This one is complex. I'm not surprised at the delay. I submitted one of the 15,000 comments that they received. I believe that EPA should grant the waiver.
E.P.A. Delays Ruling on Ethanol
The Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday that it would not meet a July 24 deadline for ruling on a request that the government reduce the federal mandate on how much ethanol must be blended into gasoline this year.
“Rather, additional time is needed to allow...(complete article here).
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Farm Aid Cuts on the WTO Table
This represents a real cut over the decade average but last year the subsidies were only about $7 billion.
U.S. says ready to cut farm aid to $15 billion
GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States is ready to cut its ceiling for trade-distorting farm subsidies to $15 billion a year to help unblock talks for a global trade deal, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said on Tuesday.
The long-awaited offer was...(complete article here).
U.S. says ready to cut farm aid to $15 billion
GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States is ready to cut its ceiling for trade-distorting farm subsidies to $15 billion a year to help unblock talks for a global trade deal, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said on Tuesday.
The long-awaited offer was...(complete article here).
Monday, July 21, 2008
Wind and Wildlife Research Projects
It is important to examine all of the implications of new technology on the environment. This important research will help to evaluate the impact of wind energy production on wildlife. Such impacts are also the subject of the Panhandle Wind and Wildlife Conference to be held August 8-9 in Amarillo, Texas.
Wind Power-Related Research Projects at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Interest in electricity from wind energy has been growing internationally. Large “wind farms” have sprung up around the world, each consisting of scores of turbines standing several hundred feet high with blades at least 100 ft across. Wind energy is relatively inexpensive and clean, without the air pollution and green-house gases that are by-products of coal-burning power plants or the worry about where to dispose of nuclear wastes. This makes the production of electricity from wind attractive.
However, wind turbines can have adverse effects on wildlife. Some wind farms have...(complete article and related links here).
Wind Power-Related Research Projects at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Interest in electricity from wind energy has been growing internationally. Large “wind farms” have sprung up around the world, each consisting of scores of turbines standing several hundred feet high with blades at least 100 ft across. Wind energy is relatively inexpensive and clean, without the air pollution and green-house gases that are by-products of coal-burning power plants or the worry about where to dispose of nuclear wastes. This makes the production of electricity from wind attractive.
However, wind turbines can have adverse effects on wildlife. Some wind farms have...(complete article and related links here).
They Can't Drink Oil....
Maybe it's time for a new food-for-oil program....
The Food Chain
Mideast Facing Choice Between Crops and Water
CAIRO — Global food shortages have placed the Middle East and North Africa in a quandary, as they are forced to choose between growing more crops to feed an expanding population or preserving their already scant supply of water.
For decades nations in this region have drained aquifers, sucked the salt from seawater and diverted the mighty Nile to make the deserts bloom. But those projects were...(complete article here).
The Food Chain
Mideast Facing Choice Between Crops and Water
CAIRO — Global food shortages have placed the Middle East and North Africa in a quandary, as they are forced to choose between growing more crops to feed an expanding population or preserving their already scant supply of water.
For decades nations in this region have drained aquifers, sucked the salt from seawater and diverted the mighty Nile to make the deserts bloom. But those projects were...(complete article here).
Hydrogen for the Future
Hydrogen is moving closer to reality as a fuel for automobiles.
Hydrogen future doable, experts tell Congress
Best-case scenario: cars free from oil by 2050, and few carbon emissions
A transition to vehicles that run on hydrogen — and independence from oil as well as a sharp drop in carbon emissions — is doable but that best-case scenario requires nearly $200 billion in funding and further breakthroughs, National Research Council experts said Thursday in a report requested by Congress.
While stressing the "best-case scenario" nature of their report, the experts concluded...(complete article here).
Hydrogen future doable, experts tell Congress
Best-case scenario: cars free from oil by 2050, and few carbon emissions
A transition to vehicles that run on hydrogen — and independence from oil as well as a sharp drop in carbon emissions — is doable but that best-case scenario requires nearly $200 billion in funding and further breakthroughs, National Research Council experts said Thursday in a report requested by Congress.
While stressing the "best-case scenario" nature of their report, the experts concluded...(complete article here).
Wind Infrastructure Approval in Texas
Regulatory approval may have been the easy part. Now the battle will be engaged to determine the routes. That will also likely include eminent domain battles with landowners who don't wish to have their property cut by new transmission lines. It also may generate battles with a few environmental groups because some of those lines could cross key wildlife habitat.
The Panhandle Wind and Wildlife Conference in Amarillo on August 8 and 9 will be an important venue for discussing many of the issues surrounding wind energy and wildlife. It is expected to draw interested persons from a very wide area.
Texas Approves a $4.93 Billion Wind-Power Project
By KATE GALBRAITH
Published: July 19, 2008
Texas regulators have approved a $4.93 billion wind-power transmission project, providing a major lift to the development of wind energy in the state.
The planned web of transmission lines will carry electricity from remote western parts of the state to major population centers like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The lines can handle 18,500 megawatts of power, enough for 3.7 million homes on a hot day when air-conditioners are running.
The project will...(complete article here).
The Panhandle Wind and Wildlife Conference in Amarillo on August 8 and 9 will be an important venue for discussing many of the issues surrounding wind energy and wildlife. It is expected to draw interested persons from a very wide area.
Texas Approves a $4.93 Billion Wind-Power Project
By KATE GALBRAITH
Published: July 19, 2008
Texas regulators have approved a $4.93 billion wind-power transmission project, providing a major lift to the development of wind energy in the state.
The planned web of transmission lines will carry electricity from remote western parts of the state to major population centers like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The lines can handle 18,500 megawatts of power, enough for 3.7 million homes on a hot day when air-conditioners are running.
The project will...(complete article here).
Precision Technology for Sugar Cane Production
New sugar cane research could be important to the ethanol industry.
Application of precision agriculture technologies to sugarcane
H.P. “Sonny” Viator, Richard Johnson and Maurice Wolcott
LSU AgCenter research has demonstrated that conventional, whole-field soil-sampling schemes and field-averaged yields do not satisfactorily describe the variations of yield and soil attributes present in several sugarcane fields. Over a three-year period, the...(complete article here).
Application of precision agriculture technologies to sugarcane
H.P. “Sonny” Viator, Richard Johnson and Maurice Wolcott
LSU AgCenter research has demonstrated that conventional, whole-field soil-sampling schemes and field-averaged yields do not satisfactorily describe the variations of yield and soil attributes present in several sugarcane fields. Over a three-year period, the...(complete article here).
EU Farm Tariff Cuts
Subsidies are an impairment to free trade.
EU offers to cut farm tariffs 60 percent
By BRADLEY S. KLAPPER
Associated Press Writer
GENEVA (AP) -- The European Union said Monday it would be willing to slash farm tariffs by 60 percent as part of a new global trade pact, the deepest cut it has ever offered.
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told reporters at...(complete article here).
EU offers to cut farm tariffs 60 percent
By BRADLEY S. KLAPPER
Associated Press Writer
GENEVA (AP) -- The European Union said Monday it would be willing to slash farm tariffs by 60 percent as part of a new global trade pact, the deepest cut it has ever offered.
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told reporters at...(complete article here).
Friday, July 18, 2008
Another Advantage of Switchgrass
I find it interesting that researchers find that native plants play key roles in ecosystems. Somehow, to me that just seems to be common sense. The complex interactions of plants and animals that we call ecosystems evolved to their peak state for a reason -- everything fit together. Each species has/had its proper role or niche in the environment. Together they all work in the particular environment to which they evolved.
Human or other invasive activity typically disrupts that "fit" at some point or another. It would be great if we could learn enough about such complex systems that we could utilize those interactions to our benefit rather than disrupt them to the point that problems occur. I am by no means a preservationist. I am not one who says that nature would be better off without humans. I am saying that I believe that we could learn a lot from natural systems if we could unlock the various interactions that occur. Maybe the best term is to "integrate" into the system rather than to disrupt it with our activity. That will require radically new thinking in the way that we do things.
Switchgrass May Mean Better Soil
By Don Comis
July 17, 2008
Soils with native grasses such as switchgrass have higher levels of a key soil component called glomalin than soils planted to non-native grasses, according to a study by the Agricultural Research Service at two locations in Mandan, N.D.
Kristine Nichols, a microbiologist with the ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan, conducted the study. Glomalin is a...(complete article here).
Maybe Switchgrass for cellulosic ethanol production would be a good rotation crop on stressed lands. Perhaps we could reclaim some marginal lands through its use.
Human or other invasive activity typically disrupts that "fit" at some point or another. It would be great if we could learn enough about such complex systems that we could utilize those interactions to our benefit rather than disrupt them to the point that problems occur. I am by no means a preservationist. I am not one who says that nature would be better off without humans. I am saying that I believe that we could learn a lot from natural systems if we could unlock the various interactions that occur. Maybe the best term is to "integrate" into the system rather than to disrupt it with our activity. That will require radically new thinking in the way that we do things.
Switchgrass May Mean Better Soil
By Don Comis
July 17, 2008
Soils with native grasses such as switchgrass have higher levels of a key soil component called glomalin than soils planted to non-native grasses, according to a study by the Agricultural Research Service at two locations in Mandan, N.D.
Kristine Nichols, a microbiologist with the ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan, conducted the study. Glomalin is a...(complete article here).
Maybe Switchgrass for cellulosic ethanol production would be a good rotation crop on stressed lands. Perhaps we could reclaim some marginal lands through its use.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Black-footed Ferrets Get Vaccine
The black-footed ferret is one of my favorite critters. Sometimes it is difficult to walk the line between interference and rescue. This is an interesting effort to control pague in the wild.
Ouch! Taking a Shot at Plague: Vaccine Offers Hope for Endangered Ferrets in Plague Outbreak
Endangered black-footed ferrets, like children, aren't exactly lining up to be stuck with a vaccine, but in an effort to help control an extensive outbreak of plague in South Dakota, some of the ferrets are getting dosed with a vaccine given by biologists.
This is the first time the vaccine has been used during a major plague epizootic—an animal version of a human epidemic. Sylvatic plague is an infectious bacterial disease usually...(complete article here).
Ouch! Taking a Shot at Plague: Vaccine Offers Hope for Endangered Ferrets in Plague Outbreak
Endangered black-footed ferrets, like children, aren't exactly lining up to be stuck with a vaccine, but in an effort to help control an extensive outbreak of plague in South Dakota, some of the ferrets are getting dosed with a vaccine given by biologists.
This is the first time the vaccine has been used during a major plague epizootic—an animal version of a human epidemic. Sylvatic plague is an infectious bacterial disease usually...(complete article here).
New Leases Open in Alaska
Each small drop of oil produced domestically is one less that has to be purchased from OPEC.
Record of Decision Sets Stage for Major Lease Sale in National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In a Record of Decision issued today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that it will make land available for oil and gas leasing in the northeast portion of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A).
“This action sets the stage for...(complete article here).
Record of Decision Sets Stage for Major Lease Sale in National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In a Record of Decision issued today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that it will make land available for oil and gas leasing in the northeast portion of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A).
“This action sets the stage for...(complete article here).
Re-thinking OECD Bio-fuels.
Countries are re-thinking biofuel policies -- and well they should. Unintended consequences of existing policies have created havoc. It is time to change course -- especially concerning corn-based ethanol.
Biofuel policies in OECD countries costly and ineffective, says report
16/07/2008 - Government support of biofuel production in OECD countries is costly, has a limited impact on reducing greenhouse gases and improving energy security, and has a significant impact on world crop prices, according to a new study of policies to promote greater production and use of biofuel in OECD countries.
OECD’s Economic Assessment of Biofuel Support Policies says biofuels are currently highly dependent on public funding to be viable. In the US, Canada and the European Union government support for the supply and use of biofuels is expected to rise to around USD 25 billion per year by 2015 from about USD 11 billion in 2006. The report estimates that biofuel support costs...(complete article here).
Biofuel policies in OECD countries costly and ineffective, says report
16/07/2008 - Government support of biofuel production in OECD countries is costly, has a limited impact on reducing greenhouse gases and improving energy security, and has a significant impact on world crop prices, according to a new study of policies to promote greater production and use of biofuel in OECD countries.
OECD’s Economic Assessment of Biofuel Support Policies says biofuels are currently highly dependent on public funding to be viable. In the US, Canada and the European Union government support for the supply and use of biofuels is expected to rise to around USD 25 billion per year by 2015 from about USD 11 billion in 2006. The report estimates that biofuel support costs...(complete article here).
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Petition for More Domestic Energy Production
Senator Cornyn continues to fight for more domestic energy production.
Sen. Cornyn, GOP Leaders Accept Petition Calling for More American Energy Production to Help Lower Gas Prices
More Than 1.3 Million Americans Sign Petition Demanding More American Energy Production From Democrats Who Control Congress
Tuesday, July 15, 2008WASHINGTON—At an event on Capitol Hill earlier today, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, joined members of the House and Senate GOP leadership in accepting the signatures of more than 1.3 million Americans who have signed a petition demanding that Congress increase production of American energy to help reduce gas prices. The petition will be delivered to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
Sen. Cornyn made the following statement...(complete news release here).
Sen. Cornyn, GOP Leaders Accept Petition Calling for More American Energy Production to Help Lower Gas Prices
More Than 1.3 Million Americans Sign Petition Demanding More American Energy Production From Democrats Who Control Congress
Tuesday, July 15, 2008WASHINGTON—At an event on Capitol Hill earlier today, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, joined members of the House and Senate GOP leadership in accepting the signatures of more than 1.3 million Americans who have signed a petition demanding that Congress increase production of American energy to help reduce gas prices. The petition will be delivered to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
Sen. Cornyn made the following statement...(complete news release here).
A Better Way to Produce Hydrogen?
A better way to produce hydrogen....
Researchers generate hydrogen without the carbon footprint
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
University Park, Pa. -- A greener, less expensive method to produce hydrogen for fuel may eventually be possible with the help of water, solar energy and nanotube diodes that use the entire spectrum of the sun's energy, according to Penn State researchers.
"Other researchers have developed ways to produce hydrogen with mind-boggling efficiency, but their approaches are very high cost," says Craig A. Grimes, professor of electrical engineering. "We are working toward something that is cost effective."
Currently, the steam reforming of natural gas produces most of...(complete article here).
Researchers generate hydrogen without the carbon footprint
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
University Park, Pa. -- A greener, less expensive method to produce hydrogen for fuel may eventually be possible with the help of water, solar energy and nanotube diodes that use the entire spectrum of the sun's energy, according to Penn State researchers.
"Other researchers have developed ways to produce hydrogen with mind-boggling efficiency, but their approaches are very high cost," says Craig A. Grimes, professor of electrical engineering. "We are working toward something that is cost effective."
Currently, the steam reforming of natural gas produces most of...(complete article here).
Spices Combat Foodborne Pathogens
I just found this interesting....
Spice-Rack Favorites Battle E. coli and Other Foodborne Pathogens
By Marcia Wood
July 14, 2008
Herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, cinnamon and clove do more than add pleasing flavors and aromas to familiar foods. The oils from these plants, or compounds extracted from those oils, pack a powerful, antimicrobial punch—strong enough to help quell such foodborne pathogens as Escherichia coli O157:H7.
That's according to...(complete article here).
Spice-Rack Favorites Battle E. coli and Other Foodborne Pathogens
By Marcia Wood
July 14, 2008
Herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, cinnamon and clove do more than add pleasing flavors and aromas to familiar foods. The oils from these plants, or compounds extracted from those oils, pack a powerful, antimicrobial punch—strong enough to help quell such foodborne pathogens as Escherichia coli O157:H7.
That's according to...(complete article here).
DOI Supportive Statement to OCS Drilling
As part of the Administration, it is certainly expected that the Secretary would support the President's decision. However, I do applaud the Secretary for his statement. He didn't have to say anything.
Developing these resources in an environmentally responsible manner is important to America's energy future. I hope that Congress will move forward and lift their ban as well.
On this issue, U.S. Senator John Cornyn is hosting "Energy Independence Days" with guest posts by the likes of Governor Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich and soon-to-come, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Head on over and join the discussion.
Secretary Kempthorne Statement on President’s Action Toward Expanding Domestic Energy Production
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today issued the following statement in response to the President’s announcement that he intends to lift the Executive prohibition on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy exploration:
“I applaud...(complete statement here).
Related: U.S. Senator John Cornyn has a guest post at RedState.
Developing these resources in an environmentally responsible manner is important to America's energy future. I hope that Congress will move forward and lift their ban as well.
On this issue, U.S. Senator John Cornyn is hosting "Energy Independence Days" with guest posts by the likes of Governor Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich and soon-to-come, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Head on over and join the discussion.
Secretary Kempthorne Statement on President’s Action Toward Expanding Domestic Energy Production
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today issued the following statement in response to the President’s announcement that he intends to lift the Executive prohibition on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy exploration:
“I applaud...(complete statement here).
Related: U.S. Senator John Cornyn has a guest post at RedState.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Executive Order on Offshore Drilling Lifted
This move by the President puts the issue squarely in the laps of Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. Let's see what the Democrats will do with it.
Bush lifts executive ban on offshore drilling
By DAVID IVANOVICH and KRISTEN HAYS
Houston Chronicle Copyright 2008
WASHINGTON — President Bush, in a largely symbolic move, today lifted an executive order barring oil and gas drilling in most offshore federal waters.
But since Congress has its own drilling moratoriums in place, the move itself won't open new areas for offshore producers to explore.
Instead, Bush's decision...(complete article here).
Bush lifts executive ban on offshore drilling
By DAVID IVANOVICH and KRISTEN HAYS
Houston Chronicle Copyright 2008
WASHINGTON — President Bush, in a largely symbolic move, today lifted an executive order barring oil and gas drilling in most offshore federal waters.
But since Congress has its own drilling moratoriums in place, the move itself won't open new areas for offshore producers to explore.
Instead, Bush's decision...(complete article here).
Wildfire Fighting: Symptoms vs Causes
There are some underlying issues here that need to be addressed. 1) The suppression of fire over the last forever is part of the problem. Fire keeps the brush and trash clear. It is part of the natural order in the ecosystems in question. 2) People need to quit building in high fire risk areas or take steps to decrease their risk. It's like building in a flood plain. One of these days you will wake up with water in your house.
Don't treat the symptoms Mr. Secretary, deal with the root causes.
Secretary Kempthorne Strengthens Interior's Wildland Firefighting Efforts for California, the West
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today issued two orders that will strengthen Interior’s wildland firefighting resources to help address severe conditions in California and bolster efforts across the West during this year’s wildfire season. The actions could make several hundred additional employees available to assist in wildland fire suppression and support activities.
“With the National Preparedness Level at its highest level, the...(complete article here).
Don't treat the symptoms Mr. Secretary, deal with the root causes.
Secretary Kempthorne Strengthens Interior's Wildland Firefighting Efforts for California, the West
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today issued two orders that will strengthen Interior’s wildland firefighting resources to help address severe conditions in California and bolster efforts across the West during this year’s wildfire season. The actions could make several hundred additional employees available to assist in wildland fire suppression and support activities.
“With the National Preparedness Level at its highest level, the...(complete article here).
Switchgrass and Corn Stover for Cellulosic Ethanol
This article discusses some of the economic comparisons between corn stover and switchgrass for cellulosic ethanol production.
Economist: Take 'stalk' in corn stover as state's ethanol future
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Cellulosic ethanol made from corn stover and switchgrass could be the next big thing in liquefied energy. The biggest of the big - at least in Corn Belt states like Indiana - would likely be corn stover, a Purdue University study finds.
Corn stover is plentiful in Indiana because...(complete article here).
Economist: Take 'stalk' in corn stover as state's ethanol future
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Cellulosic ethanol made from corn stover and switchgrass could be the next big thing in liquefied energy. The biggest of the big - at least in Corn Belt states like Indiana - would likely be corn stover, a Purdue University study finds.
Corn stover is plentiful in Indiana because...(complete article here).
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Charging for Wind Infrastructure
OK. So, the majority of Texans are willing to pay an extra $4/month for new transmission infrastructure. Let me ask you -- when was the last time anyone felt like they had a say in what was charged on their electric bill? We just get mad and pay it anyway.
Poll: Majority of Texans open to $4 charge for wind farms
By JANET ELLIOTT
Copyright 2008
Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau
AUSTIN — A majority of Texans would be willing to pay $4 more on their monthly electric bills to create a network of power lines from wind farms, according to a recent poll.
The survey, commissioned by a group of wind generation companies, is being released in advance of state utility regulators' debate over how much new transmission to require for wind-generated electricity. The Public Utility Commission is...(complete article here).
Poll: Majority of Texans open to $4 charge for wind farms
By JANET ELLIOTT
Copyright 2008
Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau
AUSTIN — A majority of Texans would be willing to pay $4 more on their monthly electric bills to create a network of power lines from wind farms, according to a recent poll.
The survey, commissioned by a group of wind generation companies, is being released in advance of state utility regulators' debate over how much new transmission to require for wind-generated electricity. The Public Utility Commission is...(complete article here).
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