global crude futures retreated
slightly on Friday from gains seen Thursday although market sentiment
remained bullish with concerns over gasoline supplies in the US.
•"I think most players in Europe were surprised by the upside trend in ICE
Brent on Thursday, which was mainly led by skyrocketing RBOB.
With New Guidelines for HOV Exemptions, EPA Puts Clean and Efficient
Technologies in the Fast Lane
EPA is proposing criteria for certifying vehicles as clean and energy
efficient to guide states that choose to allow such vehicles on high
occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes -- even when the vehicles have only one
occupant.
World Bank seeks more resources to mobilize more renewables
The World Bank has increased its investments in renewable
energy projects due to increased demand for renewables as the
technologies have become more cost-effective and as emerging
market governments adopt policies and regulatory frameworks that
support renewables.
World's largest offshore wind farm planned for UK coast
It is believed that the project could potentially supply 53% of
the domestic energy needs of southwest England, which would reduce
carbon dioxide emissions by 2.3 million tonnes every year,
equivalent to over 5% of the southwest's emissions.
May 15, 2007
A
first look at flood devastation
Rachel and Ryan Rempel spotted their
little red porch just after 2 p.m. Sunday.
It had broken off their house and floated into a field across the
street.
A good old thumping for fuel bills
Going green can save your company money
as well as help the planet.
Africa Still Lacks Safe Water Despite Strong Growth
Access to safe drinking water has not improved in
Africa, especially the sub-Saharan region, despite several years of
strong economic growth, the African Development Bank said on Sunday.
Arizona fines hazardous waste firm
Clean Harbors Arizona LLC recently agreed to pay a $45,000 penalty
for hazardous waste violations at the company´s south Phoenix
facility, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality said.
Attorney says DPL execs fattened bonuses
An attorney for DPL Inc. heaped more allegations of
wrongdoing on the utility's ousted top executives Thursday, saying they
fattened their bonuses by double-counting some investment gains and by
improperly basing bonus calculations on gains of investments they didn't
manage.
Berkeley lab takes aim at energy hogs
Survey urges switch to renewable power
sources
Brand New Wave Energy Plant Developed
The innovation is very cheap and simple in assembling.
Pilot plants are already functioning in Norway and Portugal, however,
said unit is the first to convert sea wave energy to electricity.
Canada's New Government supports clean air and energy efficiency
projects in Nova Scotia with $42.5 million from trust fund
Canada's Minister of the Environment, John Baird, joined by the
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Canada Atlantic
Opportunities Agency, Peter MacKay, and Nova Scotia's Minister of
Environment and Labour Mark Parent, today announced $42.5 million
in funding for Nova Scotia's part of Canada's $1.5 billion trust for
clean air and climate change.
Car power generator to help solve Ugandan energy crisis
An American entrepreneur is pioneering an inverter that uses a vehicle's
electrical generation system to store electricity, which can then be
utilised for domestic or office use.
Chinese Man Invigorated by 220 Volts of Electricity
CHINA—An unusual person in Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province, can light
up bulbs by touching 220-volt power lines. When shocked by the generated
current, he feels no pain or convulsions, but feels invigorated instead.
He is even able to do diathermic massage for people by controlling the
voltage.
Clean Energy Spending Can Curb Climate Change, WWF Says
The world can avoid the worst effects of climate change
with investments in clean energy so long as the wholesale shift from
fossil fuels starts within five years, the environmental group WWF said on Tuesday.
Climate Change Drives Farm Revolution in Australia
COWRA, Australia - Farmer James Fagan uses satellites to guide his tractor
when it plants his crop in the heart of Australia's drought-hit eastern
wheat belt.
Climate Change to Make One Billion Refugees - Agency
Global warming will create at least one billion refugees
by 2050 as water shortages and crop failures force people to leave their
homes, sparking local wars over access to resources, a leading aid
agency said on Monday.
Companies announce pact with FutureGen
TXU Corp. and Texas Energy Future
Holdings recently announced a $1 million commitment to support the
state's bid for the FutureGen
power plant.
Construction of China-Myanmar pipeline to start this year
Construction of the China-Myanmar oil pipeline is expected to start this
year. The long-awaited pipeline will provide an alternative route for
China's crude imports from the Middle East and Africa.
Crude futures drift higher as Nigerian militant attacks continue
14May2007-Global crude futures continued last week's uptrend Monday morning as concern over militant attacks on oil infrastructure in Nigeria added further support, traders said.
Crude futures strengthen further by supply concerns, gasoline
Global crude futures moved slightly lower on Tuesday, with overall sentiment weakening, especially triggered by a volatile performance of gasoline futures ahead of US inventory data release due on Wednesday, sources said.
Drinking Water Week 2007-- How Can We Preserve Our Most Precious Natural
Resource
During Drinking Water Week, the American Water Works
Association (AWWA) reminds water consumers that we all have a critical
role in preserving our most precious natural resource. Here are some
tips to help you conserve water in the coming summer months
Duke moving ahead with coal-fired unit
Duke Energy Corp. plans to move ahead
with building just one coal-fired power unit in Western North Carolina,
Chief Executive Jim Rogers said at the company's annual shareholders
meeting this morning.
EIA production total down 5pct from 2006, with Appalachia leading
US coal production totaled 21.4 million short tons in the week ended May 5, flat with the previous week but down 5% from the year-ago period, the Energy Information Administration said Friday.
Energy needs 'hobbled' by slow consents
The New Zealand Government's call for more renewable energy is being
hobbled by slow consent processes for wind farms, prompting
Environment Minister David Benson-Pope to call in chief environment
judge John Bollard to discuss the delays.
EnergyOcean 2007 Expands Technical Program
As the premiere International conference focusing on
renewable ocean energy, EnergyOcean presents an opportunity for
technologists, entrepreneurs and policymakers to discuss the
hard-hitting issues surrounding this emerging market.
EPA Giving $71M to Cities in 38 States To Clean Up Industrial Pollution,
Blight
Cities in 38 states and two territories will split $71
million in federal funds for cleaning up blighted and polluted areas,
Environmental Protection Agency officials announced Monday.
EU seeks stronger energy and political ties with Black Sea states
The European Union promised to forge stronger ties with the energy-rich
nations of the Black Sea and said it was also ready to be more active in
solving “frozen conflicts” in the region.
Evidence of climate change can be found in southern Wisconsin--
Experts
Farmer David Arndt knows the value of
rain. Some of his corn crop shriveled and died during a searing drought
in the summer of 1976.
Global Push to Develop Li-Ion Battery Technology for Electric Vehicles
Continues
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, not so long ago considered to be
lacking the power output and density for practical automotive
applications, are increasingly being considered an essential
ingredient in the overall goal of lowering the extra-costs
associated with gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. The push to
develop Li-ion technology is manifesting on a global scale.
Greater supply deficits force Middle East to focus on domestic needs
Flush with cash from record oil revenues, Middle East crude producers
have spent billions on economic development and now find themselves short of
another energy source needed for growth -- gas.
Home Grants Restored for Wind Turbines
London-Thousands of homeowners are to be offered grants of up to
Pounds 2,500 to install wind turbines and solar panels.
Huge
write-offs zap TXU earnings
TXU Corp. reported a net loss of $497
million Wednesday as revenue declined and the company took two big
write-offs, including one related to the cancellation of eight
coal-fired power plants, which it has made a condition of its pending
$45 billion buyout.
Hydro cuts 2007 production target 3.3pct to 585,000 boe day
Norway's Norsk Hydro Monday said it has reduced its oil and gas production target for 2007 by 3.3% to 585,000 b/d of oil equivalent to reflect delays and shut-in on a number of Norwegian oil fields.
IBM pledges $1 billion to reduce carbon footprint
Big Blue has initiated "Project Big Green" and will spend $1
billion annually to sharply reduce data center energy consumption and
avoid increased greenhouse gas emissions.
IEA board says energy prices high; gas markets need attention
The governing board of the International Energy Agency Tuesday said that energy prices remained high and were a threat to economic growth, adding that more attention should be paid to potential problems in world gas markets.
Implementing 20% renewables by 2020, what is needed to make it happen
A change in mindsets
Technically, renewable energy sources (RES) have the capacity to deliver
100% of the world primary energy demand by 2100. RES also have the
obligation to reach this target.
Iran makes more space for private oil industry
Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri Hamaneh says Article 44 of the Constitution has
opened up new horizons for Iranian private sector oil companies.
Iraq’s economy and its oil deposits
The announcement of a study that suggests that Iraq's oil reserves could
be almost as large as those of Saudi Arabia, the world's leader, has come
amid fresh evidence of the monumental difficulty of realising that
potential, as bombs in Baghdad left 200 people dead in a single day and
Iraqi MPs wrangled over the details of new oil legislation.
Meetings scheduled on new rule aimed at lower emissions
Meetings have been scheduled across the central San Joaquin Valley on
a new rule aimed at lowering emissions levels from natural gas and
diesel engines.
Nabucco-- A project with a strange name and mysterious intentions
Energy security has became the main theme of today's world. The internal
requirements, necessary quantity and quality of energy and, where possible,
from alternative sources has become an urgent issue, particularly for those
countries that do not possess sufficient own resources.
Native group challenges oil drilling in Arctic ocean
Native group and five conservation organizations filed challenges to a
federal agency's recent decision allowing Shell Offshore Inc. to drill oil
wells in the Beaufort Sea near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge beginning
in June.
New Report Shines Light on Challenges of Providing Clean, Affordable
Electricity in Asia
The governments of India, Thailand, Indonesia and the
Philippines must improve transparency and public participation in
their electricity sectors to provide citizens with affordable,
reliable and clean energy, concludes a new report.
No outcome reached at UN Commission on Sustainable Development
No negotiated outcome has been reached at the meeting of the UN
Commission on Sustainable Development, which was held in New York
from 28 April until 11 May.
NRC's EDO upholds `white' finding at Vogtle plant
A white finding is the second-lowest level in NRC's four-category, color-coded safety classification system and denotes low to moderate safety significance.
NS reroutes coal traffic destined to Southeast
Norfolk Southern has begun rerouting trains away from parts of Georgia and Florida that are affected by forest fires. Coal and other shipments destined for the Southeast could be delayed by up to 24 hours, the railroad said in a May 10 update.
Organic Milk Seen Flooding US Market
After years of being in short supply, organic milk is
expected to flood the US market as a regulation change and higher
margins push more dairy farmers to produce it.
Peak Soil-- Why Cellulosic ethanol and other Biofuels are Not
Sustainable and a Threat to America's National Security - Part I
Ethanol is an agribusiness get-rich-quick scheme that will
bankrupt our topsoil.
PolyFuel to Receive DOE Portable Fuel Cell Development Funding
PolyFuel announced that Congress and the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) have restored $2 million in program funding
to the company. The three year, $3 million grant, originally awarded in
late 2004, had been temporarily suspended in early 2006 due to US
budgetary constraints after approximately $1 million had been funded.
Power prices to rise sharply, utilities warn
Rate increases of at least 30 percent could
follow the removal of state cost caps beginning in 2010
Prices ignite new oil boom in Tennessee
Self-described hillbilly oilman Young has hit a big one. The oil flowing
from a well 1,415 feet deep promises to make this Kentucky-bred oil
wildcatter a nice paycheck. When it hit in March, industry officials said it
was perhaps one of the biggest oil wells in recent state history.
Progress Energy investing $2.5 million in upgrades for siren system
Progress Energy is investing $2.5 million in upgrades to the siren
system in the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) surrounding the H.B.
Robinson Nuclear Plant.
Project aims to extract dam methane
Scientists in Brazil have claimed that a major
source of greenhouse gas emissions could be curbed by capturing and burning
methane given off by large hydro-electric dams.
Quote of the
Day 051407
"They (the Americans) understand that if they should make
this mistake, the retaliation of the Iranian people will be severe and they
will repent."
President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad told reporters in Abu Dhabi on Monday. He warned that Iran would
retaliate with severity to any possible attack by the United States over
Tehran's controversial nuclear programme.
Quote of the
Day 051507
The use of more alternative and renewable energy sources,
including nuclear power, "will relieve pressure on energy markets and yield
positive environmental benefits."
US Energy Secretary
Samuel Bodman said Monday at an International Energy Agency meeting in
Paris. Bodman, who lumped nuclear with biofuels and solar and wind power in
his written statement, said that "risk insurance for new nuclear plants" is
among the top five efforts the US is engaged in to facilitate investment in
energy security.
"Today I'm directing the EPA and the Departments
of Transportation, Energy and Agriculture to take the first steps toward
regulations that would cut gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
from motor vehicles using my 20-in-10 plan as a starting point,"
US President George
W. Bush
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 051407
Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels.
Emerging Region 956 may further develop this period to produce isolated
C-class flares.
Rise in US demand for European gasoline to buoy tanker rates
Trans-Atlantic freight rates for gasoline tankers will be supported by an
expected spike in demand for European gasoline from the US, ship brokers
say. Dwindling US gasoline stocks as a result of a number of planned and
unplanned refinery glitches are said to be prompting US buyers to look to
Europe and, as a result, the reliability of US refineries will be key in
determining the flow of gasoline.
Russia opens 37 new oil and gas fields in 2006
Last year, 37 oil and gas fields were opened in Russia, the Natural
Resources Ministry said.
"In 2006, about a thousand exploration licenses were issued, while
prospecting for oil and gas as a rule takes three to four years," the
ministry's spokesman said.
Russia wins new natural gas deal, undermining rival U.S. plan
Russia agreed to build a new pipeline to import
more natural gas from Turkmenistan, bolstering its dominant hold on
supplies to Europe and heading off a rival U.S.-backed plan that
would bypass Russian territory.
Russian energy troubles the West
Western powers are concerned that Hungary's
relations with Russia, and especially the Russian state-owned energy giant
Gazprom, are becoming too warm at a time when Europe seeks to reduce
dependence from Russian natural gas.
Russia's tunnel
vision
Russia revived a plan to transport oil, natural gas and
electricity to the United States via a tunnel under the Bering Strait
from Siberia to Alaska, a colossal project that was quickly panned for
its questionable economics and business logic and its impact on US
energy security.
Scientists look high in the sky for power
Jet stream could fill global energy needs,
researchers say
Scientists
are eyeing the jet stream, an energy source that
rages night and day, 365 days a year, just a few
miles above our heads. If they can tap into its
fierce winds, the world's entire electrical needs
could be met, they say.
Scientists Urge Half Of Canada Forest Be Protected
Canada's vast forests should be protected much more than
they are now to preserve wildlife and water and to fight global warming,
a group of 1,500 scientists from around the world said on Monday.
Secret British Gas Plan to Go Nuclear
Centrica, parent company of British Gas, has opened secret
talks with French energy giants EDF and Areva about building
nuclear power stations in Britain.
Shell
official-- Energy out there
We can secure the abundant and affordable energy needed to
maintain our economy and lifestyles far into the future, said the
U.S. president of Shell Oil Co.
Singapore confirms its commitment to developing Sustainable Energy
across Asia
Concerns about the effects of global warming and climate change
have recently led the island nation of Singapore, a signatory to
the Climate Change Convention, to accede to the Convention's Kyoto
Protocol.
Slowing Deforestation Key to Climate Fight - Experts
Even slowing the amount of clearing of tropical forests
could significantly cut the amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide being
released into the atmosphere, international experts say in a new study.
Solar
Power at Half the Cost
A new roof-mounted system that concentrates
sunlight could cut the price of photovoltaics.
South Africa will feel fuel-shortage until 2009
The crisis regarding inadequate fuel supply in South Africa will really
be felt from May next year until 2009, Nhlanhla Gumede, the department of
minerals and energy's deputy director-general of hydrocarbons and energy
planning, told.
State's wind farms aren't just blowing hot air
After claiming victory with five large wind-generated
electricity projects in the state, Oklahoma wind energy proponents
now are focusing on development of smaller-scale projects.
Texas leads the nation in wind power generation
Texas's role as the nation's leader in wind power is continuing
unabated, with industry officials predicting that nearly
two-thirds of all new U.S. construction this year will take place
in the Lone Star State.
The
Greening of Corporate America
Exelon Corp.'s environmental positions are paying off.
The Chicago-based utility has retrofitted its headquarters
so as to comply with green standards for commercial office
buildings -- a move that is winning accolades from all
corners.
The
Phaseout of Methyl Bromide
The methyl bromide inventory held by U.S. companies at
the end of 2006 continues to shrink, according to data released by EPA
today.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has
revealed that a handful of American chemical suppliers have stockpiled
some 20 million pounds of methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting and
cancer-causing pesticide - far more than American farmers need. Yet the
U.S. government wants to let two American chemical companies profit by
producing or importing another 20 million of pounds of this dangerous
chemical over the next two years.
The war on oil is fought in laboratories and farmers' fields
Coming soon to a test tube near you: America's new war. This war won't be
fought with tanks and machine guns and improvised explosive devices, though.
Instead, the generals in the War on Oil will employ techniques such as
enzymatic hydrolysis and dry milling.
There is no guaranteed source of oil for European oil pipeline
Plans for a southern European oil pipeline to take Caspian oil from the
Black Sea to the Adriatic have taken a step forward, but observers say the
project could be a risky venture because there is no guaranteed source of
oil for it.
U.S. Energy Agency Leads Effort To Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage "is the critical
enabling technology that would reduce CO2 emissions significantly
while also allowing coal to meet the world's pressing energy
needs," according to Howard Herzog, principal research engineer at
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Laboratory for Energy
and the Environment.
UK and Germany have Europe's dirtiest power stations, WWF reports
In a new report outlining Europe's 30 most climate-polluting
power stations, environmental group WWF has revealed that the
least environmentally sound facilities are in the UK and Germany,
which each account for 10 of the worst plants.
UK gas, power prices rocket on high demand, system tightness
UK gas prices at the National Balancing Point rocketed Monday as demand came in much higher than expected in a week when players expected reduced demand, traders said.
UK PM candidate Brown plans five new green energy towns
Gordon Brown, the UK's finance minister who is hotly-tipped to be the next prime minister, plans to build five renewable energy friendly towns if he becomes leader after PM Tony Blair steps down June 27.
Uranium Exploration Firms Flock to Niger Desert
Niger has granted a wave of permits to British, Canadian
and Indian mining firms allowing them to explore for uranium in its
desert north, the West African country's government said on Saturday.
US agriculture secretary backs cellulosic ethanol investment
Demand will keep up with the growing supply of ethanol in the US through 2008, but the future of biofuels after that will depend on improved distribution infrastructure and technology breakthroughs with cellulosic ethanol, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns said Friday.
US' Bodman sees no Iraq oil investment before oil law
US energy secretary Samuel Bodman said Monday he hoped that current oil prices would spur OPEC countries to invest more in upstream production capacity.
US natural gas supply 'robust' enough to avoid price jump-- EIA
Calling US natural gas supplies "robust," US Energy Information Administration chief Guy Caruso said Monday he did not expect a hurricane season "fly-up" in gas prices.
Vermont Could Clear Way for New US Emissions Rules
A Vermont judge could soon clear the way for nearly a
dozen states to surmount auto industry protests and limit emissions from
cars and light trucks to protect the environment, legal experts said.
Wal-Mart plans mercury reductions in CFLs
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it is working with manufacturers to
lower the mercury content in compact fluorescent light bulbs by 33
percent.
Weekly U.S. Retail Gasoline Prices, Regular Grade
Graph
What's Moving the Oil Markets 051407
•Traders also noted that there is a
general concern over prospects of a disruptive US hurricane season, as
well as the underlying geopolitical tensions with Iran still remaining.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 051507
•Global crude futures moved slightly lower on Tuesday,
with overall sentiment weakening, especially triggered by a volatile
performance of gasoline ahead of US stock data release due on Wednesday,
sources said.
•However, with militant attacks in Nigeria still occuring and upstream
companies removing staff from the area, concerns over supply disruptions
are still prevailing. At 1040 London time, June ICE Brent was down 34
cents to $66.49/b.
Where Carbon Players Come To Do Business
Come together with investment banks, private equity
funds, hedge funds, carbon funds, project developers and lenders, clean
tech companies, energy companies, major corporations, and other active
carbon players to establish relationships and take advantage of the
growing opportunities
Wind Fans May Breathe a Bit Easier
Maine may have turned a corner this week in its effort to lead
New England in the development of wind power.
Wind Power Increased 19% In 2006
As the high-flying sector keeps enjoying powerful
Chinese and U.S. demand, the wind energy market will grow by 19% per year
through the end of the decade the Global Wind Energy Council said May 11.
Wisconsin Power and Light Co. to build $180 million wind farm
The farm will generate between 60 and 99 MW of energy, enough to
power between 15,000 and 25,000 residential homes. It will have 41 wind
turbines spread out over a 12.2-square mile area in Fond du Lac County,
Wis.
World Mayors to Meet in NY to Fight Global Warming
Mexico City's mayor wants to learn how to prevent
flooding from climate change, London's wants lessons on making energy
from waste, while New York wants to compare notes on reducing
emissions-belching traffic.
Xcel may build first U.S. plant to store emissions in ground
Xcel Energy could break ground by 2010 on the nation's first
power plant that converts coal to gas and captures carbon
emissions for underground storage.
Yahoo Puts Marketing Muscle Into Climate Campaign
Yahoo Inc. aims to wield its power as the biggest US
Internet media company to encourage millions of consumers to take basic
steps to help the environment as part of its corporate push to confront
global warming.
ZigBee Sees Strong Growth for Energy Management and Efficiency Solutions
The ZigBee® Alliance, a global ecosystem of
companies creating wireless solutions for use in energy, residential,
commercial and industrial applications announced that its members are
joining forces and leveraging their global wireless and utility
expertise to fight the predicted global energy crisis.
May 11, 2007
10 years on river watch-- Catawba Riverkeepers celebrate protecting
Catawba, prepare for future
After a decade dedicated to protecting
the Catawba River, the "handful of dreamers" who started it all are back
at it again. The next goal: 10 years of more participation and more
advocacy than the river has ever seen.
A Wise Grid
While Americans are talking about clean air and fuel
diversity, a lot of policymakers are speaking about energy
reliability and the mechanism by which such power is
delivered to homes and businesses. Among the hottest
topics is the "smart grid."
Bee Colony Collapse Disorder - Where is it Heading?
I’ve been keeping an eye on the Colony Collapse Disorder phenomenon that
is causing a lot of furrowed brows in the U.S., as this may well become
the biggest issue of 2007.Things
are getting dire on the U.S. agricultural front, and there are
similar reports beginning to filter through from countries in
Europe.
Bottled Water Pricey in More Ways than One
Excessive withdrawal of natural
mineral or spring water to produce bottled water has threatened local
streams and groundwater, and the product consumes significant amounts of
energy in production and shipping. Millions of tons of oil-derived plastics,
mostly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are used to make the water bottles,
most of which are not recycled.
Brazil Environment Minister Attacks Nuclear Option
Brazil's environment minister
attacked proposals for new nuclear power plants on Thursday, a week
after the president said he would push for more reactors if enough
hydroelectric plants cannot be built.
Broad coalition calls on Congress to aid greenhouse gases fight
Congress needs to enact legislation to hasten the adoption of
technologies to help businesses improve their energy efficiency
and reduce their environmental impact, an Alcoa spokesman said
yesterday.
California Governor plans bill to address flaw in solar plan
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday said he is sponsoring legislation to fix an "unintended flaw" in the so-called Million Solar Roofs plan, which calls for 3,000 MW of photovoltaic power systems to be installed in California over the next decade.
California Senate panel approves bill on climate change research
A bill that would centralize state research on climate change and its impacts on California cleared the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee of the state Senate on Tuesday.
Canada's largest solar farm to be built near Sarnia
A California company will build Canada's largest solar
farm near Sarnia, Ontario, installing more than 1 million panels on the
ground to generate 40 megawatts of power that it will sell to the
provincial government.
Cape
Wind decides to lighten up
Sure, there's global warming to consider. And the fate of the
fishing industry. But for the aesthete, a more pressing question
about the Cape Wind proposal: What color has the developer picked
for the 130 wind turbines it plans to erect in Nantucket Sound?
Carbon sequestration takes center stage in the campaign against global
warming
Between a resurgent Democratic Party in Congress and the
remarkable Al Gore, global warming has acquired a new cachet in
America that has brought a myriad of doctors to its doorstep,
offering more or less credible cures for atmospheric carbon
dioxide emissions that many believe are slow-roasting the climate.
China Warns of More Typhoons, Floods, Drought
China is likely to be hit by
more typhoons, floods and drought this year than at any time in the past
decade because of global climate change, the China Daily reported on
Thursday, citing a top meteorological official.
Clean Air Awards Go To Wide Array of Winners
Excellence in air quality is the tie that binds an
Oklahoma tribe, a Texas Judge and a New York company that makes
demolition hammers.
Coal Assaults Continue - April 18, 2007
The popular game today is to position alternative
energy, most notably solar, as much more expensive
compared to the cost of fossil fuel based energy, as in
the case of coal. But left off the table in such
comparisons are the very environmental impact costs your
article touches on. Also left off the table are the health
costs associated with the burning of coal for electricity
known to produce significant mercury emissions. Nor is any
cost analysis given to significant energy exchange loss
encountered when burning coal for electricity. Current
estimates of energy loss detail that utilities deliver
less then 50% of the energy in a ton of coal burned to
electricity delivered to point of use. "Clean coal" has
yet to prove itself in the energy industry.
Coal-fire power plant gets local approval
While an overwhelming majority of residents packed
into Waterloo City Hall Monday were opposed to the $1.3 billion,
750-megawatt coal-fired power plant, City Council members were
united in support for the project, voting to approve annexing land
on Newell Road just east of town and rezoning it for the project.
Cost of reopening U.S. nuclear reactor shows how difficult it will
be to build new facilities
The Tennessee Valley Authority plans to reopen its Browns Ferry 1
nuclear reactor this month - 22 years after it was shut for safety
reasons and five years after extensive renovations began.
Crude futures strengthen further by supply concerns, gasoline
Global crude futures were firmer Friday with concerns over supply from West Africa and the dominant role of gasoline continuing to impact sentiment, market sources said.
Crude stocks to fall sharply by summer without more OPEC oil-- IEA
Global stocks of gasoline are already tight and could fall further next month despite an expected increase in refinery throughput, the International Energy Agency said Friday.
Duke plan-- Boost rates, save energy; Program would save enough
electricity to equal new power plant
Duke Energy filed an ambitious energy
conservation plan Monday to cut electricity demand, reduce greenhouse
gases and still allow the Charlotte utility to turn a profit.
Enviros take their cause to UN, looking for publicity
Keen on reducing mountaintop mining activities in Appalachia and other coal-mining regions, environmental groups are taking their campaign to the United Nations.
EPA Gives Green Meaning To Its Meetings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is erecting a
new milestone in the march toward a greener government. Now the agency plans
to turn its meetings green. EPA is changing its acquisition rules to give
preference to facilities which consume less and manage their resources in
environmentally positive ways. The rule change was effective May 1.
EU, U.S. work to improve wind forecasting
The key to
improving wind power production forecasts is in understanding
and predicting large changes in the system, several forecast
company officials say.
Fans of plug-in cars build their power base
Sometime in the future, your car may make your round-trip
commute with electricity generated from rooftop solar cells.
When you want to venture east of the Cascades for a
weekend winery tour, an internal-combustion engine -- powered by
biofuels -- would kick into action.
Gas industry struggling to meet growing demand-- Officials
Producers are having an increasingly difficult time keeping up with growing gas demand across North America, industry officials said Thursday at a conference in Chicago.
Global crude futures gain on strength of gasoline
Global crude futures strengthened Thursday, shrugging off a build in US crude stocks and refocusing on bullish gasoline data, market sources said.
Government Switching To Clean Energy To Fight Climate Change
Ontario --Using 90 percent less electricity to cool Queen's Park is just
one way the McGuinty government is fighting climate change
Honeybee
Crisis and Biodiversity
Bees are highly specialised feeders, there are about twenty thousand
species, and with the exception of the three Vulture Bees they
all get their food from plants. The vast majority collect nectar and
pollen and in doing so pollinate the flowers. Without bees many
flowering plants would become extinct – and that includes most
agricultural crops.
How Does Biodiesel Affect U.S Energy Consumption
I wish I could say biodiesel, a
renewable alternative to diesel fuel, is produced in such a way
that it could safeguard our food supply from the effects of
declining oil reserves and permanently higher fuel prices.
Unfortunately, biodiesel is not a silver bullet, able to eliminate
American agriculture's dependence on fossil fuels. But biodiesel,
produced sustainably and reducing our petroleum demand, can make
the transition to a new energy economy less painful.
Inbox 051007
We tend to look at the environmental food chain as the
businesses and organizations that generate the waste and
pollution in one camp and the service companies that manage it
in another.
But the haulers, landfill operators, recyclers
and others are in the unique position of living in both worlds.
International Compost Awareness Week Comes To Town!
Whether it’s through
backyard, on-site or centralized initiatives, composting is a proven way
to help communities sustainably manage their organic residuals. Be a
part of the largest environmental education event for composting.
Italy faces
wind opposition
While most
members of the European Union have joined in the push for wind
energy, some, like Italy, face resistance.
Japan Moves To Cut Air Pollution in Big Cities
Japan's
parliament approved legislation Friday to cut vehicle pollution around
hotels, theaters and offices in major cities by requiring builders to
project air pollutant emissions and submit plans for their reduction.
Kalama
power plant put on hold
Washington--A new state law, intended to curb emissions of gases warming
the globe, has prompted a consortium of public utilities to delay
a $1.5 billion coal gasification plant proposed in Kalama.
Kmart Voluntarily Discloses Environmental Violations, Pays Lesser
Penalty
The company reported violations of clean water,
hazardous waste, and emergency planning and preparedness regulations to
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If EPA had discovered Kmart's
violations through an inspection, the company would have faced a fine of
more than $1.6 million.
Longannet on List of Worst-Polluting Power Stations
LONGANNET in Fife has been named on the list of the most-
polluting power stations in Europe. The plant, owned by
ScottishPower, is ranked 15th in the "Dirty Thirty" for carbon
dioxide emissions.
NASA Study Says Eastern U.S. To Get Hotter
Future eastern United States summers look much hotter
than originally predicted with daily highs about 10 degrees warmer than
in recent years by the mid-2080s, a new NASA study says.
Nevada governor creates renewable transmission task force
Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons established Wednesday through executive order a renewable energy transmission access advisory committee in an effort to encourage renewable energy development in the state.
New Dry Scrubbing Technology Uses Turbine Propulsion To Remove Plant
Pollution
KAT Technology founder and
president David Avina has introduced a patented continuous dry
filtration pollution control system that eliminates fugitive emissions
occurring during filter cleaning cycles that reduce the system's
efficiency. This system uses baking soda and other alkaloids to remove
harmful pollutants such as acids, heavy metals, carbon dioxide, and
particulates now mandated by the Clean Air Act.
New York mayor wants to promote solar
The city of New York will foster the market for renewable
energy by creating a property tax abatement for solar panel
installations.
Obama Introduces National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard
Legislation expected to increase biofuels market
to more than 40 billion gallons by 2020.
Obama, Clinton sign up to cosponsor strict US climate change bill
The bill, authored by Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer, Democrat-California, and Senator Bernie Sanders, Independent-Vermont, requires that the US reduce its emissions by 2050 to a level that is 80% below 1990 levels.
Ohio company plans advanced coal-fired plant near W.Va border
American Municipal Power-Ohio on Monday filed several regulatory requests to approve what would be the largest coal-fired power plant to be built in Ohio in nearly two decades -- an 800-MW baseload facility near the Ohio-West Virginia border.
'Only Wealthiest Will Be Able to Afford Solar Panels'
London (UK) -Solar and wind power will be unaffordable to all but the
"wealthiest homes" it was claimed yesterday after the Government
cut the maximum grant for their installation by 83 per cent.
OPEC sees demand for its oil growing to 49 million b/d by 2030
OPEC expects world oil demand to increase by an average 1.7% per year over the next 23 years to total 117.6 million b/d by 2030, when 49 million b/d of demand would be meet by OPEC crude, an OPEC economist said Wednesday.
Planning and guidelines lacking in U.S. wind industry
Government guidance to help communities and developers
evaluate and plan windfarms is lacking in the United States,
although the use of wind turbines to generate electricity is
increasing rapidly.
Plant says worker lied in records
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station has not been cited even
though a plant worker falsified records on two occasions,
according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Power giant 'cashes in by keeping price cuts to itself'
Powergen was accused of giving customers a raw deal after it
revealed that its profits have soared tenfold. Experts put the boom down to the energy firm's failure to pass on
cheaper wholesale gas prices to its customers.
Proposed power plant gets no static at meeting
A proposed Aquila power plant here has met little opposition so
far.
Aquila is hosting a series of meetings to garner
community support for the project before it decides to build.
Naysayers were silent...
Protecting Honey Bees from Chemical Pesticides
The recent dramatic die-off of tens-of-thousands of honey
bee colonies has left many beekeepers devastated and possibly many growers without the quantity
and quality of bees needed to pollinate crops this spring and summer.
Quote of the
Day 050907
"They have had to shut in 100,000 b/d and were forced to
declare force majeure on liftings yesterday."
Aminu Baba-Kusa
said, general manager of Nigerian National Petroleum Corp
Quote of the
Day 051107
"Gasoline stocks are tight and may tighten further in
June unless refinery capacity rises more sharply than current forecasts
suggest."
The International
Energy Agency said Friday
Rebate rule chills sales of solar
Installers fear collapse as many homeowners choose to
avoid associated higher utility costs.
Record-Breaking Solar Power Installations Underway in the West
Construction began in late April on the largest solar
photovoltaic system in North America, a 15-megawatt system at
Nellis Air Force Base. The solar power system will consist of
70,000 solar panels erected on 140 acres of unused land at the base,
which is located on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Renewables and cost-effective policies could reduce global warming
Governments could promote increased use of mature renewable
energy technologies among a range of options to reduce GHG
emissions from the energy sector.
Renewables could power half the U.S.
Green power could supply half the current electricity demand
in the U.S. and green fuels could meet 40% of the country’s
transportation fuel demand by 2025.
Signs of Low Inflation Keep US Long Term Mortgage Rates Steady
Freddie Mac yesterday
released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in
which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.15 percent with
an average 0.5 point for the week ending May 10, 2007, down slightly
from last week when it averaged 6.16 percent. Last year at this time,
the 30-year FRM averaged 6.58 percent.
Soft drink company buys green tags for U.S. facilities
One of the world's largest producers of soft drinks and
snacks will buy green power for all its facilities in the United
States. PepsiCo will purchase 1 billion kWh a year for
three years of renewable energy certificates.
Solar Manufacturing Takes Flight in the United States
With a growing demand for solar power in the United
States, the U.S. solar manufacturing industry is also growing at a
record pace
South Korea seeks cleaner energy sources
South Korea plans to break ground for the world's biggest solar
power plant on Thursday as it tries to diversify its power sources
and use cleaner energy.
The $170 million plant, along with the world's largest tidal
power plant that is already under construction off the country's
west coast
Speakers at ethanol conference warn of coming 'dot-corn' bubble
The seemingly bright future of the ethanol industry could be a "dot-corn" bubble waiting to burst amid forecasts that supply of the renewable fuel will far outstrip demand in the coming years, speakers at a Platts conference said Thursday.
State to Keep Tabs on Its Greenhouse Gases-- Climate Registry Covers 31
States
In an effort to get a handle on its contribution to global
warming, North Carolina has joined 30 other states as charter
members of the Climate Registry to measure and track greenhouse
gas emissions.
Stop coal-fired power
As a resident of Sevier County, I would like to publicly
thank the Utah Moms for Clean Air and the Utah Physicians
for a Healthy Environment as they seek a moratorium on
construction of new coal-fired power plants in Utah.
Storing
Energy - May 4, 2007
The energy that needs to be stored is wind. That is the type of energy that
is abundant at the worst time for the electricity market. Solar energy peaks
at almost exactly the same time as the electricity market. Storing that
energy is a waste of time, money, and effort. Just use it when generated.
Suspicions Among Nations Hold Back Climate Pacts
Ministers meeting on solutions
to energy efficiency, cuts in carbon emissions and global poverty do not
trust each other enough to come up with concrete measures by Friday,
diplomats say.
Task force created to study developing wind power energy
Gov. John Baldacci signed an executive order Tuesday to create
a task force on wind power development in Maine, making several
related bills obsolete.
The Cause of
Conservation
Will high energy prices give Americans more incentive
to conserve? Citizens will, invariably, reach their
limits. And a bill now pending in Congress aims to give
consumers and manufacturers a push so that they reach that
tipping point.
The Cost Of Coal On The Environment
A worldwide rush to use
“cheap” and dirty coal to supply power is threatening to impose huge
costs to the environment and the global economy.
The Dirty Dragon of China’s Economy
China appears set to play a central role in the politics of climate
change. And despite growing official recognition of the seriousness of
the country's environmental problems, that role is likely often to be
awkward, given the concurrent need for China's leadership to sustain
rapid economic growth
The Honeybee
Colony Collapse
Recently, a total collapse of hives has occurred across
America. As many as 700,000 of America’s 2.4 million bee colonies may be
affected. Something is stressing out our honeybees, making them
susceptible to a variety of pathogens.
U.S. wind industry to install over 3,000 megawatts of wind power in 2007
The U.S. wind energy industry is on track to install over 3,000
megawatts (MW) of wind power generating capacity nationwide in
2007, with Texas likely to account for about two thirds of the new
installations, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said
today in its first quarter market report.
US DOE to award $60 million for nuclear recycling projects
The US Department of Energy plans to award up to $60 million over two years toward the cost of conceptual designs for a nuclear fuel recycling center and an advanced recycling reactor that would be key components of the Bush administration's Global Nuclear Energy
Partnership...
US Economic Growth to Continue Throughout 2007
Economic growth in the United States is sustainable
throughout the remainder of 2007, say the nation's purchasing and
supply executives in their spring 2007 Semiannual Economic Forecast.
Expectations for the remainder of 2007 are encouraging in both the
manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors.
US Rep. Adam Schiff Announces Support for Clean Energy Legislation at
Soliant Energy
"I was extremely impressed with the technology being
produced by Soliant Energy," said Congressman Schiff. "Energy is
the cross-cutting issue of all time: it's a national security
issue, its an environmental issue, it's a health issue, it's an
economic issue -- and I think firms like Soliant are a big part of
the answer."
US
Sustains Federal Funds Rate
The Federal Open Market Committee
decided yesterday to keep its target for the federal funds rate at
5-1/4 percent.
Economic growth slowed in the first
part of this year and the adjustment in the housing sector is ongoing.
Nevertheless, the economy seems likely to expand at a moderate pace
over coming quarters.
US uranium production was up 25pct in first-quarter 2007
US domestic uranium production was 25% higher in first-quarter 2007 than in first-quarter 2006, totaling 1,162,737 pounds of uranium oxide, DOE's Energy Information Administration said May 8.
US Weather
Commentary 051107
Do Not confuse May Warmth with Summer Heat for Northern U.S.
this year
Spring has sprung, and the temperatures are quite pleasant across
much of the Nation, but for the Northern States we must separate above
normal May temperatures (and even much above May temperatures), from
true Summer heat that tallies up plentiful Cooling Degree Days.
Utility's bottom line-- Killing fish a positive-- Firm promotes lethal
hot-water discharge
Faced with the prospect of a multimillion-dollar tab to help
revive Chicago-area rivers, the owner of four coal-fired power
plants is pushing a plan that would keep the urban waterways too
hot for fish to survive.
Vital Electric Fusion-- Proven, Safe, Cheap
Energy device in funding limbo for two decades -- dying on the
vine for lack of nuclear weapons potential.
Wartsila to Build Six Biomass Power Plants in Germany
Wartsila commented that construction of the biomass
plants is planned to start in July 2007, depending on the
construction and operational permits that need to be issued by the
local authorities. It is anticipated that all six power plants
will be completed towards the end of 2008.
Wells Fargo Commits to Finance Fifth Wind Energy Project
Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells Fargo"), has committed to
making an equity investment in the Fenton Wind Energy Project,
Minnesota's largest wind farm, and Wells Fargo's fifth wind energy
investment commitment in less than one year.
Wind
financing grows despite risks
Outdated
coal and nuclear plants across Europe will need to be replaced
in coming years, and investors are picking renewables.
Wind vs. the winged-- Are bird deaths from the Altamont windmills
disrupting the ecosystem?
The Altamont windmills spin fast this
time of year. So, too, spin the minds of scientists charged with
weighing the pros and cons of wind energy.
May 8, 2007
Advocates see wind as key contributor to EU renewables goal
Power from wind farms will contribute a large portion of the effort to meet European Union's goal of obtaining 20% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2020, several speakers told participants at the European Wind Energy Conference in Milan, Italy late Sunday.
Alaska services company official in bribery, corruption plea
The chief executive of an Alaska-based oil service company pleaded guilty to federal charges of paying bribes to state legislators in a federal court in Anchorage Monday.
Anti-nuclear parties dominant in Scotland after UK elections
The Scottish National Party, which has pledged to build no new nuclear power plants in Scotland, has become the largest party in the Scottish devolved parliament after UK elections Thursday.
Canada Changes Course
Canada is changing gears. It has announced a new plan
to cut greenhouse gas emissions and one that deviates from
the Kyoto Protocol agreement that the nation had earlier
signed. The Canadian government said that greenhouse gas
emissions have only risen since the Liberal government
there inked the global warming treaty. Under the revised
scheme, it says that Canada will begin seeing real
reductions within 3-5 years.
Carbon Capture From Coal Not Quick Fix
Technology for such emissions reductions is perhaps decades
away from making a sizeable contribution to reducing greenhouse
gas discharges, says the report released Friday by the expert
United Nations panel.
City Wants Power to Be More Green
Lawrence is officially striving to be one of the top 10
communities in the country when it comes to promoting the use of
renewable energy.
Crude futures higher on Nigerian pipeline attacks
Global crude futures traded higher Tuesday morning, rebounding off the
lowest settlement for over a month, as further unrest in Nigeria pushed prices
higher.
Delegates Work on Climate Change Accord
More than 1,000 diplomats have begun working on a new
accord to control greenhouse gases, with developing countries calling
for more money and expertise to help them fight the potentially
catastrophic effects of global warming.
Experts report promise, perils of wind power
National Research Council notes carbon-free
energy but also bird deaths.
FERC acts to remove barriers to renewable energy development in
California
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) recently
approved the California Independent System Operator's (CAISO) proposed
mechanism for financing facilities to interconnect location-constrained
renewable resources such as wind, geothermal and solar generation to the
CAISO's transmission grid.
Gregoire signs climate change measure into law
With a flourish of her pen Thursday, Gov. Chris Gregoire put
Washington in the vanguard of states that are acting to reduce
their carbon footprints and help slow global climate change.
Gregoire said she is proud that, in the absence of federal
leadership, "this Washington, the better Washington," is showing
the way on global climate change.
International panel outlines climate control strategies
Leading scientists from around the world are touting
natural gas, carbon geosequestration, greener buildings, less reliance on
petroleum-powered vehicles and perhaps the cautious adoption of
nuclear energy as ways to dramatically drop the amount of
heat-trapping gases planetwide.
Massachusetts Challenges Federal Energy Rules
Massachusetts sued the federal government Monday,
accusing energy regulators of failing to tighten standards that could
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate the need for major new
power plants.
Mesa could pull plug on utility customers
City-owned property is on the auction block to the
highest bidder. Mesa is trying to borrow more and more money just
to stay in the game.
And the city is in serious discussions to sell its electric
utility -- a reliable money maker in the time-honored board game
and an important piece of Mesa's financial puzzle.
More
testing at nuclear site
The former Sylvania Electric site, which produced nuclear fuel
rods for power plants, dumped large amounts of chemical and
radiological toxins into the ground and air from 1952 to 1967.
Workers routinely incinerated large amounts of uranium shavings
during those 15 years.
New Reactor May Revive Nuke Energy
America's nuclear energy program is being revived at the site
of one of its worst accidents. All signs from regulators and operators point to a startup
within days of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Unit 1 reactor at
the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Athens, Ala., culminating a
five- year, $1.8 billion restoration.
Oil industry not blocking use of E-85 fuel, API tells House panel
Oil companies are not preventing the installation and use of E-85 retail pumps and storage tanks, an American Petroleum Institute official told a US House of Representatives panel Tuesday.
Seville Solar Station, Southern Spain
The station has 600 mirrors which focus sunlight onto
water pipes at the top of a 40 storey tall concrete tower. The strength
of the reflected light is so great that water vapour and dust in the air is
illuminated.
Study shows more companies are turning green
The study shows 63 percent of those CEOs surveyed recognize green
building´s financial benefits and 67 percent can identify a specific
cost benefit...
Synfuels plant once considered white elephant now a 'crown jewel'
Once considered a white
elephant and waste of taxpayers’ money, the Great Plains Synfuels Plant
here is now hailed as pioneer of clean-coal technology. And it’s making
money to boot.
TXU told it has to make room for wind power
TXU Corp., which faces a May 29 court date over allegations
that it intentionally interfered with West Texas wind farms'
ability to move electricity to market, was obligated to make room
for that power on transmission lines, a Dallas judge ruled this
week.
UN Findings on Costs of Fighting Global Warming
Following are the main findings in a report by the UN climate panel issued
in Bangkok on Friday.
UN Urges World to Slow Warming After Grim Reports
The United Nations urged far
tougher action to fight climate change at a 166-nation climate
conference on Monday, the first after reports warning of growing damage
from droughts, floods or rising seas.
US worried power prices will jump if GHGs are cut too quickly
The IPCC findings, part of its fourth assessment of the state of climate change science and studies, were released Friday in Bangkok. They suggest that stabilizing GHG concentrations between 450 parts per million and 550 parts per million would slow the global growth of GDP by no more than 3% between 2010 and 2030. But some of the emissions-cutting measures needed to stabilize GHGs in the range suggested by IPCC could raise power costs by between 20% and 30%.
Ux, TradeTech report uranium spot price rises to $120 pound
The increase, according to both companies, was the result of buyers trying to entice sellers into offering material by submitting bids with prices above the then-prevailing spot price of $113/pounds of U3O8.
The new NYMEX uranium futures contract saw limited activity with 26 contracts, representing 6,500 pounds of U3O8, being
traded
Wal-Mart Goes Solar
In one of the biggest solar deals to date, Wal-Mart will
buy 22 million kilowatt-hours of greenhouse gas-free electricity
produced from solar arrays to be installed as a pilot project at 22
stores in California and Hawaii.
Watts and Watt-hours
A Classic Question
People like to discuss electric generators in terms of how many
equivalent homes the new generator will serve. For instance, a reader
asked how many homes are served
WFU gives solar cells an energy boost-- Researchers double the
efficiency of plastic cells
Researchers at Wake Forest University have increased the
efficiency of plastic solar cells to more than 6 percent, double
the previous standard of 3 percent.
The plastic solar cells could make it easier -- and
cheaper -- for consumers to use solar energy for heat and
electricity, they said.
Why Conservation Is the World's Best Energy Source
The USA uses a lot of energy, but squeezes a billion
dollars of gross national product out of a quarter as much as China.
That's good. However it uses almost twice as much energy per billion
bucks of GNP as Britain and Japan. How do they do it?
May 4, 2007
Air Pollution Down, Air Quality Up
Emissions of six key pollutants have dropped by more
than half since 1970 and the national average concentration for each
criteria pollutant is below the level of its air quality standard.
Arctic Leaders Blame Warming for Wolves, Suicide
Global warming sent marauding wolves into an Alaskan
hamlet, killed Norwegian reindeer with unlikely parasites and may even
spur suicide among Inuit youth, Arctic leaders said Thursday. ..."You will see the changes first in the Arctic ... but the
changes are coming south," Eira said. "And the people here will
face these changes in the near future."
Bhutan To Pay for the Climate Sins of Others
High in the Himalayas, the isolated mountain kingdom of
Bhutan has done more to protect its environment than almost any other
country. "We are sacrificing a lot, but the world is not making a
positive contribution to us."
Bioenergy Could Drive Rural Development
"In food security terms, bioenergy only
makes sense if we know where the food-insecure populations are
located and what they need to improve their livelihoods.
Environmentally, we must make sure that both large- and small-scale
producers of bioenergy fully take into account both the negative and
positive impacts."
BP, COP won't participate in Alaska governor's pipeline proposal
BP and ConocoPhillips, two of the three major producers on Alaska's North
Slope, say they will not submit proposals for an Alaska natural gas pipeline
under Governor Sarah Palin's proposed Alaska Gasline Inducement Act.
Buyer Beware, Carbon Cuts Not Always Real
Companies and individuals who
want to pay others to cut carbon emissions on their behalf are not
always getting real cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, as a voluntary,
unregulated trade in carbon offsets mushrooms.
Can renewables propel the next wave of economic growth?
Renewable energy has rapidly moved in recent
years from being a niche obsession to becoming an
economic reality, from the fringes, to the
mainstream. But even its most avid champions would
struggle to contend that renewable energy is a key
economic force--yet. The signs are there, though,
that the green energy age may be round the corner.
Cheap source of energy-- Cell splits water via sunlight to produce
hydrogen
Pratim Biswas and his group have developed a method to
make a variety of oxide semiconductors that, when put into water promote
chemical reactions that split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The method
provides a new low cost and efficient option for hydrogen production.
Chinese see climate draft a growth threat
A U.N. draft proposed in Thailand reportedly says global
climate can still be stabilized if nations act now but that China
sees it as a threat to its growth.
Cities Offer Own Response to Climate Change
While the nation trails many countries in tackling
climate change at the federal level, at the local level, municipal
authorities from around the world are contacting U.S. cities like San
Francisco and Seattle to learn about innovations that work...
City embraces
solar power
LOMA LINDA -- With the flip of a switch,
the city on Tuesday formally ushered in the solar power era.
Climate experts to devise new clean air protocols
The governor's climate experts will meet with environmentalists
to work out a new clean air plan to supersede one that has been
gathering dust for about two years. Roger Smith, Connecticut Climate Coordinator, said
government agency representatives will sit down with business
leaders, environmental groups, academicians and others in the next
few days to jump-start the state's Climate Change Action Plan.
Companies Pursing Ocean Power along the Northern U.S. Shores
Judging by recent permitting activity, there is a great deal of
interest in developing wave and tidal energy projects in northern
coastal areas of the United States.
Company
Fined for Tainted Fuel
During the investigation, EPA discovered the facility
was blending gasoline with spent cyclohexane
solvent, which is classified as a hazardous waste.
Conoco may have to 'leave the country,' Venezuelan minister
Venezuelan Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez said Thursday that if
ConocoPhillips, the only company in the Orinoco heavy oil belt that didn't
sign an accord last week to transfer operations to Venezuela's PDVSA, did not
accept Venezuela's nationalization law it would "have to leave the country."
Court ruling on emissions will bolster US gas demand-- Consultants
The US Supreme Court's recent decision mandating that the Environmental
Protection Agency regulate carbon emissions will substantially increase US
natural gas demand,
Crude futures stronger on Nigerian kidnappings
3May2007-Global crude futures strengthened Wednesday as further kidnappings in
Nigeria highlighted once again the delicate situation in the oil rich region
of the Niger Delta.
Department of Energy Releases Updated Report Tracking Resurgence of
Coal-Fired Power Plants
A newly released Department of Energy report shows that
many power producers are turning to coal as the most economic and
abundant national resource for electricity generation.
DOE panel urges faster OKs for coal plants
A draft report from the National Coal Council may recommend that Energy
Secretary Samuel Bodman dramatically shorten the permitting process for the
construction of advanced coal-fired power plants,..
DOE, EPA Launch Coordinated Carbon Sequestration Project
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) have begun a coordinated research effort
to evaluate how the storage of CO2, a greenhouse gas, might affect
the nation's valuable groundwater resources.
Duke CEO-- Nuclear is answer-- Rogers says Congress must address option
with climate change
The strident talk from Rogers, one of the first
utility executives to call for regulating carbon dioxide from
coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources, comes as
Duke plans a nuclear project in Cherokee County, S.C., estimated
to cost up to $6 billion.
Duke ready to push a turn-off plan that could be a turn-on for energy
efficiency
It might seem as odd as paying farmers not to raise crops.
But just like those New Deal-era programs, Duke Energy
Corp.'s plan to sell less electricity by turning customers' power
off instead of on makes social and financial sense, Duke's Chief
Executive Jim Rogers has said.
EIA gasoline draw not big enough to rally market
Gasoline futures on the NYMEX have soared after recent
refinery problems. US gasoline inventories fell for the 12th straight
week. Fundamentally, much of the draw came on the West Coast,
which is largely an island unto itself.
Ethanol Bill Heads to Full Senate, Prompts Debate over Coal as Motor
Fuel
Senators moved ahead Wednesday on legislation to replace
one-quarter of the nation's gasoline with ethanol and set a goal of
cutting gasoline consumption nearly in half by 2030. Coal-state lawmakers tried to promote liquefied coal as a
motor fuel substitute, but their effort stalled amid a debate
over global warming.
Ethanol producer POET picks site for third Indiana facility
The $130
million facility will use 21 million bushels of corn per year to produce 65
million gal of ethanol and 178,000 tons of premium distillers products.
EU asks developing nations to reduce greenhouse gases
The European Union on Tuesday called on developing countries to take
action to reduce greenhouse gases, as delegates worked to finalize a
report detailing measures needed to limit global warming.
EU Energy-- Powering Ahead With Renewables
EU leaders have backed a European Commission proposal for a
binding 20% renewables target in the region's energy mix by 2020
and a 10% binding target for biofuels' share of the petrol and
diesel markets. While these targets seem bullish, especially as
the EU has missed previous goals, they are not impossible.
Firm hints to bring back uranium mill
It operated only for a few months a
quarter century ago, but the rising price of uranium has prompted a
Canadian mining company to buy the Shootaring Canyon Uranium Mill north of Lake Powell.
France Records Hottest April Since 1950
France recorded its hottest
April in almost 60 years and parts of the country have not had any rain
for 30 days, weather forecaster Meteo France
said on Wednesday.
GE’s World Water Tour Kicks Off In Las Vegas
The World Water Tour, presented by GE Water & Process
Technologies, a unit of General Electric Company, is a 14-city seminar
series that addresses water scarcity challenges and offers technology
solutions and best practices that industry, municipalities, and land
developers can use to create sustainable new water supplies from
previously unusable wastewater streams.
Global carbon market value trebles to $30 bil in 2006-- World Bank
The value of the global carbon market trebled to $30 billion in 2006 from
$11 billion in 2005, according to a study released by the World Bank at the
Carbon Expo conference in Cologne Wednesday.
Global Ethanol Market Could Keep Booming Even Better
The markets for ethanol fuel and fuel
additives have been growing at double digit rates the past half decade and
will expand by at least sixty percent during the next five years,
according to a new Visant Strategies report.
'Green roof' research takes root-- Vegetation to help insulate building,
cut utility expenses
This environmental movement starts at the top.
Putting in-house research to practical use, Penn State
has begun installing a handful of vegetation-rich "green roofs" at
University Park.
Honeybee Die-Off Threatens Food Supply
Unless someone or something stops it soon, the mysterious
killer that is wiping out many of the nation's honeybees could
have a devastating effect on America's dinner plate, perhaps
even reducing us to a glorified bread-and-water diet.
Honeybees don't just make honey; they pollinate...
How Solar Energy Can Shape Public Policy
If solar power is going to play a significant role in
the energy equation of the future, advances in technologies to store
that power are needed -- as well as more investment by manufacturers,
concludes a new federally funded study by Dr. Erin Baker
Inbox 050307
Combustible Comestibles: Yikes. My favorite tipster
forwarded me this sad
item from Belgium about an unfortunate elderly
gent who was killed when a compost container spontaneously
caught fire and burned him.
Indigenous Peru Group Threatens To Sue Occidental
Indigenous Achuar communities of Peru who claim
that pollution resulting from the production of oil harmed their
way of life and damaged their health Thursday threatened to sue
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
International Delegates Reach Climate Change Deal, Conclude Immediate
Action Necessary
International delegates agreed Friday that the world has
the technology and money to limit catastrophic global warming, but that
it must act now to reduce the harmful effects of greenhouse gas
emissions.
Japan's Amari says energy conservation key to economic growth
"As we have limited fossil fuel reserves, it would be
extremely important not only for consuming countries but also producing
countries to improve energy conservation to sustain economic growth in Asia as
well as in the rest of the world."
Japan's oil future-- Locking into a good deal?
Governments around the world that are waking up to the
urgency of environmentally responsible policy-making - for now,
that doesn't include George W. Bush's
global-warming-denying gang - the search for non-polluting,
alternative fuels is seriously under way.
Still, no one has completely given up on petroleum products. Not
yet.
Kermitology
That the tipping point in national belief
in global warming’s existence has occurred is not news. What it means
for different facets of the energy business -- notably renewable energy
-- is actually more problematic than it may seem.
Lawmaker says US tax changes are needed to spur energy investment
US Senator Chuck Hagel, who is mulling a bid for the White House in 2008,
said Wednesday that the US tax code should be revised to encourage more
investment in energy and environmental projects.
New EPA Tool Helps Answer Air Quality Questions
AirCompare, a new EPA-developed air quality
tool, provides local air quality information to help people make informed
decisions about moving, vacationing or living in different areas of the
country.
New Study Examines the Role of Renewable Energy Certificates in State
Renewables Portfolio Standards; Finds that Definitions and Rules Could
be More Clear
Many states that have adopted renewables portfolio standards
(RPS) have decided to use unbundled renewable energy certificates
(RECs) to track RPS compliance, and an increasing number of
regions are developing web-based REC tracking systems, ..the
Berkeley Lab report also concludes that, in some areas associated with RECs, states are ambiguous in
their definitions and rules, and that greater clarity should be
sought.
NH Senate Unanimously Passes a Renewable Portfolio Standard
After years of hard work from advocacy
groups, utilities and legislators, New Hampshire finally passed a
renewable portfolio standard (RPS) Thursday, which will require
state utilities to generate 25 percent of electricity from renewable
resources by 2025.
Nuclear power should be last resort-- Flannery
Climate change scientist and Australian of the
Year Tim Flannery says nuclear power should only be a last resort for
tackling global warming.
Panel Advances Ethanol Substitute Bill
Senators moved ahead Wednesday on legislation to replace
one-quarter of the nation's gasoline with ethanol and set a goal of
cutting gasoline consumption nearly in half by 2030.
Pennsylvania recycling sets record
The state recovered 4.86 million tons of recyclables in 2005, which
saved consumers and businesses $263 million in disposal costs, using
an estimated statewide disposal fee of $54 per ton. The recycled
materials had an estimated market value of $577 million. Recycling also avoided 2.5 million metric tons of air emissions and
nearly 9,000 metric tons of water pollution in the state.
Real Food Safety
The presence of melamine in animal food raises some very
important—and frightening—concerns about the safety of other food in the
United States. Americans eat more imported food than ever—this year, the
U.S. is expected to import $70 billion in agricultural products, double
the amount in 1997, according to the
Department of Agriculture.
Regulate Wind Power, Mollohan Says
Rep. Alan B. Mollohan, D-W.Va., told a House committee Tuesday
about the dangers wind turbines in West Virginia and elsewhere
pose to birds and bats.
"In the past, West Virginia's natural resources were exploited
without regard to the long-term environmental consequences, and I
think it's imperative that this not be allowed to happen again,"
Mollohan told the House Subcommittee...
Renewable energy could power half the nation
Industry report says wind, solar
could make big contribution to energy supply by 2025, but only if policies
change.
Renewable Energy Law Powering the Growth of the Chinese Renewable Energy
Markets
In a significant move to
enhance energy security and protect the environment, the Chinese Government
is stepping up efforts to accelerate the development of renewable energy,
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 050307
Solar activity is expected to be very low to low with a
slight chance for an isolated M-class flare. The geomagnetic field
is expected to be mostly quiet on 04-05 May. Expect quiet to unsettled
levels with isolated active periods on 06 May as a recurrent coronal
hole rotates into a geoeffective position.
Senate energy bill tackles carbon dioxide emissions
A wide-ranging energy bill including mandatory energy
efficiency improvements, promotion of renewable fuels and funding for
carbon sequestration research is on its way to the full Senate.
Senate Panel OKs Bill To Increase Green U.S. Power
The U.S. Senate may vote later this month on an energy
bill that would by 2020 require that 15 percent of U.S. electricity be
produced by renewable sources such as wind and solar.
South African Desalination Plant Market To Reach $69.7 Million By 2013
Current and future water shortages, particularly in
coastal areas, are causing concern for South African water authorities.
Reduced water supply, coupled with increasing demand will drive an
increase in water prices and water suppliers will need to address this
with alternative, cost-effective technologies. One potential alternative
is desalination.
States move to curb greenhouse emissions
Nearly half of
U.S. states, including Maryland, Minnesota and Washington, are
taking steps to curb the greenhouse gases that cause global
warming.
Storing Energy
California's Solar Initiative is expected to drive an
increase in photovoltaic installations across the state.
As a result, Southern California Edison wants to improve
the value of that electricity by shifting solar output so
that it more accurately matches peak load.
Taiwan Power Shortage May Be Bigger Threat Than China Missiles
An impending power shortage could cause blackouts in Taiwan within three
years and weaken the nation's economy, according to a Bloomberg report.
Turning On the Juice in the Big Easy
Entergy New Orleans filed for bankruptcy protection in October
2005, after its grid was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and it was
left with few paying customers for months, the wire service noted.
U.S. and China criticize climate report calling for action
Developing countries should stop blaming rich nations for the
Earth's changing climate and take immediate action to avert the
catastrophic effects of global warming, the European Union said
Tuesday.
U.S. Environment Satellites in Jeopardy, Scientists Say
Environmental satellites that monitor global warming are
in jeopardy because of cost cuts, as military and human spaceflight
programs get larger shares of the U.S. budget, a science policy expert
said Wednesday.
UK renewables association calls for delay to Energy White Paper
The white paper already has been delayed, most recently by a Greenpeace
lawsuit that faulted the government for failing to consult with the public on
new nuclear build.
US coal-fired capacity construction paralyzed by uncertainty-- NRG
Efforts to build coal-fired generating capacity in the US have been hit
by "paralysis and indecision," in part because of uncertainty surrounding
potential limits on carbon emissions, David Crane, president and CEO of
merchant generator NRG Energy, said Wednesday.
US EPA finalizes new RFS, ethanol plant pollution rules
The US Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday finalized the
rules-of-the-road for the congressionally mandated renewable fuels standard,
saying in a Federal Register notice that the final rule will go into effect
September 1.
US House transmission corridor foes push for repeal of 2005 law
US House members opposed to special federal designations for siting power
transmission lines on Thursday urged their colleagues to help thwart the
process by repealing the 2005 law that authorized the federal government to
permit power lines and by cutting the funding for the process.
US
Mortgage Rates Flat this Week
Freddie Mac yesterday
released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in
which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.16 percent with
an average 0.5 point for the week ending May 3, 2007, unchanged from
last week when it averaged 6.16 percent. Last year at this time, the
30-year FRM averaged 6.59 percent.
US renewable energy output could soar with right policies-- report
US renewable energy groups Tuesday said green power could provide 635 GW
of new capacity within 20 years, and that ethanol and biodiesel could displace
as much as 40% of gasoline supply by 2030 if Congress sets the right policies.
US Senate leader says energy bill debate 'unlikely' in May
The Nevada Democrat had vowed to take up energy legislation before the
Memorial Day weekend beginning May 26, but other priorities, including passing
an Iraq funding bill, an immigration bill, a water resources authorization
bill, and possibly the fiscal 2008 budget have pushed energy to the periphery.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 050407
Some market participants were
looking at the technical aspect. "Prices have repeatedly broken support
levels but then have rebounded to settle above them. The market isn't
ready to go downwards for the time being despite no real news to keep it
up,
WHO Says Fighting Global Warming a Win-Win To Prevent Health Problems,
Save Money
Countries that start battling global warming now won't
have to wait generations to see the rewards: burning cleaner fuels can
yield immediate health benefits that save lives and money, world health
experts say.
Yangtze’s Decline Highlights China’s Growing Water Problems
China is home to three of the top ten “rivers at risk” worldwide,
according to a
report released in March by the conservation group WWF. The
Yangtze in the south is plagued by rising pollution, the Mekong-Lancang
in the west by overfishing, and the Salween-Nu, also in the west, by
infrastructure and dams, the report notes. The Yellow River, another
“mother river” for the Chinese people, is also on the verge of death,
suffering from severe pollution and water shortages.
May 1, 2007
A Handful of Countries Can Solve the Climate Problem
Professor in political science Jon Hovi at the
University of Oslo and CICERO has studied this topic for years. He
argues that although the international community faces many obstacles in
mitigating the climate problem, solutions are possible.
Addressing the Growing U.S. Oil Crisis
With little doubt, the United States is being confronted
with a crisis of major proportions. Experts agree that world oil
production is at near peak today and could well fall off dramatically
within the next decade. Yet world oil demand keeps growing as China,
India, and many other developing countries dramatically increase their
oil consumption.
Alameda County to Track Bird Deaths in Altamont
Alameda County supervisors approved a one-year monitoring
system that would study the impacts of the Altamont Pass windmills
on scores of birds, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks,
burrowing owls and other protected species.
At life's end, what's a proper burial for a bulb?-- Mercury in
energy-efficient fluorescents poses a recycling problem
Those squiggly compact fluorescent light bulbs are being touted
as an easy solution to save energy and fight global warming. But
there are drawbacks: The bulbs contain toxic mercury, and so far
there is no easy way to recycle them.
Audit Says Sweden Not Prepared for Nuclear Accident
"If a nuclear accident happened today, the long-term
consequences would be more serious than necessary, as the
authorities are poorly prepared," said auditor Lennart Grufberg.
Sweden's nuclear power plants have been plagued by
safety scares in recent years. Some experts have suggested that a catastrophic meltdown was
narrowly avoided.
Australia Drought is Climate Change Warning - UK
Drought-hit Australia may offer
a warning of how climate change threatens core human needs, as the
continent's food bowl faces the prospect of having irrigation cut off,
Britain's climate change ambassador said.
Australia to Exceed Kyoto Targets - Study
Australia, already the world's
biggest polluter per capita and a Kyoto climate pact hold-out, will
exceed its greenhouse gas targets within three years, an independent
study said on Friday.
BP Cost Cuts May Have Caused Big Alaska Oil Spill
A powerful US congressional
committee said on Monday it had evidence that deep cost cuts at oil
major BP Plc may have been a major factor behind pipeline corrosion that
caused the largest ever onshore oil spill in Alaska last year.
DOE Research Funding in dollars per person-year
On average DOE predicts the price will fall to around
$46 in 2014 then gradually climb to $57 in 2030. That's an OK
prediction, but you can be sure there will be a lot of wild swings on
the way. The swings are actually more of a problem then the average
price of oil
One problem is the US has almost
No Energy Policy!!
Solar, wind and biomass (ethanol) research are funded at the rate of
$1.13 per person per year, and that's all
together. That's not a policy, it's a bad joke.
EPA proposal adds air pollution, environmentalists say-- How output from
coal-fired plants measured at issue
Environmentalists who sued Duke Energy
Corp. over upgrades at its coal-fired plants say a proposed EPA rule
undermines their U.S. Supreme Court victory and would give utilities a
free hand to pollute.
EPA proposes controversial power plant rule--Activists say it runs
counter to recent Supreme Court ruling
The
proposal would make it easier for utilities to expand plant
operations or make other changes to produce more electricity
without installing new pollution controls.
EPA Recognizes Largest-Ever Corporate Green Power Purchase
A U.S. corporation's first green power purchase has put
it at the top of three EPA lists that recognize the growing number
companies and organizations that have committed to green energy use.
EPA has recognized PepsiCo's commitment to purchase 100 percent green
power.
Europeans look to U.S. for wind-power growth
New worries about the environment, technology advances
and tax-break extensions are empowering European wind energy companies
to try their luck in the United States.
Experts Meet on U.N. Report but Time Running Out
After two gloomy U.N. reports on global warming,
scientists and governments on Monday began looking at how to fight
climate change, with green groups saying the world has the means to cut
emissions at little cost.
FACTBOX-- Methane, from Cow Burps to Rice Paddies
Methane is among the most potent greenhouse gases and scientists
say controlling emissions from cows and sheep, rice fields and
the oil and gas industry is a major step in limiting climate
change. Following are some facts about methane.
'Fresno Green' aims for better air-- Mayor announces plan calling for
cleaner city operations by 2025
The environmental plan calls for cleaner city operations
involving such things as vehicle use and construction. What the
plan will mean for residents is unclear.
German minister announces package of climate-protection measures
Gabriel called on Germany to increase efforts
to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2020. While the
country has set itself the goal of reducing emissions by 21 per cent in
the 22 years between 1990 and 2012
Germany in Losing Battle To Save Last Glacier
The winds are cold at any time of the year on Germany's
highest mountain but the country's last glacier is melting away despite
Herculean efforts to counter the effects of climate change.
Green movement gaining steam across country
This is not your mother's environmental
movement.
It is not the days of spotted owls and Soylent Green
and the famous "Crying Indian" commercial.
Instead, we have compact fluorescent light bulbs, corn-based
ethanol, wind power and a positive attitude.
'Green Tags' Help Fuel Renewable-Energy Projects Around Country
Anyone, even skiers and snowboarders, can help offset the
carbon dioxide produced by their fossil-fuel-powered activities.
Inbox 050107
Keep America Sniggering: The wags at Keep America
Beautiful have put together a zany new recycling awareness
campaign featuring a dorky-but-hip cartoon dude who goes by
the awkward superhero alias
KAB Man
(or occasionally, Recycling Boy).
Investors Cheer, Greens Jeer Canada Emissions Plan
Most Canadian energy stocks got
a lift on Friday as investors and oil bosses expressed relief that
Ottawa's plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions avoided absolute caps and
adherence to commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.
It's Air Quality Awareness Week-- Keep an Eye on the AQI
May marks the beginning of ozone season in most areas of
the country -- a good time to make sure that you check your daily Air
Quality Index (AQI) and forecast information to help you protect
your health.
Kerry seeks ban on traditional coal plants
A bill prohibiting the construction of conventional pulverized coal plants was
introduced in the Senate Thursday by Democratic Senator John Kerry of
Massachusetts.
Look to the oceans for peak oil solution, Simmons tells OTC
World crude production possibly peaked in May 2005 and ocean energy is
the most feasible solution to a supply shortfall problem that will surpass the
issue of global warming for the public in a relatively short period of time,
Matthew Simmons said Monday.
Main Conclusions of UN Climate Panel's Third Report
The report
by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) looks at the costs
of mitigating and adapting to climate change and the tools available to
achieve reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.
Military Panel-- Climate Change Threatens U.S. National Security
Global climate change presents a serious national security threat
that could affect Americans at home, impact U.S. military
operations, and heighten global tensions, finds a study released
today by a blue-ribbon panel of 11 of the most senior retired U.S.
admirals and generals.
National Water Quality Network Pilot Underway
A pilot phase of the National Water Quality Monitoring
Network (Network) for U.S. Coastal Waters and their Tributaries is
moving forward. The goal of the Network is to provide information about
the health of our oceans and coastal ecosystems and inland influences on
coastal waters for improved resource management.
NM PRC
Wants More Green Energy
The Public Regulation Commission voted Thursday to move toward
increasing the amount of energy utilities must generate from
renewable sources.
Nuclear Industry Can't Generate Enough Workers
When the top U.S. nuclear regulator addressed industry leaders
in March, he spoke about a problem often neglected in public
debates about nuclear energy: the threat of a labor shortage.
NYMEX crude opens 1 cent lower despite surging gasoline prices
June crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange opened 1 cent
lower at $66.45/barrel Monday despite surging gasoline prices.
Ontario plans to bring dozens of clean-energy megawatts online by 2010
Ontario plans to bring dozens of clean-energy megawatts
online by 2010 with the construction of North America's largest solar
farm and 13 other renewable energy projects.
Planned coal plants in Kansas face opposition
Sunflower says that it would use the best available
technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that the
plant's output would be well below EPA standards.
Walt Chappell, a former candidate for the Kansas House who has
worked with alternative energy for years, said the plant would be
the largest single source of carbon dioxide -- C02 -- in the
country. The output of CO2 is not regulated.
Primary Dealers Survey Forecasts Declining Interest Rates, Lower
US Treasury Issuance
Interest rates will decline
and the yield curve will remain flat over the next two quarters,
according to the median response to a quarterly survey issued
by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association’s (SIFMA)...
Quote of the
Day 043007
"In the past, oil contributed to the development
of the United States. Now it is time to make oil serve the development of
our people. Venezuela is putting its oil reserves at the service of Latin
America."
Venezuelan President
Hugo Chavez and his Latin American allies wrapped up their summit in
Barquisimeto late Sunday with promises of closer economic integration after
Venezuela offered its leftist friends guarantees of cheap energy supplies.
Quote of the
Day 050107
"The question of negotiations with the United States is
not serious. So long as the United States does not renounce its attitude and
oppressive and satanic vision, the problems will not be solved."
Government spokesman
Gholam Hossein Elham said, according to the Mehr news agency. Iran on
Tuesday said the idea of holding negotiations with the United States was
"not serious" in the current climate, amid expectations of bilateral talks
between the two foes at a conference on Iraq this week.
RECENT STATE INITIATIVES FURTHER THE DEVELOPMENT OF WIND ENERGY
While Maryland and Pennsylvania attempt to make development of wind
generation projects easier, Texas is trying to ensure that at least some
of its renewable energy comes from sources other than wind.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 043007
The geomagnetic field was at quiet to minor storm conditions.
Increased activity was due to the continued influence of a recurrent
coronal hole high speed stream.
Rocket Fuel in Drinking Water- Perchlorate Pollution Spreading
Nationwide
Drinking water for more than 20 million Americans is contaminated
with a toxic legacy of the Cold War: A chemical that interferes with
normal thyroid function, may cause cancer and persists indefinitely in
the environment, but is currently unregulated by state or federal
authorities.
Rockies Project-- Laying the Groundwork
Federal regulators have given the thumbs up to one of
the largest natural gas pipeline projects in recent years.
The so-called Rockies Express-West line will carry gas
supplies from the Rockies through the Midwest and into the
eastern United States.
Seven Colorado River States Submit Plan for Sharing Water in Drought
Seven states dependent on the Colorado River filed a
plan with the Interior Department on Monday aimed at divvying up water
resources during times of drought.
State Reduces Energy Consumption 10 Percent, Saving Taxpayers $1.6
Million
Pennsylvania--Citing the state's aggressive work to conserve and reduce energy consumption in all state-owned office buildings, Department of General Services Secretary James P. Creedon today said the commonwealth has achieved a 10-percent reduction in energy consumption or $1.6 million in savings for taxpayers.
States Reach Renewable Energy Milestone
The Union of
Concerned Scientists (UCS) projects that 21 states and the District of
Columbia that have adopted renewable electricity standards are on track
to reduce their global warming emissions by 108 million metric tons (MMT)
of carbon dioxide by 2020, an amount equivalent to taking 17.7 million
cars off the road.
Supreme
Court OKs flow control
In yet another "green" decision, the Supreme Court let
stand measures enacted by two counties in Upstate New York attempting to
control the type and volume of trash rolling into their publicly owned
landfills.
Texas Refinery Will Pay $2.9 Million to Resolve Air Violations
Total will make changes to its facility, estimated to cost $37 million, that
will significantly reduce the facility's emissions of air pollutants. Once
fully completed, the measures Total will implement will reduce annual
emissions of nitrogen oxides by more than 180 tons, sulfur dioxide by more
than 800 tons, and carbon monoxide by more than 120 tons.
Tougher Petroleum Refinery Standards Proposed to Protect Air Quality
EPA is proposing to reduce emissions from new, modified, or reconstructed
process units at petroleum refineries. The proposed amendments would update
the existing standards of performance for petroleum refineries. Under the
proposal, new, modified or reconstructed units would be required to add
emission controls that reflect demonstrated improvements in emission control
technologies, in addition to changing certain work practices.
U.S.-Japan Joint Statement on Energy Security, Clean Development, and
Climate Change
President Bush and Prime Minister Abe agreed today that
confronting the interlinked challenges of energy security, clean
development, and climate change requires sustained and effective global
action. The United States and Japan are working to ensure that the
energy on which our economies depend remains reliable, affordable, and
secure by encouraging efficiency, diversity of supply, and advances in
technology.
US EPA outlines plan to deal with California global-warming rules
The Bush administration officially outlined Monday how it will deal with
California's request to implement more stringent emissions standards for
cars and trucks than what the federal government currently uses.
US EPA says SO2, NOx emissions down, but still a concern
US emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide have dropped 53% and
30% respectively since 1990 because of federal cap-and-trade policies and
other requirements on industry, the Environmental Protection Agency said in a
report Monday.
US Top Court Won't Hear Power Plant Pollution Rule
The US Supreme Court on Monday
refused to hear a Bush administration appeal defending its rule that
would allow older factories, refineries and coal-burning power plants to
upgrade their facilities without installing the most modern pollution
controls.
Utility foes
line up help
John and Janie Balasko want to stop Allegheny Energy from
building a high-power transmission line near their home, so
they went to the Monongalia County Commission for help
Wednesday. "It makes you physically sick," Janie Balasko said.
"This is unreal. Our property will be worthless if this thing
comes through. I can't believe this is happening."
Vestas Build its First US Factory in Colorado
Vestas recently
announced it will establish a blade production facility in Windsor,
Colorado.
Vote on Texas power market limits postponed
TXU deal is still on,
investors say, despite move to limit firms' generation capacity
As politics delayed a House vote on
legislation meant to force the state's largest power generation
companies to shrink, the investors that wish to buy TXU Corp. said they
still expect their deal to close.
WateReuse Association Introduces The National Database Of Water Reuse
Facilities
The NDWRF
is a comprehensive database of reuse programs and facilities across the
United States that can be used by agencies, utilities, consultants, and
reuse water customers to advance the practice and implementation of water
reuse at the local, regional, state, and national levels.
Weekly U.S. Retail Gasoline Prices, Regular Grade
Data for retail pricing across the Nation.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 043007
On Friday prices rose after news that
Saudi Arabian authorities had arrested more than 170 people suspected
terrorists, with their potential targets said to have included the
country's oil facilities.
What's Moving the Oil Markets 050107
Late Monday, the last day of April,
crude prices plunged around $1/barrel, which confused some of the
industry. "People are a bit unsure why prices fell so much late in the
day. It doesn't look like it had much to do the NYMEX product expirations but was more representative of moves by hedge
funds at the end of April, which they sometimes do," a broker said.
Wind Energy Gains Speed in Wisconsin, Nation
Wisconsin has 53 megawatts of wind power installed, according
to the American Wind Energy Association's 2006 rankings released
this month, placing the state 18th in the nation.
WPL
not happy with wind decision
Bill Harvey, chairman, president and chief executive of Alliant
Energy Corp., WPL's parent company, said he is "disappointed" in the 10.5 percent
return on common equity approved by the PSC in an oral decision on
Tuesday.
"We believe that the decision . . . is contrary to the intention of
Wisconsin Act 7 to encourage investment in new generation, including
renewable energy," Harvey said. WPL had requested a 12.9 percent rate of
return on equity for the wind project, spokeswoman Erin Dammen said.
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