The second book in my 2012 La Nina Reading List was “Roosters of The Apocalypse,” by Rael Jean Isaac. This book could be a dictionary definition of “opposite” as compared to Climate Wars. Where Climate Wars is on the far right side of hysteria of the evils of climate change, Roosters of The Apocalypse is on the far left side of hysteria that …
Book Review – Climate Wars
The first book on my 2012 La Nina Reading List was “Climate Wars” by Gwynne Dyer. The premise of this book is that global warming is happening and will continue to happen and as the world overheats, the result will be a range of “climate wars”. One of his hypotheses is that the climate will change and affect different regions …
The Mohave Desert Soon to Produce Golden Power
Google has gone far beyond “web searches” and delved into projects that would save “Google” earth. The company has invested in several high profile projects, one being the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS). Once completed, this project is being hailed as the largest solar project in the world and will use the lastest solar technologies to capitalize on converting …
Low Carbon Fuel Standard Could Double Gas Prices
A new study released today by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) indicates that a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states could result in doubling gasoline prices and other negative economic impacts. The study, “Analysis of the Economic Impact of a Regional Low Carbon Fuel Standard on Northeast/Mid-Atlantic States,” estimates that an LCFS over ten years would …
Environmental Groups Back Out of RFS Challenge
Environmental organizations have withdrawn their support of a challenge to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) brought by the National Chicken Council, National Meat Association, and National Turkey Federation. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard oral arguments today in the lawsuit that challenges RFS regulations issued on March 26, 2010. The challenge is focused on …
Post Office Goes Green for the Holidays
The U.S. Postal Service may be in the red but they’ve been promoting going green this holiday season. “The Postal Service is one of the greenest mailing and shipping companies in the world,” said Thomas G. Day, chief sustainability officer. The eco-friendly options offered by USPS include mailing and shipping supplies, free package pickup and holiday cards printed on recycled …
Researchers Find More Pollution from Sugarcane Ethanol
University researchers from California, Iowa and Chile have found that sugarcane ethanol production creates up to seven times more air pollutants than previously estimated, according to news from the University of Iowa. The research team used agricultural survey data from Brazil to calculate emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from the entire production, distribution, and lifecycle of sugarcane ethanol …
Ethanol Industry Reacts to NAS Report
The ethanol industry is challenging a new report from the National Academies of Science that questions the ability of the biofuels industry to meet current goals under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) and the ability of biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the report, production of conventional biofuels and biomass-based diesel fuel will be adequate to meet the …
Novozymes Awarded DOE Grant, Joins Nidus
In our space, Novozymes is best known for their work in developing enzymes for the biofuels industry. However, the company is working in other areas of energy as well. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected their carbon capture project as one of 16 technologies chosen for funding. They are partnering with Doosan Power Systems, University of …
NY Landfill Solar Project Completed
Here is unique use of solar. Carlisle Energy Services (CES) has completed its Sepctro PowerCap Exposed Geomembrane Solar Cover system in Madison County, New York. This technology will “cover” the landfill for up to 30 years. The eight-acre demonstration system feature’s the GeoTPO Geomembrane with a south-facing 40kWp DC integrated solar photovoltaic array powered by Uni-Solar. The system is expected …