| Saturday, January 31, 2009 |
| Response on "More Green Jobs" |
Dear Ms. Mannering:
Thank you for contacting my office to express your support for green jobs and renewable energy. I appreciate hearing from you and I value your input on this important matter.
Our country currently generates 70 percent of its electricity from two fossil fuels: coal and natural gas. Our heavy reliance on just these energy sources does not foster a stable market for electricity in our country. On the other hand, only two percent of our electricity is generated from renewable energy. Increasing the diversity of our electricity portfolio through wider use of renewables offers us the opportunity to generate more energy from affordable, clean and abundant sources. One of the most important steps our nation can take in this regard is to encourage investments in conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy production. For years I have supported greater research and development and use of renewables, such as solar, geothermal, biomass and offshore wind.
In order to address higher energy prices we need to diversify our nation's energy portfolio, with the priority being on clean energy sources that can be produced right here in the U.S. As you may know, I recently joined my colleagues in passing H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, which included an extension of many important renewable energy and energy efficiency tax credits. President Bush signed this measure into law on October 3, 2008. Extending the tax credits was necessary to encourage developers, homeowners and investors to pursue solar, wind, biomass, and energy efficiency technology. The bill extended tax incentives for energy-efficiency projects in commercial buildings, production of renewable electricity, and investments in solar energy and fuel cells.
Of particular interest to those who face rising electricity bills, the legislation provides incentives for energy efficient oil furnaces, insulation, windows, and doors. Additionally, those who build energy efficient new homes will be eligible for a tax credit of up to $2,000. The legislation also includes a one-year extension of the federal production tax credit for wind and geothermal power, a two-year extension of residential solar tax credits, and an eight-year extension to the investment tax credit for commercial solar projects. Finally, to help meet our current energy needs, the bill provides $2.5 billion in new tax credits to create advanced coal electricity projects and certain coal gasification projects that demonstrate the greatest potential for carbon capture and sequestration technology.
Renewable energy tax credits will have tangible impacts in Delaware. In 2005, the State legislature passed a Renewable Portfolio Standard, requiring that 10% of that state's power come from renewable sources by 2018. This past summer, Delmarva Power and Bluewater Wind reached an agreement for an offshore wind proposal. Under the deal, Delmarva will purchase up to 200 megawatts of electricity from the wind farm. Construction is slated to begin in two to three years, with wind-power energy delivery around 2012.
In closing, I strongly agree with you that America's current energy policy is out of step with today's energy needs, and we urgently need a long-term vision for our country's energy future. I am very pleased that we were able to enact critical renewable energy and energy conservation tax credits before adjourning for the year. While comprehensive energy reform was not voted on this year, I look forward to resuming the debate early next year under a new Congress and Administration. I also agree with you that we need to emphasize the job creation element of diversifying our energy portfolio. I will continue to support "green collar" jobs, which many experts see as the future for U.S. manufacturing. Promoting manufacturing in energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, and advanced energy infrastructure will pay triple dividends: it will stimulate our economy, create jobs, and save us money on energy costs. Moreover, we can begin exporting advanced energy products across the world. The U.S. has long been a leader in the development of these technologies - we need to become a leader in the production and sale of these technologies.
Let me assure you that I will continue to advocate what's in the best interest of Delawareans, particularly those who are struggling to pay the bills. Twenty-five years from now, our nation could be celebrating its energy independence, rather than falling victim to higher energy prices. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me and my staff. Please do not hesitate to contact us in the future about other matters of importance to you.
With best personal regards, I am
Sincerely,
Tom Carper
United States SenatorLabels: delaware, green jobs, renewable energy |
posted by Christy @ 8:17 AM 
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| Thursday, January 29, 2009 |
| Sponsor a wild place |
 Give the gift that gives twice! Sponsoring a wild place not only provides a unique and meaningful gift for your special Valentine, but gives you the satisfaction of knowing you are helping preserve America's wild legacy.
Give a Sponsorship of the special wild place of your choice for as little as $25 - and get free shipping to any U.S. location.
Sponsor the Arctic Refuge! Your sponsorship gift includes:
- Plush puppet and/or rucksack
- Personalized Certificate of Sponsorship
- Beautiful 5x7 full color photograph
- A colorful Fact Sheet with fun details about your wild place and its wildlife
- Free shipping to any U.S. location!
For over 100 years, the Sierra Club has been instrumental in protecting our most cherished wild places. From the creation of Yosemite National Park at the urging of John Muir, to the battle to protect the Giant Sequoias, the Sierra Club has been the leading environmental organization in ensuring that these natural treasures are protected for generations to come. But these places still need our help.
What better way to show your environmentally-conscious sweetie you care than to sponsor a wild place in their name. Order by midnight, February 2nd, for delivery in time for Valentine's Day!
Choose from these spectacular wild places:
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Giant Sequoia National Monument
Yosemite National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Acadia National ParkLabels: Sierra Club |
posted by Christy @ 12:55 PM
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| Wednesday, January 28, 2009 |
| IT Industry Contributes to Energy Effiiciency |
 The IT industry is joining the push toward energy efficiency by developing new power management technology to curb the sector's harmful contribution to climate change, operators say. It seems to be a global initiative stretching across Europe and North American from what I can tell.
In moves toward clawing back some of that damage, a number of IT companies are developing or upgrading power management technology which can turn off computers and other devices automatically, saving money and the planet.
"A bank branch could save nearly 40,000 euros ($53,020) just by turning off phones and wireless access points outside business hours," David Frampton, VP general manager of Cisco's LAN switching business unit, told Reuters.
Similarly, 1E, a leading provider of software products and professional services for Windows Management, has two plans to help with saving energy and reducing costs. Specifically, 1E WakeUp(TM) and the award-winning NightWatchman(R), together they are a "Power & Patch Management Pack" which save energy, cut costs and protect networks. The solution safely, remotely and automatically shuts down and "wakes up" PCs while saving user data.
Xcel Energy Inc. on Tuesday, January 27,2009, announced rebates for energy efficiency appliances and projects as part of its effort to cut energy demands by its customers by nearly 125 megawatts and cut natural gas use by more than 7.2 million therms.
This week Sun Microsystems unveiled its new energy-efficient data center. Located in Broomfield, Colorado, the power and cooling technologies at this data center will help the company save over $1 million in electricity costs and about 11,000 tons in CO2 emissions every year - or enough energy to power about 1,000 homes every month.
Sun Microsystems has recently completed energy-efficient projects in the UK, India, and Santa Clara, CA.Labels: 1e, cisco, energy efficiency, sun microsystems, xcel energy inc |
posted by Christy @ 10:13 AM
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| Monday, January 26, 2009 |
| Clean Energy and Stopping Global Warming |
This morning, President Barack Obama signed two executive orders that could be remembered as the critical turning point toward achieving real energy independence and stopping global warming.
President Obama directed the EPA to review the Bush administration's denial of a waiver request by California to cut global warming pollution from automobiles. The president also ordered the Transportation Department to enact short-term rules on how automakers can improve the fuel efficiency of their new models.
Politically, what President Obama said was at least as important as what he signed.
The President's powerful statement affirming his commitment to moving aggressively to cut global warming emissions and unleash America's clean energy future laid out clear goals for action in the coming weeks and months.
The President's plan—including the next step of a cap on carbon pollution—means more new jobs, a rebirth for the American auto industry, and less global warming pollution.
[from David Yarnold Director of the Environmental Defense Fund]
And for more information on the Energy and Environment plans at the White House.Labels: barack obama, clean energy, energy efficiency, environmental defense fund, global warming |
posted by Christy @ 1:49 PM
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| Friday, January 23, 2009 |
| Administrator-designate Lisa P. Jackson |
 "I am honored by the confidence and faith President Obama and the Senate have reposed in me to lead the EPA in confronting the environmental challenges currently before us. As Administrator, I will ensure EPA's efforts to address the environmental crises of today are rooted in three fundamental values: science-based policies and programs, adherence to the rule of law, and overwhelming transparency. By keeping faith with these values and unleashing innovative, forward-thinking approaches - we can further protect neighborhoods and communities throughout the country."
Statement by Administrator-designate Lisa P. Jackson
Twenty years of experience as an environmental regulator and a reputation as a consensus builder. Ms. Jackson, who is a chemical engineer, brought a more policy-driven approach to New Jersey's historically politicized Department of Environmental Protection as its commissioner. During her 33 months in that job, the state began conducting compliance sweeps to crack down on polluters in environmentally ravaged sections of Camden and Paterson, ended its controversial bear hunt and unveiled a plan to reduce carbon emissions 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.
In accepting this position she spoke of being raised in New Orleans and the struggles her Mom has gone through while still living there.
"I was raised in New Orleans. My mother, like so many others, lost all she had in Hurricane Katrina. Her home lay vulnerable because of its design, but also because of the failure of the government-built levees that were supposed to protect her. The natural defenses of the marshes and wetlands south of New Orleans have been destabilized by siltation and cut by oil and gas lines. The government agency that was supposed to respond to the disaster was inept and incapable. In the face of that tragedy, I almost left public service. But I stayed because I believe we can and must do better for my mother and for all Americans.
...my mother has suffered from environmental negligence. But none of them are victims. They are survivors. They are Americans. They are my conscience."
Sounds like she's going to be strong and steadfast in this position.Labels: epa, epa administrator, lisa jackson |
posted by Christy @ 1:30 PM
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| Wednesday, January 21, 2009 |
| Winterize your home |
 The average family spends $1,400 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of that spent on heating and cooling. Energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, sized and installed correctly, with properly sealed ducts, can save homeowners as much as 20 percent on their annual energy costs.
Hidden gaps and cracks in a home can add up to as much airflow as an open window. The more heat that escapes, the more cold air enters, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Home Sealing can improve your home "envelope" - the outer walls, ceiling, windows and floors -- and can save up to 10 percent in energy costs. Start by sealing air leaks and adding insulation—pay special attention to your attic and basement, where the biggest gaps and cracks are often found.
Did you know that simply wrapping your water heater with an insulating blanket cuts the cost (both financial and environmental) of heating the water? And depending on where you live, if you go tankless or solar, you might be eligible for a tax rebate too.
Likewise, if you or one of your family members feels cold while at home, revert to getting snug in a blanket or coat before cranking up the heat -- and the heating bill.
The Daily Green has 19 full proof tips to winterizing your home and therefore helping you save money on your electric bill!Labels: electricity, green tips, winterize |
posted by Christy @ 2:20 PM
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| Monday, January 19, 2009 |
| New Tasmania Marine Life |
 Yay! Finally some good, happy, environmental news.
A team of researchers from Australia and the United States have uncovered new marine life, including fiery red coral and purple-spotted sea anemones, in deep waters off the Australian state of Tasmania, according to findings released Sunday.
Scientists who took part in the $2 million four-week expedition also found that most reef-forming coral deeper than 4,200 feet (1,300 meters) in the area were newly dead. Researchers will study samples of the coral to try and determine whether the creatures are dying because of ocean warming, disease, a rise in ocean acidity or some other reason.
The team also found communities of marine life that have never been described in scientific literature, including gooseneck barnacles and millions of round, purple-spotted sea anemones.
The photo you see in this post shows tethered to the seafloor 13,143 feet (4,006 meters) underwater, the 20-inch (50-centimeter) sea squirt, or ascidian, it is one of the deepest-dwelling animals ever found in Australia.
Scientists also discovered corals more than 10,000 years old and will study them for clues on ancient climate data, and to help determine when coral reefs have existed south of Tasmania over the last several million years.
"Given we probably know more about deep space than we know about the deep sea, these are incredibly exciting results," marine biologist Ghislaine Llewellyn, program manager of the Oceans division at the World Wildlife Fund in Australia, said in an e-mail. "Australia has its own underwater grand canyon on its doorstep and these submersible dives have opened a window on the secrets of this place and its creatures."
- Photograph courtesy Advanced Imaging and Visualization Laboratory WHOILabels: deep sea, marine life, tasmania |
posted by Christy @ 7:06 PM
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| Saturday, January 17, 2009 |
| Yes, the US East Coast is shrinking |
 This isn't new news, but each time I read an updated article on the topic I find myself shaking my head.
Sea levels on the United States' mid-Atlantic coast are rising faster than the global average because of global warming, threatening the future of coastal communities, the Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday.
Using conservative estimates, the EPA says the eight-state region from New York to North Carolina is an area that "will likely see the greatest impacts due to rising waters, coastal storms, and a high concentration of population along the coastline," according to an agency summary.
Coastal waters from New York to North Carolina have crept up by an average of 2.4 to 4.4 millimeters (0.09 to 0.17 inches) a year, compared with an average global increase of 1.7 millimeters (0.07 inches) a year, the EPA said in a report.
Of course the changes always seem extremely minuscule and many people don't bother fretting or trying to develop solutions, but the changes are visible. I live in Delaware and the shores in this area shrink every year. I am sure in my lifetime there will be beaches closed for the reason that there is no room for people to pitch an umbrella for the afternoon.
Another thing to realize is the rising water does not just mean less shore, it also means coastal storms will become more severe as they reach further inland.
Most coastal wetlands in the mid-Atlantic would be lost if sea level rises one meter in the next century. Even a 50-cm rise would threaten most wetlands along the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay.
You can download the full 784 page coastal sensitivity report at the EPA website.Labels: coastal restoration, sea level, shoreline |
posted by Christy @ 3:01 PM
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| Friday, January 16, 2009 |
| Aeolus Airship |
 While I'm not sure where I would park the Aeolus Airship, I have decided I'd really like to have one. Though I'd settle for a ride, just once.
The aerodynamic airship, being pedal-powered uses non-toxic helium. It can carry two to four people on an above-ground journey for two weeks. Though I am guessing the more weight in the ship the faster you'd have to pedal and the more likely you would be to get exhausted, especially over a two week time. And since it is powered Flintstone style I'm assuming you'd have to have a pretty athletic team to go very far since you're legs are the motor behind the craft's speed.
The concept design is from Christopher Ottersbach. The design is getting quite a bit of feedback from several environmentally friendly blogs.Labels: Aeolus Airship, Christopher Ottersbach, non-toxic |
posted by Christy @ 9:17 AM
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| Tuesday, January 13, 2009 |
| Bold move by Greenpeace in London |
 Plans to build a third runway at London's congested Heathrow Airport hit a snag Tuesday when Greenpeace and other environmental activists announced they had purchased a substantial plot of land where the planned runway would be built.
The group, which includes Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson and prominent comedian Alistair McGowan, announced Tuesday it had purchased a plot of land on ground earmarked for a proposed third runway at Europe's busiest airport.
Thompson, one of Britain's best-known actress, said she had joined the group that purchased the land because it was "hypocritical" for the government to promise to reduce greenhouse gases while greatly increasing air traffic capacity.
"I don't understand how any government remotely serious about committing to reversing climate change can even consider these ridiculous plans," she said, vowing that the new owners would move to the property and defend it if necessary.
John Sauven, director of Greenpeace, has this to say, "The legal owners of the site will block the runway at every stage through the planning process and in the courts," he said. "They will never sell the land to Spanish-owned airport operator BAA, and if it comes to it many thousands of people will be prepared to peacefully defend their field in person, standing in front of bulldozers and blocking construction."
Advocates say the new project would allow Heathrow to maintain its prominence as an international hub while opponents say it would scuttle Britain's ambitious plans to cut carbon emissions.
Find out more about Airplot at Greenpeace UK.Labels: carbon emissions, greenpeace, london |
posted by Christy @ 12:09 PM
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| Saturday, January 10, 2009 |
| Get Delaware involved in ending the seal hunt |
 First I started scrolling through the list of grocers and seafood suppliers involved in ending the Canadian seal hunt. As I kept scrolling looking for my home state of Delaware I realized it just wasn't listed at all. So then I even tried doing a search and find in the browser, hoping I had missed it somehow...still no Delaware.
The situation is that Canada allows the slaughter of baby white seals. The commercial fishermen who earn a small amount of their living from selling the babies fur truly make most of their income from fishing and selling the fish to the United States. So, if grocers and seafood suppliers refused to buy fish from the fishermen who also slaughter baby seals then we might be able to get them to stop their awfulness.
After hearing about the horrific treatment of seals during Canada's annual seal hunt, more than 5,000 grocery stores, restaurants, and other companies have joined the ProtectSeals campaign. But alas, not one store in Delaware is on the list. Shameful.
What's the connection between your grocery store and the seal hunt? Sealers are actually commercial fishermen who earn only a small fraction of their livelihood from killing baby seals for their fur. The vast majority of the sealers' incomes -- 95% actually -- comes from commercial fishing. About two thirds of Canada's seafood is exported to the United States each year, achieving more than $2.5 billion for the Canadian economy annually. This dwarfs the few million dollars contributed to the Canadian economy by the commercial seal hunt.
By choosing to avoid Canadian seafood, you can give the fishermen who kill seals a clear economic incentive to stop the slaughter. So far, our boycott has resulted in millions of lost revenue for Canadian sealers. But we aren't there yet: As of today Canada still refuses to bow to international pressure, and is readying its sealing vessels for the 2009 slaughter.
So today, ask your local grocery store to step up for seals: Download this customer comment card and/or pledge form and give it to your store manager the next time you go grocery shopping.
I have contacted Acme, Safeway, WalMart, Superfresh, Pathmark, BJs Wholesale, Costso, ShopRite, Trader Joe's and GIANT in my local area. If you live in Delaware please continue my plea. If you live elsewhere please look into contacting your local chains. I will let you all know if I receive a response.
UPDATE:
Alicia from Costco Wholesale Corporation sent a response to my e-mail, it stated: "Dear Christy,
Thank you for your email to Costco Wholesale.
Costco Wholesale is aware of the U.S. Humane Society campaign requesting U.S. retailers to boycott Canadian fisheries in protest of the annual Canadian seal hunt. At this time we have no plans to participate in a boycott of Canadian fisheries.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us.
Thank you,
Alicia
Costco Wholesale Corporation"
UPDATE--
"Hi Christy,
Thank you for taking the time contact us. This has always been Trader
Joe's stance on purchasing seafood in the eastern part of Canada.
http://www.traderjoes.com/action_issues.asp#SealHunt.
Thanks for your feedback!!
Nicki K.
Customer Relations
Trader Joe's"
"Dear Ms. Mannering,
Thank you for contacting us concerning your issue. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.
While we are troubled by the concerns you have risen about the treatment of seals in the Northeast Provinces of Canada, and respect the interests of consumers who elect not to purchase certain products.
We are committed to providing our customers with the products they want and expect.
We respect the right of individuals to support issues that are important to them, but we will continue to provide our customers with the variety and choice that they are looking for when they shop at Albertsons.
SUPERVALU is in compliance with country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements now in effect for seafood. These requirements inform consumers of the origin of the seafood that they are buying, and allow them to make informed seafood choices in our stores.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Customer Service Center at 1-877-932-7948.
Sincerely,
Ken B
Acme Customer Care"Labels: canada, seals |
posted by Christy @ 8:12 AM
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| Wednesday, January 7, 2009 |
| Avoid a Repeat of the TVA Disaster |
 Coal is not clean. Period. Need proof? On December 22, hundreds of millions of gallons of coal ash sludge and contaminated water, the waste product of coal-fired power plants of the Tennessee Valley Authority, spilled over a retaining area damaging 45 homes and contaminating the water with dangerously high levels of arsenic. This disaster is another stark reminder of the environmental, health and economic hazards of our over-reliance on coal as an energy source.
On December 27, Appalachian Voices sampled several of the spill's piles and found elevated levels of toxins, including arsenic and lead. Most of this potentially toxic waste remains in or near those waters - both contaminating water and becoming airborne dust once it dries.
We at least know that the U.S. Senate hasn't missed this disaster - the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee is holding a hearing on it this Thursday, Jan. 8, and you can watch a webcast of on the EPW website. There is also talk now of this tragedy spurring regulation of coal ash.
Contact President-elect Obama and urge him to adopt our Clean Slate Energy Agenda, which will help us move beyond coal and avoid other disasters like this from happening in the future.
Photo by Dave CooperLabels: coal, epw, tennessee valley authority |
posted by Christy @ 11:00 AM
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| Monday, January 5, 2009 |
| Another "extinction" theory |
 Tiny diamonds sprinkled across North America suggest a "swarm" of comets hit the Earth around 13,000 years ago, kicking up enough disruption to send the planet into a cold spell and drive mammoths and other creatures into extinction, scientists reported on Friday.
Doug Kennett of the University of Oregon and colleagues found the little diamonds at sites from Arizona to South Carolina and into Alberta and Manitoba in Canada.
They are buried at a level that corresponds to the beginning 12,900 years ago of the Younger Dryas, a 1,300-year-long cold spell during which North American mammoths, saber-toothed cats, camels and giant sloths became extinct.
These collisions produced, as they stated in the abstract to their paper, "multiple airbursts and possible surface impacts, with severe repercussions for plants, animals, and humans in North America."
I am a bit confused, was the cold spell of extinction only in North America? How does this help to explain global changes? I suppose that is not what this research is about though, still it is quite interesting.
Now about those diamonds...? =o)
SOURCELabels: cold spell, diamonds, extinction, north america |
posted by Christy @ 10:14 AM
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| Thursday, January 1, 2009 |
| New safe haven for marine life |
 ScienceDaily.com just released a story about a new park in Argentina created to help protect animals in danger. The photo you see pictured is by Graham Harris of the Wildlife Conservation Society. One of the parks inhabitants will be about 500,000 Magellanic penguins.
The park, which became official in early December protects half a million penguins along with several species of rare seabirds and the region's only population of South American fur seals. It is the first protected area in Argentina specifically designed to safeguard not only onshore breeding colonies but also areas of ocean where wildlife feed at sea.
The park's creation represents a joint effort by the National Parks Service of Argentina, Government of Chubut, Wildlife Conservation Society and its local partner Fundacion Patagonia Natural with support from the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility.
There are more adorable photos of the marine life which is now celebrating, check them out at ABC News.Labels: endangered species, marine life, wildlife conservation |
posted by Christy @ 10:05 AM
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