It seems like only yesterday that Georgia was concerned about running out of water. The warnings were out that Atlanta had only a few weeks supply before they would be required to ship water into the drought stricken city. So, why does former President Jimmy Carter want to ensure that these new dams are not built?
Carter Takes Up New Fight Railing Against Georgia Dams
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Texas RRC Chairman Williams on Coal
Texas Railroad Commission Chairman, Michael Williams, has some interesting thoughts on the use of coal for electrical generation in Texas.
Energy Solutions Part II – Clean Coal
Energy Solutions Part II – Clean Coal
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Recycling Water in Southern California
I believe this will become increasingly common. Aside from the psychological issues, there's nothing wrong with it.
From Toilet to Tap: Waste Water Converted to Drinking Water in Southern California
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Would you drink your toilet water? If you live in Southern California, you might not have a choice.
The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District gave the green light this month to a $300,000 contract involving a treatment plant that converts waste water into purified drinking water and stores it in the San Gabriel Basin, according to The San Bernardino County Sun.
It's a plan intended to protect area residents during droughts.
"This will help us...(complete article here).
From Toilet to Tap: Waste Water Converted to Drinking Water in Southern California
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Would you drink your toilet water? If you live in Southern California, you might not have a choice.
The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District gave the green light this month to a $300,000 contract involving a treatment plant that converts waste water into purified drinking water and stores it in the San Gabriel Basin, according to The San Bernardino County Sun.
It's a plan intended to protect area residents during droughts.
"This will help us...(complete article here).
Texas PUF to Benefit From Oil Land Deal
The old boys that sat down and wrote the Texas Constitution back in 1876 certainly created a blessing for the future college students of the state. They probably had no idea what they set in motion -- but they did a good thing.
UT banking on profit from oil land dealsUp to $1 billion possible to beef up its endowment
By JANET ELLIOTT
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau
AUSTIN — The University of Texas System is looking to trade on high oil prices — and potentially raise up to $1 billion for its endowment — by selling future production from land it manages in West Texas.
The regents this week authorized UT officials to negotiate with one or more parties to sell a portion of its oil and gas production at a fixed price over a set time period.
The buyer would pay up front for...(complete article here).
UT banking on profit from oil land dealsUp to $1 billion possible to beef up its endowment
By JANET ELLIOTT
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau
AUSTIN — The University of Texas System is looking to trade on high oil prices — and potentially raise up to $1 billion for its endowment — by selling future production from land it manages in West Texas.
The regents this week authorized UT officials to negotiate with one or more parties to sell a portion of its oil and gas production at a fixed price over a set time period.
The buyer would pay up front for...(complete article here).
Ethanol Backlash Building?
There are myriad arguments against ethanol. Some are legitimate and some are uninformed. Whatever the basis, many people are resisting the inclusion of ethanol in their fuel tanks. I believe that the RFS mandates are misguided although well-intended. Although difficult, it is time to change course away from corn-based ethanol.
In Gas-Powered World, Ethanol Stirs Complaints
By KATE GALBRAITH
Published: July 26, 2008
OKLAHOMA CITY — “Why Do You Put Alcohol in Your Tank?” demands a large sign outside one gas station here, which reassures drivers that it sells only “100% Gas.”
“No Corn in Our Gas,” advertises another station nearby.
Along the highways of this sprawling prairie city, and in other pockets of the country, a mutiny is growing against energy policies that...(complete article here).
In Gas-Powered World, Ethanol Stirs Complaints
By KATE GALBRAITH
Published: July 26, 2008
OKLAHOMA CITY — “Why Do You Put Alcohol in Your Tank?” demands a large sign outside one gas station here, which reassures drivers that it sells only “100% Gas.”
“No Corn in Our Gas,” advertises another station nearby.
Along the highways of this sprawling prairie city, and in other pockets of the country, a mutiny is growing against energy policies that...(complete article here).
New Capture Apparatus for Deer
For the uninformed: Bambi can be a dangerous critter. Between sharp hooves and antlers, they can defend themselves fairly well. Capturing them for research purposes can be hazardous to both the humans and the animals involved. Safe-handling apparatus is beneficial to both the captor and the captured.
ARS-Developed Apparatus Captures Deer Safely, Effectively and with Minimal Trauma
By Alfredo Flores
July 25, 2008
A portable device that allows researchers to humanely trap deer and other wildlife as part of field studies to control ticks and other parasites has been developed by an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist.
The apparatus...(complete news release here).
ARS-Developed Apparatus Captures Deer Safely, Effectively and with Minimal Trauma
By Alfredo Flores
July 25, 2008
A portable device that allows researchers to humanely trap deer and other wildlife as part of field studies to control ticks and other parasites has been developed by an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist.
The apparatus...(complete news release here).
Cuban Economic Reform?
A communist dictatorship just doesn't work. Cuba has plenty of agricultural potential. They only utilize about 50% of their arable land and yet their people don't have enough to eat.
Cuba struggles for economic reform
By Claire Bolderson
BBC News, Havana
In a small flat in a leafy neighbourhood of Havana, Juan Jacomino points to the mismatched tiles on his living room floor.
He bought the first lot of tiles, then found he needed a few more but when he went back to the shop, they had disappeared.
That is common he says, particularly with imported goods.
"My advice is, if you something you need, or you think you might need one day, buy it!" says the translator and freelance journalist.
"Don't wait till tomorrow because when you come back it won't be there and you may never see it again."
Juan attributes the erratic supplies to the US sanctions in place for well over 40 years.
They certainly do affect imports but when it comes to other goods, particularly food, Cuba has...(complete article here).
Cuba struggles for economic reform
By Claire Bolderson
BBC News, Havana
In a small flat in a leafy neighbourhood of Havana, Juan Jacomino points to the mismatched tiles on his living room floor.
He bought the first lot of tiles, then found he needed a few more but when he went back to the shop, they had disappeared.
That is common he says, particularly with imported goods.
"My advice is, if you something you need, or you think you might need one day, buy it!" says the translator and freelance journalist.
"Don't wait till tomorrow because when you come back it won't be there and you may never see it again."
Juan attributes the erratic supplies to the US sanctions in place for well over 40 years.
They certainly do affect imports but when it comes to other goods, particularly food, Cuba has...(complete article here).
Friday, July 25, 2008
Tainted Mexican Jalapenos: No Salsa Tonight!
I'm shocked! Perhaps they're being a little more careful with their pronouncements after wrecking the domestic tomato industry for no reason.
FDA: Avoid jalapenos from Mexico, not US
By LAURAN NEERGAARD
AP Medical Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Only jalapeno peppers grown in Mexico seem to be implicated in the nationwide salmonella outbreak, the government announced Friday in clearing the U.S. crop.
The Food and Drug Administration urged consumers to...(complete story here).
FDA: Avoid jalapenos from Mexico, not US
By LAURAN NEERGAARD
AP Medical Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Only jalapeno peppers grown in Mexico seem to be implicated in the nationwide salmonella outbreak, the government announced Friday in clearing the U.S. crop.
The Food and Drug Administration urged consumers to...(complete story here).
We Can Do Better
We frequently see the debate between “environmentalists” and the rest of us as framed in an “us” vs. “them” manner. Business people feel that the environmental movement is nothing but a roadblock to progress. People in developing countries see environmental groups preventing them from experiencing the luxuries of the west because they hinder the utilization of the natural resources at hand.
Environmental groups often carry names like “Friends of the Earth” or “Save the Wildlife.” Those types of names carry with them a stigma that immediately sets on edge the typical businessman.
What if the debate became a completely economic one?
There is within the economic community the idea that when external costs are internalized into the price of a good or service, the decision to allocate resources to that good or service often changes. An example of internalizing these externalities would be the impact of a uranium mine on the Navajo Reservation. In order to avoid the potential complexities of the decision, let’s limit it to one possible issue – or, external cost -- the impact of the mining activity on the water supply of a community.
Suppose that the mine is located within the watershed of a Navajo community. To fully understand the cost to develop the mine, the potential pollution of the community’s water supply must be examined. Such examination would need to include preventative measures and possible remediation in the event of contamination. It also would need to look at long-term effects to wildlife residing in the watershed. Wildlife might provide hunting lease income to the reservation. It might also be of significant cultural value that would be difficult to price. It might affect tourist income from photography or viewing. It might impact local artisans who utilize specific clays located within the watershed.
With the exception of preventing and remediating potential contamination, none of the impacts mentioned are direct costs to the mine owner/operator. They are however, external costs to the community of locating the mine in their watershed.
How does one determine the value of natural resources? We can estimate the value of mineral deposits. We can value land based on the transactional market for similar properties. But, how do we value the less obvious things such as: filtering the water supply, tourism, hunting and fishing, recreation, moderating effects on climate, flood protection, erosion control and other items about which we don’t currently understand?
Hopefully in the near future, we will see attention paid to such values. Such things must be part of an overall land use plan before disruptive activities are begun. We need oil, natural gas, wind energy, solar energy, coal and we need minerals that can only be obtained through extractive activities. Surely we have learned enough of the complex interactions of the environment to begin to make sound evaluations of our activities in a broader sense. We must learn to utilize our resources without destroying our surroundings. Let’s drill – but let’s do so in an environmentally informed manner. Let’s build windmills for electrical generation – but let’s situate them in a manner that retains the benefits of our wild lands. Let’s learn from the unintended consequences of our past mistakes – such as ruined lakes and streams from coal mining or oil and gas extraction. We can do better.
Environmental groups often carry names like “Friends of the Earth” or “Save the Wildlife.” Those types of names carry with them a stigma that immediately sets on edge the typical businessman.
What if the debate became a completely economic one?
There is within the economic community the idea that when external costs are internalized into the price of a good or service, the decision to allocate resources to that good or service often changes. An example of internalizing these externalities would be the impact of a uranium mine on the Navajo Reservation. In order to avoid the potential complexities of the decision, let’s limit it to one possible issue – or, external cost -- the impact of the mining activity on the water supply of a community.
Suppose that the mine is located within the watershed of a Navajo community. To fully understand the cost to develop the mine, the potential pollution of the community’s water supply must be examined. Such examination would need to include preventative measures and possible remediation in the event of contamination. It also would need to look at long-term effects to wildlife residing in the watershed. Wildlife might provide hunting lease income to the reservation. It might also be of significant cultural value that would be difficult to price. It might affect tourist income from photography or viewing. It might impact local artisans who utilize specific clays located within the watershed.
With the exception of preventing and remediating potential contamination, none of the impacts mentioned are direct costs to the mine owner/operator. They are however, external costs to the community of locating the mine in their watershed.
How does one determine the value of natural resources? We can estimate the value of mineral deposits. We can value land based on the transactional market for similar properties. But, how do we value the less obvious things such as: filtering the water supply, tourism, hunting and fishing, recreation, moderating effects on climate, flood protection, erosion control and other items about which we don’t currently understand?
Hopefully in the near future, we will see attention paid to such values. Such things must be part of an overall land use plan before disruptive activities are begun. We need oil, natural gas, wind energy, solar energy, coal and we need minerals that can only be obtained through extractive activities. Surely we have learned enough of the complex interactions of the environment to begin to make sound evaluations of our activities in a broader sense. We must learn to utilize our resources without destroying our surroundings. Let’s drill – but let’s do so in an environmentally informed manner. Let’s build windmills for electrical generation – but let’s situate them in a manner that retains the benefits of our wild lands. Let’s learn from the unintended consequences of our past mistakes – such as ruined lakes and streams from coal mining or oil and gas extraction. We can do better.
CRP Decision and Consequences
My business is dependent on cattle production. The industry needed the release of CRP for grazing due to the extremely high feed costs caused by corn-based ethanol production. My experience tells me though, that this decision may not be the best for wildlife in some areas. I would have preferred for the authorization to allow that haying and grazing be limited to no more than 80% of each tract of CRP. The remaining 20% would preferably have been in strips or possibly on the most sensitive portions of a tract for wildlife. This would allow a reservoir of untouched grass for wildlife cover. I fear that many tracts will be overgrazed.
U.S. judge allows haying and grazing on CRP land
By Christopher Doering
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. farmers and ranchers who have already been approved can participate in a government program allowing haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve land, a federal judge in Seattle said on Thursday.
In the decision, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour also ruled the...(complete article here).
U.S. judge allows haying and grazing on CRP land
By Christopher Doering
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. farmers and ranchers who have already been approved can participate in a government program allowing haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve land, a federal judge in Seattle said on Thursday.
In the decision, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour also ruled the...(complete article here).
Food vs. Fuel: The Battle Rages
The food versus fuel fight continues....
New U.S. group defends ethanol in food vs fuel fight
By Lisa Shumaker
CHICAGO (Reuters) - A new group is adding its voice to the debate on using crops to produce alternative fuels such as ethanol amid rising food prices and shortages in some countries.
The Alliance for Abundant Food and Energy in Washington D.C. was created by...(complete article here).
Notice who has joined this alliance. ADM -- one of the largest grain companies in the world. Dupont -- maker of farm chemicals. Deere & Co. -- who have experienced a boom in their farm equipment business since the advent of RFS and corn-based ethanol. Monsanto -- the GM seed giant. They really aren't interested in the cost of food -- just their bottom line.
New U.S. group defends ethanol in food vs fuel fight
By Lisa Shumaker
CHICAGO (Reuters) - A new group is adding its voice to the debate on using crops to produce alternative fuels such as ethanol amid rising food prices and shortages in some countries.
The Alliance for Abundant Food and Energy in Washington D.C. was created by...(complete article here).
Notice who has joined this alliance. ADM -- one of the largest grain companies in the world. Dupont -- maker of farm chemicals. Deere & Co. -- who have experienced a boom in their farm equipment business since the advent of RFS and corn-based ethanol. Monsanto -- the GM seed giant. They really aren't interested in the cost of food -- just their bottom line.
Salmon Farming Organic Style
This is an interesting article about salmon farming. One of the things that stands out to me is that salmon farming, like beef production and other farming operations, is going organic. It isn't just about farm-raised versus wild anymore.
The salmon business: Can marine farming ever be eco friendly?
Every day, a million Britons tuck into salmon, and demand is rising fast. Marine farming is the supermarkets' answer – but can it ever be eco-friendly?
Martin Hickman reports
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Salmon is an easy fish to love. Simple and tasty, its pink flesh is pulled from supermarket shelves and transformed into an array of increasingly exotic dishes.
Fried with wasabi, baked with sea-salt, or served Thai-style on a bed of noodles, the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is an everyday stalwart of the nation's cookery shows, recipe books and domestic kitchens.
So common, in fact, that...(complete article here).
The salmon business: Can marine farming ever be eco friendly?
Every day, a million Britons tuck into salmon, and demand is rising fast. Marine farming is the supermarkets' answer – but can it ever be eco-friendly?
Martin Hickman reports
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Salmon is an easy fish to love. Simple and tasty, its pink flesh is pulled from supermarket shelves and transformed into an array of increasingly exotic dishes.
Fried with wasabi, baked with sea-salt, or served Thai-style on a bed of noodles, the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is an everyday stalwart of the nation's cookery shows, recipe books and domestic kitchens.
So common, in fact, that...(complete article here).
Maine Attacks the Chemical Industry
I am all for safe products but, a couple of thoughts here:
U.S. state wages fight against toxic chemicals
By Mercedes Grandin
AUGUSTA, Maine (Reuters) - Hannah Pingree was so alarmed when she learned she had dangerously high levels of mercury, arsenic and other toxic chemicals in her body that she took her case to the Maine state legislature and challenged chemical makers.
As the majority leader of Maine's House of Representatives, she...(complete article here).
- If Maine bans chemicals that other states don't or the EPA does not, will they just be reducing the number and variety of products available in Maine? Is the population of Maine large enough that manufacturers can justify major changes just to accomodate them?
- Quality of life in the U.S. is largely the result of the abundance of products available to us. Those products seem to get better -- not worse. Certainly we learn from past experience -- such as removing lead from paint -- but, it sounds as if Maine is looking at a wholesale ban of large groups of products. Do they want a lower quality of life? Or, have they set their expectations on perfection? Are their citizens willing to pay for it?
- Leave it to the EPA. If they have enough extra money in Maine to build their own version of the EPA, why don't they send it to Washington and make the existing one better?
U.S. state wages fight against toxic chemicals
By Mercedes Grandin
AUGUSTA, Maine (Reuters) - Hannah Pingree was so alarmed when she learned she had dangerously high levels of mercury, arsenic and other toxic chemicals in her body that she took her case to the Maine state legislature and challenged chemical makers.
As the majority leader of Maine's House of Representatives, she...(complete article here).
RFS Standards Review
RFS is under pressure due to the unintended consequences of corn-based ethanol production. Let's hope the House subcommittee does something about it.
Subcommittee Reviews Renewable Fuel Standard Implementation
WASHINGTON - Today, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research held a hearing to review the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) implementation and agriculture producer eligibility. Congressman Tim Holden of Pennsylvania is Chairman of the Subcommittee.
"As our economy diversifies its energy supply, it is critical we take advantage of all potential sources of renewable biomass," Holden said. "Unfortunately, the...(complete news release here).
Subcommittee Reviews Renewable Fuel Standard Implementation
WASHINGTON - Today, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research held a hearing to review the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) implementation and agriculture producer eligibility. Congressman Tim Holden of Pennsylvania is Chairman of the Subcommittee.
"As our economy diversifies its energy supply, it is critical we take advantage of all potential sources of renewable biomass," Holden said. "Unfortunately, the...(complete news release here).
Proper Storage of Bagged Salads
Bacteria and viruses are pervasive in the environment. They are everywhere -- including on food. Proper handling and preparation are necessary to prevent transmission of those pathogens to humans. Wash your food before preparation. Keep food preparation surfaces clean. Store foods at the proper temperature. Cook foods adequately. Wash your hands!
These simple things can greatly reduce problems like e. coli and salmonella outbreaks that we have seen in the news recently.
Cold Temperature is Key to Quality of Bagged Salads
By Rosalie Marion Bliss
July 24, 2008
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have found that proper storage temperatures are essential to minimize bacterial growth and adaptability inside sealed, bagged salads. They have been studying the safety of new technologies that extend the shelf life of bagged salad greens.
The work was...(complete news release here).
These simple things can greatly reduce problems like e. coli and salmonella outbreaks that we have seen in the news recently.
Cold Temperature is Key to Quality of Bagged Salads
By Rosalie Marion Bliss
July 24, 2008
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have found that proper storage temperatures are essential to minimize bacterial growth and adaptability inside sealed, bagged salads. They have been studying the safety of new technologies that extend the shelf life of bagged salad greens.
The work was...(complete news release here).
Thursday, July 24, 2008
New Bio-fuels Technology and Venture Capital
It takes a lot of capital to gear up for a new industry on a scale that will make a dent in our energy needs. The risks are high and the benefits unknown. Without significant government subsidies it is unlikely that many of the current ventures would be attempted.
Gassing Up With Garbage
By MATTHEW L. WALD
Published: July 24, 2008
After years of false starts, a new industry selling motor fuel made from waste is getting a big push in the United States, with the first commercial sales possible within months.
Many companies have announced plans to build plants that would take in material like wood chips, garbage or crop waste and turn out motor fuels.
About...(complete article here).
Gassing Up With Garbage
By MATTHEW L. WALD
Published: July 24, 2008
After years of false starts, a new industry selling motor fuel made from waste is getting a big push in the United States, with the first commercial sales possible within months.
Many companies have announced plans to build plants that would take in material like wood chips, garbage or crop waste and turn out motor fuels.
About...(complete article here).
New Gulfcrimson Peach Variety Released
If we are truly seeing long-term shifts in weather patterns that result in warmer winters, this new variety of peach could be an important economic variety for growers -- particularly in the southern U.S.
ARS Releases Gulfcrimson Peach to Nurseries
By Sharon Durham
July 23 , 2008
A new peach variety that requires less winter chilling will give growers in the southeastern lower coastal plain an edge--and consumers a more reliable supply--of early summertime peaches.
The new variety, called...(complete news release here).
ARS Releases Gulfcrimson Peach to Nurseries
By Sharon Durham
July 23 , 2008
A new peach variety that requires less winter chilling will give growers in the southeastern lower coastal plain an edge--and consumers a more reliable supply--of early summertime peaches.
The new variety, called...(complete news release here).
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A Successful Agricultural Stimulus in Africa
It is good to see a success story in Africa.
A winner
Input trade fairs boost harvests in Swaziland
Rome/Mbabane – With food prices hitting record highs world wide, FAO is helping implement urgent measures to increase local food production in the most affected countries. A telling example from Swaziland shows how input trade fairs enable poor farmers boost their crops.
Passing through the sloping green fields of Swaziland’s central plains one may well imagine that agriculture is thriving in...(complete article here).
A winner
Input trade fairs boost harvests in Swaziland
Rome/Mbabane – With food prices hitting record highs world wide, FAO is helping implement urgent measures to increase local food production in the most affected countries. A telling example from Swaziland shows how input trade fairs enable poor farmers boost their crops.
Passing through the sloping green fields of Swaziland’s central plains one may well imagine that agriculture is thriving in...(complete article here).
The Wind Boom in West Texas
New industry is an economic stimulus. In some areas, it may be economic salvation.
In Windy West Texas, An Economic Boom
by Ben Block on July 23, 2008
This is the first feature in a weekly, three-part series on green jobs in various sectors of the global economy.
Growing up in West Texas, Larry Martin became well accustomed to the challenges of living off the land. Raised on a cotton farm outside the small town of Sweetwater, he recalls defending his family's crops from sandstorms after a hard rain. More often, he hoped the region's brutal droughts would not burn the cotton to death.
Cotton farming in West Texas is...(complete article here).
In Windy West Texas, An Economic Boom
by Ben Block on July 23, 2008
This is the first feature in a weekly, three-part series on green jobs in various sectors of the global economy.
Growing up in West Texas, Larry Martin became well accustomed to the challenges of living off the land. Raised on a cotton farm outside the small town of Sweetwater, he recalls defending his family's crops from sandstorms after a hard rain. More often, he hoped the region's brutal droughts would not burn the cotton to death.
Cotton farming in West Texas is...(complete article here).
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Oil Shale Rules Proposed
One more step toward energy independence.
Bush Administration to Propose Rules for Oil Shale Leases
Monday, July 21, 2008
WASHINGTON — The Bush administration wants to set the stage before leaving office for developing oil shale, rocky deposits in the western U.S. that could eventually yield 800 billion barrels of oil, according to government estimates.
The Interior Department is scheduled to unveil proposed regulations Tuesday for a program to sell oil shale leases on federal lands, similar to the leases sold now for oil and natural gas both on and offshore.
The shale is concentrated in...(complete article here).
Bush Administration to Propose Rules for Oil Shale Leases
Monday, July 21, 2008
WASHINGTON — The Bush administration wants to set the stage before leaving office for developing oil shale, rocky deposits in the western U.S. that could eventually yield 800 billion barrels of oil, according to government estimates.
The Interior Department is scheduled to unveil proposed regulations Tuesday for a program to sell oil shale leases on federal lands, similar to the leases sold now for oil and natural gas both on and offshore.
The shale is concentrated in...(complete article here).
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