Tag Archives: Environment

Washington, D.C. – Global production of biofuels increased 17 percent in 2010 to reach an all-time high of 105 billion liters, up from 90 billion liters in 2009. High oil prices, a global economic rebound, and new laws and mandates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, and the United States, among other countries, are all factors behind the surge in production, …

New study concludes that natural gas offers greenhouse gas advantages over coal despite higher EPA estimates of methane emissions from natural gas systems. Washington, D.C.-Over its full cycle of production, distribution, and use, natural gas emits just over half as many greenhouse gas emissions as coal does for equivalent energy output, according to a new study from the Worldwatch Institute …

Many of us fondly remember Fred Flinstone and his foot-powered automobile. Unfortunately, the self-powered car never materialized in our real world. Instead, we have millions of cars on the road today that all use a lot of gas and produce fumes that are harmful to our environment. Environmentally friendly cars are a big step in the right direction. While many …

I was asked, recently, about renewable energy credits, and the person asking was embarrassed to have to admit that they really knew nothing at all about them. So, I put together this list of things that you may find useful to know about renewable energy credits. 1. Definition. A Renewable Energy Credit, generally referred to as an REC or by …

Researchers potentially find a renewable path to fuel additives, rubber and solvents The right balance of zinc and zirconium oxides in this catalyst (purple block) converts ethanol to isobutene with low amounts of unwanted byproducts such as acetone and ethylene. RICHLAND, Wash. – Researchers in the Pacific Northwest have developed a new catalyst material that could replace chemicals currently derived …

Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG) and Denver International Airport (DIA) today announced the completion of a 4.4-megawatt, ground-mounted solar power system. Constellation Energy built, owns and maintains the solar installation, and DIA will purchase the electricity produced by the system over a 20-year period. It is the third large-scale solar project for DIA, bringing the airport’s total amount of hosted solar power to more than 8 megawatts – the most solar generation at a commercial airport in the United States.

By Congressman Jerry McNerney Ph.D., Co-author of Clean Energy Nation: Freeing America from the Tyranny of Fossil Fuels I make it a point to meet with as many people as possible to learn from the experiences of others and stay connected. It’s important to represent my constituents effectively. In the last year, the tone of the conversations has changed. People …

This could not become a case of “Too good to be true”, if you consider the paradox that if anything is good and is cheap it seems to promptly get sent to a silent grave. This is often easily seen in the field of alternative medicine, so I have no idea why it would be any different with alternative energy. …

In their new book, CLEAN ENERGY NATION Congressman Jerry McNerney, a renewable energy expert, and technology writer Martin Cheek assess the positive and negative aspects of various alternatives.

The study used publicly-available data in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The analysis, entitled “Toxic Power: How Power Plants Contaminate Our Air and States” was jointly released today by NRDC and Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR).

South by Southwest (SXSW) Conferences and Festivals announced today it will launch the inaugural SXSW Eco Conference to bring together experts in the fields committed to finding solutions for a sustainable world.

Energy efficiency programs save UC $21 million per year Improved light controls, such as those that are part of UC Davis’ Smart Lighting Program, are among ways UC campuses are improving energy efficiency in existing buildings. By Harry Mok UC has won national praise for its 50 LEED-certified facilities, the most of any U.S. university. Many are considered shining examples …

The people of Japan are courageously moving forward after the devastation of a 9.0 earthquake, a tsunami that ripped apart buildings and roads, and a nuclear crisis that now threatens their food and water. The Japanese economy depends in no small measure on the success of its automotive industry and its complex eco-system of component suppliers and service providers. Just …

The terrible tragedy in Japan is bad enough with all the lost lives and crushed cities and towns but now the battle to save the damaged nuclear power plants has the government scrambling to prevent an even larger disaster from happening which could impact beyond the Japanese borders if it does not resolve. This article is from National Geo and …

If you’ve ever thought about converting your home or business to solar electric power, it’s easier than ever to make the conversion. The process of converting is not only convenient but beneficial as well especially with the government offering tax incentives to homeowners and business owners who are making the shift and the ability to stay connected to the local …

Gellert Varga asked: There are hundreds of thousand hybrid cars on the roads in the U.S. In addition, more and more hybrid cars are being sold and the dealerships of these fuel efficient vehicles are celebrating the record sales. But several environmentalists this might lead to a problem. They are afraid that the hybrid outbreak might turn into nickel hydride …

There are a lot of misconceptions out there with home and business owners about switching to solar electricity. “It’s not cost effective,” “It’s unsightly,” and “It doesn’t save that much electricity” are just a few of them. However, most of those misconceptions simply aren’t true anymore, particularly with advances made in the technology and the accommodations being made for solar …

A little different take on Green and alternative energy today as we host guest post from Sara dealing with eco-friendly eyewear. A nice shout out to Sara for contributing today. The reasons for individuals and companies alike to adopt mindful and environmentally friendly behaviors are compelling. Increasingly, businesses are joining the cause to promote best practices that support and protect …

There are many myths surrounding the idea of proprietors choosing to use solar electricity. Examples of these misconceptions are the lines, “It’s ugly”, “It does not help you save money”, “It hardly saves electricity”. Nevertheless, with the new breakthrough in technology and the changes made in solar power, these misconceptions no longer hold any form of truth. There are actually …

In case you are contemplating on shifting to solar electric power, it might be beneficial for you to know that it is now easier to make the shift. Not only is the process more convenient than it used to be, but nowadays the government offers generous tax incentives for homes and businesses that make the conversion-plus, in most cases you …