Middleboro Recall: Energy Resources

Several years ago, Cooper Hewitt in New York hosted a photovoltaics exhibition. PV are solar panels that generate electricity.

When asked about the cost of installation, the architect's first comment was that the household energy requirement had to be reduced to the lowest possible level.

He didn't mean to sit in the dark, pump water by hand from a well, or eliminate the amenities we're accustomed to.

His intent was to mandate personal responsibility to reduce energy consumption by employing the most energy efficient technology prior to considering photovoltaics.

Previous posts offer some basic tips, but an internet search provides an endless array of ideas and sources.

It is frequently striking that those who complain about high energy costs, haven't installed CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) or taken any action to reduce their consumption. Since lighting accounts for ~ 15% of household energy consumption, it's an inexpensive place to start. CFLs have declined drastically in price and a wider selection of sizes and uses are available. Or those who have windows that remain uncovered.

And the silence from the Middleboro Board of Selectmen continues to amaze.

Effective Energy Policy requires an integrated approach: 1. Municipal and Household energy reduction; 2. Employment of appropriate alternatives by municipalities and households; 3. Construction of Alternative Energy Sources, as just the beginning.

Understanding the surrounding issues and creating a dialogue is of utmost importance for our survival.

UAW supports major boost in fuel economy standards; compromise bill includes safeguards for U.S. auto manufacturing jobs
The UAW “strongly supports” new fuel economy provisions in energy legislation being considered by Congress, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said today.
“The UAW strongly supports this historic bill, which contains aggressive but still achievable fuel economy requirements,” said Gettelfinger. “It will help consumers and the environment, and at the same time protect U.S. jobs.” UAW

Broad Energy Bill Passed by House
Car Mileage, Renewable Power Addressed
By Jonathan Weisman and Steven MufsonWashington Post Staff Writers Friday, December 7, 2007; Page A01
The House yesterday brushed aside a new White House veto threat and handily approved a comprehensive energy bill that would raise automobile fuel-efficiency standards for the first time in 32 years and require increased use of renewable energy sources to generate electricity.
The 235 to 181 vote sends the measure to the Senate today. There, Republicans hope to strip it of tax increases on the oil industry and the renewable-source requirement before a final version goes to President Bush. The White House objects to the bill on multiple fronts, including the prospect of tax boosts on oil companies, saying Bush would veto it. WP LATimes SFChronicle AP Reuters

Renewable Energy

Bissfield Michigan Home, Model of Sustainability, Earns LEEDS Platinum
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Inaction on greener buildings puzzle experts
They said the technology already existed to dramatically cut electricity use for very little cost, and yet it was puzzling that governments, industries and home-owners weren't cashing in on the energy-saving ideas.

"The entire current emission reductions commitment under the Kyoto Protocol can be achieved in the building sector alone. And the costs of achieving these reductions are low, very low."
ENN Reuters

U.S. Emissions Reductions May Be Cheaper Than Thought
The report predicts that mitigation efforts will cost less than $50 per ton of greenhouse gas emissions, or an amount in the tens of billions of dollars overall. One reason for the lower cost, explains Stevenson, is because the United States currently wastes large amounts of energy, and simple changes could make the country vastly more efficient. ENN

Tanker Leaks Oil Off S.Korea Coast
By Jack Kim
SEOUL (Reuters) - A large oil tanker gushed thousands of tons of oil into the sea near one of South Korea's most scenic coastlines after being hit by a barge, South Korea's maritime ministry said on Friday.
The Hong Kong-registered Hebei Spirit was struck while at anchor off Daesan port in the Taean region on the country's west coast and the ministry said it had already leaked some 10,800 metric tons of crude oil. ENN USAToday Reuters Bloomberg AFP

Gash Found on Vessel's Cargo Tank after Delaware River Oil Spill
PHILADELPHIA − Divers found a six-foot gash on the tanker that leaked 30,000 gallons of crude oil into the Delaware River, creating a 20-mile-long slick that killed dozens of birds and threatened other wildlife, officials said Sunday. ENN

NewAmericanDreamHome

Greens Take Heart at Final Energy Bill By Kelpie Wilson
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have literally declared war on the bill. Sen. Pete Domenici said, "If it comes over here, we have no alternative but to have war." In other words, a filibuster. And President Bush has warned he is likely to veto the bill if it does pass the Senate.
Senate Republicans have drawn the line on two provisions: the Renewable Electricity Standard and the $21 billion tax package that will fund the bill, especially the $13.5 billion in higher taxes on oil companies. Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, of Texas, was the one who put a hold on the bill back in October, preventing the appointment of a conference committee. She called the tax increase "discrimination against one industry." Hutchison received $2,029,825 in contributions from the oil and gas industries in 2006. TO