A Monumental Victory for Clean Energy!

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Tara Holmes

All clean-energy eyes were on California yesterday as voters had the historical choice to vote yes, or no, on Proposition 23, a proposition initiated by two Texas oil conglomerates: Valero and Tesero, as well as Koch Industries. Prop 23, as it’s called, was a measure to revoke California’s landmark climate bill, AB 32. Stating that a clean economy is too costly in the current economic state, the Texas companies marketed Prop 23 as a measure that would decrease unemployment in the state and secure existing energy jobs. However, Prop 23 would also rewind all of the progress California has made on clean, renewable energy standards and the green economy – an economy that is both nationally and internationally reputed as groundbreaking in the field – while increasing profits to two out-of-state oil companies.

Nevertheless, resoundingly, in a major upset to Texas oil, Californian’s decided that a clean energy future was more important than a future reliant on fossil fuels and voted no on Prop 23, thereby securing a clean energy future while demonstrating to the US and to the international community that the green economy remains strong in the state, even during challenging economic times and marked unemployment. The political campaign against Prop 23 was backed with aggressive and consistent messaging by Senator Barbara Boxer and newly-elected governor Jerry Brown, as well as a multitude of environmental organizations.

Calling for a Lighter Fleet

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Tara Holmes

The Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club is urging Boston-area residents to come out and voice their support for a first-ever increase of emissions standards for medium and heavy-duty trucks. The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation announced a proposal calling for a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption from heavy trucks and 7-10% reductions from other trucks between 2014-2018. The EPA and DOT are holding a hearing in Boston later this month to discuss this proposal; the trucking industry is expected to oppose the standards.

The vehicles covered by this announcement consume 20% of all on-road transportation fuel used each year, despite representing only 4% of all vehicles on the road. Furthermore, unlike passenger vehicles, these large pickups, freight trucks and garbage trucks (for example), have never been subject to federal fuel efficiency or global warming tailpipe pollution standards.

While the EPA/DOT’s green-friendly proposal demonstrates improvement over existing standards, the Sierra Club, among other environmental groups, have expressed dissatisfaction with the standards, calling for even higher emissions reductions within a similar period of time. Specifically, asking for a 35% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from long haul tractors pulling van trailers by 2018.

In response to this announcement, the Sierra Club is urging citizens to come out, voice their opinion and support increased emission standards that cut greenhouse gas pollution under the Clean Air Act. Please see below for specifics on how you can become directly involved!

For further information contact:

James McCaffrey or Gina Coplon-Newfield, or call 617-423-5775

Thursday November 18, 2010, 10am-5pm

Hyatt Regency Cambridge, 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA

Sunny California

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Tara Holmes

On the heels of recent 10-10-10 and 350.org events, last Monday, the US federal government approved the largest solar energy project in the world—four plants costing one billion dollars each in southern California. The so-called Blythe solar power plant will consist of four, 250-Megawatt plants, built on public lands in the Mojave desert. “When completed the project is expected to generate up to 1,000 Megawatts of energy … That’s enough electricity to power up to 750,000 average American homes and to make Blythe the largest solar power plant facility in the world,” Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said. Given the recent explosion of Chinese solar and wind development, this news comes at an opportune time for the US renewable energy market.

The total capacity will be roughly equal to the turbine output of a nuclear power plant or a large modern coal-fired power plant, according to Solar Millennium, the German solar company in charge of developing the facility. Solar Millennium plans to begin construction on Blythe this year and at the height of construction, the project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs, which is good news not only for green job creation, but for job creation in general in a sluggish US economy. The Blythe facility is one of a number of renewable energy projects that have been approved in recent weeks by the Interior Department.

Whitehouse Goes Solar!

Posted on October 5, 2010 by JesseGorden

Under mounting pressure from 10-10-10 groups, 350.org’s Bill McKibben, and various other environmental activists, the Obama Administration announced today that it will re-install solar panels on the White House roof. After weeks of rallying support for the Solar Road Trip including over 40,000 signatures by citizens who urged the President to retrofit the White House, Bill McKibben, 350.org, Unity College students, and the 40,000+ who were following the event were ultimately disappointed; previous coverage. The White House refused to take the Carter-era solar panel which was removed when Regan took office, and has since been living in Maine. however, the administration promised that they would “continue deliberative processes” surrounding solar on their roof. Since that day, not much has been mentioned on this topic by 350.org/Bill McKibben, other than that the President of the Maldives will be installing solar panels.

While the White House was not able to accomodate the symbolism of re-installing the solar panel that once resided on the President’s roof during the Carter administration, this morning great news was announced by the Associated Press, they will go forward and install new panels.

The most famous residence in America, which has already boosted its green credentials by planting a garden, plans to install solar panels atop the White House’s living quarters. The solar panels are to be installed by spring 2011, and will heat water for the first family and supply some electricity.
The plans will be formally announced later Tuesday by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chairwoman Nancy Sutley and Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

Obama’s decision, whether purely political or not, represents his Administration’s increased need to demonstrate support for renewable energy alternatives, particularly after the failure to pass comprehensive climate legislation in the Senate this summer.

In a recent Rolling Stone article, Obama stated, “One of my top priorities next year is to have an energy policy that begins to address all facets of our overreliance on fossil fuels. We may end up having to do it in chunks, as opposed to some sort of comprehensive omnibus legislation. But we’re going to stay on this because it is good for our economy, it’s good for our national security, and, ultimately, it’s good for our environment.” In the wake of the tragic BP oil disaster and with mounting evidence of a returning conservative agenda given mid-term elections, the Obama Administration will have to stand firm against the pull of those who do not consider climate change a top priority. By placing solar panels back on the roof of the White House, a symbolic move which should not be overlooked, the message is clear: Let’s not just talk the talk, let’s walk the walk.

This report also includes text from Tara Holmes

350.org Solar Road Trip to White House

Posted on September 8, 2010 by JesseGorden

Beginning September 7th, Bill McKibben and students from Unity College in Maine are on a road trip to Washington D.C., with a specific goal in mind. This 350.org-affiliated group plans to approach the White House to urge President Obama to install solar panels on his roof in order to finally make a stand on energy issues, set an example for citizens, and to participate in 350.org’s “Global Work Party” on October 10th (10-10-10).

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter put solar panels on the White House. In 1986, President Reagan removed them and they were never replaced. Years later, Unity College in Maine adopted the panels where they have lived ever since. Until now.

Unity College has removed one panel from their cafeteria roof and donated it to 350.org’s campaign to convince President Obama to put solar back on the White House roof.

The road tripping group is carrying with them the one historical solar panel, a public message, and a promise from a company who will donate a slew of new panels to populate the rest of the roof with as long as the President agrees to take the challenge.

As a way of bringing awareness to the mission and garnering support with which to face the White House, the bio-diesel-powered caravan has made stops along the way in Boston and New York City. At each stop, discussions were had and signatures were gathered in a petition of a unique form: on the glass front of the panel!

With the recent failure of any action toward comprehensive clean energy/climate action legislation in the Senate, many feel that it is an imperative time for the President to take a stand on energy issues. This is one way for him to do just that without the rest of the Government interceding; as Mr. McKibben stated, “they can’t filibuster his roof.”

Not only will this be a great first act on the issue of energy, but if the White House takes leadership here, it might jump-start the rest of the country to move in this direction (the 350.org web site details the significant spike in seed sales shortly after Michelle Obama planted the White House garden).

Thus far, somewhere throughout the stops that were made in Boston and NYC, Bill McKibben has spoken with the White House via telephone and heard that they are “interested” but that “it’s complicated.” Plans for further discussion have been scheduled.

Updates on the progress of the road trip are available via email sign-up, or by visiting the website. Less formal updates are available via Twitter, by following @Panel350.

Stay tuned!

You may view a trailer for the documentary surrounding the Presidential solar panels here.

Music for Mountains

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Tara Holmes

In a recent Orion article by Erik Reece, an important connection between the human sprit, music and environmentalism is made. This connection is illustrated through the destruction of Appalachian mountaintops for coal and the recent Music Saves Mountains concert organized by the National Resources Defense Council and Emmylou Harris. While the knowledge of mountaintop mining in Appalachia is nothing new, the need for significant public action is. Emmylou Harris, a renowned folk singer, makes the point that, “It seems like artists today, particularly country artists, tend to play it safe … But mountaintop removal is based on pure greed and it’s doing such incredible damage.” The bigger question at stake is apathy; what will it take to get Americans to take a stand against blatant environmental destruction, such as mountaintop mining?

In current culture, songs are less and less about environmental issues, as were past folk songs by John Denver for example, and more and more about the individual. For example, “Toby Keith’s latest single, ‘American Ride,’ doesn’t so much deny global warming as revel in it: ‘That’s us, that’s right, / Gotta love this American ride. / Both ends of the ozone burnin’. / Funny how the world keeps turnin’ . . .” Clearly one cannot sum up an entire culture based on popular music, and there are many who do not follow standard norms, however, the growing concensus that there’s an increasing disconnect between Americans and nature is a startling one. In a recent ENN article, the author makes note of the Environmental Paradox and how humans are more and more decoupled from ecosystems due to time lags and increased technology. Perhaps the need for a psychological grassroots revolution in America is in order? One reminscent of days when people were less distracted and consumed by massive amounts of information, but were actively involved in their communities, politics and their planet. Without the collective action of many who care, the Appalachian mountains, like many natural wonders of this Earth, will be left to those who do care – about profit.

“The Story of Cap and Trade”

Posted on August 13, 2010 by JesseGorden

One possible step toward Climate Change mitigation, cap and trade is a prominent topic of discussion among government officials and environmentally-concerned citizens alike. This very short film (by the creators of “Story of Stuff”) offers a comprehensive look into the cap & trade system, and carefully questions its legitimacy. This is an informative piece on a very comfortable level that will boost your understanding of what the true philosophies behind, benefits of, and concerns with cap and trade systems are. I recommend taking a couple of minutes to check it out, and then sharing with your friends.

Or watch here.

Want a comprehensive Climate Change/Clean Energy bill?

Posted on July 23, 2010 by JesseGorden

The Union of Concerned Scientists, a national non-profit of citizens and scientists for environmental solutions based in Harvard Square, have cleanly outlined several concrete actions for you to take to meet those ends. They have taken to the road, holding meetings focused on spreading the knowledge and skills to effectively use your constituency as leverage. Although yesterday the Senate majority leader Harry Reid announced that they will not look at climate legislation until September, others are firmly professing that all hope is not lost.

“This is not going to die, absolutely rest assured this is not going away,” Kerry told visitors to Congress.

“As long as I am in the Senate and I’ve got another four years … we are going to keep pounding away on this.”

The goal that the UCS promotes for the upcoming legislation fight is to inform our on-the-fence Senators (e.g. Senator Scott Brown) what their voters want — comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation, and the green jobs, health benefits, and world status that will come with it.

The methods discussed were as follows:

Letters to the Editor

Follow local newspapers, and when there is an article written that has anything to do with this topic, respond to it. Letters to the editor are a good way to reach a wide, local audience. Another perk to these is that Senators have their staff tracking editorials mentioning them, so their attention will be brought to these articles if you mention them. If you aren’t published, your article will still be one more on the topic that tells the editor what the readership is thinking about. Some tips: name a Senator, keep it brief (150 and 200 words) so that your arguments are less likely to be edited, make it personal (refer to your expertise if you have some), add a call to action or timeframe (e.g. Legislation, this summer!). If your article is printed, send it into the Senator’s office via email or online form, because snail mail will be delayed due to biohazard processing in D.C.

Phone calls to Senators

For Cambridge and all of Massachusetts, it is important to call Senator Scott Brown’s offices both in Washington D.C. (202-224-4543 – Staffer Nat Hoopes) and Boston (617-565-3170) to let his staff know that you, as a constituent, want a comprehensive climate and energy bill as soon as possible. Because the Senator is concerned about cost and jobs, these may be good points do to your homework on before calling.

We may also call Senator John Kerry, to let him know that we appreciate his championing Climate legislation in the past and are grateful for his continuation of that act.

Meetings with Legislators/their staff

You have a right to this as well. These are good places to bring in evidence that you have found to support your wishes, as well as to bring in experts you know, or others who are on your side that the Senator might relate to. If you ask a question, be sure to ask when you can follow up to get an answer, and be sure to do the same if you are asked to find out some information.

Online Networking

Senator Brown has a Facebook page, and presently is being berated by unhappy constituents; a civilly toned note might be taken quite significantly in such a climate. You can also pass word along about this topic to your friends via email as well as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, or any other online vessel you might use.

It’s agreed that the drafts of bills presented so far are not perfect, and that whatever legislation is ultimately presented will likely also be imperfect. It may seem foolish to some, to seemingly throw caution to the wind and press for passage of any old climate/clean energy legislation that’s up for grabs. The discussed sentiment is that if this legislation is passed—if ANY climate/clean energy legislation is passed—it will act as a firm shoe in the door, allowing for the breeze of forward-thinking climate action to roll in a little bit more smoothly. The imperfection of whatever bill is passed is only an obstacle in that it takes time for amendments to be drafted, voted on, and adopted.

Home Star Dunner

Posted on July 22, 2010 by JPierce

Alas, attention to the administration’s Home Star/Cash for Caulkers program has waxed and waned since it first appeared last fall, and this component of a stimulus package meant to address the nation’s energy issues, and aid the (then) ailing construction industry has languished in the shadows, until it finally passed the House in May. It may now be approaching approval in the Senate, edged on by the FHFA’s unfortunate decision to with withdraw support for PACE. treehugger contrasts Home Star with the perpetually paralyzed American Power Act, and The Construction Blog at Software Advice provides a thorough overview of the former bill’s proposed incentives.

UPDATE: FHFA’s decision is especially dubious since evidence exists that Energy Efficiency Helps Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure.

$18.5 Million for New England Energy Projects

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Tara Holmes

On Monday, the DOE announced a $18.5 million grant will be dispersed via the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) amongst various energy research labs and companies throughout New England. The funds are part of the larger $349 million Recovery Act funding pool and will be used primarily for energy efficiency projects; specifically in this case, solid state lighting using gallium nitride, air conditioning efficiency, chemical flow batteries, and overall energy storage capacity research.

MIT will receive $4.4 million, United Technologies Research Center will receive a total of $8.8 million, Beacon Power Corp will receive $2.2 million, Proton Energy will receive $2.1 million and General Compression will receive $750,000. Massachusetts continues to be a leader in the domestic clean-energy technology revolution and these funds will help push forward numerous projects centered around transformational energy research. For 2011, $299,000,000 is sought so critical energy research can continue to be funded.

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