The following (fairly lengthy) article is about a couple of former "tree huggers" who are taking a more common sense look at Global Warming and the environment. In doing so, they are stirring up the environmental movement. It is a good read if you've got the time.
Two Environmentalists Anger Their Brethren
By Mark Horowitz 09.25.07 2:00 AM
For angry heretics on the run, Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger sure know how to enjoy themselves. Sitting in a cozy Berkeley restaurant just a few blocks from San Francisco Bay, exchanging tasting notes on the vermentino ("cold white wine is so good with fatty, fried food," Shellenberger says), they recount with perverse pleasure, in tones almost as dry as the wine, how they've been branded as infidels by fellow environmentalists. It started in 2004, when they published their first Tom Paine-style essay accusing the movement's leaders of failing to deal effectively with the global warming crisis. "We thought that someone was going to take a swing at us," Shellenberger says. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Sierra Club executive director Carl Pope published withering counterattacks, and the two men were dubbed "the bad boys of American environmentalism" by author Bill McKibben.
Nordhaus, 41, and Shellenberger, 36, didn't set out to infuriate their former colleagues. On the contrary, they were...(complete article here).
One sentence that particularly caught my eye in the article was, "Their vision cuts across traditional political divides: It's pro-growth, pro-technology, and pro-environment." I'm going to have to dig a little deeper into their thinking, but on the surface it seems to make sense.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
More on Global Warming
What we do in the U.S. will not affect what happens in China and India which are some of the fastest growing economies. We must do our part, but the rest of the world needs to adopt the available technology to limit their emissions as well. Kyoto Protocol or not, China and India are horrible polluters.
Scientists Call For 80 Percent Drop In U.S. Emissions By 2050 To Avoid Dangerous Warming
Science Daily — By 2050, the United States must cut its emissions by at least 80 percent below those created in the year 2000 if the world is to avoid potentially dangerous impacts of human-induced climate change, according to a report recently released by scientists at Texas Tech University, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and Stanford University.
To avoid the most severe effects of climate change, the world must stabilize the concentration of heat trapping gases in the atmosphere at no more than 450 parts per million, said Katharine Hayhoe, an associate professor of geosciences at Texas Tech University who performed the emissions-reduction calculations for the joint report.
This 450-parts-per-million limit aims to avoid a temperature increase exceeding 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit in a global average temperature above pre-industrial levels...(complete article here).
Scientists Call For 80 Percent Drop In U.S. Emissions By 2050 To Avoid Dangerous Warming
Science Daily — By 2050, the United States must cut its emissions by at least 80 percent below those created in the year 2000 if the world is to avoid potentially dangerous impacts of human-induced climate change, according to a report recently released by scientists at Texas Tech University, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and Stanford University.
To avoid the most severe effects of climate change, the world must stabilize the concentration of heat trapping gases in the atmosphere at no more than 450 parts per million, said Katharine Hayhoe, an associate professor of geosciences at Texas Tech University who performed the emissions-reduction calculations for the joint report.
This 450-parts-per-million limit aims to avoid a temperature increase exceeding 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit in a global average temperature above pre-industrial levels...(complete article here).
Friday, September 28, 2007
New Image?
If we lead will anyone follow?
Bush Seeks New Image on Global Warming
By JOHN HEILPRIN
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush called on the world's worst polluters Friday to come together to set a goal for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing the climate to heat up. He didn't exempt his own country from the list.
"By setting this goal, we acknowledge there is a problem, and by setting this goal, we commit ourselves to doing something about it," Bush said in a speech that capped two days of talks at a White House-sponsored climate change conference. "We share a common responsibility: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping our economies growing."
He said each nation should establish for itself what methods it...(complete article here).
Bush Seeks New Image on Global Warming
By JOHN HEILPRIN
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush called on the world's worst polluters Friday to come together to set a goal for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing the climate to heat up. He didn't exempt his own country from the list.
"By setting this goal, we acknowledge there is a problem, and by setting this goal, we commit ourselves to doing something about it," Bush said in a speech that capped two days of talks at a White House-sponsored climate change conference. "We share a common responsibility: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping our economies growing."
He said each nation should establish for itself what methods it...(complete article here).
New FAO Website
New FAO website for sustainable agriculture...
Launch of an interactive web-based platform in support of agriculture and rural development
“e-agriculture is a truly demand-driven platform,” according to FAO’s Anton Mangstl
28 September 2007, Rome – The UN Food and Agriculture Organization today announced the launch of a unique interactive web-based platform focusing on the role that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can have in supporting agriculture and rural development.
The online platform, www.e-agriculture.org, will enable users to exchange opinions, experiences, good practices and resources related to e-agriculture, and to ensure that the knowledge created is effectively shared and used worldwide.
Developed by global stakeholders in collaboration with FAO and partners, the platform is part of an e-agriculture Community of Expertise, a global initiative to...(complete story here).
I will be anxious to see how this site evolves. I have registered on the site. There are very few signed up yet.
Launch of an interactive web-based platform in support of agriculture and rural development
“e-agriculture is a truly demand-driven platform,” according to FAO’s Anton Mangstl
28 September 2007, Rome – The UN Food and Agriculture Organization today announced the launch of a unique interactive web-based platform focusing on the role that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can have in supporting agriculture and rural development.
The online platform, www.e-agriculture.org, will enable users to exchange opinions, experiences, good practices and resources related to e-agriculture, and to ensure that the knowledge created is effectively shared and used worldwide.
Developed by global stakeholders in collaboration with FAO and partners, the platform is part of an e-agriculture Community of Expertise, a global initiative to...(complete story here).
I will be anxious to see how this site evolves. I have registered on the site. There are very few signed up yet.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Sue Until You Win -- The Radical Agenda
From the Center for Individual Freedom:
Environmentalists Ask Supreme Court to Impose Kyoto Agenda: Lawsuit Would Regulate what You Exhale
Environmentalists, repeatedly rejected by the democratic process and unable to pass the Kyoto Protocol or their radical agenda, are doing what liberals invariably do when defeated in the marketplace of ideas: turning to the courts.
On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to review Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency, in which environmental lobbies and twelve activist states petition the Court to label everyday carbon dioxide a "pollutant" and compel the EPA to regulate it.
That's right – (complete story here).
The document linked here leads to a DOE website linking to summaries of the potential impact of the Kyoto Protocol on the United States. Wading through the "gobbledegook" is daunting but it boils down to a several hundred billion dollar impact on our economy in just the first 3 years -- and that was prior to the spike in oil prices over the last few years. Interestingly, the Protocol will expire in 2011 and discussions at the U.N. this week were the prelude to the next round of protocols.
Environmentalists Ask Supreme Court to Impose Kyoto Agenda: Lawsuit Would Regulate what You Exhale
Environmentalists, repeatedly rejected by the democratic process and unable to pass the Kyoto Protocol or their radical agenda, are doing what liberals invariably do when defeated in the marketplace of ideas: turning to the courts.
On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to review Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency, in which environmental lobbies and twelve activist states petition the Court to label everyday carbon dioxide a "pollutant" and compel the EPA to regulate it.
That's right – (complete story here).
The document linked here leads to a DOE website linking to summaries of the potential impact of the Kyoto Protocol on the United States. Wading through the "gobbledegook" is daunting but it boils down to a several hundred billion dollar impact on our economy in just the first 3 years -- and that was prior to the spike in oil prices over the last few years. Interestingly, the Protocol will expire in 2011 and discussions at the U.N. this week were the prelude to the next round of protocols.
Georgia Tech Biofuels Research
More on biofuels research.
Georgia Tech Takes Comprehensive Biofuels Approach
Interdisciplinary research initiative focuses on converting forest products
Atlanta (September 15, 2007) — We feel it at the pump. Fuel prices are at record highs and so is the demand for alternative fuels. But major scientific and technological advances are still required before economically viable alternative fuels become a significant part of the U.S. energy supply.
Researchers across the Georgia Institute of Technology campus are...(complete article here).
Georgia Tech Takes Comprehensive Biofuels Approach
Interdisciplinary research initiative focuses on converting forest products
Atlanta (September 15, 2007) — We feel it at the pump. Fuel prices are at record highs and so is the demand for alternative fuels. But major scientific and technological advances are still required before economically viable alternative fuels become a significant part of the U.S. energy supply.
Researchers across the Georgia Institute of Technology campus are...(complete article here).
Advanced Biofuels Research
This article from The Economist on advanced biofuels research is very interesting.
Advanced biofuels
Ethanol, schmethanol
Sep 27th 2007 EMERYVILLE, REDWOOD CITY AND SAN CARLOS, CALIFORNIAFrom The Economist print edition
SOMETIMES you do things simply because you know how to. People have known how to make ethanol since the dawn of civilisation, if not before. Take some sugary liquid. Add yeast. Wait. They have also known for a thousand years how to get that ethanol out of the formerly sugary liquid and into a more or less pure form. You heat it up, catch the vapour that emanates, and cool that vapour down until it liquefies.
The result burns. And when Henry Ford was experimenting with car engines a century ago, he tried ethanol out as a fuel. But he rejected it—and for good reason. The amount of heat you get from burning a litre of ethanol is a third less than that from a litre of petrol. What is more, it absorbs water from the atmosphere. Unless it is mixed with some other fuel, such as petrol, the result...(complete article here).
I've contended all along that ethanol isn't the answer -- maybe for different reasons -- but it's good to know I'm not alone.
Advanced biofuels
Ethanol, schmethanol
Sep 27th 2007 EMERYVILLE, REDWOOD CITY AND SAN CARLOS, CALIFORNIAFrom The Economist print edition
SOMETIMES you do things simply because you know how to. People have known how to make ethanol since the dawn of civilisation, if not before. Take some sugary liquid. Add yeast. Wait. They have also known for a thousand years how to get that ethanol out of the formerly sugary liquid and into a more or less pure form. You heat it up, catch the vapour that emanates, and cool that vapour down until it liquefies.
The result burns. And when Henry Ford was experimenting with car engines a century ago, he tried ethanol out as a fuel. But he rejected it—and for good reason. The amount of heat you get from burning a litre of ethanol is a third less than that from a litre of petrol. What is more, it absorbs water from the atmosphere. Unless it is mixed with some other fuel, such as petrol, the result...(complete article here).
I've contended all along that ethanol isn't the answer -- maybe for different reasons -- but it's good to know I'm not alone.
Avian Influenza Detection
This will be useful in remote areas.
New Field-deployable Biosensor Detects Avian Influenza Virus In Minutes Instead Of Days
Science Daily — Quick identification of avian influenza infection in poultry is critical to controlling outbreaks, but current detection methods can require several days to produce results.
A new biosensor developed at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) can detect avian influenza in just minutes. In addition to being a rapid test, the biosensor is economical, field-deployable, sensitive to different viral strains and requires no labels or reagents.
"We can do real-time monitoring of avian influenza infections on the farm, in live-bird markets or in poultry processing facilities," said Jie Xu, a research scientist in GTRI's Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory (EOSL).
Worldwide, there are many strains of avian influenza...(complete article here).
New Field-deployable Biosensor Detects Avian Influenza Virus In Minutes Instead Of Days
Science Daily — Quick identification of avian influenza infection in poultry is critical to controlling outbreaks, but current detection methods can require several days to produce results.
A new biosensor developed at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) can detect avian influenza in just minutes. In addition to being a rapid test, the biosensor is economical, field-deployable, sensitive to different viral strains and requires no labels or reagents.
"We can do real-time monitoring of avian influenza infections on the farm, in live-bird markets or in poultry processing facilities," said Jie Xu, a research scientist in GTRI's Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory (EOSL).
Worldwide, there are many strains of avian influenza...(complete article here).
Norman Borlaug Institute in Guatemala
Agriculture in the Developing World.
Sept. 27, 2007
U.S. Agriculture Secretary: Guatemala Project Shows Borlaug’s ‘Feed the World’ Vision
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-467-6575,paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Johanna Roman, 979-862-2036,mjroman@ag.tamu.edu
Edwin Price, 979-862-4551,ec-price@tamu.edu
GUATEMALA CITY – The Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, part of the Texas A&M University System, will expand the efforts of its Food for Progress project in Guatemala beginning Oct. 1.
The project was initiated two years ago to help improve the quality of life for Guatemalan farmers, said Johanna Roman, coordinator for Latin American programs at the institute.
"Until now, our project activities primarily have involved working with local partners to provide farmers with technical assistance related to food processing, as well as education and training toward improving their agricultural techniques," she said.
This new project phase will continue farmer education, but its main emphasis will be on strengthening agricultural cooperatives and developing agribusiness opportunities for small-scale farmers in Guatemala, Roman said.
"Project participants now will work more directly with the private and public sector to process, package and market Guatemalan products for export to the U.S. and other countries," she said. "We'll also be helping with export certification and assisting with developing agribusinesses related to bioenergy, as well as providing marketing and business support to those who want to improve their agriculture-related businesses."
To date, more than 2,500 Guatemalan farmers have benefitted from the program, the majority belonging to indigenous populations, Roman said. The project has been targeted mainly at small- and medium-scale farmers in the...(complete story here).
Dr. Norman Borlaug came to Texas A&M in 1984. He was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 1970. He is primarily known for his work in wheat varieties for the developing world which created the "Green Revolution" responsible for feeding billions. The Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at Texas A&M continues his legacy.
Sept. 27, 2007
U.S. Agriculture Secretary: Guatemala Project Shows Borlaug’s ‘Feed the World’ Vision
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-467-6575,paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Johanna Roman, 979-862-2036,mjroman@ag.tamu.edu
Edwin Price, 979-862-4551,ec-price@tamu.edu
GUATEMALA CITY – The Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, part of the Texas A&M University System, will expand the efforts of its Food for Progress project in Guatemala beginning Oct. 1.
The project was initiated two years ago to help improve the quality of life for Guatemalan farmers, said Johanna Roman, coordinator for Latin American programs at the institute.
"Until now, our project activities primarily have involved working with local partners to provide farmers with technical assistance related to food processing, as well as education and training toward improving their agricultural techniques," she said.
This new project phase will continue farmer education, but its main emphasis will be on strengthening agricultural cooperatives and developing agribusiness opportunities for small-scale farmers in Guatemala, Roman said.
"Project participants now will work more directly with the private and public sector to process, package and market Guatemalan products for export to the U.S. and other countries," she said. "We'll also be helping with export certification and assisting with developing agribusinesses related to bioenergy, as well as providing marketing and business support to those who want to improve their agriculture-related businesses."
To date, more than 2,500 Guatemalan farmers have benefitted from the program, the majority belonging to indigenous populations, Roman said. The project has been targeted mainly at small- and medium-scale farmers in the...(complete story here).
Dr. Norman Borlaug came to Texas A&M in 1984. He was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 1970. He is primarily known for his work in wheat varieties for the developing world which created the "Green Revolution" responsible for feeding billions. The Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at Texas A&M continues his legacy.
High-Tech Range Management
Precision Agriculture application to grazing lands...
Mapping Prairie Grass Protein, Yield and Carbon
By Don ComisSeptember 26, 2007
A study by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of North Dakota lays a foundation for eventually allowing ranchers to get Web-based information on the quality and quantity of forage plants in their fields. Ranchers could use this information to determine stocking rates, as well as how much carbon is stored in their forage plants.
Scientists Rebecca Phillips and Ofer Beeri have developed a way to measure rangeland forage plant yields in pounds per acre, and their quality in percent of protein content, over many acres.
They’re using commercial HyMap hyperspectral imagery taken by airplane, which lets them...(complete article here).
It's interesting but I don't know how practical. Most ranchers can take a drive across the pasture and know how to stock it. Supplement that with a few forage samples to measure protein content and you have a pretty good idea what is there.
The piece that intrigues me is the measurement of carbon stored in the grasses. Are they anticipating "carbon credits" for the grass raised? This part worries me.
Mapping Prairie Grass Protein, Yield and Carbon
By Don ComisSeptember 26, 2007
A study by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of North Dakota lays a foundation for eventually allowing ranchers to get Web-based information on the quality and quantity of forage plants in their fields. Ranchers could use this information to determine stocking rates, as well as how much carbon is stored in their forage plants.
Scientists Rebecca Phillips and Ofer Beeri have developed a way to measure rangeland forage plant yields in pounds per acre, and their quality in percent of protein content, over many acres.
They’re using commercial HyMap hyperspectral imagery taken by airplane, which lets them...(complete article here).
It's interesting but I don't know how practical. Most ranchers can take a drive across the pasture and know how to stock it. Supplement that with a few forage samples to measure protein content and you have a pretty good idea what is there.
The piece that intrigues me is the measurement of carbon stored in the grasses. Are they anticipating "carbon credits" for the grass raised? This part worries me.
Rising Prices for Wheat
It looks like wheat prices are headed up with tightening supplies...
Wheat Rises to Record as Ukraine Cuts Exports, Stockpiles Low
By Jae Hur
Sept. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Wheat rose to a record as Ukraine planned to cut exports and importers sought more supplies, squeezing inventories that are heading for a 26-year low.
Ukraine, the world's seventh-biggest wheat exporter last year, will curb shipments starting Nov. 1 to cap domestic prices. A drought in Australia threatened to ravage the harvest for a second year. Egypt, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Morocco and Pakistan announced plans this month to buy the grain.
Wheat futures in Chicago reached as high as $9.3925 a bushel and more than doubled in the past year. Rising prices are pushing up inflation in Australia and China, while increasing costs for U.S. cereal makers General Mills Inc. and Kellogg Co.
``We can not rule out $10 for wheat,'' said...(complete article here).
The high price of wheat will help balance the demand to convert land to fuel crops. It will have an impact on the consumer food dollar.
Wheat Rises to Record as Ukraine Cuts Exports, Stockpiles Low
By Jae Hur
Sept. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Wheat rose to a record as Ukraine planned to cut exports and importers sought more supplies, squeezing inventories that are heading for a 26-year low.
Ukraine, the world's seventh-biggest wheat exporter last year, will curb shipments starting Nov. 1 to cap domestic prices. A drought in Australia threatened to ravage the harvest for a second year. Egypt, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Morocco and Pakistan announced plans this month to buy the grain.
Wheat futures in Chicago reached as high as $9.3925 a bushel and more than doubled in the past year. Rising prices are pushing up inflation in Australia and China, while increasing costs for U.S. cereal makers General Mills Inc. and Kellogg Co.
``We can not rule out $10 for wheat,'' said...(complete article here).
The high price of wheat will help balance the demand to convert land to fuel crops. It will have an impact on the consumer food dollar.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
It's About Balance
Balancing resource use is always tricky.
New Australia Mining Boom Taking Toll on Outback Life
Hope Hamashige
for National Geographic News
September 26, 2007
As manager of the Port Hedland visitor's center, Kelly Howlett's main responsibility these days is telling travelers to bring a tent if they plan to spend a night in the area.
"I feel awful when people walk in here," she said. "I have no choice but to tell them to get back on the road, because there's no place to stay."
Port Hedland, the biggest town in the region of Western Australia known as the Pilbara, is at the epicenter of a massive Australian mining boom. (See a map of the Pilbara region.)
The rush to extract minerals like copper, aluminum, iron, and gold to feed skyrocketing Asian demand has provided billions of dollars in revenue for mining companies, millions in royalties for the government, and a boom in high-paying jobs.
One of its unforeseen consequences, however, is that hotels and youth hostels are completely filled with the flood of mining company employees who work in nearby iron-ore pits.
The mining boom is also straining the industry's relations with the area's aboriginal inhabitants, raising questions ...(complete story here).
Demand across Asia is straining resource supplies globally. The strain is being felt especially in metals and energy. Asian countries certainly should have the same opportunities for growth and development that the developed world has experienced. The environmental, resource, and economic strain will ripple across the globe for years. Finding the right balance for various competing interests will be challenging.
New Australia Mining Boom Taking Toll on Outback Life
Hope Hamashige
for National Geographic News
September 26, 2007
As manager of the Port Hedland visitor's center, Kelly Howlett's main responsibility these days is telling travelers to bring a tent if they plan to spend a night in the area.
"I feel awful when people walk in here," she said. "I have no choice but to tell them to get back on the road, because there's no place to stay."
Port Hedland, the biggest town in the region of Western Australia known as the Pilbara, is at the epicenter of a massive Australian mining boom. (See a map of the Pilbara region.)
The rush to extract minerals like copper, aluminum, iron, and gold to feed skyrocketing Asian demand has provided billions of dollars in revenue for mining companies, millions in royalties for the government, and a boom in high-paying jobs.
One of its unforeseen consequences, however, is that hotels and youth hostels are completely filled with the flood of mining company employees who work in nearby iron-ore pits.
The mining boom is also straining the industry's relations with the area's aboriginal inhabitants, raising questions ...(complete story here).
Demand across Asia is straining resource supplies globally. The strain is being felt especially in metals and energy. Asian countries certainly should have the same opportunities for growth and development that the developed world has experienced. The environmental, resource, and economic strain will ripple across the globe for years. Finding the right balance for various competing interests will be challenging.
Two New Nuke Plants
This article is from EERE News at the DOE.
September 26, 2007
Companies File the First Nuclear Plant Application in 29 Years
The biggest step yet toward reinvigorating the nuclear power industry in the United States happened on September 25th, when NRG Energy, Inc. and the South Texas Nuclear Operating Company filed for a license to build and operate two new nuclear plants in Texas. The two facilities will be built at the South Texas Project nuclear power station, where two nuclear power plants are already in operation. The proposed Units 3 and 4 will have a combined generating capacity of at least 2,700 megawatts and will employ Advanced Boiling Water Reactor technology, which is currently in use in Japan.
The two companies submitted their Combined Construction and Operating License Application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), making them the first to test this new application process. The NRC will now begin an estimated two-month acceptance review process, followed by a detailed review process that could take up to three and a half years. Based on that schedule, the companies hope to receive their license approval and begin construction in 2010, with the aim of bringing Unit 3 online in 2014 and Unit 4 online in 2015. See the NRG Energy press release.
DOE welcomed the news, hailing it as the first step to a "substantial deployment" of nuclear power in the United States. DOE also released a Conditional Agreement for companies building new nuclear power plants in the United States to qualify for a portion of $2 billion in federal risk insurance. Risk insurance covers costs associated with certain regulatory or litigation-related delays that stall the start-up of these plants. Authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, risk insurance provides incentive and stability in spurring construction of new nuclear power plants. See the DOE press releases on the license application and the risk insurance.
Nuclear power has got to be part of the solution. One of the biggest problems besides the regulatory issues is the huge amount of capital required to get a Nuclear Power Plant up and going. Also, note the extended timeframe required just for startup.
September 26, 2007
Companies File the First Nuclear Plant Application in 29 Years
The biggest step yet toward reinvigorating the nuclear power industry in the United States happened on September 25th, when NRG Energy, Inc. and the South Texas Nuclear Operating Company filed for a license to build and operate two new nuclear plants in Texas. The two facilities will be built at the South Texas Project nuclear power station, where two nuclear power plants are already in operation. The proposed Units 3 and 4 will have a combined generating capacity of at least 2,700 megawatts and will employ Advanced Boiling Water Reactor technology, which is currently in use in Japan.
The two companies submitted their Combined Construction and Operating License Application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), making them the first to test this new application process. The NRC will now begin an estimated two-month acceptance review process, followed by a detailed review process that could take up to three and a half years. Based on that schedule, the companies hope to receive their license approval and begin construction in 2010, with the aim of bringing Unit 3 online in 2014 and Unit 4 online in 2015. See the NRG Energy press release.
DOE welcomed the news, hailing it as the first step to a "substantial deployment" of nuclear power in the United States. DOE also released a Conditional Agreement for companies building new nuclear power plants in the United States to qualify for a portion of $2 billion in federal risk insurance. Risk insurance covers costs associated with certain regulatory or litigation-related delays that stall the start-up of these plants. Authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, risk insurance provides incentive and stability in spurring construction of new nuclear power plants. See the DOE press releases on the license application and the risk insurance.
Nuclear power has got to be part of the solution. One of the biggest problems besides the regulatory issues is the huge amount of capital required to get a Nuclear Power Plant up and going. Also, note the extended timeframe required just for startup.
Utah Land Use Debate
This is a familiar debate, but just like others of similar nature, they've not quite honed in on what I think is the real issue.
Utah:
BLM wilderness quality study heats up debate on land use, energy development
Source: Copyright 2007, Salt Lake Tribune
Date: September 25, 2007
Byline: Patty Henetz
A belated evaluation of wilderness-quality public lands around Price promises to do little to quell a public lands debate that has raged since the Bureau of Land Management issued its long-range plan for the area three years ago.
At the heart of the new study is whether more than 937,000 acres of wilderness-quality lands - which the BLM and a citizens group identified as such a decade ago - should be protected from oil and gas drilling damage during a time of national energy uncertainty.
But it won't stop there.
Because the supplement is one of several signature BLM land plans for southern Utah due this fall, it also will test the Bush administration's willingness to push natural gas development on federal land in the state even though the yield would do little to ease the nation's energy crunch.
The BLM study supplements...(complete article here).
The debate is being couched in terms of energy versus the environment. The environmental groups use the word conservation when they really mean preservation. There is a difference. Conservation is wise use of resources, preservation is leaving things as they are.
The real debate here is economic survival for the people living in the affected area. Oil and gas development generates revenue, creates jobs, and fuels growth. Preservation of undeveloped lands primarily benefits a relatively small number of people who have lots of money and little to do other than spend it. They believe the world is for their own personal benefit and that depopulating it (except for "their kind") would be just fine. It is the same groups that fund organizations like PETA, Green Peace, Abortion Clinics, and all the other radical organizations that put anything other than humanity first.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a wilderness experience. I enjoy hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. I also enjoy being able to drive my SUV to places where I can do those things. Conservation is about a sustainable balance. We must balance between short and long-term needs of humanity. Wilderness areas are reservoirs of genetic diversity that could be beneficial in the future. It is our responsibility to husband such resources wisely. It is also incumbent upon us to not force unwarranted economic restrictions upon citizens for the benefit of the few.
Utah:
BLM wilderness quality study heats up debate on land use, energy development
Source: Copyright 2007, Salt Lake Tribune
Date: September 25, 2007
Byline: Patty Henetz
A belated evaluation of wilderness-quality public lands around Price promises to do little to quell a public lands debate that has raged since the Bureau of Land Management issued its long-range plan for the area three years ago.
At the heart of the new study is whether more than 937,000 acres of wilderness-quality lands - which the BLM and a citizens group identified as such a decade ago - should be protected from oil and gas drilling damage during a time of national energy uncertainty.
But it won't stop there.
Because the supplement is one of several signature BLM land plans for southern Utah due this fall, it also will test the Bush administration's willingness to push natural gas development on federal land in the state even though the yield would do little to ease the nation's energy crunch.
The BLM study supplements...(complete article here).
The debate is being couched in terms of energy versus the environment. The environmental groups use the word conservation when they really mean preservation. There is a difference. Conservation is wise use of resources, preservation is leaving things as they are.
The real debate here is economic survival for the people living in the affected area. Oil and gas development generates revenue, creates jobs, and fuels growth. Preservation of undeveloped lands primarily benefits a relatively small number of people who have lots of money and little to do other than spend it. They believe the world is for their own personal benefit and that depopulating it (except for "their kind") would be just fine. It is the same groups that fund organizations like PETA, Green Peace, Abortion Clinics, and all the other radical organizations that put anything other than humanity first.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a wilderness experience. I enjoy hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. I also enjoy being able to drive my SUV to places where I can do those things. Conservation is about a sustainable balance. We must balance between short and long-term needs of humanity. Wilderness areas are reservoirs of genetic diversity that could be beneficial in the future. It is our responsibility to husband such resources wisely. It is also incumbent upon us to not force unwarranted economic restrictions upon citizens for the benefit of the few.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Water and the Veto
There is a definite need for a line-item veto power.
Overwhelming Vote for Water Resources Act Answers Bush Veto Threat
Source: Copyright 2007, Environment News Service
Date: September 24, 2007
Despite the looming threat of a presidential veto, the U.S. Senate today passed the Water Resources Development Act conference report by a vote of 81-12. The Senate passage follows House approval in August by a vote of 381-40. The bill authorizes flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects.
The law now goes to President George W. Bush for his signature, but the administration has signaled that the president will veto the bill when it gets to his desk. Still, there is thought to be strong bipartisan support for the Water Resources Development Act, WRDA, making a veto override possible.
The legislation authorizes nearly $7 billion for wetlands restoration and flood control projects to put Louisiana on the path to Category 5 storm protection, and authorizes dozens of other critical...(complete story here).
Some of the projects in this legislation are probably worthy of taxpayer money. I have problems with Category 5 protection for Louisiana. Now, let me qualify that. Some wetlands restoration in Louisiana and Florida makes sense. Natural protection is better than artificial. However, if we are anticipating rising seas due to Global Warming, what good will be done by wetlands restoration in vulnerable areas? Most of New Orleans should never have been built. If you build below sea level you can expect to get wet. Coastal wetlands naturally protect against storm surge such as inundated New Orleans during the last hurricane. Rising seas will push those wetlands further inland -- if you accept Global Warming as real.
Overwhelming Vote for Water Resources Act Answers Bush Veto Threat
Source: Copyright 2007, Environment News Service
Date: September 24, 2007
Despite the looming threat of a presidential veto, the U.S. Senate today passed the Water Resources Development Act conference report by a vote of 81-12. The Senate passage follows House approval in August by a vote of 381-40. The bill authorizes flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects.
The law now goes to President George W. Bush for his signature, but the administration has signaled that the president will veto the bill when it gets to his desk. Still, there is thought to be strong bipartisan support for the Water Resources Development Act, WRDA, making a veto override possible.
The legislation authorizes nearly $7 billion for wetlands restoration and flood control projects to put Louisiana on the path to Category 5 storm protection, and authorizes dozens of other critical...(complete story here).
Some of the projects in this legislation are probably worthy of taxpayer money. I have problems with Category 5 protection for Louisiana. Now, let me qualify that. Some wetlands restoration in Louisiana and Florida makes sense. Natural protection is better than artificial. However, if we are anticipating rising seas due to Global Warming, what good will be done by wetlands restoration in vulnerable areas? Most of New Orleans should never have been built. If you build below sea level you can expect to get wet. Coastal wetlands naturally protect against storm surge such as inundated New Orleans during the last hurricane. Rising seas will push those wetlands further inland -- if you accept Global Warming as real.
Green Fish
Sustainability is necessary to ensure future supplies. Controlling the harvest of wild populations is very different from farming. It becomes especially difficult to regulate in developing economies.
Wanted: greener fish
Market trends require stronger environmental performance by seafood industry
25 September 2007, Rome -
The US$400 billion seafood industry has no choice but to adapt to intensifying demand from retailers and consumers for "environmentally friendly" fish, FAO said today.
During opening remarks made to industry representatives attending the 2007 Seafood Industry Congress (25-27 September, Dublin), Grimur Valdimarsson, Director of FAO's Fishing Industries Division, said that the need for seafood producers to guarantee environmental performance is unavoidable.
"The push towards sustainable fisheries is not just coming from government or environmental groups, but from the market itself," Valdimarsson said, noting that major seafood retailers like Unilever, Tesco, Walmart and Asda have already committed to putting on their shelves only fish that was harvested or raised sustainably.
"In recent years the seafood industry has been uncertain as to whether these trends represent a momentary fad. Today, there's no question: it's real, it's a sea change, and...(complete article here).
There is plenty of evidence documenting the overharvest of many of our fisheries. The best comparison is to the overhunting that occurred in the U.S. and other countries before regulations controlled the seasons for harvesting game animals. The big difference is that we depend on our seas and seafood for a huge amount of the protein consumed by people. If we don't keep the pantry stocked, we will face a serious problem indeed.
Wanted: greener fish
Market trends require stronger environmental performance by seafood industry
25 September 2007, Rome -
The US$400 billion seafood industry has no choice but to adapt to intensifying demand from retailers and consumers for "environmentally friendly" fish, FAO said today.
During opening remarks made to industry representatives attending the 2007 Seafood Industry Congress (25-27 September, Dublin), Grimur Valdimarsson, Director of FAO's Fishing Industries Division, said that the need for seafood producers to guarantee environmental performance is unavoidable.
"The push towards sustainable fisheries is not just coming from government or environmental groups, but from the market itself," Valdimarsson said, noting that major seafood retailers like Unilever, Tesco, Walmart and Asda have already committed to putting on their shelves only fish that was harvested or raised sustainably.
"In recent years the seafood industry has been uncertain as to whether these trends represent a momentary fad. Today, there's no question: it's real, it's a sea change, and...(complete article here).
There is plenty of evidence documenting the overharvest of many of our fisheries. The best comparison is to the overhunting that occurred in the U.S. and other countries before regulations controlled the seasons for harvesting game animals. The big difference is that we depend on our seas and seafood for a huge amount of the protein consumed by people. If we don't keep the pantry stocked, we will face a serious problem indeed.
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Nuclear Option
Nuclear energy must be part of the solution.
A Green Nuclear Future
Ralph Izzo 09.21.07, 6:00 AM ET
NEWARK, NJ -
Climate change requires new thinking about energy. Our nation needs to move toward an energy mix less dependent on fossil fuels, for the sake of a healthier, greener and more secure future.
Electric utilities can deploy many tools to help society toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. These tools must include new, clean central station power, particularly nuclear; renewable sources of energy; and conservation and energy efficiency improvements.
In fact, conservation and energy-efficiency improvements must be the "first fuels" in this effort. Steps to promote the use of energy....
OK, agreed. We must be better stewards of our resources. That doesn't mean going back to the stone age or a subsistence economy as some of the "greenies" suggest.
...Indeed, it is difficult to see how we can overcome climate change without nuclear energy being part of the solution. Nuclear power is green power. It is the only proven, available technology capable of producing vast quantities of safe, reliable and affordable energy with near zero-carbon emissions...
Nuclear powered electrical generation is definitely part of the solution.
...To reduce regulatory and policy risk to acceptable levels, it is also necessary to resolve issues surrounding the storage of nuclear waste. Nuclear plants were not originally designed for long-term, high-level waste storage. Our nation must summon the political will to move ahead with a permanent disposal solution.
Finally, public support will be vital. Polls indicate that nuclear energy enjoys approval ratings of 80% or higher...(complete commentary here).
We always come back to the waste issue. I wonder what the impact on global warming would be if we fired our radioactive waste into the sun? Maybe we need to focus NASA on developing some kind of waste transport system.
A Green Nuclear Future
Ralph Izzo 09.21.07, 6:00 AM ET
NEWARK, NJ -
Climate change requires new thinking about energy. Our nation needs to move toward an energy mix less dependent on fossil fuels, for the sake of a healthier, greener and more secure future.
Electric utilities can deploy many tools to help society toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. These tools must include new, clean central station power, particularly nuclear; renewable sources of energy; and conservation and energy efficiency improvements.
In fact, conservation and energy-efficiency improvements must be the "first fuels" in this effort. Steps to promote the use of energy....
OK, agreed. We must be better stewards of our resources. That doesn't mean going back to the stone age or a subsistence economy as some of the "greenies" suggest.
...Indeed, it is difficult to see how we can overcome climate change without nuclear energy being part of the solution. Nuclear power is green power. It is the only proven, available technology capable of producing vast quantities of safe, reliable and affordable energy with near zero-carbon emissions...
Nuclear powered electrical generation is definitely part of the solution.
...To reduce regulatory and policy risk to acceptable levels, it is also necessary to resolve issues surrounding the storage of nuclear waste. Nuclear plants were not originally designed for long-term, high-level waste storage. Our nation must summon the political will to move ahead with a permanent disposal solution.
Finally, public support will be vital. Polls indicate that nuclear energy enjoys approval ratings of 80% or higher...(complete commentary here).
We always come back to the waste issue. I wonder what the impact on global warming would be if we fired our radioactive waste into the sun? Maybe we need to focus NASA on developing some kind of waste transport system.
Beef Production Report: Argentina and Uruguay
This new report by the Economic Research Service of the USDA provides an interesting look at the countries which supply between 13 and 20% of U.S. beef imports.
Beef Production, Markets, and Trade in Argentina and Uruguay; An Overview
It is interesting to note that both countries now have mandatory individual animal identification programs in place to provide traceback capabilities. Although free of BSE, both countries continue to be plagued by foot-and-mouth disease.
Beef Production, Markets, and Trade in Argentina and Uruguay; An Overview
It is interesting to note that both countries now have mandatory individual animal identification programs in place to provide traceback capabilities. Although free of BSE, both countries continue to be plagued by foot-and-mouth disease.
Foot-and-Mouth and Bluetongue
From the BBC...
New foot-and-mouth case suspected
Another suspected new case of foot-and-mouth is being investigated at a farm in Hampshire, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has said.
It comes as farmers await test results which will show whether two different livestock diseases have spread.
Officials have said a suspected new case of foot-and-mouth on the Hampshire-West Sussex border was a false alarm.
The latest suspected case is in the West Tytherly area, near Stockbridge.
Animals have also been slaughtered at a farm in Englefield Green, near Egham in Surrey as a precaution, the NFU said.
Government vets are trying to determine if the UK's first case of bluetongue disease, found in a cow in...(complete story here).
Great Britain's livestock woes continue. My question is this: Since Bluetongue disease is common in Africa and has migrated through Europe in recent years, is the movement due to Global Warming? It is an insect-borne disease. Could a minute average temperature variation be the driving force causing the insects to move farther north? Whether it is or not, you can bet that it is an angle that will be played by the Global Warming alarmists.
New foot-and-mouth case suspected
Another suspected new case of foot-and-mouth is being investigated at a farm in Hampshire, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has said.
It comes as farmers await test results which will show whether two different livestock diseases have spread.
Officials have said a suspected new case of foot-and-mouth on the Hampshire-West Sussex border was a false alarm.
The latest suspected case is in the West Tytherly area, near Stockbridge.
Animals have also been slaughtered at a farm in Englefield Green, near Egham in Surrey as a precaution, the NFU said.
Government vets are trying to determine if the UK's first case of bluetongue disease, found in a cow in...(complete story here).
Great Britain's livestock woes continue. My question is this: Since Bluetongue disease is common in Africa and has migrated through Europe in recent years, is the movement due to Global Warming? It is an insect-borne disease. Could a minute average temperature variation be the driving force causing the insects to move farther north? Whether it is or not, you can bet that it is an angle that will be played by the Global Warming alarmists.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Caspian Sea and Pollution
Environmentalists like to point their finger at "big oil" for pollution problems. This is a fairly balanced article that notes the blame for the degradation of the Caspian and its fisheries resources is a result of numerous sources.
Analysis: Oil pollution in the Caspian
by John C.K. Daly
Washington (UPI)
Sep 20, 2007
The Caspian is the world's most easily accessible major oil region yet to be fully developed. Both Western nations and former Soviet republics are rushing to exploit its vast hydrocarbon wealth.
Environmental issues are increasingly moving to the forefront of this exploitation. While nations bordering the Caspian piously insist that environmental worries top their list of concerns, cynics maintain that environmental issues are a facade for the nations to rewrite what they have come to regard as increasingly exploitative production-sharing agreements signed in the heady days following the implosion of the Soviet empire. The truth is probably somewhere in between.
The Caspian is the world's largest enclosed body of water, with a surface area of 143,244 square miles. Its pollution comes from three sources: inflowing rivers bringing contaminants from their watershed area, offshore oil production platforms and the rising Caspian tanker trade.
As for riverine pollutants, the bulk comes from Russia. As the Volga flows through Russia's European heartland, and 11 of Russia's 20 largest cities are...(complete story here).
The world likes to point its finger at the U.S. for the pollution problems on this earth. We actually do a better job than almost any nation in the world at protecting our water, land and air resources. Yes, we do generate a lot of garbage and a lot of air pollutants because of our level of industrialization and our advanced economy, but if we manage them the way other countries did, we would have to put snow plows on our vehicles to move the garbage out of the way to get to work and wear respirators and oxygen tanks to breathe.
Analysis: Oil pollution in the Caspian
by John C.K. Daly
Washington (UPI)
Sep 20, 2007
The Caspian is the world's most easily accessible major oil region yet to be fully developed. Both Western nations and former Soviet republics are rushing to exploit its vast hydrocarbon wealth.
Environmental issues are increasingly moving to the forefront of this exploitation. While nations bordering the Caspian piously insist that environmental worries top their list of concerns, cynics maintain that environmental issues are a facade for the nations to rewrite what they have come to regard as increasingly exploitative production-sharing agreements signed in the heady days following the implosion of the Soviet empire. The truth is probably somewhere in between.
The Caspian is the world's largest enclosed body of water, with a surface area of 143,244 square miles. Its pollution comes from three sources: inflowing rivers bringing contaminants from their watershed area, offshore oil production platforms and the rising Caspian tanker trade.
As for riverine pollutants, the bulk comes from Russia. As the Volga flows through Russia's European heartland, and 11 of Russia's 20 largest cities are...(complete story here).
The world likes to point its finger at the U.S. for the pollution problems on this earth. We actually do a better job than almost any nation in the world at protecting our water, land and air resources. Yes, we do generate a lot of garbage and a lot of air pollutants because of our level of industrialization and our advanced economy, but if we manage them the way other countries did, we would have to put snow plows on our vehicles to move the garbage out of the way to get to work and wear respirators and oxygen tanks to breathe.
Angolan Oil Reserves
Angola's approach to developing their oil industry makes good sense to me.
Analysis: Angolan oil piques interest
by Carmen Gentile
Miami (UPI) Sep 20, 2007
Angola's national oil company announced that 10 blocks will be offered for tender in a licensing round planned for late 2007, part of its efforts to capitalize on Africa's No. 2 oil reserves.
The offering by Angola's state-run Sonangol E.P. will extend into early 2008 and included both onshore and offshore blocks. The state firm relies heavily on production-sharing agreements with foreign oil companies to maximize its untapped oil potential, Oil Minister Jose Botelho Vasconcelos said.
"We are a Third World economy, and have difficulty obtaining capital," he said this year, according to the Washington Post. "We therefore prefer production-sharing agreements because government investment is only required once a discovery has been declared economically viable."
Sonangol's latest offering will likely pique the interests of both traditional petroleum powerhouses and newcomers hoping to procure alternative oil sources to Middle Eastern suppliers.
Angola's estimated 10 billion to 20 billion barrels of reserves has...(complete article here).
With tightening supplies due to growing economies, Angola's reserves look very attractive. It also is far enough away from the Middle East to provide some supply security. I hope U.S. companies end up with a big chunk of this, but the Chinese will be very aggressive.
Using private money to develop their oil production and distribution capacity is smart on the part of Angola. Why us government dollars when private industry will do it for you?
Analysis: Angolan oil piques interest
by Carmen Gentile
Miami (UPI) Sep 20, 2007
Angola's national oil company announced that 10 blocks will be offered for tender in a licensing round planned for late 2007, part of its efforts to capitalize on Africa's No. 2 oil reserves.
The offering by Angola's state-run Sonangol E.P. will extend into early 2008 and included both onshore and offshore blocks. The state firm relies heavily on production-sharing agreements with foreign oil companies to maximize its untapped oil potential, Oil Minister Jose Botelho Vasconcelos said.
"We are a Third World economy, and have difficulty obtaining capital," he said this year, according to the Washington Post. "We therefore prefer production-sharing agreements because government investment is only required once a discovery has been declared economically viable."
Sonangol's latest offering will likely pique the interests of both traditional petroleum powerhouses and newcomers hoping to procure alternative oil sources to Middle Eastern suppliers.
Angola's estimated 10 billion to 20 billion barrels of reserves has...(complete article here).
With tightening supplies due to growing economies, Angola's reserves look very attractive. It also is far enough away from the Middle East to provide some supply security. I hope U.S. companies end up with a big chunk of this, but the Chinese will be very aggressive.
Using private money to develop their oil production and distribution capacity is smart on the part of Angola. Why us government dollars when private industry will do it for you?
Bio-fuels Bi-products
What to do with the bi-products?
Fortifying Feed with Biodiesel Co-products
By Ann Perry
September 20, 2007
Biofuel research isn’t just a matter of finding the right type of biomass—corn grain, soybean oil, animal fat, wood or other material—and converting it into fuel. Scientists must also find environmentally and economically sound uses for the by-products of biofuel production. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists Brian Kerr and William Dozier have done just that.
Current biodiesel supplies are often made...(complete article here).
I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. We will see many new and innovative products over the next few years as a result of the growing bio-fuels industry.
Fortifying Feed with Biodiesel Co-products
By Ann Perry
September 20, 2007
Biofuel research isn’t just a matter of finding the right type of biomass—corn grain, soybean oil, animal fat, wood or other material—and converting it into fuel. Scientists must also find environmentally and economically sound uses for the by-products of biofuel production. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists Brian Kerr and William Dozier have done just that.
Current biodiesel supplies are often made...(complete article here).
I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. We will see many new and innovative products over the next few years as a result of the growing bio-fuels industry.
National Animal Identification System
The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is a voluntary State-Federal-Industry partnership that consists of a modern streamlined information system designed to help producers and animal health officials respond quickly to any animal health events occurring in the United States. The NAIS came about because of outbreaks of BSE in Europe, Canada and the U.S.
Livestock producers are traditionally very independent individuals. Government oversight and intrusion into their business is something that has a long history of resistance within the livestock industry. If viewed as a government program, NAIS will be doomed for failure unless it becomes mandatory. If it can be implemented within a voluntary framework, the industry has the opportunity to help shape the program to their benefit rather than burden.
NAIS begins with premise registration. Registering your premises with the NAIS is simple, quick and free. It does not require your participation in any of the other components of the NAIS.
Why should you register your premise with the NAIS? The primary reason is that it opens the lines of communication between you and animal health authorities. If there is a disease outbreak or other animal health event, you are ensured of being alerted. If the event puts your animals at risk, you will be provided with the information and assistance to take action to protect your herd. This was important to producers in Southeastern Colorado, Northeast New Mexico, and Western Kansas this past winter. Those producers whose premises were registered as part of the NAIS were first to receive assistance during the extreme blizzard conditions that occurred. Because their premises were registered, they were the first to receive emergency hay drops.
The second component of the NAIS is animal identification. Animal identification can be individual or group/lot. The individual animal identification number (AIN) is unique and stays with the animal for its lifetime. It links the animal to its birthplace or premises of origin. When combined with animal tracing, the AIN links the animal to each premises/location that has been reported for it. The individual identification option is best for breeding animals such as herd bulls that may be transferred individually from operation to operation. If your primary enterprise is selling a calf crop as a group to stocker or feedlot operations, the group/lot identification may be the best option.
The AIN is not restricted to use within the NAIS. The same identifier may be used with compliant animal health or breeding herd management systems. This provides maximum flexibility for the producer.
The final component of the NAIS is animal tracing. It is currently under development through a cooperative effort of state and private sector groups. Once this component of the system is in place, the producer may choose the industry database within which to enroll their animals. This will give producers the ability to know where purchased animals have been and to what potential diseases they may have been exposed. This component of the system also will provide consumers with the greatest possible assurance that in the event of an animal disease outbreak, control measures can be expedited to locate all potentially exposed animals and remove them from the production chain until the disease outbreak is resolved.
It is the stated goal of the NAIS to be able to trace to its origin within 48 hours, any disease outbreak. Such a goal will require extensive cooperation among many industry components to achieve. It will involve federal and state officials, livestock auction markets and dealers, feedlots, stocker operators, cow/calf producers, and all other entities which may handle the animals.
The result of implementing the NAIS will be a stronger, safer food production industry that consumers can be assured is providing them with the best quality product. Producers will benefit from a more stable market less subject to the scares of media hype.
Livestock producers are traditionally very independent individuals. Government oversight and intrusion into their business is something that has a long history of resistance within the livestock industry. If viewed as a government program, NAIS will be doomed for failure unless it becomes mandatory. If it can be implemented within a voluntary framework, the industry has the opportunity to help shape the program to their benefit rather than burden.
NAIS begins with premise registration. Registering your premises with the NAIS is simple, quick and free. It does not require your participation in any of the other components of the NAIS.
Why should you register your premise with the NAIS? The primary reason is that it opens the lines of communication between you and animal health authorities. If there is a disease outbreak or other animal health event, you are ensured of being alerted. If the event puts your animals at risk, you will be provided with the information and assistance to take action to protect your herd. This was important to producers in Southeastern Colorado, Northeast New Mexico, and Western Kansas this past winter. Those producers whose premises were registered as part of the NAIS were first to receive assistance during the extreme blizzard conditions that occurred. Because their premises were registered, they were the first to receive emergency hay drops.
The second component of the NAIS is animal identification. Animal identification can be individual or group/lot. The individual animal identification number (AIN) is unique and stays with the animal for its lifetime. It links the animal to its birthplace or premises of origin. When combined with animal tracing, the AIN links the animal to each premises/location that has been reported for it. The individual identification option is best for breeding animals such as herd bulls that may be transferred individually from operation to operation. If your primary enterprise is selling a calf crop as a group to stocker or feedlot operations, the group/lot identification may be the best option.
The AIN is not restricted to use within the NAIS. The same identifier may be used with compliant animal health or breeding herd management systems. This provides maximum flexibility for the producer.
The final component of the NAIS is animal tracing. It is currently under development through a cooperative effort of state and private sector groups. Once this component of the system is in place, the producer may choose the industry database within which to enroll their animals. This will give producers the ability to know where purchased animals have been and to what potential diseases they may have been exposed. This component of the system also will provide consumers with the greatest possible assurance that in the event of an animal disease outbreak, control measures can be expedited to locate all potentially exposed animals and remove them from the production chain until the disease outbreak is resolved.
It is the stated goal of the NAIS to be able to trace to its origin within 48 hours, any disease outbreak. Such a goal will require extensive cooperation among many industry components to achieve. It will involve federal and state officials, livestock auction markets and dealers, feedlots, stocker operators, cow/calf producers, and all other entities which may handle the animals.
The result of implementing the NAIS will be a stronger, safer food production industry that consumers can be assured is providing them with the best quality product. Producers will benefit from a more stable market less subject to the scares of media hype.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Dispersed Generation Strategy
Dispersed generation capacity for security...
Best Energy Strategy: Small, Green And Local, Experts Say
Science Daily — A new study says the best energy strategies to meet the world’s growing demand for electricity are green, small and local.
The wisest energy strategy for the United States, and indeed other countries facing similar challenges, is to move away from their reliance on large-scale centralized coal and nuclear plants, and instead, invest in renewable energy systems and small scale decentralized generation technologies.
According to Benjamin Sovacool from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, these alternative technologies are simultaneously feasible, affordable, environmentally friendly, reliable and secure.
The electricity sector as it currently operates is at the mercy of ....(complete article here).
I always heard, "don't put all of your eggs in one basket!" This makes sense. Read the whole article.
Best Energy Strategy: Small, Green And Local, Experts Say
Science Daily — A new study says the best energy strategies to meet the world’s growing demand for electricity are green, small and local.
The wisest energy strategy for the United States, and indeed other countries facing similar challenges, is to move away from their reliance on large-scale centralized coal and nuclear plants, and instead, invest in renewable energy systems and small scale decentralized generation technologies.
According to Benjamin Sovacool from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, these alternative technologies are simultaneously feasible, affordable, environmentally friendly, reliable and secure.
The electricity sector as it currently operates is at the mercy of ....(complete article here).
I always heard, "don't put all of your eggs in one basket!" This makes sense. Read the whole article.
More Meat in Developing Countries
As affluence increases, diets change. People want a little meat in their diets in spite of what the Vegans and PETA have to say.
Livestock producers should invest more in biosecurity and disease monitoring
17 September 2007,
Livestock producers should invest more in biosecurity and disease monitoring
17 September 2007,
Rome - Global animal food production is undergoing a major transformation that could lead to a higher risk of disease transmission from animals to humans, FAO warned today.
“The risk of disease transmission from animals to humans will increase in the future due to human and livestock population growth, dynamic changes in livestock production, the emergence of worldwide agro-food networks and a significant increase in the mobility of people and goods,” FAO said in a policy brief (Industrial Livestock Production and Global Health Risks).
“There is no doubt that the world has to depend upon some of the technologies of intensive animal food production systems,” said FAO livestock policy expert Joachim Otte.
“But excessive concentration of animals in large scale industrial production units should be avoided and adequate investments should be made in heightened biosecurity and improved disease monitoring to safeguard public health,” he added.
More affluence – higher meat consumption
As countries have become more affluent...
The United States has the most advanced production agriculture in the world -- especially when it comes to meat production. Poultry, swine and cattle are fed in confined situations where the highest quality meats can be produced. Confined feeding can be safer than "free-roaming" animals. In a confined situation diets are controlled very closely (have you ever seen a pig eating garbage? -- how about a cow?). Diseases are monitored and treated continuously. Manure is captured and either composted, used as fertilizer, or in growing frequency, being used as fuel.
One of the keys to creating "safe" confined animal feeding facilities in developing countries will be the regulation and control of antibiotic and growth promotant usage. Drug residues in meats, and antibiotic resistance due to improper use are definitely issues.
Location of such facilities also must be regulated. Uncontrolled runoff into water sources can create serious health risks to human populations. However, any control of what gets into water in many of the developing countries will be a step up from the current state of affairs.
"The movement of animals and the concentration of thousands of confined animals increase the likelihood of transfer of pathogens. Furthermore, confined animal houses produce large amounts of waste, which may contain substantial quantities of pathogens. Much of this waste is disposed of on land without any treatment, posing an infection risk for wild mammals and birds."
The greater risk in most of the countries that will be affected by this is from lack of human waste sanitation.
Our Tax Dollars at Work
Taxpayer dollars overseas...
EPA Targets $2 Million to Fight Climate Change with Projects in China, Russia, Seven Other Countries
Release date: 09/18/2007
Contact Information: Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Sept. 18, 2007) China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria and Ukraine will have projects funded under the auspices of the Methane to Markets Partnership, an international effort promoting near-term, cost-effective projects that capture and use methane as a clean-energy source.
EPA is announcing the award of $2 million for projects that will enhance the capture and use of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas twenty times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. The primary component of natural gas, methane is also a valuable and clean-burning energy resource.
"An investment in methane capture and use projects is an investment in a more environmentally sustainable future," said Bob Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "By financing international projects through the Methane to Markets Partnership, the U.S. government and its global partners are cutting greenhouse gases while...(complete article here).
OK, I know $2 million is nothing to the Federal Budget, but it's our taxpayer dollars. Why is it we are spending it in this list of countries?
Argentina
Brazil
China
India
Korea
Mexico
Nigeria
Russia
Ukraine
Let's see... some of them have oil, some are important trading partners, some are just big and hairy -- I mean scarey -- I guess I don't have a clue. You spread $2 million around 9 countries and none of them get much. It's like throwing pocket change to a street beggar. Except none of these countries is on the low end of the economic spectrum. A few U.S. universities will benefit from some of the money -- including my alma mater of Texas A&M -- but this really doesn't make sense to me. I guess it provides the opportunity for the administration to pay lip service to the idea that they are combating Global Warming.
EPA Targets $2 Million to Fight Climate Change with Projects in China, Russia, Seven Other Countries
Release date: 09/18/2007
Contact Information: Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Sept. 18, 2007) China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria and Ukraine will have projects funded under the auspices of the Methane to Markets Partnership, an international effort promoting near-term, cost-effective projects that capture and use methane as a clean-energy source.
EPA is announcing the award of $2 million for projects that will enhance the capture and use of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas twenty times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. The primary component of natural gas, methane is also a valuable and clean-burning energy resource.
"An investment in methane capture and use projects is an investment in a more environmentally sustainable future," said Bob Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "By financing international projects through the Methane to Markets Partnership, the U.S. government and its global partners are cutting greenhouse gases while...(complete article here).
OK, I know $2 million is nothing to the Federal Budget, but it's our taxpayer dollars. Why is it we are spending it in this list of countries?
Argentina
Brazil
China
India
Korea
Mexico
Nigeria
Russia
Ukraine
Let's see... some of them have oil, some are important trading partners, some are just big and hairy -- I mean scarey -- I guess I don't have a clue. You spread $2 million around 9 countries and none of them get much. It's like throwing pocket change to a street beggar. Except none of these countries is on the low end of the economic spectrum. A few U.S. universities will benefit from some of the money -- including my alma mater of Texas A&M -- but this really doesn't make sense to me. I guess it provides the opportunity for the administration to pay lip service to the idea that they are combating Global Warming.
Biofuel Impact in Third World
Bio-fuel production in less developed countries presents a problem not faced in the U.S.
Science Daily — The nations of Asia and the Pacific are being urged to study the issue of biofuels with greater care before deciding on how they will use their agricultural products to generate energy.
This appeal was issued at the end of a recent Expert Consultation on Biofuels organized by the Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) together with the Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics in India, the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico. The consultation was held at IRRI's headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines, on August 27-29.
"There's no doubt biofuels will have an impact on agriculture in Asia and the Pacific and present some very interesting new opportunities," APAARI's executive secretary, R.S. Paroda, said. "But we need to be absolutely sure this will not affect the region's food security and its continuing efforts to alleviate poverty."
Science Daily — The nations of Asia and the Pacific are being urged to study the issue of biofuels with greater care before deciding on how they will use their agricultural products to generate energy.
Scientists say there is an urgent need to support the current rush toward major decisions on biofuel policies in Asia and the Pacific with solid research and unbiased information about their potential benefits, impact, and risks.
This appeal was issued at the end of a recent Expert Consultation on Biofuels organized by the Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) together with the Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics in India, the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico. The consultation was held at IRRI's headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines, on August 27-29.
"There's no doubt biofuels will have an impact on agriculture in Asia and the Pacific and present some very interesting new opportunities," APAARI's executive secretary, R.S. Paroda, said. "But we need to be absolutely sure this will not affect the region's food security and its continuing efforts to alleviate poverty."
Many less-developed economies are somewhat dependent on subsistance (or marginally better) farming to feed the mass of their people. What happens when the demand for land to grow crops destined for bio-fuels trumps the needs of the people to feed themselves? We aren't talking about democracies in most of these countries. We are frequently talking about dictatorships or planned economies. The farmers themselves likely will not benefit to a great extent. It may pump some dollars into the hands of the elite few, but trickle down in most of these economies doesn't work especially well.
EU Energy Policy
Breaking monopolies has been a tool of economic regulation for many years. On the surface it looks like a good idea because common sense tells us that competition benefits the consumer. I agree that competition is good, I just disagree with how the EU wants to accomplish their goal.
EU New Policy Plan Targets Energy Giants
by Staff Writers
Brussels, Belgium (SPX)
Sep 20, 2007
The European Commission proposed a new energy policy package on Wednesday, seeking to split European energy giants and curb foreign takeovers in an effort to boost competition and ensure security of supply. "An open and fair internal energy market is essential to ensure that the European Union (EU) can rise to the challenges of climate change, increased import dependence and global competitiveness.
This is about getting a better deal for consumers and business and making sure that third country companies respect our rules," said European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, who presented the third package of its kind.
Despite progress made after the opening up of the European energy markets to competition, a process which started 10 years ago, the commission said there were still serious challenges regarding all aspects of energy provision and use.
One outstanding problem stood with big European energy companies such as RWE and EON in Germany and EDF and Suez in France, which now control both the generation and the transmission of their gas and electricity.
The European Union's executive arm has long sought separation of production and supply from transmission networks in the energy sector. In its controversial proposal, it listed two options, the so-called ownership unbundling and the approach of "independent system operator."
Under the ownership unbundling, an option preferred by the commission, EU energy giants will be forced to sell...(complete story here).
I believe that deregulation is the answer. Admittedly it has its dangers, but a free market with oversight for abusive behavior is preferred. Competition is advantageous, but let the marketplace determine how it is to come about. Don't force it through regulation. Monopolies arise out of efficiency or necessity or by regulation. If companies become inefficient in a free market, competition will arise. Let it arise.
EU New Policy Plan Targets Energy Giants
by Staff Writers
Brussels, Belgium (SPX)
Sep 20, 2007
The European Commission proposed a new energy policy package on Wednesday, seeking to split European energy giants and curb foreign takeovers in an effort to boost competition and ensure security of supply. "An open and fair internal energy market is essential to ensure that the European Union (EU) can rise to the challenges of climate change, increased import dependence and global competitiveness.
This is about getting a better deal for consumers and business and making sure that third country companies respect our rules," said European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, who presented the third package of its kind.
Despite progress made after the opening up of the European energy markets to competition, a process which started 10 years ago, the commission said there were still serious challenges regarding all aspects of energy provision and use.
One outstanding problem stood with big European energy companies such as RWE and EON in Germany and EDF and Suez in France, which now control both the generation and the transmission of their gas and electricity.
The European Union's executive arm has long sought separation of production and supply from transmission networks in the energy sector. In its controversial proposal, it listed two options, the so-called ownership unbundling and the approach of "independent system operator."
Under the ownership unbundling, an option preferred by the commission, EU energy giants will be forced to sell...(complete story here).
I believe that deregulation is the answer. Admittedly it has its dangers, but a free market with oversight for abusive behavior is preferred. Competition is advantageous, but let the marketplace determine how it is to come about. Don't force it through regulation. Monopolies arise out of efficiency or necessity or by regulation. If companies become inefficient in a free market, competition will arise. Let it arise.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Local Efforts Trump the Federal
This strikes me as common sense. Let the people who use the lake, the ones who affect the lake, the ones who are affected by the lake, put together a plan to keep the lake healthy. A little guidance from the experts is certainly in order, but if the problems can be solved locally -- as they should -- they can keep the federal government out of it.
Sept. 19, 2007
Stakeholders Helping to Protect Cedar Creek Watershed
Writer: Mike Jackson, 972-952-9232,mcjackson@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Clint Wolfe, 972-952-9653,cwolfe@ag.tamu.edu
KAUFMAN – Water quality has declined in the Cedar Creek Reservoir, but experts with the Texas A&M University System are helping landowners and government officials develop plans to plans to clean the water that flows into the 160-acre lake.
Stakeholders in the reservoir's four-county watershed have an opportunity to offer opinions and help draft the Watershed Protection Plan for Cedar Creek Reservoir, said Darrel Andrews of the Tarrant Regional Water District. They can form their own plans and act voluntarily in the coming years before regulatory agencies impose changes.
"This is a proactive approach," said Andrews, the water district's assistant director of environmental services. "Let's get everybody involved before it gets to the level that draws somebody in who is going to make us do it."
A meeting to finalize plans for a committee on the issue will be held Oct. 23 at the Kaufman County Library, 3970 S. Houston Street in Kaufman. It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Landowners, agricultural producers, municipal and county leaders, environmental group representatives and other area residents are encouraged to participate, Andrews said. The watershed covers portions of Henderson, Kaufman, Rockwall and Van Zant counties.
"Local stakeholders provide a point of view that is needed to create a viable plan that will result in a cleaner water source," he said.
Experts with Texas Cooperative Extension, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and the water district have led efforts to form the committee, officials with each agency said. They will collaborate with the Texas Water Resources Institute on efforts to study water quality and improve the reservoir, said Clint Wolfe, grant and project coordinator with the Experiment Station in Dallas.
The project will eventually expand to include four other major reservoirs managed by the Tarrant district in the Trinity River basin, Wolfe said. The district serves 1.6 million people in 11 counties.
"We will be collecting data for the watershed protection plan," Wolfe said. "The planning involves a nine-step process outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."
The process also includes assembling stakeholders and developing pollution-reduction programs, Wolfe said. The goal is to implement best management practices to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment in the reservoir.
Experts will be looking to landowners and local government officials for ideas on the most practical approaches to solving the problem, said Dr. Balaji Narasinham, a research scientist with the Spatial Sciences Laboratory at Texas A&M University.
"We have to determine the most effective ways of keeping sediment and nutrients out of the lake," Narasinham said.
Project coordinators have set a tentative May deadline for an initial watershed protection plan that would include the project's timetable, Wolfe said. The reservoir was built in 1965 and filled to capacity in 1969, according to the water district. A 16-year research study showed an increasing trend of excessive amounts of nutrients, which results in declining water quality.
Many environmental issues can and should be solved locally. I applaud this type of initiative.
Sept. 19, 2007
Stakeholders Helping to Protect Cedar Creek Watershed
Writer: Mike Jackson, 972-952-9232,mcjackson@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Clint Wolfe, 972-952-9653,cwolfe@ag.tamu.edu
KAUFMAN – Water quality has declined in the Cedar Creek Reservoir, but experts with the Texas A&M University System are helping landowners and government officials develop plans to plans to clean the water that flows into the 160-acre lake.
Stakeholders in the reservoir's four-county watershed have an opportunity to offer opinions and help draft the Watershed Protection Plan for Cedar Creek Reservoir, said Darrel Andrews of the Tarrant Regional Water District. They can form their own plans and act voluntarily in the coming years before regulatory agencies impose changes.
"This is a proactive approach," said Andrews, the water district's assistant director of environmental services. "Let's get everybody involved before it gets to the level that draws somebody in who is going to make us do it."
A meeting to finalize plans for a committee on the issue will be held Oct. 23 at the Kaufman County Library, 3970 S. Houston Street in Kaufman. It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Landowners, agricultural producers, municipal and county leaders, environmental group representatives and other area residents are encouraged to participate, Andrews said. The watershed covers portions of Henderson, Kaufman, Rockwall and Van Zant counties.
"Local stakeholders provide a point of view that is needed to create a viable plan that will result in a cleaner water source," he said.
Experts with Texas Cooperative Extension, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and the water district have led efforts to form the committee, officials with each agency said. They will collaborate with the Texas Water Resources Institute on efforts to study water quality and improve the reservoir, said Clint Wolfe, grant and project coordinator with the Experiment Station in Dallas.
The project will eventually expand to include four other major reservoirs managed by the Tarrant district in the Trinity River basin, Wolfe said. The district serves 1.6 million people in 11 counties.
"We will be collecting data for the watershed protection plan," Wolfe said. "The planning involves a nine-step process outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."
The process also includes assembling stakeholders and developing pollution-reduction programs, Wolfe said. The goal is to implement best management practices to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment in the reservoir.
Experts will be looking to landowners and local government officials for ideas on the most practical approaches to solving the problem, said Dr. Balaji Narasinham, a research scientist with the Spatial Sciences Laboratory at Texas A&M University.
"We have to determine the most effective ways of keeping sediment and nutrients out of the lake," Narasinham said.
Project coordinators have set a tentative May deadline for an initial watershed protection plan that would include the project's timetable, Wolfe said. The reservoir was built in 1965 and filled to capacity in 1969, according to the water district. A 16-year research study showed an increasing trend of excessive amounts of nutrients, which results in declining water quality.
Many environmental issues can and should be solved locally. I applaud this type of initiative.
Farmers and Conservation
Corn growers want to tell folks how conservation is important to farmers.
NCGA Video Tells Conservation from Viewpoint of Growers (9-19-07)
The connection between the nation’s corn growers and the land they farm is the subject of a new video from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
Titled “Growing for the Future,” the story includes reminiscences from corn growers about the farming practices they grew up with, and how they’ve been able to take advantage of new technology to protect soil from the continuing threat of water and wind erosion, reduce agricultural inputs and improve the long-term health of their fields.
“This is an important step to communicate with people who may not have any first-hand knowledge about agriculture,” says NCGA President Ken McCauley. “With all the concern about the impact of agriculture on the environment, it’s vital for people to know the role agriculture has in protecting our environment.”
Corn growers from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri speak from the heart about the challenges they faced in their environmental efforts. “We’re changing fertility, we’re changing the amount of water that we apply, we’re changing the tillage, we’re using variable rate technology for both insect control, disease control and also nutrient management,” noted agronomist Mike Petersen. “That’s huge!”
The video also brings out the link between growers and the land, making it clear that environmental responsibility is a part of their lives. “The soil has given back to us over the years,” concluded Byron Weathers, of Yuma, Colo. “If we take care of it, it will take care of us.”
The new video is part of a broader campaign by NCGA to provide factual information to the public about corn and the environment. The video is available for download on the NCGA Web site. The video runs approximately 10 minutes, and is viewable and in three sections. An NCGA “white paper” on sustainable agriculture and smaller topic briefs are also available on the site.
It is important that consumers understand the connection between farmers and the land for which they are stewards. It is a story that bears repeating.
NCGA Video Tells Conservation from Viewpoint of Growers (9-19-07)
The connection between the nation’s corn growers and the land they farm is the subject of a new video from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
Titled “Growing for the Future,” the story includes reminiscences from corn growers about the farming practices they grew up with, and how they’ve been able to take advantage of new technology to protect soil from the continuing threat of water and wind erosion, reduce agricultural inputs and improve the long-term health of their fields.
“This is an important step to communicate with people who may not have any first-hand knowledge about agriculture,” says NCGA President Ken McCauley. “With all the concern about the impact of agriculture on the environment, it’s vital for people to know the role agriculture has in protecting our environment.”
Corn growers from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri speak from the heart about the challenges they faced in their environmental efforts. “We’re changing fertility, we’re changing the amount of water that we apply, we’re changing the tillage, we’re using variable rate technology for both insect control, disease control and also nutrient management,” noted agronomist Mike Petersen. “That’s huge!”
The video also brings out the link between growers and the land, making it clear that environmental responsibility is a part of their lives. “The soil has given back to us over the years,” concluded Byron Weathers, of Yuma, Colo. “If we take care of it, it will take care of us.”
The new video is part of a broader campaign by NCGA to provide factual information to the public about corn and the environment. The video is available for download on the NCGA Web site. The video runs approximately 10 minutes, and is viewable and in three sections. An NCGA “white paper” on sustainable agriculture and smaller topic briefs are also available on the site.
It is important that consumers understand the connection between farmers and the land for which they are stewards. It is a story that bears repeating.
California Energy Zoning
Transmission capabilities is one issue that many folks overlook when discussing new electricity generation projects such as wind farms, wave farms, and solar. That type of infrastructure is usually highly regulated and frequently built at taxpayer expense.
September 19, 2007
California Partnership to Examine Transmission for Renewable Energy
A partnership of public and private entities has been established in California to examine the feasibility of building transmission lines to remote renewable energy resources. The Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI), announced by the California Energy Commission (CEC) on September 17th, will identify major renewable energy zones throughout the state and will create a prioritized list of needed transmission lines. RETI includes representatives from the CEC, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Independent System Operator, and representatives of publicly owned utilities. The group's first public forum will be held on September 20th. See the CEC press release and the RETI Web site.
"...major renewable energy zones..." -- California also needs to look at agricultureal zones, industrial zones, development zones, conservation zones, etc. Energy isn't their only issue. Water is becoming super critical. California would be a prime candidate for statewide zoning. Such a plan could potentially alleviate current a future infrastructure problems. Intelligent design could cut energy use, pollution from automobile emissions, runoff and erosion problems due to roads and parking, traffic congestion, urban sprawl into agricultural areas, and on and on. I would prefer a free-market approach, but California is already one of the most "socialized" states in the Union. A regulated model may be their best solution.
September 19, 2007
California Partnership to Examine Transmission for Renewable Energy
A partnership of public and private entities has been established in California to examine the feasibility of building transmission lines to remote renewable energy resources. The Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI), announced by the California Energy Commission (CEC) on September 17th, will identify major renewable energy zones throughout the state and will create a prioritized list of needed transmission lines. RETI includes representatives from the CEC, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Independent System Operator, and representatives of publicly owned utilities. The group's first public forum will be held on September 20th. See the CEC press release and the RETI Web site.
"...major renewable energy zones..." -- California also needs to look at agricultureal zones, industrial zones, development zones, conservation zones, etc. Energy isn't their only issue. Water is becoming super critical. California would be a prime candidate for statewide zoning. Such a plan could potentially alleviate current a future infrastructure problems. Intelligent design could cut energy use, pollution from automobile emissions, runoff and erosion problems due to roads and parking, traffic congestion, urban sprawl into agricultural areas, and on and on. I would prefer a free-market approach, but California is already one of the most "socialized" states in the Union. A regulated model may be their best solution.
Curbing Demand Prevents Blackouts
Common Sense tells us that if you are using too much you should cut back. Californians may be getting the message.
September 19, 2007
California Credits Conservation for Weathering Heat Wave
California suffered through a blistering heat wave in late August and early September, but at no time did the state require rotating blackouts, thanks to electrical conservation efforts. The California Independent System Operator (ISO), which operates the state's electrical grid, estimated that Californians reduced their electrical demand by about 1,000 megawatts on August 30th, helping to avoid overtaxing the state's transmission grid. Power outages only occurred at local levels and were caused by power distribution systems, not by the transmission system. California's power crunch was caused by a heat wave that affected much of the Southwest, reducing power imports into the state. A dry winter has also reduced hydropower generation by about 1,000 megawatts this summer. See the California ISO press release (PDF 24 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Coincidentally, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a report in early September that notes the increasingly important role of such "demand response" efforts. According to the report, demand response lowered the consumption of electricity by 1.4% to 4.1% during periods of peak demand in 2006. FERC notes that eight regions of the United States set new records for electricity demand last year. See the FERC press release and report (PDF 948 KB).
Meanwhile, a new report from California's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program finds that extreme heat events may be becoming more prevalent in California due to climate change. Along with demand response, the report calls for increased use of energy efficient and solar energy technologies, including passive cooling, ventilation with fans, and solar power generation. The report notes that the use of air conditioning could be most easily avoided in cooler coastal regions, while solar power systems will reduce loads on distribution systems on sunny days, when such load reductions are needed the most. See the report (PDF 792 KB).
The blame for the rolling blackouts in California seems to be placed on Global Warming. Do you suppose that population growth and limited power generation capacity might have something to do with it?
September 19, 2007
California Credits Conservation for Weathering Heat Wave
California suffered through a blistering heat wave in late August and early September, but at no time did the state require rotating blackouts, thanks to electrical conservation efforts. The California Independent System Operator (ISO), which operates the state's electrical grid, estimated that Californians reduced their electrical demand by about 1,000 megawatts on August 30th, helping to avoid overtaxing the state's transmission grid. Power outages only occurred at local levels and were caused by power distribution systems, not by the transmission system. California's power crunch was caused by a heat wave that affected much of the Southwest, reducing power imports into the state. A dry winter has also reduced hydropower generation by about 1,000 megawatts this summer. See the California ISO press release (PDF 24 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Coincidentally, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a report in early September that notes the increasingly important role of such "demand response" efforts. According to the report, demand response lowered the consumption of electricity by 1.4% to 4.1% during periods of peak demand in 2006. FERC notes that eight regions of the United States set new records for electricity demand last year. See the FERC press release and report (PDF 948 KB).
Meanwhile, a new report from California's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program finds that extreme heat events may be becoming more prevalent in California due to climate change. Along with demand response, the report calls for increased use of energy efficient and solar energy technologies, including passive cooling, ventilation with fans, and solar power generation. The report notes that the use of air conditioning could be most easily avoided in cooler coastal regions, while solar power systems will reduce loads on distribution systems on sunny days, when such load reductions are needed the most. See the report (PDF 792 KB).
The blame for the rolling blackouts in California seems to be placed on Global Warming. Do you suppose that population growth and limited power generation capacity might have something to do with it?
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Common Sense Conservation?
To me, this is just common sense --
Source: Indiana University
Date: September 18, 2007
Why Conservation Efforts Often Fail
Science Daily — Modern conservation techniques have brought us the resurgence of American bald eagles, sustainable forest harvests and the rescue of prized lobster fisheries. So how can modern conservation strategies also have wrought such failures, from the catastrophic loss of Guatemalan forests to the economy-crippling Klamath River salmon kill in 2006?
In a special issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Indiana University political scientist Elinor Ostrom and colleagues argue that while many basic conservation strategies are sound, their use is often flawed. The strategies are applied too generally, they say, as an inflexible, regulatory "blueprint" that foolishly ignores local customs, economics and politics.
"We now ridicule the doctors who long ago used to tell us, 'Take two aspirin and call me in the morning' as a treatment for every single illness," said Ostrom, a member of the National Academy of Sciences. "Resource management is just as complex as the human body. It needs to be approached differently in different situations."
In her own contribution, Ostrom proposes a flexible "framework" for determining what factors will influence resource management, whether that resource is forest, fish... even air.
"What we are learning is that you shouldn't ignore what's going on at the local level," Ostrom said. "It may even be beneficial to work with local people, including the resource exploiters, to create effective regulation."
Modern conservation theory relies on well established mathematical models that predict what will happen to a species or habitat over time. One thing these models can't account for are the unpredictable behavior of human beings whose lives influence and are influenced by conservation efforts.
The framework is divided into tiers that allow conservationists and policymakers to delineate those factors most likely to affect the protection or management of a given resource.
The first tier imposes four broad variables: the resource system, the resource units, the governance system and the resource users. The second tier examines each of these variables in greater detail, such as the government and non-government entities that may already be regulating the resource, the innate productivity of a resource system, the size and placement of the system, the system's economic value and what sorts of people use the resource -- from indigenous people to heads of state. The third tier digs even deeper into each of the basic variables.
"I admit it's ambitious," Ostrom said. "It lays out a research program for the next 15-20 years."
Applying Ostrom's framework, policymakers are encouraged first to examine the behaviors of resource users, then establish incentives for resource users to aid a conservation strategy or, at least, not interfere with it.
Ostrom's framework could also serve to normalize the effects of political upheavals that occur regularly at both national and state/provincial levels. It also accommodates non-political changes that may come with economic development and environmental change. In short, the framework's flexibility would allow the resource managers to modify a plan without scrapping the plan entirely.
Ostrom is the co-director of the Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis at IU Bloomington. She and special issue co-editors Macro Janssen and John Anderies are also affiliated with the Arizona State University School of Human Evolution and Social Change.
Ostrom's research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Indiana University.
Conservation is wise, sustainable use of resources -- not just preservation. If you don't involve the people who depend on those resources for their livelihood the efforts will fail. Certainly it makes the complexity of the problem greater, but it also increases the opportunity for success.
Source: Indiana University
Date: September 18, 2007
Why Conservation Efforts Often Fail
Science Daily — Modern conservation techniques have brought us the resurgence of American bald eagles, sustainable forest harvests and the rescue of prized lobster fisheries. So how can modern conservation strategies also have wrought such failures, from the catastrophic loss of Guatemalan forests to the economy-crippling Klamath River salmon kill in 2006?
In a special issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Indiana University political scientist Elinor Ostrom and colleagues argue that while many basic conservation strategies are sound, their use is often flawed. The strategies are applied too generally, they say, as an inflexible, regulatory "blueprint" that foolishly ignores local customs, economics and politics.
"We now ridicule the doctors who long ago used to tell us, 'Take two aspirin and call me in the morning' as a treatment for every single illness," said Ostrom, a member of the National Academy of Sciences. "Resource management is just as complex as the human body. It needs to be approached differently in different situations."
In her own contribution, Ostrom proposes a flexible "framework" for determining what factors will influence resource management, whether that resource is forest, fish... even air.
"What we are learning is that you shouldn't ignore what's going on at the local level," Ostrom said. "It may even be beneficial to work with local people, including the resource exploiters, to create effective regulation."
Modern conservation theory relies on well established mathematical models that predict what will happen to a species or habitat over time. One thing these models can't account for are the unpredictable behavior of human beings whose lives influence and are influenced by conservation efforts.
The framework is divided into tiers that allow conservationists and policymakers to delineate those factors most likely to affect the protection or management of a given resource.
The first tier imposes four broad variables: the resource system, the resource units, the governance system and the resource users. The second tier examines each of these variables in greater detail, such as the government and non-government entities that may already be regulating the resource, the innate productivity of a resource system, the size and placement of the system, the system's economic value and what sorts of people use the resource -- from indigenous people to heads of state. The third tier digs even deeper into each of the basic variables.
"I admit it's ambitious," Ostrom said. "It lays out a research program for the next 15-20 years."
Applying Ostrom's framework, policymakers are encouraged first to examine the behaviors of resource users, then establish incentives for resource users to aid a conservation strategy or, at least, not interfere with it.
Ostrom's framework could also serve to normalize the effects of political upheavals that occur regularly at both national and state/provincial levels. It also accommodates non-political changes that may come with economic development and environmental change. In short, the framework's flexibility would allow the resource managers to modify a plan without scrapping the plan entirely.
Ostrom is the co-director of the Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis at IU Bloomington. She and special issue co-editors Macro Janssen and John Anderies are also affiliated with the Arizona State University School of Human Evolution and Social Change.
Ostrom's research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Indiana University.
Conservation is wise, sustainable use of resources -- not just preservation. If you don't involve the people who depend on those resources for their livelihood the efforts will fail. Certainly it makes the complexity of the problem greater, but it also increases the opportunity for success.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Unintended Consequences
Some unintended consequences of ethanol production --
Prairie conditions good, but help from hunters needed
News in the Dakotas is mixed for waterfowl hunters. Late-summer habitat conditions look good in many breeding areas in the Dakotas. The bad news is many areas face imminent destruction. Ducks Unlimited is asking duck hunters across the country for help.
"We've seen good brood numbers throughout the Missouri Coteau in North Dakota, but we also see native grasslands converted to cropland. This is bad news for future duck production." said Dr. Scott Stephens, director of conservation planning for Ducks Unlimited's Great Plains Office.
Increased crop prices driven by demand for corn for ethanol production....(full story here)
With corn and other feed grains prices high and rising, we will see conversion of marginal lands to crop production wherever possible. When the market price is above the point at which government support payments are triggered, there is no incentive for farmers to comply with price support programs. They will convert all available acreage to farming. This will affect the acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and other conservation programs that have benefited wildlife in farming areas -- especially the Plains states. Without action, there will be increased pressure on wildlife habitat. The law of Unintended Consequences at work...
Prairie conditions good, but help from hunters needed
News in the Dakotas is mixed for waterfowl hunters. Late-summer habitat conditions look good in many breeding areas in the Dakotas. The bad news is many areas face imminent destruction. Ducks Unlimited is asking duck hunters across the country for help.
"We've seen good brood numbers throughout the Missouri Coteau in North Dakota, but we also see native grasslands converted to cropland. This is bad news for future duck production." said Dr. Scott Stephens, director of conservation planning for Ducks Unlimited's Great Plains Office.
Increased crop prices driven by demand for corn for ethanol production....(full story here)
With corn and other feed grains prices high and rising, we will see conversion of marginal lands to crop production wherever possible. When the market price is above the point at which government support payments are triggered, there is no incentive for farmers to comply with price support programs. They will convert all available acreage to farming. This will affect the acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and other conservation programs that have benefited wildlife in farming areas -- especially the Plains states. Without action, there will be increased pressure on wildlife habitat. The law of Unintended Consequences at work...
NAIS Plan
The National Animal Identification System is slowly becoming reality.
NAIS Business Plan is a template for moving forward with animal ID plan
By Doug Rich
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials presented their Business Plan for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) at the ID-Info Expo in Kansas City, Mo.
"We need to build on systems that already exist," Dr. Clifford Clark, USDA-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinarian Services said. "This can be done by providing common data standards across all programs."
Individual animal identification is nothing new. USDA has been doing this for years with programs designed for specific animal disease such as scrapie, tuberculosis, and brucellosis. Dr. Clifford said that these programs are focused on a single disease and when that disease is eradicated the identification program stops. These programs have separate identification numbers and data collection procedures.
"An animal may be identified multiple times yet still not be fully traceable because separate programs use....(complete story here)
Various programs sponsored and administered by USDA have been able to track animals for years -- such as for brucellosis. The problem is that there has never been anything to tie all of the various databases together. One of the key components of the plan is such an ability.
The "rugged individualism" of livestock producers in general will tend to resist such a plan. That's why only a small percentage of cattle producers are currently enrolled in the "voluntary" program. However, from an animal disease standpoint, the program has merit. When there is a food scare, it will be useful to trace back to the origin of any disease related problem. Pork and poultry producers are far ahead of their beef counterparts.
NAIS Business Plan is a template for moving forward with animal ID plan
By Doug Rich
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials presented their Business Plan for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) at the ID-Info Expo in Kansas City, Mo.
"We need to build on systems that already exist," Dr. Clifford Clark, USDA-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinarian Services said. "This can be done by providing common data standards across all programs."
Individual animal identification is nothing new. USDA has been doing this for years with programs designed for specific animal disease such as scrapie, tuberculosis, and brucellosis. Dr. Clifford said that these programs are focused on a single disease and when that disease is eradicated the identification program stops. These programs have separate identification numbers and data collection procedures.
"An animal may be identified multiple times yet still not be fully traceable because separate programs use....(complete story here)
Various programs sponsored and administered by USDA have been able to track animals for years -- such as for brucellosis. The problem is that there has never been anything to tie all of the various databases together. One of the key components of the plan is such an ability.
The "rugged individualism" of livestock producers in general will tend to resist such a plan. That's why only a small percentage of cattle producers are currently enrolled in the "voluntary" program. However, from an animal disease standpoint, the program has merit. When there is a food scare, it will be useful to trace back to the origin of any disease related problem. Pork and poultry producers are far ahead of their beef counterparts.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Manure to Electricity Makes Sense
Turning manure into electricity. It's been done. It makes sense.
Sept. 14, 2007
Cow Power: System Could Let Cows Produce Milk AND Electricity
Writer: Edith Chenault, 979-845-2886,EChenaul@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, 979-458-1019,mukhtar@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Contented cows may be giving more than milk these days. Their manure could help to turn the lights on at farms, thanks to a project being undertaken by the Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas Cooperative Extension.
The Institute received a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to test an on-farm manure-to-energy conversion system for future use on Central Texas dairies.
"This project is a little more than ‘the price of gas is high and we're trying to find an alternative,'" said Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, Extension agricultural engineer and one of the project leaders. "We're trying to find out if we can benefit the environment by diverting some of the manure that is being applied to waste application fields."
The grant is funding the assembly and testing of a portable energy generation unit that's otherwise known as a thermophilic digester and fluidized bed gasifier system. Because the unit will be on skids, it can be taken from farm to farm for educational demonstrations.
"We're trying to find ways to divert excess manure and reduce repeated and excessive application of phosphorus to waste application fields that can potentially become a non-point source of pollution," Mukhtar said.
Presently, many dairy farmers—to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards—remove excess manure and apply it offsite to nutrient deficient crop and pastureland in an effort to keep excess nutrients out of surface and groundwater, he said.
Repeated applications of manure results in soil levels of phosphorus exceeding quantities needed for plant growth, he said. That excess phosphorus can wash into creeks, rivers and lakes, causing additional problems with excess algal blooms and decreased oxygen in the water.
"Some farmers have contracts with commercial composting outfits," he said. "These composters pick up manure that is scraped from corrals and piled on site. Composted manure is used by home gardeners and commercial nurseries. Some of it is used for fertilizing rights-of-ways by the Texas Department of Transportation.
"Dairies are trying their best to comply with all the rules," he added. "(But) if you apply manure at more than agronomic rates to land again and again, you still face environmental problems."
If the environmental problems aren't solved, he said, "You....(rest of story here)
Sept. 14, 2007
Cow Power: System Could Let Cows Produce Milk AND Electricity
Writer: Edith Chenault, 979-845-2886,EChenaul@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, 979-458-1019,mukhtar@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Contented cows may be giving more than milk these days. Their manure could help to turn the lights on at farms, thanks to a project being undertaken by the Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas Cooperative Extension.
The Institute received a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to test an on-farm manure-to-energy conversion system for future use on Central Texas dairies.
"This project is a little more than ‘the price of gas is high and we're trying to find an alternative,'" said Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, Extension agricultural engineer and one of the project leaders. "We're trying to find out if we can benefit the environment by diverting some of the manure that is being applied to waste application fields."
The grant is funding the assembly and testing of a portable energy generation unit that's otherwise known as a thermophilic digester and fluidized bed gasifier system. Because the unit will be on skids, it can be taken from farm to farm for educational demonstrations.
"We're trying to find ways to divert excess manure and reduce repeated and excessive application of phosphorus to waste application fields that can potentially become a non-point source of pollution," Mukhtar said.
Presently, many dairy farmers—to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards—remove excess manure and apply it offsite to nutrient deficient crop and pastureland in an effort to keep excess nutrients out of surface and groundwater, he said.
Repeated applications of manure results in soil levels of phosphorus exceeding quantities needed for plant growth, he said. That excess phosphorus can wash into creeks, rivers and lakes, causing additional problems with excess algal blooms and decreased oxygen in the water.
"Some farmers have contracts with commercial composting outfits," he said. "These composters pick up manure that is scraped from corrals and piled on site. Composted manure is used by home gardeners and commercial nurseries. Some of it is used for fertilizing rights-of-ways by the Texas Department of Transportation.
"Dairies are trying their best to comply with all the rules," he added. "(But) if you apply manure at more than agronomic rates to land again and again, you still face environmental problems."
If the environmental problems aren't solved, he said, "You....(rest of story here)
Bio-fuels Research Will Have Many Payoffs
It's interesting to me how a change in focus can lead to unexpected results. The focus on varieties for efficient ethanol production appear to have led to varieties with greater feed efficiency.
Scientists Release New Sorghum for Feed and Fuel
Though less recognizable than corn, sorghum is no stranger to the grocery store shelf, as evidenced by the flour, syrup, gluten-free bread, and other sorghum-containing products there.
On the farm, sorghum’s stalks, leaves, and multicolored grains are fed to cattle; in processing plants, they can be converted into ethanol. Now, sorghum’s future could burn brighter on both of those fronts with the release of Atlas bmr-12, a low-lignin variety.
Lignin is a cellular “glue” of sorts that imparts rigidity and strength to plant tissues. It also plays direct and indirect roles in helping plants fend off insects and pathogens. But breeding sorghum with reduced lignin can have beneficial effects, too, say plant pathologist Deanna L. Funnell, geneticist Jeffery F. Pedersen, and agronomist John J. Toy at ARS’s Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Atlas bmr-12, which was developed by the ARS team and evaluated with University of Nebraska-Lincoln colleagues Richard Grant and Amanda Oliver, is a good example of reduced-lignin’s benefits. In the laboratory, Atlas bmr-12 scored higher on fiber digestibility than standard sorghum, which should result in higher milk production and higher beef gains when cattle are fed the new variety. Atlas bmr-12’s greater fiber digestibility also raises the prospect of improved sorghum-to-ethanol conversion at the processing plants.
The researchers initially anticipated that breeding low-lignin sorghum would diminish the plants’ defensive capabilities. But they observed otherwise in tests with harmful species of Alternaria and Fusarium fungi.
In the lab, Funnell inoculated low-lignin lines—containing either bmr-6 or bmr-12 genes—and control varieties with F. moniliforme and compared the length of the red-pigmented lesions that demarcate the fungus’s spread. Inside the stems, or peduncles, of the low-lignin lines, the lesions were shorter than those of the controls, suggesting bmr-6 and bmr-12’s greater resistance. On bmr-12, for example, the lesions averaged 78 millimeters long, versus 117 millimeters for the control.
“This surprised us because lignin has been linked to disease resistance,” says Funnell. During breeding stages, Pedersen incorporated two of several genes for a trait called “brown midrib,” which is associated with reduced lignin. The researchers theorize that the genes may have disrupted the functioning of key enzymes so as to allow buildup of phenolic compounds with antifungal activity.
“We hypothesize that there’s a difference in the levels of phenolics—the precursors to lignin—and some of these have been shown to be toxic to fungi,” says Funnell. The phenolics pose no such danger to livestock or humans and may confer health benefits.
ARS has received U.S. Plant Variety Protection on Atlas bmr-12. Written seed requests should be directed to ARS’s Lincoln unit.—By Jan Suszkiw, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff.
This research is part of Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics, and Genetic Improvement, an ARS national program (#301) described on the World Wide Web at www.nps.ars.usda.gov.
Deanna L. Funnell is in the USDA-ARS Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit, 314 Biochem, P.O. Box 830937, Lincoln, NE 68583-0937; phone (402) 472-9099, fax (402) 472-4020.
"Scientists Release New Sorghum for Feed and Fuel" was published in the September 2007 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
Biofuels research will lead us to new horizons in the coming years. The derivative products will likely revolutionize many of the ways in which we live. I expect to see new fibers for cloth, new building materials, new ways to make paints, glues, pesticides, and on and on. It will be exciting.
Scientists Release New Sorghum for Feed and Fuel
Though less recognizable than corn, sorghum is no stranger to the grocery store shelf, as evidenced by the flour, syrup, gluten-free bread, and other sorghum-containing products there.
On the farm, sorghum’s stalks, leaves, and multicolored grains are fed to cattle; in processing plants, they can be converted into ethanol. Now, sorghum’s future could burn brighter on both of those fronts with the release of Atlas bmr-12, a low-lignin variety.
Lignin is a cellular “glue” of sorts that imparts rigidity and strength to plant tissues. It also plays direct and indirect roles in helping plants fend off insects and pathogens. But breeding sorghum with reduced lignin can have beneficial effects, too, say plant pathologist Deanna L. Funnell, geneticist Jeffery F. Pedersen, and agronomist John J. Toy at ARS’s Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Atlas bmr-12, which was developed by the ARS team and evaluated with University of Nebraska-Lincoln colleagues Richard Grant and Amanda Oliver, is a good example of reduced-lignin’s benefits. In the laboratory, Atlas bmr-12 scored higher on fiber digestibility than standard sorghum, which should result in higher milk production and higher beef gains when cattle are fed the new variety. Atlas bmr-12’s greater fiber digestibility also raises the prospect of improved sorghum-to-ethanol conversion at the processing plants.
The researchers initially anticipated that breeding low-lignin sorghum would diminish the plants’ defensive capabilities. But they observed otherwise in tests with harmful species of Alternaria and Fusarium fungi.
In the lab, Funnell inoculated low-lignin lines—containing either bmr-6 or bmr-12 genes—and control varieties with F. moniliforme and compared the length of the red-pigmented lesions that demarcate the fungus’s spread. Inside the stems, or peduncles, of the low-lignin lines, the lesions were shorter than those of the controls, suggesting bmr-6 and bmr-12’s greater resistance. On bmr-12, for example, the lesions averaged 78 millimeters long, versus 117 millimeters for the control.
“This surprised us because lignin has been linked to disease resistance,” says Funnell. During breeding stages, Pedersen incorporated two of several genes for a trait called “brown midrib,” which is associated with reduced lignin. The researchers theorize that the genes may have disrupted the functioning of key enzymes so as to allow buildup of phenolic compounds with antifungal activity.
“We hypothesize that there’s a difference in the levels of phenolics—the precursors to lignin—and some of these have been shown to be toxic to fungi,” says Funnell. The phenolics pose no such danger to livestock or humans and may confer health benefits.
ARS has received U.S. Plant Variety Protection on Atlas bmr-12. Written seed requests should be directed to ARS’s Lincoln unit.—By Jan Suszkiw, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff.
This research is part of Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics, and Genetic Improvement, an ARS national program (#301) described on the World Wide Web at www.nps.ars.usda.gov.
Deanna L. Funnell is in the USDA-ARS Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit, 314 Biochem, P.O. Box 830937, Lincoln, NE 68583-0937; phone (402) 472-9099, fax (402) 472-4020.
"Scientists Release New Sorghum for Feed and Fuel" was published in the September 2007 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
Biofuels research will lead us to new horizons in the coming years. The derivative products will likely revolutionize many of the ways in which we live. I expect to see new fibers for cloth, new building materials, new ways to make paints, glues, pesticides, and on and on. It will be exciting.
Record Feedgrains Production
Record feedgrains production and higher prices! "Thank you ethanol," say American farmers. The livestock industry isn't so sure.
Follow the link here to USDA Feed Grain projections.
Follow the link here to USDA Feed Grain projections.
Let's Ban Automobiles!!
Now this really makes sense -- NOT!
Emissions Targets For 2030 Will Only Be Reached By Banning Cars In London
Science Daily — Unless the Greater London Authority (GLA) takes radical steps, one of which could be the removal of all cars from both inner and outer London, it will not meet its goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new report.
The GLA is committed to reducing London's carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2025, but most climate scientists argue that even more rapid reductions will be needed if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. A team of experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Transport Studies Unit (Oxford University Centre for the Environment) revealed that London is on course to reduce land transport emissions by only 10%-23%.
They do, however, offer a radical vision....(complete story here)
They want to ban all automobiles in London.
One can look at the smog hanging over cities and know with certainty that emissions are a problem. Whether they contribute to global warming is beside the point. Air quality is a health issue.
Banning private automobiles would certainly eliminate some exhaust. However, the last time I was behind a Public Transportation Bus, I was almost overwhelmed by the diesel exhaust fumes.
There is much more to the transportation problem into cities than just banning automobiles. The complete infrastructure needs to be re-evaluated. Urban sprawl is a huge part of the problem. The longer the commute, the more travel, the more exhaust fumes. Parking lots and streets are a problem for water runoff. Utilities and other city services such as garbage and water into suburban areas are a problem. Conversion of farmland to sub developments is a problem. In short, the whole concept of a city with commuter suburbs needs to be re-thought.
What is a reasonable distance to ride a bicycle to work? What about when it rains? Do we add special cars to commuter trains to haul bicycles that can then be ridden from the station to the workplace? What is a reasonable distance to walk?
Regional planning seems to be the only way to create a workable system. The capitalist in me resists such an idea. Will the free market ultimately solve the problem when gasoline prices get so high that alternative forms of transportation become more feasible? Personally I think that might be the best answer. However, the gloom-and-doom global warming crowd will say that we must do something radical to "save" the planet. What do you think the answer is?
Emissions Targets For 2030 Will Only Be Reached By Banning Cars In London
Science Daily — Unless the Greater London Authority (GLA) takes radical steps, one of which could be the removal of all cars from both inner and outer London, it will not meet its goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new report.
The GLA is committed to reducing London's carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2025, but most climate scientists argue that even more rapid reductions will be needed if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. A team of experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Transport Studies Unit (Oxford University Centre for the Environment) revealed that London is on course to reduce land transport emissions by only 10%-23%.
They do, however, offer a radical vision....(complete story here)
They want to ban all automobiles in London.
One can look at the smog hanging over cities and know with certainty that emissions are a problem. Whether they contribute to global warming is beside the point. Air quality is a health issue.
Banning private automobiles would certainly eliminate some exhaust. However, the last time I was behind a Public Transportation Bus, I was almost overwhelmed by the diesel exhaust fumes.
There is much more to the transportation problem into cities than just banning automobiles. The complete infrastructure needs to be re-evaluated. Urban sprawl is a huge part of the problem. The longer the commute, the more travel, the more exhaust fumes. Parking lots and streets are a problem for water runoff. Utilities and other city services such as garbage and water into suburban areas are a problem. Conversion of farmland to sub developments is a problem. In short, the whole concept of a city with commuter suburbs needs to be re-thought.
What is a reasonable distance to ride a bicycle to work? What about when it rains? Do we add special cars to commuter trains to haul bicycles that can then be ridden from the station to the workplace? What is a reasonable distance to walk?
Regional planning seems to be the only way to create a workable system. The capitalist in me resists such an idea. Will the free market ultimately solve the problem when gasoline prices get so high that alternative forms of transportation become more feasible? Personally I think that might be the best answer. However, the gloom-and-doom global warming crowd will say that we must do something radical to "save" the planet. What do you think the answer is?
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