I recently added "Russia Today" to my Google Reader news feeds. Most of the time I find it interesting to see how their "take" on events around the world (e.g. conflict in Georgia) varies from the Western media. The article below is an interesting look at how Russian agriculture operates.
Russian harvest up as Russian agriculture looks to transform
As food prices become a greater source of concern around the world, Russia will enjoy a record harvest this year. But industry experts say improving the productivity of Russian agriculture and dealing with rising fertilizer prices are the challenges which lay ahead.
Russia's agriculture ministry has...(complete article here).
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Carbon-Viral Connection
This amazing planet we live on is equipped with marvelous systems for maintaining itself. We are only beginning the process of understanding how it all works. How can we be so arrogant as to believe that our puny efforts affect "climate change" in any meaningful way?
Viruses are hidden drivers of ocean's nutrient cycle
PARIS (AFP) - Scientists on Wednesday said they had discovered deep-sea viruses to be an unexpectedly potent driver of the so-called carbon cycle that sustains oceanic life and helps dampen global warming.
Under the carbon cycle, microscopic algae at the sea surface suck up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Many of these microscopic creatures, called prokaryotes, become infected by naturally-occurring marine viruses.
When they die, their...(complete article here).
Viruses are hidden drivers of ocean's nutrient cycle
PARIS (AFP) - Scientists on Wednesday said they had discovered deep-sea viruses to be an unexpectedly potent driver of the so-called carbon cycle that sustains oceanic life and helps dampen global warming.
Under the carbon cycle, microscopic algae at the sea surface suck up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Many of these microscopic creatures, called prokaryotes, become infected by naturally-occurring marine viruses.
When they die, their...(complete article here).
Infrastructure Issues in New York and Pickens "Plan"
The article mentions T. Boone Pickens being "ahead" of other wind development companies in his efforts to "piggyback" a power transmission line on his water right-of-way (which by the way is likely in trouble). In spite of his $56 million PR campaign which involves robbing the Texas Panhandle of its precious water resources in order to invoke eminent domain takings of private property so that he can build his electric power lines, the state of Texas is far ahead of him with its $5.4 billion CREZ efforts to tie the ERCOT grid into the wind power generated in the Panhandle. Pickens is spending the money on the PR (the linked article below being some of the fruits of that campaign) so he can make 100's of millions off of the people of Texas by using legal loopholes against them.
Wind Energy Bumps Into Power Grid’s Limits
When the builders of the Maple Ridge Wind farm spent $320 million to put nearly 200 wind turbines in upstate New York, the idea was to get paid for producing electricity. But at times, regional electric lines have been so congested that...(complete article here).
Wind Energy Bumps Into Power Grid’s Limits
When the builders of the Maple Ridge Wind farm spent $320 million to put nearly 200 wind turbines in upstate New York, the idea was to get paid for producing electricity. But at times, regional electric lines have been so congested that...(complete article here).
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Managing for Cryptic Species
What is the best approach when a species becomes endangered to the point that it is difficult or impossible to observe?
Study shows when to manage species
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Stephen Pincock
ABC
Conservationists should carry on managing the environment as if a seemingly vanished species is still around, rather than rushing to check whether it is extinct, say researchers.
A team from Australia, France and the United Kingdom have used...(complete article here).
Study shows when to manage species
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Stephen Pincock
ABC
Conservationists should carry on managing the environment as if a seemingly vanished species is still around, rather than rushing to check whether it is extinct, say researchers.
A team from Australia, France and the United Kingdom have used...(complete article here).
Conservation-minded Gardening
Xeriscaping and use of native plants can be a great way to conserve water in home landscaping projects.
New style of gardening reduces environmental footprint
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
University Park, Pa. -- As Pennsylvania's dry season arrives, many gardeners fear that their lush landscape will wither under scorching heat. However, a gardening expert in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences says smart landscaping practices can both save water and ensure the garden's survival.
With dry weather conditions increasing...(complete article here).
New style of gardening reduces environmental footprint
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
University Park, Pa. -- As Pennsylvania's dry season arrives, many gardeners fear that their lush landscape will wither under scorching heat. However, a gardening expert in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences says smart landscaping practices can both save water and ensure the garden's survival.
With dry weather conditions increasing...(complete article here).
New Pacific Island Sanctuaries Fast-Tracked
I love it -- from the President the Environmentalists love to hate....
Bush proposes protections for Pacific islands, atolls and reefs
The plan to guard against mining and fishing is expected to be finalized before the president leaves office.
By Kenneth R. Weiss,
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
August 26, 2008
President Bush on Monday signaled his intention to protect some of the Pacific Ocean's most remote and unspoiled islands, atolls and coral reefs from fishing and deep-sea mining.
In a memo to three Cabinet secretaries, the president asked for a plan that would protect parts of the Mariana Trench, the deepest place on the planet, as well as waters around Rose Atoll in American Samoa and various islands and reefs in the central Pacific that are under U.S. jurisdiction.
The proposal, expected to...(complete article here).
Bush proposes protections for Pacific islands, atolls and reefs
The plan to guard against mining and fishing is expected to be finalized before the president leaves office.
By Kenneth R. Weiss,
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
August 26, 2008
President Bush on Monday signaled his intention to protect some of the Pacific Ocean's most remote and unspoiled islands, atolls and coral reefs from fishing and deep-sea mining.
In a memo to three Cabinet secretaries, the president asked for a plan that would protect parts of the Mariana Trench, the deepest place on the planet, as well as waters around Rose Atoll in American Samoa and various islands and reefs in the central Pacific that are under U.S. jurisdiction.
The proposal, expected to...(complete article here).
Nitrogen-fixing, Hydrogen-producing Bacteria
This is interesting. With the high cost of nitrogen for fertilizer due to the high cost of fuel, maybe this technology can lower both costs simultaneously!
Hydrogen-Producing Bacteria Provide Clean Energy
By Rosalie Marion Bliss
August 25, 2008
A new "green" technology developed cooperatively by scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and North Carolina State University (NC State) could lead to production of hydrogen from nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Renewable sources of energy...(complete news release here).
Hydrogen-Producing Bacteria Provide Clean Energy
By Rosalie Marion Bliss
August 25, 2008
A new "green" technology developed cooperatively by scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and North Carolina State University (NC State) could lead to production of hydrogen from nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Renewable sources of energy...(complete news release here).
Monday, August 25, 2008
Wind Turbines Effect on Bats
I recently attended the Panhandle Wind and Wildlife Conference in Amarillo, Texas. One of the topics discussed was the effect of wind turbines on birds and bats. The speaker was Ed Arnett of Bat Conservation International who is one of the experts cited in the article below. One of the points discussed was the role of bats in controlling insects.
Wind Turbines Kill Bats Without Impact
Jessica Marshall, Discovery News
Aug. 25, 2008 -- Researchers have found the cause behind mysterious bat deaths near wind turbines, in which many bat carcasses appeared uninjured.
The explanation to this puzzle is that the bats' lungs effectively...(complete article here).
Wind Turbines Kill Bats Without Impact
Jessica Marshall, Discovery News
Aug. 25, 2008 -- Researchers have found the cause behind mysterious bat deaths near wind turbines, in which many bat carcasses appeared uninjured.
The explanation to this puzzle is that the bats' lungs effectively...(complete article here).
Friday, August 22, 2008
New Canadian Wildlife Areas
One of the more important aspects of this agreement is in relation to waterfowl.
Canada creates new wildlife areas in far north
TORONTO (Reuters) - The Canadian government and a number of Inuit groups unveiled a pact on Friday that will shelter the habitat of polar bears, bowhead whales and other animals in the country's northern Nunavut territory.
Canada will spend C$8.3 million ($7.9 million) on the agreement, which will...(complete article here).
Canada creates new wildlife areas in far north
TORONTO (Reuters) - The Canadian government and a number of Inuit groups unveiled a pact on Friday that will shelter the habitat of polar bears, bowhead whales and other animals in the country's northern Nunavut territory.
Canada will spend C$8.3 million ($7.9 million) on the agreement, which will...(complete article here).
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Irradiated Lettuce and Fresh Spinach Now
Good move. They've been irradiating beef for awhile now.
FDA Announces Final Rule Amending the Food Additive Regulations to Allow for the Irradiation of Fresh Iceberg Lettuce and Fresh Spinach
FDA Announces Final Rule Amending the Food Additive Regulations to Allow for the Irradiation of Fresh Iceberg Lettuce and Fresh Spinach
Yams for Ethanol
I prefer mine with butter and brown sugar....
Sweet Potato Out-Yields Corn in Ethanol Production
StudyBy Don Comis
August 20 , 2008
In experiments, sweet potatoes grown in Maryland and Alabama yielded two to three times as much carbohydrate for fuel ethanol production as field corn grown in those states, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists report. The same was true of tropical cassava in Alabama.
The sweet potato carbohydrate yields...(complete article here).
Sweet Potato Out-Yields Corn in Ethanol Production
StudyBy Don Comis
August 20 , 2008
In experiments, sweet potatoes grown in Maryland and Alabama yielded two to three times as much carbohydrate for fuel ethanol production as field corn grown in those states, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists report. The same was true of tropical cassava in Alabama.
The sweet potato carbohydrate yields...(complete article here).
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Cell-sized Batteries on the Horizon
Now that's a small battery!!
MIT engineers work toward cell-sized batteries
Microbatteries could power tomorrow's miniature devices
Elizabeth A. Thomson,
News Office
August 20, 2008
Forget 9-volts, AAs, AAAs or D batteries: The energy for tomorrow's miniature electronic devices could come from tiny microbatteries about half the size of a human cell and built with viruses.
MIT engineers have...(complete news release here).
MIT engineers work toward cell-sized batteries
Microbatteries could power tomorrow's miniature devices
Elizabeth A. Thomson,
News Office
August 20, 2008
Forget 9-volts, AAs, AAAs or D batteries: The energy for tomorrow's miniature electronic devices could come from tiny microbatteries about half the size of a human cell and built with viruses.
MIT engineers have...(complete news release here).
Gulf of Mexico Lease Revenue
This is good news for the State of Texas and longer-term, for gasoline prices in the U.S.
Western Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 207 Attracts $487,297,676 in High Bids
Western Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 207 Attracts $487,297,676 in High Bids
New Markets Grant Full Access to U.S. Beef
This is good news for the beef cattle industry.
COSTA RICA, BELIZE, QATAR AND GHANA JOIN NATIONS FOR FULL MARKET ACCESS OF U.S. BEEF
COSTA RICA, BELIZE, QATAR AND GHANA JOIN NATIONS FOR FULL MARKET ACCESS OF U.S. BEEF
Water for Irrigation: Time Now to Plan
Many times we hear of the competing needs between water for cities and water for agriculture. It is nice to hear a voice that recognizes that water -- irrigation water -- is necessary to feed the world. Where will we get sufficient water for irrigation? It is a question that must be answered quickly when we consider the rapidly growing world population.
Water everywhere, and not a drop to grow
Limited availability of fresh water is often overlooked as a cause of food scarcity and environmental decline, according to Colin Chartres. Governments should be ramping up efforts to make sure we have enough to grow crops as well as enough to drink, he argues.
This year, the world and, in particular, developing countries and the poor have been hit by both food and energy crises.
As a consequence, prices for many staple foods have risen by up to 100%.
When we examine the...(complete article here).
Water everywhere, and not a drop to grow
Limited availability of fresh water is often overlooked as a cause of food scarcity and environmental decline, according to Colin Chartres. Governments should be ramping up efforts to make sure we have enough to grow crops as well as enough to drink, he argues.
This year, the world and, in particular, developing countries and the poor have been hit by both food and energy crises.
As a consequence, prices for many staple foods have risen by up to 100%.
When we examine the...(complete article here).
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
New Oil Terminal on Texas Coast
New oil infrastructure is necessary due to the significant aging of existing facilities. With the expansion of refineries on the Texas Coast, this new oil terminal will facilitate offloading tankers to supply those refineries.
Platform may take 20 percent of oil imports
Project is expected to cost $1.8 billion
By John Porretto
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
HOUSTON — An oil terminal and pipeline network expected to be built off the Texas Gulf Coast and open in about two years would be capable of handling nearly 20 percent of the nation's daily imported oil.
Demand from expanding refineries along the coast, from Freeport to Port Arthur, is driving the...(complete article here).
Platform may take 20 percent of oil imports
Project is expected to cost $1.8 billion
By John Porretto
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
HOUSTON — An oil terminal and pipeline network expected to be built off the Texas Gulf Coast and open in about two years would be capable of handling nearly 20 percent of the nation's daily imported oil.
Demand from expanding refineries along the coast, from Freeport to Port Arthur, is driving the...(complete article here).
Sorghum Biofuel Conference
Grain sorghum is tolerant of drought and poor soils and is grown in areas unsuitable for other biofuel crops with high water requirements. I would rather see it used for ethanol than corn. Corn takes far too much water.
USDA Conference Spotlights Sorghum's Biofuel Potential
By Ann Perry
August 18, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 18, 2008—Sorghum's potential as a biofuel crop will be explored at the International Workshop on Sorghum for Biofuels which begins in Houston, Texas, tomorrow. More than...(complete news release here).
USDA Conference Spotlights Sorghum's Biofuel Potential
By Ann Perry
August 18, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 18, 2008—Sorghum's potential as a biofuel crop will be explored at the International Workshop on Sorghum for Biofuels which begins in Houston, Texas, tomorrow. More than...(complete news release here).
Monday, August 18, 2008
Brazil: The Next Breadbasket of the World
Brazil is quickly becoming the new breadbasket of the world. There are struggles though. Besides the internal political battles and the normal battle with the environment, Brazilian farmers often must also battle the world's environmentalists.
The Amazon basin and accompanying jungle are important reservoirs of biological diversity. Care must be used to retain that diverse environment. Many important drugs will be derived from the plants there. We also must consider the potential food plants that have fed the native populations for centuries.
Growth of the farming sector must consider the value of the native flora and fauna. It will be interesting to watch them "walk the tightrope" of development.
As the article mentions, one of their more daunting problems is developing infrastructure at a pace that will meet the needs of development.
Brazil's farms see quiet revolution
By Gary Duffy BBC News,
Sao Paulo
On the family farm run by Joao Baggio Neto in the southern Brazilian state of Parana, you get some sense of the determination and competitive spirit that motivates Brazil's farmers.
Blessed with what often seems like endless amounts of land and a good climate, Brazil has grown in recent years to become an agricultural superpower.
Joao Baggio says the most important improvement in his part of the country in the past decade has been the increase in productivity.
"We came from a...(complete article here).
The Amazon basin and accompanying jungle are important reservoirs of biological diversity. Care must be used to retain that diverse environment. Many important drugs will be derived from the plants there. We also must consider the potential food plants that have fed the native populations for centuries.
Growth of the farming sector must consider the value of the native flora and fauna. It will be interesting to watch them "walk the tightrope" of development.
As the article mentions, one of their more daunting problems is developing infrastructure at a pace that will meet the needs of development.
Brazil's farms see quiet revolution
By Gary Duffy BBC News,
Sao Paulo
On the family farm run by Joao Baggio Neto in the southern Brazilian state of Parana, you get some sense of the determination and competitive spirit that motivates Brazil's farmers.
Blessed with what often seems like endless amounts of land and a good climate, Brazil has grown in recent years to become an agricultural superpower.
Joao Baggio says the most important improvement in his part of the country in the past decade has been the increase in productivity.
"We came from a...(complete article here).
Nature's Recipe Mimicked for Extracting Hydrogen
Hydrogen will become an increasingly important fuel source. It's efficient extraction will be critical to making it cost effective.
Hydrogen harvested using nature's recipe
Researchers have split water into hydrogen and oxygen by replicating how plants use photosynthesis to make carbohydrates.
The team of Australian and US researchers says their findings...(complete article here).
Hydrogen harvested using nature's recipe
Researchers have split water into hydrogen and oxygen by replicating how plants use photosynthesis to make carbohydrates.
The team of Australian and US researchers says their findings...(complete article here).
Friday, August 15, 2008
Nuke Plant Licensing Roadmap
It will take a number of new nuclear power plants to help ease the energy supply issues of the future.
DOE, NRC Issue Licensing Roadmap For Next-Generation Nuclear Plant
WASHINGTON, DC –The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) today delivered to Congress the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Licensing Strategy Report which describes the licensing approach, the analytical tools, the research and development activities and the estimated resources required to license an advanced reactor design by 2017 and begin operation by 2021. The NGNP represents a new...(complete article here).
DOE, NRC Issue Licensing Roadmap For Next-Generation Nuclear Plant
WASHINGTON, DC –The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) today delivered to Congress the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Licensing Strategy Report which describes the licensing approach, the analytical tools, the research and development activities and the estimated resources required to license an advanced reactor design by 2017 and begin operation by 2021. The NGNP represents a new...(complete article here).
Thursday, August 14, 2008
New USGS Report on Ground Water Availability
New water report available from the USGS.
Ground-Water Availability in the United States
Scientists proposed a strategy to study the Nation's ground-water supply as part of the Federal government's effort to help address the Nation's increasing competition for water.
Declines in ground-water levels have led to...(complete news release here).
Ground-Water Availability in the United States
Scientists proposed a strategy to study the Nation's ground-water supply as part of the Federal government's effort to help address the Nation's increasing competition for water.
Declines in ground-water levels have led to...(complete news release here).
Report on the Panhandle Wind and Wildlife Conference
The Panhandle Wind & Wildlife Conference was held this past weekend in Amarillo, Texas. The article linked below was written about that conference.
Learning a bit about wind, wildlife
It is important that we use a "whole landscape" approach to new energy development. We have an opportunity to do a better job of considering the implications of development and the potential impact on the environment in a manner that was unheard of when oil and gas development began.
Related links:
http://kvii.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=172380
http://www.wind-watch.org/news/?p=16593
http://www.newschannel10.com/global/story.asp?s=8813945
Learning a bit about wind, wildlife
It is important that we use a "whole landscape" approach to new energy development. We have an opportunity to do a better job of considering the implications of development and the potential impact on the environment in a manner that was unheard of when oil and gas development began.
Related links:
http://kvii.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=172380
http://www.wind-watch.org/news/?p=16593
http://www.newschannel10.com/global/story.asp?s=8813945
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
UN Biofuels Standard Under Development
Guidelines for bio-fuels development is probably a good idea, however, each country ultimately must address its own internal issues.
UN-backed expert group takes steps to establish new biofuel standard
13 August 2008 – A United Nations-backed group of international experts has endorsed a first draft of a new global sustainability standard for biofuels to assess their economic, social and environmental effects.
The Steering Board of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), which includes an expert from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), today signed off on...(complete article here).
UN-backed expert group takes steps to establish new biofuel standard
13 August 2008 – A United Nations-backed group of international experts has endorsed a first draft of a new global sustainability standard for biofuels to assess their economic, social and environmental effects.
The Steering Board of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), which includes an expert from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), today signed off on...(complete article here).
Americans Driving Less
The price of fuel is having an impact on our driving habits.
Miles driven in June down 12.2 billion: government
Miles driven in June down 12.2 billion: government
A New Widget on Texas Coal Wars
You will notice a new widget in my sidebar from SnagFilms about the "Texas Coal Wars." It links to a film by Robert Redford concerning the fight in Central Texas over a number of new coal plants that had been "fast-tracked" for construction by Texas Governor Rick Perry. Normally, I would be hesitant to include this type of link on this site because on the surface, it appears to be on the opposite side of the energy issue from that which I normally occupy. I think, however, that this particular film is very informative about the need for environmental responsibility in our energy development and how communities can work together to achieve a positive response that reaches toward the goal of responsible development that considers the environment as well as jobs and tax bases.
Below are some links that might be of interest (especially after viewing the film):
http://www.greendallas.net/pdfs/TCACC_EPA_Award_050808.pdf
http://www.pollutiononline.com/article.mvc/Texas-Clean-Air-Cities-Coalition-And-0002?atc~c=771+s=773+r=001+l=a&VNETCOOKIE=NO
http://www.thefeedstock.com/2006/09/texas_cities_form_coalition_to.php
http://www.susmangodfrey.com/news/2006-08-ClearAir.html
http://www.txu.com/about/
http://cbs11tv.com/entertainment/Laura.Miller.Movie.2.627518.html
Below are some links that might be of interest (especially after viewing the film):
http://www.greendallas.net/pdfs/TCACC_EPA_Award_050808.pdf
http://www.pollutiononline.com/article.mvc/Texas-Clean-Air-Cities-Coalition-And-0002?atc~c=771+s=773+r=001+l=a&VNETCOOKIE=NO
http://www.thefeedstock.com/2006/09/texas_cities_form_coalition_to.php
http://www.susmangodfrey.com/news/2006-08-ClearAir.html
http://www.txu.com/about/
http://cbs11tv.com/entertainment/Laura.Miller.Movie.2.627518.html
Monday, August 11, 2008
Thermodynamics and Food Production
This is an interesting look at energy use and food production.
Feeling the heat of food security
Peter Baker
Reforming the economics of food production and supply would be beneficial for a number of environmental and social problems, argues Peter Baker. A key issue, he says, is understanding the energy involved in putting food on your plate.
Global development, global debt, global warming, food miles, food security, food riots, peak oil, peak water…
What's this got to do with small farmers and global food chains?
The answer is that all the issues mentioned above intersect over small farmers.
If we can't quite get a grip on what is happening to the world, we won't be able to do a good job for them, and we'll waste a lot of resources in the process.
It's perfectly reasonable to...(complete article here).
Feeling the heat of food security
Peter Baker
Reforming the economics of food production and supply would be beneficial for a number of environmental and social problems, argues Peter Baker. A key issue, he says, is understanding the energy involved in putting food on your plate.
Global development, global debt, global warming, food miles, food security, food riots, peak oil, peak water…
What's this got to do with small farmers and global food chains?
The answer is that all the issues mentioned above intersect over small farmers.
If we can't quite get a grip on what is happening to the world, we won't be able to do a good job for them, and we'll waste a lot of resources in the process.
It's perfectly reasonable to...(complete article here).
Endangered Species Regulations: New Approach
A new approach to federal evaluation of projects and their impact on Endangered Species.
Bush to relax protected species rules
By DINA CAPPIELLO
WASHINGTON - Parts of the Endangered Species Act may soon be extinct. The Bush administration wants federal agencies to decide for themselves whether highways, dams, mines and other construction projects might harm endangered animals and plants.
New regulations, which don't require the approval of Congress, would reduce the...(complete article here).
For additional reading: Secretary Kempthorne Proposes Narrow Changes To ESA Consultation Process
Bush to relax protected species rules
By DINA CAPPIELLO
WASHINGTON - Parts of the Endangered Species Act may soon be extinct. The Bush administration wants federal agencies to decide for themselves whether highways, dams, mines and other construction projects might harm endangered animals and plants.
New regulations, which don't require the approval of Congress, would reduce the...(complete article here).
For additional reading: Secretary Kempthorne Proposes Narrow Changes To ESA Consultation Process
New Funds Available for Clean Coal Technology
Until coal is replaced as a primary fuel for electrical generation, it will be critically important to implement better technologies for limiting pollutants into the atmosphere.
DOE Seeks Applications for Third Round of Clean Coal Power Initiative Funding Opportunity
Announcement Solicits Applications for Carbon Capture and Sequestration
WASHINGTON, DC –The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued the final Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Round 3 of the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI) which seeks to accelerate the commercial deployment of advanced coal technologies to help supply the United States with clean, abundant, and affordable energy. DOE anticipates...(complete article here).
DOE Seeks Applications for Third Round of Clean Coal Power Initiative Funding Opportunity
Announcement Solicits Applications for Carbon Capture and Sequestration
WASHINGTON, DC –The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued the final Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Round 3 of the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI) which seeks to accelerate the commercial deployment of advanced coal technologies to help supply the United States with clean, abundant, and affordable energy. DOE anticipates...(complete article here).
Reviving the Uranium Rush
The new uranium rush is anticipating a resurgence of the nuclear power industry.
Uranium rush starts again in Colorado
By Sandy Shore
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sunday, August 10, 2008
DENVER — Cattleman George Glasier sees the next nuclear era amid the blood-orange mesas of the Paradox Valley, the same western range lands that hold a darker legacy from the last rush to pull uranium from the ground.
Residents of the valley, near the Four Corners region, are getting an unimpeded view of the second uranium rush. Many are worried.
Glasier, a one-time mining executive turned rancher, wants to build a uranium mill on...(complete article here).
Uranium rush starts again in Colorado
By Sandy Shore
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sunday, August 10, 2008
DENVER — Cattleman George Glasier sees the next nuclear era amid the blood-orange mesas of the Paradox Valley, the same western range lands that hold a darker legacy from the last rush to pull uranium from the ground.
Residents of the valley, near the Four Corners region, are getting an unimpeded view of the second uranium rush. Many are worried.
Glasier, a one-time mining executive turned rancher, wants to build a uranium mill on...(complete article here).
Thermo-electric Exhaust Conversion
A 10% improvement in fuel economy is a big deal.
Researchers work to convert car exhaust into energy
By Margaret Harding, Associated Press
WARREN, Mich. — The stinky, steaming air that escapes from a car's tailpipe could help us use less gas.
Researchers are competing to meet a challenge from the U.S. Department of Energy: Improve fuel economy 10% by...(complete article here).
Researchers work to convert car exhaust into energy
By Margaret Harding, Associated Press
WARREN, Mich. — The stinky, steaming air that escapes from a car's tailpipe could help us use less gas.
Researchers are competing to meet a challenge from the U.S. Department of Energy: Improve fuel economy 10% by...(complete article here).
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Kenedy Wind Farm Lawsuit Dismissed
Wind and wildlife -- the conflicts are only beginning.
Federal judge dismisses Texas wind farm lawsuit
Kenedy County wind farm could open by end of year
By Christopher Sherman
ASSOCIATED PRESSSaturday,
August 09, 2008
McALLEN — A federal judge dismissed a conservation group's lawsuit challenging two wind farm projects under construction in Kenedy County, clearing the way for their completion by year's end.
The Coastal Habitat Alliance had sought...(complete article here).
Federal judge dismisses Texas wind farm lawsuit
Kenedy County wind farm could open by end of year
By Christopher Sherman
ASSOCIATED PRESSSaturday,
August 09, 2008
McALLEN — A federal judge dismissed a conservation group's lawsuit challenging two wind farm projects under construction in Kenedy County, clearing the way for their completion by year's end.
The Coastal Habitat Alliance had sought...(complete article here).
Sudan Food Production and Food Aid
This is a complex issue that underlines the difficulty with working with the corrupt regimes in some parts of the world.
Darfur Withers as Sudan Sells a Food Bonanza
By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN
Published: August 9, 2008
ED DAMER, Sudan — Even as it receives a billion pounds of free food from international donors, Sudan is growing and selling vast quantities of its own crops to other countries, capitalizing on high global food prices at a time when millions of people in its war-riddled region of Darfur barely have enough to eat.
Here in the bone-dry desert, where desiccated donkey carcasses line the road, huge...(complete article here).
Darfur Withers as Sudan Sells a Food Bonanza
By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN
Published: August 9, 2008
ED DAMER, Sudan — Even as it receives a billion pounds of free food from international donors, Sudan is growing and selling vast quantities of its own crops to other countries, capitalizing on high global food prices at a time when millions of people in its war-riddled region of Darfur barely have enough to eat.
Here in the bone-dry desert, where desiccated donkey carcasses line the road, huge...(complete article here).
IRRI Looks at Rice Crisis
The IRRI has released their July-Sept. issue. The news release linked below contains links to the various articles in the issue. It is a very thoughtful look at the current world rice situation and some proposed solutions.
Rice Today Vol. 7 No. 3, July–September 2008
Solving the rice crisis: What needs to be done?
The latest from Rice Today, the magazine of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Los Ba̱os, Philippines РIn April and May this year, agriculture in general and rice in particular dominated world headlines in a way not seen for decades. As rice prices skyrocketed to 35-year highs, civil unrest broke out in several countries around the globe. The latest issue of Rice Today offers a rice crisis roundup, including...(complete news release here).
Rice Today Vol. 7 No. 3, July–September 2008
Solving the rice crisis: What needs to be done?
The latest from Rice Today, the magazine of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Los Ba̱os, Philippines РIn April and May this year, agriculture in general and rice in particular dominated world headlines in a way not seen for decades. As rice prices skyrocketed to 35-year highs, civil unrest broke out in several countries around the globe. The latest issue of Rice Today offers a rice crisis roundup, including...(complete news release here).
Ethanol Battle Not Over
Livestock producers are suffering from high feed prices. Soon, we will likely see a reduction in numbers in our livestock herd which will translate ultimately to higher protein prices for consumers.
This issue is not just domestic in nature. U.S. corn prices have an impact on the world market. Most other countries that use our corn do so for human consumption. In places like Africa, the effect of high U.S. corn prices is a contributor to famine conditions.
Ethanol battle unlikely to fade
Livestock, food industries discuss intensifying push to change law
By BRETT CLANTON
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Aug. 8, 2008, 10:08PM
Efforts to cut or freeze U.S. corn ethanol requirements are unlikely to end with the federal government's denial Thursday of Texas Gov. Rick Perry's plea to waive half of this year's mandate.
Livestock and food industry groups that backed the request already are talking about increased lobbying efforts in Washington to change the law.
Legislation under discussion in the Senate could...(complete article here).
This issue is not just domestic in nature. U.S. corn prices have an impact on the world market. Most other countries that use our corn do so for human consumption. In places like Africa, the effect of high U.S. corn prices is a contributor to famine conditions.
Ethanol battle unlikely to fade
Livestock, food industries discuss intensifying push to change law
By BRETT CLANTON
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Aug. 8, 2008, 10:08PM
Efforts to cut or freeze U.S. corn ethanol requirements are unlikely to end with the federal government's denial Thursday of Texas Gov. Rick Perry's plea to waive half of this year's mandate.
Livestock and food industry groups that backed the request already are talking about increased lobbying efforts in Washington to change the law.
Legislation under discussion in the Senate could...(complete article here).
Friday, August 8, 2008
California Desalination Plant OK'd
This is something that I believe will become common in the near future.
Dry California OKs huge desalination plant
San Diego to get fresh water; Sierra Club cites massive fish kills via intake
OCEANSIDE, Calif. - The California Coastal Commission approved a plan to build the Western Hemisphere's largest desalination plant north of...(complete article here).
Dry California OKs huge desalination plant
San Diego to get fresh water; Sierra Club cites massive fish kills via intake
OCEANSIDE, Calif. - The California Coastal Commission approved a plan to build the Western Hemisphere's largest desalination plant north of...(complete article here).
Funding to Protect Key Pollinators
We must have key pollinator species for food production.
New $27 million project will protect key pollinators for food security and biodiversity
WASHINGTON/Nairobi, 8 August 2008 – A new project worth $26.45 million has been launched by the Global Environment Facility to better protect bees, bats and birds that are essential to the world’s crop production.
The unique five-year project “Conservation & Management of Pollinators for Sustainable Agriculture through an Ecosystem Approach”, which will be implemented through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will help ensure food security through the protection of the key pollinator species.
The project is...(complete article here).
New $27 million project will protect key pollinators for food security and biodiversity
WASHINGTON/Nairobi, 8 August 2008 – A new project worth $26.45 million has been launched by the Global Environment Facility to better protect bees, bats and birds that are essential to the world’s crop production.
The unique five-year project “Conservation & Management of Pollinators for Sustainable Agriculture through an Ecosystem Approach”, which will be implemented through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will help ensure food security through the protection of the key pollinator species.
The project is...(complete article here).
Ethanol Making Money -- Barely
Demand is closely tied to the infrastructure to handle it.
U.S. ethanol makers profit slightly for a month
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Average margins for making U.S. ethanol avoided sinking into losses for the last four weeks, but were only narrowly profitable as supply bested demand, analysts said.
U.S. distillers were making about 15 to 25 cents per gallon for the week ending Thursday, about the same as last week, despite...(complete article here).
U.S. ethanol makers profit slightly for a month
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Average margins for making U.S. ethanol avoided sinking into losses for the last four weeks, but were only narrowly profitable as supply bested demand, analysts said.
U.S. distillers were making about 15 to 25 cents per gallon for the week ending Thursday, about the same as last week, despite...(complete article here).
Geothermal Leasing Record
It will take all types of energy generation to become energy independent.
U.S. geothermal lease sale raises record $28.2 mln
By Jasmin Melvin
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Interior Department said Friday it raised a record $28.2 million this week from leasing federal lands to companies for developing geothermal energy resources.
Geothermal energy, harnessed from steam and hot water beneath the earth that powers turbines, generates 17 percent of the electricity that comes from...(complete article here).
U.S. geothermal lease sale raises record $28.2 mln
By Jasmin Melvin
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Interior Department said Friday it raised a record $28.2 million this week from leasing federal lands to companies for developing geothermal energy resources.
Geothermal energy, harnessed from steam and hot water beneath the earth that powers turbines, generates 17 percent of the electricity that comes from...(complete article here).
Compressor-less Refrigerators of the Future
This one has a lot of interesting implications and possible applications.
Compressor-free refrigerator may loom in the future
Thursday, August 7, 2008
University Park, Pa. -- Refrigerators and other cooling devices may one day lose their compressors and coils of piping and become solid state, according to Penn State researchers who are investigating electrically induced heat effects of some ferroelectric polymers.
"This is the first step in the development of an electric field refrigeration unit," says Qiming Zhang, distinguished professor of electrical engineering. "For the future, we can envision a flat panel refrigerator. No more coils, no more compressors, just...(complete article here).
Compressor-free refrigerator may loom in the future
Thursday, August 7, 2008
University Park, Pa. -- Refrigerators and other cooling devices may one day lose their compressors and coils of piping and become solid state, according to Penn State researchers who are investigating electrically induced heat effects of some ferroelectric polymers.
"This is the first step in the development of an electric field refrigeration unit," says Qiming Zhang, distinguished professor of electrical engineering. "For the future, we can envision a flat panel refrigerator. No more coils, no more compressors, just...(complete article here).
No Farms No Food
If you look, you will notice a new button in my sidebar that links to "Friends of Farmland," part of the American Farmland Trust. They are making an effort to enlist as many bloggers as possible that are interested in agriculture to promote the importance of our farmland. Check out the link, look around their site and then include their button on your blog (you can get the button by clicking on the one on my sidebar). After all, without farms where would we get our food?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
EPA Blows The Call on This One
The corn grower's lobby wins another one.
EPA rejects Texas request to cut ethanol waiver
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday it denied a request by Texas to cut the federal ethanol mandate requiring 9 billion gallons of ethanol and other renewable fuels to be blended into gasoline this year.
The EPA said...(complete article here).
EPA rejects Texas request to cut ethanol waiver
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday it denied a request by Texas to cut the federal ethanol mandate requiring 9 billion gallons of ethanol and other renewable fuels to be blended into gasoline this year.
The EPA said...(complete article here).
EU Cereal Harvest Projections
We may see U.S. yields down significantly. This is important news.
Annual crop yield forecast: European Commission foresees above average cereals harvest for 2008
Annual crop yield forecast: European Commission foresees above average cereals harvest for 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Thermal Anomaly in California
This is just interesting....
Southern California Hot Spot Hits 812 Degrees, Baffles Experts
The ground is so hot in one part of Southern California it can melt your shoes right off your feet.
An unexplained "thermal anomaly" caused a patch of land in Ventura County to reach a temperature of over 800 degrees on Friday, baffling experts who have been monitoring the area for weeks.
The anomaly was discovered after...(complete article here).
Southern California Hot Spot Hits 812 Degrees, Baffles Experts
The ground is so hot in one part of Southern California it can melt your shoes right off your feet.
An unexplained "thermal anomaly" caused a patch of land in Ventura County to reach a temperature of over 800 degrees on Friday, baffling experts who have been monitoring the area for weeks.
The anomaly was discovered after...(complete article here).
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Nebraska Wind
Windmills in Nebraska need transmission lines to truly be of benefit.
In the Hills of Nebraska, Change Is on the Horizon
By DAN BARRY
Published: August 4, 2008
AINSWORTH, Neb.
Driving south out of the agricultural town of Ainsworth, you can’t miss its newest crop: wind turbines, three dozen of them, with steel stalks 230 feet high and petal-like blades 131 feet long, sprouting improbably from the sand hills of north-central Nebraska, beside ruminating cattle.
Though painted gray, the...(complete article here).
In the Hills of Nebraska, Change Is on the Horizon
By DAN BARRY
Published: August 4, 2008
AINSWORTH, Neb.
Driving south out of the agricultural town of Ainsworth, you can’t miss its newest crop: wind turbines, three dozen of them, with steel stalks 230 feet high and petal-like blades 131 feet long, sprouting improbably from the sand hills of north-central Nebraska, beside ruminating cattle.
Though painted gray, the...(complete article here).
Friday, August 1, 2008
Carbon Sequestration and Wildfire
More evidence that we don't know enough to know what we don't know when it comes to how to combat "global warming."
Wildfires May Improve Forests' Ability to Sequester Carbon
When saving trees means less carbon storage
By Keren Blankfeld Schultz
Wildfires wreaked havoc across southern California last year, resulting in billions of dollars in irreparable damage. Not surprisingly, land managers and agencies this season have mobilized fire crews and equipment to stop the flames before they spread. In the meantime, however, researchers studying the amount of carbon that forests and vegetation harbor have stumbled on a finding that presents an added quandary to fire management: suppressing fires means that less carbon is stored in trees.
The team, led by Michael L. Goulden of the University of California, Irvine, compared the...(complete article here).
Wildfires May Improve Forests' Ability to Sequester Carbon
When saving trees means less carbon storage
By Keren Blankfeld Schultz
Wildfires wreaked havoc across southern California last year, resulting in billions of dollars in irreparable damage. Not surprisingly, land managers and agencies this season have mobilized fire crews and equipment to stop the flames before they spread. In the meantime, however, researchers studying the amount of carbon that forests and vegetation harbor have stumbled on a finding that presents an added quandary to fire management: suppressing fires means that less carbon is stored in trees.
The team, led by Michael L. Goulden of the University of California, Irvine, compared the...(complete article here).
New Conservation Mechanism Announced
Finding threatened or endangered species on private land sends shivers up the spine of the land owner. The Endangered Species Act penalizes landowners through restrictions. New ways to incent landowners to report threatened or endangered species and to gain their cooperation in preservation or recovery efforts is good.
Secretary Kempthorne Announces New Conservation Mechanism for Threatened and Endangered Species
Washington, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has developed an innovative new tool designed to help federal agencies conserve imperiled species on non-federal lands. The recovery crediting system will give federal agencies greater flexibility to offset impacts to threatened and endangered species caused by their actions by undertaking conservation efforts on non-federal lands, with the requirement that there is a net benefit to...(complete article here).
Secretary Kempthorne Announces New Conservation Mechanism for Threatened and Endangered Species
Washington, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has developed an innovative new tool designed to help federal agencies conserve imperiled species on non-federal lands. The recovery crediting system will give federal agencies greater flexibility to offset impacts to threatened and endangered species caused by their actions by undertaking conservation efforts on non-federal lands, with the requirement that there is a net benefit to...(complete article here).
MIT's New Solar Storage Technology
New energy technologies such as solar and wind are constrained by their variability. The ability to store the energy generated at peak production during times of little or no production is critical. MIT is moving forward in the realm of solar energy.
'Major discovery' from MIT primed to unleash solar revolution
Scientists mimic essence of plants' energy storage system
Anne Trafton, News Office
July 31, 2008
In a revolutionary leap that could transform solar power from a marginal, boutique alternative into a mainstream energy source, MIT researchers have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power: storing energy...(complete article here).
'Major discovery' from MIT primed to unleash solar revolution
Scientists mimic essence of plants' energy storage system
Anne Trafton, News Office
July 31, 2008
In a revolutionary leap that could transform solar power from a marginal, boutique alternative into a mainstream energy source, MIT researchers have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power: storing energy...(complete article here).
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