No Republican Support for the new global warming bill

Representatives Henry A. Waxman of California and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts put together a draft on global warming this week to address climate change in the Untied States. The bill proposes to place a cap on Greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, a rather aggressive approach in the short term. Obama's plan for climate change was to propose a bill that would reduce GHG gases by 80% by the year 2050. I think these two representatives are on the right track because we certainly need to act sooner rather than later. The cost of reducing GHG in the world only increases each year that we allow for unlimited emissions with no cost.

The Spanish island of El Herro - Energy Independent

The above video is a documentary of the Spanish island of El Herro. According to BBC, this will be one of the first places to exist solely on renewable energy sources. Energy independence and an aversion to oil will make this island attractive to long term sustainability. This concept is so necessary. I think all countries, cities, regions strive to become energy independent. Thomas Friedman talks in great lengths about the Danes ability to source a major portion of its energy on wind farms. There are many countries who were severely impacted as a result of the 1973 Oil Crisis and only a few places have reacted to this event by striving to become energy independent. Another location that is creating the very first carbon neutral zone is Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. (http://www.masdaruae.com/en/home/index.aspx)I think its quite calculating that Midde Eastern countries with oil are investing heavily in renewable energy sources. They seem to have the right attitude towards where the rest of the world is going.

Ethanol. A sustainable energy source or a big mistake?

I've been hearing a lot of arguments about ethanol production as a source of fuel energy and I decided to do some of my own investigation. In the book "Plan B" by Lester Brown, the topic of ethanol production is heavily criticized as a new source for energy. The author believes that crop use should be solely for food in a world of extreme poverty and starvation. He also believes that there should be more of an emphasis on true renewable energy sources like wind, and solar production instead of ethanol. Ethanol production may lead us away from the main objective in this quest for long term solutions with alternative energy.

I recently read the article by Newt Gingrich "ETHANOL, PRO AND CON: New energy source means brighter future". Last April, when this article was written, we saw a huge unprecedented jump in oil prices. SUV drivers and American drivers in general were angered by this sudden increase and the need for an alternative source of energy became a topic of importance. The idea of sourcing energy from ethanol production is a hotly debated topic this year. The last Administration approved the use of ethanol as an renewable fuel and allowed for an increase in ethanol production. Newt argues that the ethanol that we currently use today will be replaced with a more efficient type of ethanol fuel and generally praises this new source of energy.

In the PBS website, Jim Lehrer conducts an interview about Ethanol production (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/jan-june09/mixedyield_01-28.html. In this interview, a representative from Climate Central and an Iowa farmer both talk about the pros and cons of ethanol. For farmers, this corn crop turned fuel has helped raise revenues and returns. According to the article, "In 2008, about one-third of all corn produced in the U.S. was turned into ethanol". Some scientists believe that this move to turn corn into ethanol has left a lot of unanswered questions for the future of land and farming. The overwhelming amount of corn production could mean dangerous consequences in the future. All the land clearing for the corn production causes an increasing amount of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. This will also create market problems when the US switches to a cap and trade system. Brazil is one of the top producers in ethanol production, and they are chopping down forests in order to plant this profitable crop. In the short run, we have solved a big problem with oil prices, but in the long term we may look back and regret that we have covered a wound with band aid. Ethanol production may have negative long term consequences, but it certainly does solve a current problem.

Another consideration; with the dangerous amount of carbon emissions in the atmosphere, we are noticing a rise in global temperatures. This could lead to a reduction in photosynthesis, prevention of pollination, and eventually lead to crop dehydration. The effect of global warming is most problematic for corn, which is another point to keep in mind when assessing whether ethanol fits into the solution as an alternative fuel source.

Space Based Solar Power

Please see the link for "Powering the Planet: Space-based Solar Power,", produced by the Futures Channel.

http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/space_based_solar_power/

Beyond Cap and Trade

According to a recent paper titled "Cap and Trade is Not Enough: Improving U.S. Climate Policy" (click on title for the link), the authors argue that the United States government needs to work faster and harder in solidifying long term legislation that will physically reduce carbon emissions in the future. Although we have yet to pass a mandatory cap and trade system in the US, the Obama administration is promising that such a trading platform will begin next year, in 2010. My colleagues were frustrated with this decision to hold off on a trading scheme, but the authors in this paper are not necessarily frustrated with this carbon cap postponement policy.

The authors of this paper move past the argument of cap and trade, and argue for a long term strategic plan of action in reducing carbon emissions. There are a number of different solutions that these authors suggest, and their prescriptions are focused on three main areas: electric power, building design and appliances, and automobiles. I agree with this paper for many reasons. We cannot solve the carbon emission crisis only by enforcing cap and trade. Although some cities, like NYC are taking their own initiative in retrofitting buildings, and making appliances and buildings more energy efficient, this is by no means a long term federal policy. These decisions can come and go with each President, governor, or mayor. This is the end of the era for the toothless tiger. We need some teeth in our policies.

EPA proposal: Report GHG emissions

The EPA just poropsed a rule that suppliers of almost 85-90% of GHG emissions in the country would have to report the amount of GHG they emit per year. According to the EPA's press release, the draft rule would require about 13,000 facilities to report greenhouse gas emissions.

This comes at a necessary time in our country, as we prepare ourselves for a new Cap and Trade market. The EPA must think ahead of Europe and have organized, detailed information when dealing with the new carbon offset market. In Europe, the first phase of Kyoto did not accomplish what was intended; they did not reduce the amount of carbon emissions as they sought out to do, which has made the EU anxious to start a methodical system. It would be in our best interest to make this proposal a mandatory requirement for suppliers to count GHG emissions, because this would solve the initial problem of figuring out the exact number of dirty polluters.

Free Energy Trade Subscriptions

Please click on this link: http://energyvortex.tradepub.com/

There are a number of free trade publications that you can choose from.

Sales of Hybrid Cars Decline

The hybrid car model was a hot commodity when the gasoline prices were at its highest price last summer. SUV owners were made a mockery of when they went to fill up their cars. Consumers started trading in their gas guzzling cars for a new hybrid model in order to save money on gas in the long term.
It seems like the price of gas and the sale of the hybrid cars are proportional. When the price of gasoline falls, the sales of hybrid cars fall as well.
As the rate of joblessness increases and the economy tanks, the new hybrid car models are gathering dust in inventory. We are also seeing an increasing number of people switch to public transportation, which could also contribute to the decline in hybrid car sales.

My prediction: its only a matter of time before oil prices start creeping up again, and we all know what that means. The inefficient gas mileage cars will once again be thrown aside in favor the hybrid.

Natural Resources Defense Council put together A State by State "Coal Threat Report"

The list of the dirtiest 15 states are as follows:

1. Texas
2. South Dakota
3. Florida
4. Nevada
5. Montana
6. Illinois
7. South Carolina
8. Ohio
9. Wyoming
10. Michigan
11. Kentucky
12. Missouri
13. Wisconsin
14. Georgia
15. West Virginia

Interesting. Many of the historical swing states are on this "dirty coal list" list. Any relevance, or just a coincidence?
Florida
Ohio
Virginia

Carbon Offset Standards

The VCS was founded by The Climate Group, the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

I am investigating the concept of "carbon offsets" in the US market place. When a customer purchases carbon offsets so that they can become "carbon neutral", what type of carbon offset are they really purchasing. We need to understand what standards are used when purchasing a carbon offset. The VCS Association is in charge of the VCS Program and they are responsible for monitoring Greenhouse Gas Emissions reduction projects, like carbon offsets.

There are different baselines when calculating carbon offsets. Listed below are some of the other methods that are currently approved under the Voluntary Carbon Offset Protocol.

1.) Clean Development Mechanism methodologies (used in the Kyoto Protocol) (http://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/index.html)

2.) California Climate Action Registry
(http://www.climateregistry.org/tools/protocols/project-protocols.html)

Other Standards include:
The Gold Standard and EPA Climate Leaders

US city is finally catching up to Europe's method of encouraging solar energy

In the New York Times article "Europe’s Way of Encouraging Solar Power Arrives in the U.S.", there is talk that a certain US city - Gainesville, FL is starting to follow the path of cities in Europe. The city officials of Gainesville decided to pass a mandatory feed in tariff for residential and businesses to develop solar panels on their rooftops and invest in other solar projects while the utilities pays them far more money per kwh than the standard electricity rate for this renewable energy generation. The utilities will have to bear the cost of the expensive renewable energy, so these customers will not be turned away by the expensive costs of installation.

According to Wikipedia, a FEED IN TARIFF is "an incentive structure to encourage the adoption of renewable energy through government legislation. The regional or national electricity utilities are obligated to buy renewable electricity (electricity generated from renewable sources at above market rates set by the government."

Obama's Energy Plan

We finally have a visionary in office, but he is getting sidetracked by different lobbyist groups and typical bureaucratic system inefficiencies. Obama's plan for energy independence is exactly what I've been hoping for, but he needs to keep the momentum moving. According to the website whitehouse.gov, Obama plans on reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Why can't we start this year? Creating a new market immediately would allow for new investment opportunities. It will give Americans hope that 2009 will not end in economic decline.
His administration wants to wait until 2010 to establish this new cap trading platform, which is highly disappointing. The US government needs to act fast, and the time is now. Countries in other parts of the world are already years ahead of our renewable energy development, and we are lagging in this global race to reduce carbon emissions.
And how can he promise that the creation of this new market is absolute in 2010? I want to see some mandates in place.

Nuclear Power - Country Comparison

The United States is reported to be the top supplier of Nuclear Energy in the world but this generation source only makes up about 1/5 of our country's energy supply for energy use.
Many European countries reacted to the Oil Crisis of 1970, and France's response was to invest in nuclear power. We all know about France's love for nuclear power, and this form of energy is still the top energy source for electricity in France.
Nuclear definitely has its pros: end of foreign dependence on oil, reduction in carbon emissions due (when comparing to fossil fuel sources). Cons: It still requires a lot of capital, real estate, transmission costs, and is environmentally dangerous. Nuclear energy is expensive because of all the waste it generates, although many companies are making cleaner, more efficient generators. I am still a stronger advocate for wind and solar generation, but this is still a very controversial and highly disputed topic.

Van Jones gets appointed as White House advisor

Van Jones, author of one of my favorite books "The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems" was recently asked to advise the Obama Administration on transitioning our present economy into a green economy. He focuses on the social aspect of the green movement, highlighting economic, demographic and labor into his assessment, which is refreshing and necessary. Many renewable advocates are only looking at this big picture, and he really focuses on a lot of the details, so I'm happy that he's involved with the transition.

McKinsey Debate: Carbon Tax vs. Cap and Trade

In an earlier posting, I talk about the different carbon cap policies. I am a huge advocate for the Cap and Trade system, except specifically, I believe that the "Cap and Dividend" system will work the best in the long term. Tax Credits don't seem to have the same affect on the economy or investment companies because there is no long term guarantee. If we create a market for carbon emissions, this will force companies to reduce carbon emissions and will encourage broad scale investment in renewable energy.

Website:
http://whatmatters.mckinseydigital.com/the_debate_zone/carbon-tax-vs-cap-and-trade

Smart Grid

I first heard about the smart grid last year, and it keeps coming up as a favorite solution in our stance towards energy independence. At a recent NYC conference, I heard that many cities and states are already trying to challenge old inefficient energy systems. I know that NYC is building smart meters for commercial, residential and industrial buildings here in the city. But that's just a start.
Our government needs to focus on fixing the grid at a national level. We need Washington to make it a mandatory obligation, not just a proposed idea. The tech companies, lawmakers, utilities, and energy companies need to all get together and come up with a game plan on making this system work. We need the capital and the intelligence to move forward with this plan of action so that the old outdated grid can be replaced with a much more efficient and workable solution.

COP15 Copenhagen 2009

COP15 Copenhagen
Copenhagen will host the COP15 UN Summit in 2009 which is set up to deliver a new binding global climate agreement that will apply to the post-Kyoto period after 2012.

Hopefully, the United States will get up to speed with the rest of the developed world. We are the biggest consumers of energy in the world, and we cant seem to take the lead in curbing carbon emissions. We need to create a cap and trade market, and move away from the inconsisten tax credits. The Federal Government needs to create mandatory laws that will secure the long term prospect of renewable energy. After talking to solar and wind developers, I find that their biggest complaint is finding capital for their business. No one trusts the ebbs and flows of the US government. Eight years from now, many of these renewable energy developers could be in a losing game.

New Jobs for a Green Economy

According to the UN: “private sector would bring 85 per cent of the necessary financing and resources to the climate-change challenge." The following industries will grow as a result of the green movement:

1. solar energy
2. wind power
3. carbon trading
4. carbon capture & storage
5. carbon management
6. water management
7. waste management
8. biomass & biofuels
9. energy efficiency
10.consulting & engineering
11.green building

"Which country has the greenest bail-out?"

Which country has the greenest bail-out?

The enclosed link represents the amount of government spending on greening a country's economy all over the developed world. This chart is rather interesting because it compares our efforts to our neighbors in the move towards lowering carbon emissions. We have been consuming energy and spending it like no other country in the world, so why are other countries making more of an effort to relieve the globe of carbon emissions? It is our duty and our prerogative to lead the world by example. The United States needs to focus on this issue and create a green economy that would receive more attention than what is allotted in the latest Stimulus Package.