A Powerful Force of Nature

In light of current legislation dealing with efforts to conform to Federal standards on renewable energy, I thought I would try to generate some discussion about some of the options, and perhaps encourage those who are better informed on this subject to edify and elucidate, as it were. :)

If the following is correct:

Wind Power Creates Jobs. Wind energy provides more jobs per dollar invested than any other energy technology. Every time a wind energy project is installed, it creates new jobs for people who set up and maintain the turbines. Employment opportunities range from meteorologists and surveyors to structural engineers, assembly workers, and mechanics and operators. The U.S. wind industry currently directly employs more than 2,000 people, and every megawatt of new wind capacity creates 15-19 jobs and about 60 person-years of employment.

Example: The Wisconsin Energy Bureau estimates that wind projects create three times as many jobs as the same level of spending on fossil fuels. Conversely, Portland General Electric estimates that a 240 MW natural gas plant drains $28-55 million out of the regional economy annually for fuel imports.

Wouldn't this take a huge bite out of the poverty in rural Appalachia and (to a lesser extent) Eastern North Carolina?

And if meeting the looming standards is a concern, wouldn't:

Wind Power can help meet North Carolinaճ Energy Needs. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, North Carolina has the capacity to produce 8 million MWh of wind energy. This amount of electricity would account for 8% of our stateճ electricity consumption.

Make it a lot easier to achieve?

This is my first blog post, so, you know, cut me some slack.

Comments

Hmmmm....sound like good questions to me

Congratulations on getting your first blog post front-paged. :)

Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.

***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.

Wind power is a source of renewable energy

just as is solar. It has its own set or advantages and disadvantages. Wind driven generators have to be mounted at least 40' in the air and most towers are even higher (80-100') and except for very small turbines generally require about an acre of space. the faster the wind blows the more energy it generates. A 20Kw turbine operating year-round in an area with winds generally less than 10mph might generate less than 20,000 kwhr, while the same device operating in constant 20mph winds (30 foot diameter rotor) might generate over 80,000 kwhr.

The price is probably about $80K not including installation.(tower included) which I think could be pretty substantial. (tower with support cables, etc)

there are some other environmental problems...such as birds and bats being killed in large numbers by the whirling rotors and the whump-whump-whoosh sound of the blades in the wind.

If these gizmos could be offshore on platforms it might solve some of the enviromental and noise problems but I suspect the cost would again go up.

I personally think solar and geothermal hold the best promise at the lowest cost and with the widest possible residential usage. There are some amazing wind farms on the west coast in the mountainous desert regions that are probably a good implementation....constant wind, isolation fof the towers...and so on. Here...I'm not so sure.

My thoughts...

Stan Bozarth

I think they're kinda nice

when designed by talented designers. I'd happily have them off the coast in NC.

Like these in Copenhagen

The bats and birds problem is a myth as near as I can tell . . . these wind turbines just don't turn that fast based on the ones I've seen.

Well...appearances are deceiving

A 600KW turbine with a rotor diameter of 157 ft turning at 16 rpm...would yield a "tip of the rotor" speed of 131.4 feet per second......or about 90 mph.

I belong to BCI (Bat Conservation International)....some turbines kill over 40 bats per year. Bird strikes are much lower,,,but there are more raptors killed than songbirds. Not a myth.
SE NC Dems

Stan Bozarth

Thanks!

I'll try not to do anything embarassing..."Hey, Mom! I made the front page!" :)

Just to give this subject some legislative background, currently there is a major roadblock to the proliferation of windfarms where they would be most effective:

The mountains of North Carolina are home to some nearly ideal sites for wind farm development. The high ridges of North Carolina's western extremes have average wind speeds higher than the rest of the State and higher than much of the eastern United States. In fact, the average wind speeds on some ridge tops in western North Carolina reach class six, the second highest classification.

With these favorable conditions, it is not surprising that the promotion of wind energy development is often centered on western North Carolina. Some groups, such as North Carolina Wind Energy at Appalachian State University, actively encourage home and business owners to erect small-scale, private wind electric systems. Richard Calhoun, an Ashe County Commissioner, has decided to go even further. Calhoun plans to erect twenty-five wind turbines atop Big Springs Mountain in Ashe County, with each turbine standing approximately 300 feet tall. The wind farm would be capable of producing enough electricity to supply between 12,500 and 15,000 homes, making it the first large-scale wind farm in North Carolina.

Dr. Calhoun's project is still in the planning stage, ironing out such kinks as how to integrate the additional power generated from the project into the existing system. However, the ambitious project may have bigger hurdles to face; namely, the construction may be prohibited by North Carolina law. The Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983 is the primary North Carolina law addressing the legality of developing wind turbines for personal or utility-scale use in prime mountaintop sites. The Mountain Ridge Protection Act places prohibitions on developments located atop mountain ridges, stating:

(b) No county or city may authorize the construction of, and no person may construct, a tall building or structure on any protected mountain ridge.

(c) No county or city may authorize the providing of the following utility services to any building or structure constructed in violation of subsection (b) of this section: electricity, telephone, gas, water, sewer, or septic system.

At least twice a year I make the drive up to the mountains to enjoy the scenery. I'm not sure how enjoyable that would be if there were turbines all over the place, but we should be able to figure out a way to meet the needs of both energy and aesthetics.

Recent wind evet in NC

Just this past week there was a public forum in Greenville, NC, on the potential for wind power here. There's some good info in the exerpt of the news article (below)from the event.

Turbines don't belong everywhere, but with some common sense I think we should be able to find places in NC. And yes -renewable energy sources like wind ans solar would create thousands of jobs in NC: http://ncconservationnetwork1.org/campaign/support_REPS_junebump/explanation

-----------------------------------------
Wind an untapped resource, experts say
By Jimmy Ryals, The Daily Reflector

Friday, June 22, 2007

An untapped and virtually bottomless source of energy swirls off the North Carolina coast.

That's the message a group of energy experts offered Thursday night at the Pitt County Agricultural Center. The resource they touted — wind — is the same one that periodically wreaks havoc on eastern North Carolina.

Harnessed in its non-hurricane form, wind could help the state meet spiraling energy demands as its population grows, said Ben Leker, renewable programs manager for the State Energy Office.

"North Carolina has tremendous wind resources which are essentially completely untapped except for some assorted small wind turbines," Leker told an audience of about 50 Thursday night at the center.

A large-scale wind turbine could produce enough energy in one year to power 500 homes, Leker said. An expanded investment in wind could have other benefits, too, creating jobs, giving farmers an alternative use for their land and reducing the amount of power the state imports, he added.

The state's strongest wind prospects are along the Outer and Inner Banks, where consistent winds rate a four or five on a seven-point scale, Leker said. Anything above level two, where Pitt County's wind resources rate, could sustain a wind farm, he said.

Read the whole article:
http://www.reflector.com/local/content/news/stories/2007/06/22/windpower.html

Wind, Solar and Poop?

Wind, Solar and Poop?

Dateline June 21, 2007. Forbes Magazine (On-line Edition) Renewable Energy's Alternative Ending
www.forbes.com/home/businessinthebeltway/2007/06/22/energy-senate-taxes-biz-beltway-cx_bw_0622energy.html

The Senate’s new energy bill appears to be a doozy for producers of renewable fuels like wind, solar and geothermal energy... Late Thursday night, the Senate voted 65-27 in favor of legislation to overhaul of the nation's fuel economy standards for autos and dramatically boost ethanol production. But it left out a proposed $32 billion tax package for renewables. [emphasis added] That package would have raised some taxes on oil companies and used the extra revenue to invest in renewable production.

Dateline June 21, 2007. WRAL, Raleigh: State Lawmakers Consider Alternative Energy Bill www.wral.com/news/local/story/1522449/

Raleigh — State lawmakers are ready to vote in favor of a measure that will change how energy is produced in the state by turning animal waste, the sun and wind, for example, into power.

Wind, solar, water animal waste, poultry litter, swine waste -- (they're) all good sources of alternative energy," Sen. Charlie Albertson, D-Duplin, said. "We have a lot of bio mass. We've been referred to as the Saudi Arabia of bio mass in North Carolina, and we have a lot of it."

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources is working on a bill that would force major utilities to produce 12.5 percent of North Carolina's electricity from renewable, alternative energy by 2018.

The bill, which goes up for a committee vote next week, would limit the cost of households to $10 a year in 2008 and top out at $34 a year by 2015, according to a draft of the bill.

Anyone out here have any idea what it costs to install solar panels on a commercial building?

Just seems to me that there are loads of flat-roofed government buildings and if solar panels were a viable option... Wow! Just think about it: No energy transport costs would be incurred where on-site solar power was installed and once ROI (return on investment, that being the cost of purchasing and installing the equipment) is met, no recurring power bills.

In fact, could solar (or wind where applicable) be an unthought of revenue stream if extra power generated was generated that could be sold back to the grid via the solar (utility) buy-back program already in place in NC?

Imagine that, a possible way reduce cost while potentially increasing revenue!

(Google, are you listening?)

The Case for Renewables and Energy Efficiency

Quotes from two web sources. (Further information available on both).

From Public Citizen - http://www.citizen.org/cmep/energy_enviro_nuclear/renewables/

Public Citizen promotes increased reliance on wind, solar, and advanced hydroelectric, and argues that it is technically and economically feasible for a diverse mix of existing renewable technologies to completely meet U.S. energy needs over the coming decades. These technologies can reliably generate as much energy as conventional fuels without significant carbon emissions, destructive mining, or the production of radioactive waste. Public Citizen also calls for increased investment in energy efficiency, particularly in geothermal heat pumps for buildings. Only through aggressive application of existing technologies - and investments in new ones - can the United States make the transition to clean and sustainable forms of energy production that will protect public health, the environment, and move us towards energy independence.

From Energy Justice - http://www.energyjustice.net/

These solutions have the potential to fill all of our energy needs, without needing nuclear power, fossil fuels, biomass/incineration, or even large hydro dams. The technology exists, and the money exists (yet it's being directed towards bailouts for the nuclear industry, investment in gas-fired power plants and other bad ideas). What's missing is the political will to enact the solutions. We need politicians without connections to dirty power industries so that we can direct public and private investment dollars towards clean energy solutions, rather than a continued reliance on dirty, unsustainable energy sources.
Please use the information on this page to influence anything in your power, from the energy choices in your home, school, workplace or local government to the energy policies in your state or on the national level.

Exactly.

We (through the General Assembly) need to take some positive steps in this area, and not allow the utility companies to lead us around by the hand like some little child.

Through the General Assembly ...

Yes, sc, we need to take positive steps, and soon. Thanks for bringing this issue back.

Baseload financing is a process by which utility companies can charge ratepayers to help pay for coal-fired, nuclear and other power plants that have yet to be constructed. Those "other power plants" could be landfills, hog and chicken waste. These industries could then charge taxpayers to help pay for future landfills, and landfill and animal waste gasification projects, intensifying the toxic load, and inviting mega-landfills into NC.

Our Senators need to hear that we want our taxpayer money to go to clean sustainables - solar, wind and geothermal - not to coal, nukes and poop.
Exclude fossil fuel (coal), municipal solid waste, hog waste, chicken waste, and nuclear as Renewable Energy Resources.

The Senate Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources meets Tuesday, June 26th, at 11:00 AM to take up, and perhaps vote on, SB3 - The Energy Bill.

Members ............................................ * ( Bill Sponsors)
Chairman Sen. Charles W. Albertson Charliea@ncleg.net 919-733-5705 *
Vice Chairman Sen. Austin M. Allran Austina@ncleg.net 919-733-5876 *
Vice Chairman Sen. Bob Atwater Boba@ncleg.net 919-715-3036 *
Vice Chairman Sen. Janet Cowell Janetc@ncleg.net 919-715-6400 *
Vice Chairman Sen. Eleanor Kinnaird Elliek@ncleg.net 919-733-5804 *
Vice Chairman Sen. A. B Swindell abs@ncleg.net 919-715-3030
Vice Chairman Sen. David F. Weinstein Davidw@ncleg.net 919-733-5651 *
Members
Sen. Daniel G. Clodfelter , Danielc@ncleg.net 919-715-8331
Sen. Stan Bingham, stanb@ncleg.net 919-733-5665 *
Sen. Andrew C. Brock, Andrewb@ncleg.net 919-715-0690
Sen. Harry Brown, Harryb@ncleg.net 918-715-3034
Sen. Don East, Done@ncleg.net 919-733-5743
Sen. Fletcher L. Hartsell, Jr. , Fletcherh@ncleg.net 919-733-7223
Sen. Clark Jenkins , Clarkj@ncleg.net 919-715-3040 *
Sen. Ed Jones , Edwardj@ncleg.net 919-715-3032
Sen. Jean Preston , J eanp@ncleg.net 919-733-5706
Sen. Joe Sam Queen , JoeQ@ncleg.net 919-733-3460 *
Sen. Fred Smith, Freds@ncleg.net 919-733-5748
Sen. John Snow , Johnsn@ncleg.net 919-733-5875 *
Sen. Jerry W. Tillman Jerryt@ncleg.net 919-733-5870 *
Sen. David Weinstein Davidw@ncleg.net 919-733-5651 *

Bill Sponsors not on Ag./Environment Committee
Sen. Julia Boseman 919-715-2525 * Juliab@ncleg.net Sen.
Sen. Walter Dalton 919-715-3038 * Walterd@ncleg.net
Sen. William Purcell 919-733-9892 * Williamp@ncleg.net
Sen. Richard Stevens 919-733-5653 * Richards@ncleg.net

Thanks, Zate! Just got my

Thanks, Zate! Just got my result from www.findsolar.com

Here's the results for what I plugged in for anyone out there wondering:

Assumed Installation cost:(before rebates, incentives or tax credits). $90,000 Almost choked on my iced tea!

Expected City of Albemarle Utility Rebate: ($ 0 ) (Have next city council meeting on my calendar.)

Expected NC State Rebate: ($0.2/kWh produced for 25 years.
The total shown will be dispersed over 25 years in accordance
to actual energy produced by your PV system) ($ 64,600 )

OK, so I have to wait 25 years to get this back, see my Home Equity Line statement below)

NC State Tax Credit/Deduction: (35% of net system cost) ($ 8,890 )

(Our state government hard at work, working for us!)

Federal Tax Credit:(Installation type: Residential ) ($ 2,000 )
Income Tax on Tax Credit: $ 2,489

(What gives with the Feds?)

YOUR ESTIMATED NET COST: $ 16,999 (Imminently do-able. Isn't this what Home Equity Lines should be used for?)

Monthly Payment (6.5% apr, 30 years): $ 107 (Lower utilities bills, heck I didn't even plug in my natural gas bill!)

Increase in Property Value: $23,860
(What can I say other than this is nice!)

Exempt from Property Tax: YES

The calculator stated that I need a roof area 1,000 SF, which I have and more than half of it is a flat room to boot!

Here's the real kicker:

Return on Investment (ROI):
(with Solar System ave. cost set as asset value) 838%
Return on Investment (ROI):
(with Property appreciation set as asset value) 597%

Years to Break even:
(Includes property value appreciation) 1 years

Years to Break even:
(Assuming no property value appreciation) 5 years

Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Saved:
over 25-year system life 265.0 tons
(530,000 auto miles)

Thanks again, Zate for the link and you too, scharrison, for starting this post to begin with!

....and welcome to BlueNC, June Mabry

Glad you found us. Will get my email/questions out to you today after the folks leave sometime around noon. Haven't had a chance to read what you sent yet. Oh....looked at houses in Stanly County of all places this weekend.

Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.

***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.

Thank you, Betsy. Good to

Thank you, Betsy. Good to be out here.

Good luck with your home inspection today! And even more luck in finding a house here in Stanly!!

In my opinion,

The Senate Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources meets Tuesday, June 26th, at 11:00 AM to take up, and perhaps vote on, SB3 - The Energy Bill.

This bill is not ready for a floor vote. It relies too heavily on the discretion of the utility companies, and could be manipulated to result in very little change in the way North Carolina generates its energy.

We are at the threshold of a new era here, folks. There's (finally) enough willingness and determination to do some things that should have been done decades ago, but what about 3-5 years from now? What happens when Industry submits a report(s) that reflects negatively on the cost-effectiveness of renewables, and the only people standing up to protest are a few Solar-heads? You know what will happen, because it's been happening for years already.

The technology is available, the costs are reasonably calculable, the income generated will (mostly) stay in the State, and we could soon find ourselves no longer worried about air quality or the astronomic costs of retooling industry to meet the Kyoto Protocols.

It's not the time for half-measures and guarantees, it's the time to go as far as we can and then go a little farther.

Yes.

Having observed much progress during the last legislative
session and the last election, I had such hope and pride in NC.
Learning that the latest Senate Energy Bill proposal is a corporate
boondoggle has been a shock.

Perhaps the excerpts below can shed some light on the reasons
for this disappointment. From an article by Paul Hawken in
Rachael's Democracy and Health News # 911, June 14, 2007:

What is new is that the largest movement in human history has
built itself without being master minded from above. This is why I use
the metaphor of this movement being humanity's immune response to
political corruption, economic disease, and ecological degradation.
The movement is not merely a network; it is a complex and self-
organizing system. ............... This movement goes back
centuries, even millennia to the teachings of Buddha, Mencius, Lao-
Tse, Rabbi Hillel, Jeremiah, and others. These teachers long ago
started social movements by re-examining the very notion of what it
means to be a human being. They were not starting religions but ways
to address the suffering of others. We are progressive, yes, but we
are also ancient. This movement is helped by the thousands of
generations that preceded it, and serves the thousands that will
follow. This is why I say it is comprised of social justice,
environmental, and indigenous organizations, and has become the most
complex association of human beings ever assembled in history. I
believe this association defies typologies and names, but is hungry
always for intelligence, kindness, and generosity ....... We have come
together in a more pro-active and vigorous way. The problems
we face are like nothing humanity has ever confronted, and we
must rise to this challenge in a way we have never done.

I believe that a majority of North Carolina citizens are a part of this movement.
To miss the opportunity that was the original spirit of The Energy Bill would be so costly in terms of NC pride, unnecessary taxpayer dollars to Big Business, and diversion of resources from the inevitable move to clean renewables - solar, wind and geothermal.

With The Energy Bill, we have a unique opportunity to position NC for a bright future by preserving the resources that will matter the most in the future: clean air and water, energy independence, and the reputation in the South for promoting the premier economic climate for the future.

Make it so! :)

I have a hybrid solar/wind powered

clothes dryer. Just bought it in April and it's AWESOME!! I live in the old part of a small NC town. If I lived in any suburban development in NC, 99% of which have restrictive covenants that prohibit the use of these wonder-working machines, I wouldn't be able to use it. That doesn't make any sense to me, but what do I know?

"They took all the trees and put them in a tree museum Then they charged the people a dollar 'n a half just to see 'em. Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone? They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."

For a minute there

I thought you were going to say, "It's called a clothesline!" :)

GMTA

I have a couple of those. They work really well.

Clothesline!!

Yeah, i think that's the technical term for it ... ;)

They DO work very well. Mine's a single-pole, three-armed umbrella model that spins. I love it.

I knew exactly what you were talking about

I wish I had more than my little folding doohickies. I want something big enough for comforters, blankets, etc. Nothing quite kills dustmites(my worst allergy) like good old sunshine! I love the smell of clothes dried in fresh air and sunshine.

***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.

My neighbors have been in their house

since well before I was born. They have the parallel clothesline that stretches from 4x4 T, to 4x4 T, to 4x4 T. That might be what you need for your comforters.

Right now I just spread out all my lawn chairs

....... and drape blankets and such over them to dry.

***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.

I drape mine over the deck railing.

I think it looks colorful and festive!

No deck

but I love me some yard art. :)

Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.

***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.

New Report: Energy Efficiency Potential for NC

From NC Conservation Network:

http://www.cwfnc.org/documents/Independent%20Admin%20Efficiency%20Programs%20Model%20for%20NC.doc

[Sorry, so far I've flunked "link", so it's cut & paste time, but worth the effort ...]

New report on success of independent energy efficiency programs

Submitted by Hope Taylor-Guevara, to Clean Water for North Carolina

Six grassroots environmental justice and energy advocacy groups have released a report on a demonstrated cost-effective approach that North Carolina could implement to achieve widespread energy savings and environmental improvements. The report, “Independent Administration of Energy Efficiency Programs: A Model for North Carolina,” was prepared by Synapse Energy Economics for Clean Water for North Carolina, a statewide group which advocates for clean, safe water and environmental protection from a social justice perspective. .

All of the groups releasing the report urge the public, legislators and regulators to work toward creation of a comprehensive energy efficiency program in NC, through a “public benefit fund,” the existing State Energy Office, or one of several mechanisms discussed in the report.

Why should a ‘water group’ care about energy issues? Dependence on large, centralized electricity production makes North Carolina’s water resources vulnerable: more than 80% of our state’s water withdrawals are for coal and nuclear power plants. With our waters under increasing stress, these large plants may have to shut down under drought conditions or as the climate warms.

[emphasis added]

Cases and Achievements from six states were used (New York, Vermont, Oregon, Wisconson, Maine and New Jersey). From the Summary of Findings:

What approach to delivering efficiency programs may be best for North Carolina is a matter beyond the scope of this paper. What this paper does report is that several states operating major efficiency programs have found effective non-traditional means of structuring their administration. The example and experience of these states can provide insight, information, and inspiration for policy makers considering what approach may be best for North Carolina in the future.

What an exciting new tool to use to promote the potential for a Great Energy Bill in NC!

(Ranks up there with one of those new fangled hybrid solar/wind clothes dryers :)

HA!

;)

Now I know

what Duke's "energy efficiency measures" will entail:

Press release:

"In the first phase of our bold energy-efficiency program, we are sending out 250,000 durable outdoor garment-bearing chords, each one accompanied by seven (7) complimentary spring-loaded securing devices, which will give users the capacity to air-dry one (1) change of clothing: shirt + pants + underwear (tighty-whities upside down, bras self-secured with hook) + socks.

Weather permitting, this should account for a 4.7% drop in kilowatt hour usage. Additionally, it should have a positive impact on retail sales of underwear, which is too often used far beyond the recommended 9-12 months."

Really?

Does that mean that Duke thinks it has the power to take on the "restrictive covenants"? More power to 'em!

HA! HA!

;) Go get 'em, Duke. Fireworks at the Homeowners association meeting this month.

Dear legislators:

Tomorrow you have an opportunity to reevaluate the wording and direction of the Energy bill as it is currently constructed. You can leave it as is, and continue to hope the utility companies will make the right choices for you (us) in the future. But you know what? We didn't elect them, we elected you, because we believe in your ability to know what the right course of action is, and act on it.

If you believe that Solar power is a fantastically huge untapped resource, then do something about it. As June mentioned earlier, why not put Solar panels on all State buildings that can accomodate them? You want to see more studies? Fine. Study them after they're up and running.

If you believe that windpower can generate some of our energy needs while invigorating our economically stagnant rural areas, then do something about it. Set up a COOP with farmers, and let's start harvesting the wind.

If you believe that biomass is a potential source for energy, and you also are as worried as the rest of us about the mounting solid waste problem, then do something about it. Reduce/reuse/recycle. We all need to do it, but you can make it happen on a scale this state has never seen before.

And lastly, if you believe these acts can greatly reduce our use/dependence on fossil fuels, negating the need for new coal and/or nuclear facilities, then do something about it. Put a halt to any new construction that is not for renewables, and tell the utility companies we are not going to pay them to not construct something they've already collected for anyway.

Write that up and send it to the floor for a vote, and tell everybody that we'll be watching.

Good job ...

... telling it like it is! With you as a full time lobbyist we're sure to achieve the right outcome. I'm sure you have planned your time accordingly ...

I'd be lucky

if I could even find the lobby, much less know what to do when I got there. They'd probably find me accidentally locked in the janitor's closet, huddled in the corner with tears streaming down my face and some crumpled PowerPoint printouts clutched in my hand. :(

That's the saddest thing I've heard all day.

Poor sc. Have a cookie.

But then

the towel in the corner of the janitor's closet begins to sparkle. Low and behold, it turns into a cape! Sc dons the cape, and leaps and bounds into the Senate Ag./Env Committee meeting! All Senators are bowled over by his silver tongue, immediately ask him to craft the bill, and voila ... we have solar, wind and geothermal power! NC is the envy of every other state because of our pristine quality of life!

Dammit, Zate

I just spewed coffee on my keyboard, and now thhhhe hhhhh is acting up. I am not chhhhanging my name to "arrison", by God.

In all seriousness

find the Bill Clinton video at this website, the Generation Engage video library. He talks about energy and how to reduce our use of it in very concrete doable terms and he hints at the new energy economy we could build in the process. Could Bill come give this talk to the G.A. Democratic caucus and the entire Council of State?

If Bill Clinton looked at you and asked, "Why aren't you doing something about it?, what the heck would you say?

I wouldn't be able to utter an audible sound for days, probably weeks.

"Do Bee, Do Bee, who do I see?"

scharrison: Idealism coupled with pragmatism. My kind of guy! (assuming you are a guy) Just so you'll know I've got old ballgown in my closet and will happily give it to you to make your cape. Keep the faith!

(For those of you not as old as me, "Do Bee, Do Bee, what do I see?" was the question posed on Romper Room to the kids (while looking through a mirror frame).

Many of us are old enough

:)

Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.

***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.

FYI. Stanly County is

FYI. Stanly County is e-mailing and calling Raleigh. I e-mail them about this topic and have been copied on their e-mails. Grassroots work.

I hope you're learning to sew, sc, cuz I ain't gonna make that cape for ya!

I'll wear the cape,

but I ain't wearing any tights. :)

Has anybody heard/read anything about the Committee hearing today?

Grim

From UP:

The measure won support from the Senate Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee chaired by its sponsor, Sen. Charlie Albertson, D-Duplin. It needs approval from the Senate Finance Committee before it will face a full chamber vote.

Sc arrison should'a used June's old ball gown instead of the towel in the janitor's closet for that cape.

I'm not surprised,

but I'm not happy, either. But as long as some people are happy:

Duke Energy Increases Quarterly Dividend
June 26, 2007

CHARLOTTE, N.C - Duke Energy has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.22 per share, an increase of $0.01 over the previous level. The dividend is payable on Sept. 17, 2007, to shareholders of record on the close of business Aug. 17, 2007.
“According to our Charter, one of Duke Energy’s benchmarks for success is to provide a superior return to investors,” said James E. Rogers, chairman, president and CEO. “We are committed to having a 70- to 75-percent payout ratio, and we expect to grow our dividends with earnings over time. The board’s action increases our dividend by nearly 5 percent and affirms we are fulfilling that commitment.”

I guess I shouldn't complain.

Yes you should

complain. Unless we all do, and loudly, the corporations are going to go from "stakeholder" meetings to create legislation, to putting stakes in in the heart of democracy. We have a strong stake in staking out our territory!

As DQ says,

Huff worked for Common Cause and I worked for Ralph Nader. It was kind of disheartening to see how hard people worked to do good only to have corporate interests take the day time and time again. So, we left.

And now, 25 years later, we're going back. I truly can't believe it.

Hearing that helped put in perspective my extreme disappointment with today's Senate Committee action on the energy bill. Maybe next time ...

Complain and monitor

just exactly how the energy companies deliver on renewables. I have a hunch they're going to buy renewable energy generated in another state while moving forward with construction of the coal-fired facilities here.

*sigh*

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