United States Senators Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today announced the creation of the bipartisan Senate Natural Gas Caucus.
“When we produce natural gas in America, we produce jobs in America,” said Sen. Landrieu, Co-Chair of the Senate Natural Gas caucus. “A reliable and affordable supply of U.S. energy has profound impacts on every sector of our economy and is the backbone of the U.S. employment base. Natural gas is a clean burning, low-carbon fuel that is predominantly produced here at home. This caucus will serve to investigate and debate the economic and national security implications of the newfound abundance of natural gas in the United States.”
“America has an abundant supply of clean, natural gas and has the means to access these resources in an environmentally friendly way,” said Chambliss. “Increasing domestic production is a critical component of a comprehensive energy policy that will reduce America’s dependence on foreign sources for our energy needs. I’m pleased to join Senator Landrieu in creating this caucus. It is my hope that we can start a serious conversation in the Senate about our nation’s energy policy.”
Natural gas is produced in 33 states and relied upon as an energy source in many others. Over 20 percent of the electricity in the United States is generated by natural gas. Natural gas is also an important feedstock in chemical and fertilizer production, and is used to eliminate soot in clean diesel fuel. Natural gas is used as a raw material that goes into lightweight cars, wind power blades, solar panels and energy-efficient materials.
In 2008, nearly 90 percent of the natural gas consumed in the United States came from domestic U.S. supplies. Thanks to technological advances, the U.S. now has triple the amount of natural gas than was estimated in 1966, and 40 percent more than previously believed just a couple of years ago.
Approximately 1.3 million people are employed directly by the companies that drill, ship and supply natural gas to American consumers, with another 2.7 million Americans employed in supporting positions indirectly created by the development of America's domestic energy supplies. The combined economic impact of natural gas development, exploration, production and usage to the U.S. economy in 2008 was $385.5 billion.
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Showing posts with label county. Show all posts
Showing posts with label county. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Oil Demand from Developed Countries Has Peaked
World oil demand is poised for recovery driven by emerging markets but demand from OECD countries is unlikely return to its 2005 high
CAMOil demand in developed countries—currently 54 percent of all oil demand—likely reached its all-time peak in 2005, according to a new research report by IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates. While world oil demand is now set to grow as the world economy moves from recession to recovery, the demand lost in 30 developed countries that make up the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is not likely to ever be regained, the report finds.
“The economic downturn has been masking a larger trend in the oil demand of developed countries,” said IHS CERA Chairman and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Prize, Daniel Yergin. “The fact is that OECD oil demand has been falling since late 2005, well before the Great Recession began.”
The key factor making it unlikely for OECD demand to ever return to its 2005 peak is that petroleum demand in the transportation sector—which accounts for 60 percent of OECD petroleum demand—is likely to flatten out after years of steady growth. Oil demand outside the transportation sector has already been relatively flat since 1980. Now the conjunction of several long-term factors is doing the same to transportation:
- Demographic and socioeconomic changes – Vehicle ownership rates in developed countries have reached a “saturation” level while aging populations with low to negative population growth suggests a flattening of demand for mobility. The growth of women’s participation in the labor force is also leveling off, meaning the flattening of another source of demand growth.
- Stronger governmental and consumer push for passenger vehicle fuel economy gains – Energy security concerns and climate change initiatives have led OECD governments to tighten fuel economy standards. The rise in energy prices over the past several years has pushed consumers to value increased efficiency and the auto industry through a major reorientation toward greater efficiency.
- Greater penetration of alternative fuels and vehicle technologies – Governments across the OECD continue to favor mandates that increase the share of alternative fuels in the transportation sector. New technologies such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and next-generation biofuels could also have a greater impact in the future.
“Petroleum for transportation has been the single driving force behind OECD oil demand for the past two decades,” said Aaron Brady, IHS CERA Director, Global Oil. “After the oil crisis of the early 1980s the nontransportation sector turned to readily available substitutes like coal, gas or nuclear power. Now we are seeing the tempering of the last significant driver of oil demand in developed countries—petroleum for transportation.”
Future world oil demand growth will be driven almost exclusively by emerging markets. The latest IHS CERA World Oil Watch expects oil demand to increase from 83.8 mbd in 2009 to 89.1 mbd in 2014. 83 percent (4.4 mbd) will come from non-OECD countries. China alone is expected to account for 1.6 mbd of cumulative growth. Just 900,000 bpd of growth is expected to come from OECD countries, just a fraction of the 3.7 million bpd of demand lost over the course of 2005 to 2009.
But the peak of OECD oil demand does not mean that the end of the oil age in these developed economies is imminent, the report finds. The size of the decline in oil demand from the peak year of 2005 to 2030 is expected to be fairly modest, says Brady, assuming that some demand rebounds over the next few years.
“The reason for a modest decline is that although the potential for demand growth has diminished so has the potential, at least in the short to medium term, for large-scale substitution away from petroleum,” he said. “Today’s alternative fuels and technologies can only gain market share slowly owing to the slow turnover of the cars, trucks and airplanes that use petroleum. Petroleum will still be the dominant fuel for transportation 25 years from now, although other sources of energy will likely have captured a growing foothold in transportation.”
Regardless if the decline is modest, the peak of OECD demand will have major implications, the report finds. Peak demand will dampen the rate of increase in dependency on oil imports. It likewise could also help make economic growth in those countries less susceptible to oil price shocks. Finally, peak OECD demand could counteract the expected rapid demand growth in the developing world.
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About IHS CERA (www.ihscera.com)
IHS CERA is a leading business information provider to energy companies, consumers, financial institutions, technology providers and governments. IHS CERA (www.cera.com) delivers strategic knowledge and independent analysis on energy markets, geopolitics, industry trends, and strategy. IHS CERA is based in Cambridge, Mass., and has offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Calgary, Dubai, Johannesburg, Mexico City, Moscow, Mumbai, Oslo, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, DC.
About IHS (www.ihs.com)
IHS (NYSE: IHS) is a leading global source of critical information and insight, dedicated to providing the most complete and trusted information and expertise. IHS product and service solutions span four areas of information that encompass the most important concerns facing global business today: Energy, Product Lifecycle, Security, and Environment, all supported by Macroeconomics. By focusing on customers first, IHS enables innovative and successful decision-making for customers ranging from governments and multinational companies to smaller companies and technical professionals in more than 180 countries. IHS is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009 and employs approximately 4,000 people in 20 countries.
IHS is a registered trademark of IHS Inc. CERA is a registered trademark of Cambridge Energy Research Associates, Inc. Copyright ©2009 IHS Inc. All rights reserved.
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CAMOil demand in developed countries—currently 54 percent of all oil demand—likely reached its all-time peak in 2005, according to a new research report by IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates. While world oil demand is now set to grow as the world economy moves from recession to recovery, the demand lost in 30 developed countries that make up the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is not likely to ever be regained, the report finds.
“The economic downturn has been masking a larger trend in the oil demand of developed countries,” said IHS CERA Chairman and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Prize, Daniel Yergin. “The fact is that OECD oil demand has been falling since late 2005, well before the Great Recession began.”
The key factor making it unlikely for OECD demand to ever return to its 2005 peak is that petroleum demand in the transportation sector—which accounts for 60 percent of OECD petroleum demand—is likely to flatten out after years of steady growth. Oil demand outside the transportation sector has already been relatively flat since 1980. Now the conjunction of several long-term factors is doing the same to transportation:
- Demographic and socioeconomic changes – Vehicle ownership rates in developed countries have reached a “saturation” level while aging populations with low to negative population growth suggests a flattening of demand for mobility. The growth of women’s participation in the labor force is also leveling off, meaning the flattening of another source of demand growth.
- Stronger governmental and consumer push for passenger vehicle fuel economy gains – Energy security concerns and climate change initiatives have led OECD governments to tighten fuel economy standards. The rise in energy prices over the past several years has pushed consumers to value increased efficiency and the auto industry through a major reorientation toward greater efficiency.
- Greater penetration of alternative fuels and vehicle technologies – Governments across the OECD continue to favor mandates that increase the share of alternative fuels in the transportation sector. New technologies such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and next-generation biofuels could also have a greater impact in the future.
“Petroleum for transportation has been the single driving force behind OECD oil demand for the past two decades,” said Aaron Brady, IHS CERA Director, Global Oil. “After the oil crisis of the early 1980s the nontransportation sector turned to readily available substitutes like coal, gas or nuclear power. Now we are seeing the tempering of the last significant driver of oil demand in developed countries—petroleum for transportation.”
Future world oil demand growth will be driven almost exclusively by emerging markets. The latest IHS CERA World Oil Watch expects oil demand to increase from 83.8 mbd in 2009 to 89.1 mbd in 2014. 83 percent (4.4 mbd) will come from non-OECD countries. China alone is expected to account for 1.6 mbd of cumulative growth. Just 900,000 bpd of growth is expected to come from OECD countries, just a fraction of the 3.7 million bpd of demand lost over the course of 2005 to 2009.
But the peak of OECD oil demand does not mean that the end of the oil age in these developed economies is imminent, the report finds. The size of the decline in oil demand from the peak year of 2005 to 2030 is expected to be fairly modest, says Brady, assuming that some demand rebounds over the next few years.
“The reason for a modest decline is that although the potential for demand growth has diminished so has the potential, at least in the short to medium term, for large-scale substitution away from petroleum,” he said. “Today’s alternative fuels and technologies can only gain market share slowly owing to the slow turnover of the cars, trucks and airplanes that use petroleum. Petroleum will still be the dominant fuel for transportation 25 years from now, although other sources of energy will likely have captured a growing foothold in transportation.”
Regardless if the decline is modest, the peak of OECD demand will have major implications, the report finds. Peak demand will dampen the rate of increase in dependency on oil imports. It likewise could also help make economic growth in those countries less susceptible to oil price shocks. Finally, peak OECD demand could counteract the expected rapid demand growth in the developing world.
---
About IHS CERA (www.ihscera.com)
IHS CERA is a leading business information provider to energy companies, consumers, financial institutions, technology providers and governments. IHS CERA (www.cera.com) delivers strategic knowledge and independent analysis on energy markets, geopolitics, industry trends, and strategy. IHS CERA is based in Cambridge, Mass., and has offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Calgary, Dubai, Johannesburg, Mexico City, Moscow, Mumbai, Oslo, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, DC.
About IHS (www.ihs.com)
IHS (NYSE: IHS) is a leading global source of critical information and insight, dedicated to providing the most complete and trusted information and expertise. IHS product and service solutions span four areas of information that encompass the most important concerns facing global business today: Energy, Product Lifecycle, Security, and Environment, all supported by Macroeconomics. By focusing on customers first, IHS enables innovative and successful decision-making for customers ranging from governments and multinational companies to smaller companies and technical professionals in more than 180 countries. IHS is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009 and employs approximately 4,000 people in 20 countries.
IHS is a registered trademark of IHS Inc. CERA is a registered trademark of Cambridge Energy Research Associates, Inc. Copyright ©2009 IHS Inc. All rights reserved.
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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Monday, September 21, 2009
Isakson, Chambliss Urge Administration to Open New Areas for Natural Gas, Oil Development
Expansion Would Create Jobs, Lessen Dependence on Foreign Oil
U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today joined with 33 of their Senate colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the Administration expressing their strong support for a proposal by the Minerals Management Service to open up new offshore areas for natural gas and oil leasing and development.
“Environmentally responsible exploration of our offshore oil and natural gas resources is a critical part of a comprehensive policy that will enable the United States to become energy independent,” Isakson said. “I hope Secretary Salazar and President Obama will move quickly to utilize these resources, which are important to our national security and economic well-being.”
“It’s important that we utilize all of our domestic energy sources in an environmentally friendly way so that America can become energy independent,” said Chambliss. “Moving forward with the proposed program to lease areas in the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and gas exploration and development is a step in the right direction.”
The full text of the letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is below:
Dear Mr. Secretary:
We are writing to convey our strong support for the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program (DPP) proposed by the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS). By opening up new offshore areas for natural gas and oil leasing and development and also allowing for the development of renewable energy as proposed in the DPP, the Department of the Interior can provide the United States with an opportunity to responsibly produce our own energy. This development will bolster our nation’s economy, create new jobs and decrease our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
It is more important than ever that the federal government allow for development of domestic offshore energy supplies made available in the DPP. By offering new leasing opportunities, the DPP is appropriately expansive and provides the Department with maximum flexibility to properly utilize our nation’s domestic resources.
Now is the appropriate time to promote long-term policies that responsibly encourage job creation while growing the economy. Important offshore areas, like those in Alaska, offer tremendous natural gas and oil resources. By some estimates, the Chukchi Sea alone off Alaska’s coast contains as much natural gas and oil as the country has produced in the Gulf of Mexico since 1942.
Additionally, we urge MMS to move forward with the 2007-2012 Leasing Program while working to approve and finalize the new DPP. Implementing a sensible, forward-thinking energy policy will allow for responsible leasing and development of America’s energy resources and will help industries and businesses here at home that rely heavily on natural gas and crude oil. It will also further our national security and energy security interests and, of course, spur jobs and economic growth as we open new areas to leasing and development.
In conclusion, we are pleased to see that the MMS has included new leasing areas in the DPP and has acknowledged the need for the United States to begin responsibly developing the abundant energy resources located off our coasts. We believe that the DPP is an important step in creating a robust, diverse, national energy policy which will help secure our energy future.
We urge you to move forward on the DPP as you work to finalize a new five-year OCS plan. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance to you.
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U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today joined with 33 of their Senate colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the Administration expressing their strong support for a proposal by the Minerals Management Service to open up new offshore areas for natural gas and oil leasing and development.
“Environmentally responsible exploration of our offshore oil and natural gas resources is a critical part of a comprehensive policy that will enable the United States to become energy independent,” Isakson said. “I hope Secretary Salazar and President Obama will move quickly to utilize these resources, which are important to our national security and economic well-being.”
“It’s important that we utilize all of our domestic energy sources in an environmentally friendly way so that America can become energy independent,” said Chambliss. “Moving forward with the proposed program to lease areas in the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and gas exploration and development is a step in the right direction.”
The full text of the letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is below:
Dear Mr. Secretary:
We are writing to convey our strong support for the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program (DPP) proposed by the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS). By opening up new offshore areas for natural gas and oil leasing and development and also allowing for the development of renewable energy as proposed in the DPP, the Department of the Interior can provide the United States with an opportunity to responsibly produce our own energy. This development will bolster our nation’s economy, create new jobs and decrease our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
It is more important than ever that the federal government allow for development of domestic offshore energy supplies made available in the DPP. By offering new leasing opportunities, the DPP is appropriately expansive and provides the Department with maximum flexibility to properly utilize our nation’s domestic resources.
Now is the appropriate time to promote long-term policies that responsibly encourage job creation while growing the economy. Important offshore areas, like those in Alaska, offer tremendous natural gas and oil resources. By some estimates, the Chukchi Sea alone off Alaska’s coast contains as much natural gas and oil as the country has produced in the Gulf of Mexico since 1942.
Additionally, we urge MMS to move forward with the 2007-2012 Leasing Program while working to approve and finalize the new DPP. Implementing a sensible, forward-thinking energy policy will allow for responsible leasing and development of America’s energy resources and will help industries and businesses here at home that rely heavily on natural gas and crude oil. It will also further our national security and energy security interests and, of course, spur jobs and economic growth as we open new areas to leasing and development.
In conclusion, we are pleased to see that the MMS has included new leasing areas in the DPP and has acknowledged the need for the United States to begin responsibly developing the abundant energy resources located off our coasts. We believe that the DPP is an important step in creating a robust, diverse, national energy policy which will help secure our energy future.
We urge you to move forward on the DPP as you work to finalize a new five-year OCS plan. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance to you.
---
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Energy Efficiency Projects to Help State Meet Governor’s Energy Challenge
State Facilities Receive $63.1 Million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of 135 energy efficiency projects totaling $63.1 million as part of the State Facilities Retrofit Program. Funding for the projects is being provided by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The energy efficiency projects for state facilities include lighting system retrofits, HVAC system upgrades, replacement of inefficient chillers and boilers, advanced control systems, utility sub-metering and building tune-ups (also known as commissioning).
“Energy efficiency retrofits will save the state millions of dollars in energy costs year after year and will reduce our energy consumption,” said Governor Perdue. “Many of these projects may go unnoticed to the average Georgian, but the results will be substantial energy savings and a more efficient state government.”
Through the Governor’s Energy Challenge, an initiative of Conserve Georgia, Governor Perdue directed state agencies to reduce energy consumption 15 percent below 2007 levels. He also encouraged businesses, individuals, not-for-profits, schools and local governments to meet the same goal. The energy projects announced today will save the state approximately $15.1 million a year in avoided energy costs, resulting in a four year payback on the investment and an energy savings of 976,692 million BTUs (equivalent to the amount of energy consumed by approximately 4,544 housing units in one year).
“Georgia is leading by example through the Governor’s commitment to energy efficiency in state government,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil. “Through the State Facilities Retrofit Program, we’ll make significant progress toward meeting the Governor’s 15 percent energy reduction goal.”
All businesses interested in competing for state energy retrofit projects should contact the Construction Division of the Georgia State Finance Investment Commission at www.gsfic.ga.gov and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia at www.usg.edu/ref .
For more information regarding the energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities available through GEFA, please visit www.gefa.org.
A complete listing of the state facility projects is attached, along with the estimated yearly energy cost savings and projected length of payback. Also, a chart is attached that shows the portion of the overall amount that is being used in the different project categories.
About the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (www.gefa.org)
The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) provides financial assistance and administers programs that encourage stewardship of the environment and promote economic development statewide. GEFA is the lead state agency for energy planning and alternative fuels; manages the Governor’s Energy Challenge and the Georgia Land Conservation Program; maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water and solid waste infrastructure.
About the Governor’s Energy Challenge
In April 2008, Governor Sonny Perdue committed Georgia’s state agencies to reduce energy consumption 15 percent by 2020 and challenged Georgia businesses, local governments and citizens to do the same. Georgia’s population is projected to grow to more than 12 million people by 2030. This growth will significantly impact Georgia’s land, water and energy resources. The Governor’s Energy Challenge plays an active role in providing information to Georgia businesses and residents on how to meet this challenge and to help protect the state’s natural resources for generations to come.
About Conserve Georgia (www.conservegeorgia.org)
The Conserve Georgia program was developed to foster a culture of conservation throughout the state of Georgia. Nearly a dozen state agencies and authorities are working together with businesses, civic leaders, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and residents to make Georgia’s air, land, water, energy and wildlife resources more sustainable now and for generations to come. The program’s Web site – www.ConserveGeorgia.org – serves as a portal to help Georgians find information on a wide range of conservation resources and programs.
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Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of 135 energy efficiency projects totaling $63.1 million as part of the State Facilities Retrofit Program. Funding for the projects is being provided by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The energy efficiency projects for state facilities include lighting system retrofits, HVAC system upgrades, replacement of inefficient chillers and boilers, advanced control systems, utility sub-metering and building tune-ups (also known as commissioning).
“Energy efficiency retrofits will save the state millions of dollars in energy costs year after year and will reduce our energy consumption,” said Governor Perdue. “Many of these projects may go unnoticed to the average Georgian, but the results will be substantial energy savings and a more efficient state government.”
Through the Governor’s Energy Challenge, an initiative of Conserve Georgia, Governor Perdue directed state agencies to reduce energy consumption 15 percent below 2007 levels. He also encouraged businesses, individuals, not-for-profits, schools and local governments to meet the same goal. The energy projects announced today will save the state approximately $15.1 million a year in avoided energy costs, resulting in a four year payback on the investment and an energy savings of 976,692 million BTUs (equivalent to the amount of energy consumed by approximately 4,544 housing units in one year).
“Georgia is leading by example through the Governor’s commitment to energy efficiency in state government,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil. “Through the State Facilities Retrofit Program, we’ll make significant progress toward meeting the Governor’s 15 percent energy reduction goal.”
All businesses interested in competing for state energy retrofit projects should contact the Construction Division of the Georgia State Finance Investment Commission at www.gsfic.ga.gov and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia at www.usg.edu/ref .
For more information regarding the energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities available through GEFA, please visit www.gefa.org.
A complete listing of the state facility projects is attached, along with the estimated yearly energy cost savings and projected length of payback. Also, a chart is attached that shows the portion of the overall amount that is being used in the different project categories.
About the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (www.gefa.org)
The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) provides financial assistance and administers programs that encourage stewardship of the environment and promote economic development statewide. GEFA is the lead state agency for energy planning and alternative fuels; manages the Governor’s Energy Challenge and the Georgia Land Conservation Program; maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water and solid waste infrastructure.
About the Governor’s Energy Challenge
In April 2008, Governor Sonny Perdue committed Georgia’s state agencies to reduce energy consumption 15 percent by 2020 and challenged Georgia businesses, local governments and citizens to do the same. Georgia’s population is projected to grow to more than 12 million people by 2030. This growth will significantly impact Georgia’s land, water and energy resources. The Governor’s Energy Challenge plays an active role in providing information to Georgia businesses and residents on how to meet this challenge and to help protect the state’s natural resources for generations to come.
About Conserve Georgia (www.conservegeorgia.org)
The Conserve Georgia program was developed to foster a culture of conservation throughout the state of Georgia. Nearly a dozen state agencies and authorities are working together with businesses, civic leaders, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and residents to make Georgia’s air, land, water, energy and wildlife resources more sustainable now and for generations to come. The program’s Web site – www.ConserveGeorgia.org – serves as a portal to help Georgians find information on a wide range of conservation resources and programs.
---
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Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
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Georgia Employers Take Action to Reduce Unnecessary Diesel Idling
No-idle zones improve air quality and reduce operational expense
Since the 2008 launch of The Clean Air Campaign’s Diesel Idling Reduction Program, more than 60 employers and property managers in Georgia have taken the initiative to reduce unnecessary diesel engine idling among their fleets and at their work sites. Made possible by a grant from the UPS Foundation, the program has also educated more than 15,000 drivers about the harmful effects of vehicle idling.
“There is a strong business case to be made for establishing a no-idle policy,” said Executive Director Kevin Green. “It not only keeps pollution out of the air, but it improves operational efficiency. Less gas, less fleet maintenance and less wear on engine components are significant bottom-line budget considerations for this policy.”
Loading docks and delivery areas are the hot spots where you can usually find idling diesel engines. This exhaust is not only dangerous to drivers. Exhaust can also enter office buildings through air intakes, doors and windows, and studies show that diesel exhaust contains 15 carcinogenic pollutants. In Georgia, more business leaders are starting to take action to prevent harmful idling.
“We saw an opportunity to make an immediate difference in the air quality in and around our parking garages,” said Sean Cabrey of LAZ Parking. “After joining The Clean Air Campaign’s Diesel Idling Reduction Program, we enlisted the help of our Atlanta clients, and printed more than 50 “no-idle zone” signs for all of our delivery areas.”
“No-idle programs are the types of forward-thinking initiatives that should go in the pages of a company’s corporate sustainability report,” continued Green. “As more employers set out to cultivate a greener internal culture, this is another step toward that goal.”
The Clean Air Campaign continues to help Georgia employers develop best practices and policies for reducing unnecessary diesel engine idling, providing free “no-idle zone” signage, distributing educational and marketing materials, and providing the tools necessary to measure the impact and success of the Diesel Idling Reduction Program.
For more information about the program or to learn how your company can become a no-idle program participant, visit CleanAirCampaign.org or call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624).
About The Clean Air Campaign
The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with Georgia’s employers, commuters and schools to encourage actions that result in less traffic congestion and better air quality. To accomplish this goal, The Clean Air Campaign, along with its associate organizations, partners with more than 1,600 employers to create custom commute options programs; and annually helps thousands of commuters find commute alternatives that work for them, providing financial incentives to get them started. The Clean Air Campaign also protects public health by distributing Smog Alerts and empowers students, parents and teachers to play a positive role in reducing traffic and cleaning the air through a multi-faceted education program reaching elementary, middle and high schools.
Each day, these programs reduce 1.6 million miles of vehicle travel and keep 800 tons of pollution out of the air we breathe. For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624) or visit CleanAirCampaign.org.
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Since the 2008 launch of The Clean Air Campaign’s Diesel Idling Reduction Program, more than 60 employers and property managers in Georgia have taken the initiative to reduce unnecessary diesel engine idling among their fleets and at their work sites. Made possible by a grant from the UPS Foundation, the program has also educated more than 15,000 drivers about the harmful effects of vehicle idling.
“There is a strong business case to be made for establishing a no-idle policy,” said Executive Director Kevin Green. “It not only keeps pollution out of the air, but it improves operational efficiency. Less gas, less fleet maintenance and less wear on engine components are significant bottom-line budget considerations for this policy.”
Loading docks and delivery areas are the hot spots where you can usually find idling diesel engines. This exhaust is not only dangerous to drivers. Exhaust can also enter office buildings through air intakes, doors and windows, and studies show that diesel exhaust contains 15 carcinogenic pollutants. In Georgia, more business leaders are starting to take action to prevent harmful idling.
“We saw an opportunity to make an immediate difference in the air quality in and around our parking garages,” said Sean Cabrey of LAZ Parking. “After joining The Clean Air Campaign’s Diesel Idling Reduction Program, we enlisted the help of our Atlanta clients, and printed more than 50 “no-idle zone” signs for all of our delivery areas.”
“No-idle programs are the types of forward-thinking initiatives that should go in the pages of a company’s corporate sustainability report,” continued Green. “As more employers set out to cultivate a greener internal culture, this is another step toward that goal.”
The Clean Air Campaign continues to help Georgia employers develop best practices and policies for reducing unnecessary diesel engine idling, providing free “no-idle zone” signage, distributing educational and marketing materials, and providing the tools necessary to measure the impact and success of the Diesel Idling Reduction Program.
For more information about the program or to learn how your company can become a no-idle program participant, visit CleanAirCampaign.org or call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624).
About The Clean Air Campaign
The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with Georgia’s employers, commuters and schools to encourage actions that result in less traffic congestion and better air quality. To accomplish this goal, The Clean Air Campaign, along with its associate organizations, partners with more than 1,600 employers to create custom commute options programs; and annually helps thousands of commuters find commute alternatives that work for them, providing financial incentives to get them started. The Clean Air Campaign also protects public health by distributing Smog Alerts and empowers students, parents and teachers to play a positive role in reducing traffic and cleaning the air through a multi-faceted education program reaching elementary, middle and high schools.
Each day, these programs reduce 1.6 million miles of vehicle travel and keep 800 tons of pollution out of the air we breathe. For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624) or visit CleanAirCampaign.org.
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Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas Launches a New Website
Company takes its transparency and exceptional customer service online
Coweta-Fayette EMC (CFEMC) Natural Gas, known for its simple pricing structures and easy to understand bills, has launched a new website at www.cfemcnaturalgas.com that makes it easier for all Georgians on the Atlanta Gas Light distribution pipeline to get competitively priced natural gas service.
Customers can see how much they can save each year on the most commonly used natural gas powered appliances, which include the water heater, oven range, furnace, and gas grill compared to other natural gas marketers. Making this information readily available helps customers make informed decisions about their natural gas marketer selection.
“CFEMC Natural Gas has provided competitive, easy to understand pricing with exceptional customer service since natural gas was first deregulated in Georgia,” said Dan Hart, President and CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas. “It was a natural decision to take that same approach to our new website, and the initial response has been fantastic. People really appreciate the opportunity to quickly and easily see the cost difference between natural gas marketers, regardless of where they live in Georgia.”
CFEMC Natural Gas consistently offers some of the most competitive prices among all natural gas marketers on the Atlanta Gas Light pipeline. Rates and sign-up information are prominently displayed on every page of the website in an intuitive, user-friendly design. Energy saving tips, safety information and the Kids Korner section for children also are easily found from anywhere on the site.
The company’s spirit of transparency and full disclosure is experienced through quick links to the Georgia Public Service Commission’s (PSC’s) list of current gas prices from certified natural gas marketers, the PSC’s Gas Marketers’ Scorecard, and the section of the Atlanta Gas Light website that details how monthly base charges are calculated.
Consumers statewide were given the ability to select the natural gas marketer of their choice when the State of Georgia deregulated natural gas service in 1998. As a result, any Georgia resident or business that receives natural gas from the Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) pipeline can select their natural gas marketer. CFEMC Natural Gas was founded to fill that need for Coweta-Fayette EMC customers as well as residents and businesses throughout the state that are not in the EMC’s service territory.
Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas is a natural gas marketer registered with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) that offers customers easy to understand bills, simple pricing structures, and local customer service. Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas customers can choose monthly variable-rate pricing without a contract or fixed pricing that allows them to lock in their natural gas price for the winter heating season.
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Coweta-Fayette EMC (CFEMC) Natural Gas, known for its simple pricing structures and easy to understand bills, has launched a new website at www.cfemcnaturalgas.com that makes it easier for all Georgians on the Atlanta Gas Light distribution pipeline to get competitively priced natural gas service.
Customers can see how much they can save each year on the most commonly used natural gas powered appliances, which include the water heater, oven range, furnace, and gas grill compared to other natural gas marketers. Making this information readily available helps customers make informed decisions about their natural gas marketer selection.
“CFEMC Natural Gas has provided competitive, easy to understand pricing with exceptional customer service since natural gas was first deregulated in Georgia,” said Dan Hart, President and CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas. “It was a natural decision to take that same approach to our new website, and the initial response has been fantastic. People really appreciate the opportunity to quickly and easily see the cost difference between natural gas marketers, regardless of where they live in Georgia.”
CFEMC Natural Gas consistently offers some of the most competitive prices among all natural gas marketers on the Atlanta Gas Light pipeline. Rates and sign-up information are prominently displayed on every page of the website in an intuitive, user-friendly design. Energy saving tips, safety information and the Kids Korner section for children also are easily found from anywhere on the site.
The company’s spirit of transparency and full disclosure is experienced through quick links to the Georgia Public Service Commission’s (PSC’s) list of current gas prices from certified natural gas marketers, the PSC’s Gas Marketers’ Scorecard, and the section of the Atlanta Gas Light website that details how monthly base charges are calculated.
Consumers statewide were given the ability to select the natural gas marketer of their choice when the State of Georgia deregulated natural gas service in 1998. As a result, any Georgia resident or business that receives natural gas from the Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) pipeline can select their natural gas marketer. CFEMC Natural Gas was founded to fill that need for Coweta-Fayette EMC customers as well as residents and businesses throughout the state that are not in the EMC’s service territory.
Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas is a natural gas marketer registered with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) that offers customers easy to understand bills, simple pricing structures, and local customer service. Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas customers can choose monthly variable-rate pricing without a contract or fixed pricing that allows them to lock in their natural gas price for the winter heating season.
---
Community News You Can Use
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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Friday, May 1, 2009
Public Agenda: Americans Give U.S. Low Grades on Key Energy Challenges
Public Gravely Dissatisfied With Status Quo on Oil Dependence, Costs, and Alternative Energy, But Lack of Knowledge Could Derail Debate
Americans give the nation poor grades on key energy challenges, such as reducing our dependence on foreign oil, keeping energy costs affordable and developing alternative energy, according to “The Energy Learning Curve™,” a new survey, by Public Agenda, the nonpartisan opinion research and citizen engagement organization and released in association with the innovative web-to-television project Planet Forward.
Additional findings from the groundbreaking national survey, which measures the public evolving views and knowledge about energy issues, will be released tonight on the Planet Forward television special, airing at 8 p.m. tonight on PBS (check local listings). This is the national premiere of Planet Forward, a "virtual town square" hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno.
Produced by the Public Affairs Project at The George Washington University, Planet Forward is an innovative web-to-television project where citizens, ranging from students to scientists, entrepreneurs to activists, make their case for what they think about the nation’s energy future. Several citizen contributors will present their ideas directly to Carol Browner, assistant to the president for energy and climate change.
The Energy Learning Curve™ clearly shows, however, that whatever ideas the nation pursues in the future, most Americans are unhappy with our energy situation in the present. Nowhere is public dissatisfaction more evident than where it comes to reducing dependence on foreign oil. More than half the public, 54 percent, give the United States grades of "D" or "F" in this area, and only 14 percent would give the nation an "A" or "B" grade.
Failing grades are almost as high for keeping energy costs affordable (46 percent give "Ds" or "Fs") and developing alternative energy sources (43 percent give "Ds" or "Fs"). Grades are somewhat better on climate change, with only 36 percent giving failing grades on reducing global warming, and 31 percent "Ds" and "Fs" for cooperating with other countries on the issue.
One explanation for the somewhat better grades on climate change is that global warming is a lesser concern for the public compared with energy independence and the price of fuel. While overwhelming majorities worry about prices (89 percent), oil dependence (83 percent) and global warming (71 percent), the intensity of their concern is much different. Almost 6 in 10 (57 percent) worry "a lot" about price, while only 32 percent say they worry "a lot" about global warming.
"We're embarking on a new debate about energy in this country, and the public is entering it in a deeply dissatisfied frame of mind," said Scott Bittle, Public Agenda executive vice president and lead author of the report. "But they're unhappiest about the parts of the problem that hit them in the here and now. Global warming is still a more remote problem to the public than prices or oil dependence, and that's reflected in these grades."
When it comes to solutions, the Energy Learning Curve™ also finds widespread support on a range of proposals, including alternative energy, incentives for efficiency, and raising mileage standards for cars. At the same time there is also broad resistance to changes that might increase the cost of driving, and unrealistic assumptions about how quickly and easily alternatives can be achieved.
Of the barriers to progress, the most notable may be a serious knowledge deficit among the public. Half of all Americans can't identify a renewable energy source, nearly 4 in 10 cannot name a fossil fuel, two-thirds overestimate U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern oil, overestimate how much of the world’s oil reserves are in the U.S. and they're divided on whether drilling offshore and in Alaska would make us energy independent.
"This knowledge deficit may be the greatest challenge the nation faces on energy, greater than the economic or technical problems," Bittle said. "The public is unhappy and ready for change, but the lack of understanding could trip the nation up. A new energy policy can only work if the public buys into it. But politicians, experts and the media have to help people understand what's being sold to them. The last thing we need is an energy policy that leaves the public with buyer's remorse."
This report—the first in a series of The Energy Learning Curve ™ studies to measure the public evolving views and knowledge about energy issues—was based on interviews with a national random sample of 1,001 adults over the age of 18 conducted between January 15 and January 30 2009. Over 90 survey questions were asked, covering each facet of “the energy triple threat"—economic, oil dependence and environmental issues.”The margin of error for the overall sample is plus or minus four percentage points. Full results of the report are available at: www.publicagenda.org/energy and at www.planetforward.org/energy-index.
1. What grade would you give the United States overall when it comes to reducing its dependence on foreign oil?
A 5%
B 9%
C 25%
D 29%
F 25%
Don’t know 6%
2. And what grade would you give the United States when it comes to its efforts to reduce global warming?
A 10%
B 13%
C 32%
D 22%
F 14%
Don’t know 6%
3. And what grade would you give the U.S. government for keeping energy costs affordable?
A 7%
B 12%
C 31%
D 25%
F 21%
Don’t know 3%
4. And what grade would you give the U.S. government for developing alternative energy sources?
A 7%
B 14%
C 31%
D 28%
F 15%
Don’t know 5%
5. And what grade would you give the U.S. government for cooperating with other countries to reduce global warming?
A 10%
B 17%
C 29%
D 18%
F 13%
Don’t know 11%
________________
Public Agenda, www.publicagenda.org, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nonpartisan public policy research. Founded in 1975 by former U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and Daniel Yankelovich, the social scientist and author, Public Agenda is well respected for its influential public opinion surveys and balanced citizen education materials. Its mission is to inject the public’s voice into crucial policy debates.
Planet Forward, www.planetforward.org, is an innovative, viewer-driven program that debuts on the web first and then moves to television, and then moves back to the web. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning CNN veteran Frank Sesno, Planet Forward is driven by the power of ideas, as citizens make their case for what they think about the nation's energy future. Planet Forward is a co-production of the Public Affairs Project at The George Washington University and Nebraska Educational Telecommunications in collaboration with Public Agenda and Sunburst Creative Productions.
---
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Americans give the nation poor grades on key energy challenges, such as reducing our dependence on foreign oil, keeping energy costs affordable and developing alternative energy, according to “The Energy Learning Curve™,” a new survey, by Public Agenda, the nonpartisan opinion research and citizen engagement organization and released in association with the innovative web-to-television project Planet Forward.
Additional findings from the groundbreaking national survey, which measures the public evolving views and knowledge about energy issues, will be released tonight on the Planet Forward television special, airing at 8 p.m. tonight on PBS (check local listings). This is the national premiere of Planet Forward, a "virtual town square" hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno.
Produced by the Public Affairs Project at The George Washington University, Planet Forward is an innovative web-to-television project where citizens, ranging from students to scientists, entrepreneurs to activists, make their case for what they think about the nation’s energy future. Several citizen contributors will present their ideas directly to Carol Browner, assistant to the president for energy and climate change.
The Energy Learning Curve™ clearly shows, however, that whatever ideas the nation pursues in the future, most Americans are unhappy with our energy situation in the present. Nowhere is public dissatisfaction more evident than where it comes to reducing dependence on foreign oil. More than half the public, 54 percent, give the United States grades of "D" or "F" in this area, and only 14 percent would give the nation an "A" or "B" grade.
Failing grades are almost as high for keeping energy costs affordable (46 percent give "Ds" or "Fs") and developing alternative energy sources (43 percent give "Ds" or "Fs"). Grades are somewhat better on climate change, with only 36 percent giving failing grades on reducing global warming, and 31 percent "Ds" and "Fs" for cooperating with other countries on the issue.
One explanation for the somewhat better grades on climate change is that global warming is a lesser concern for the public compared with energy independence and the price of fuel. While overwhelming majorities worry about prices (89 percent), oil dependence (83 percent) and global warming (71 percent), the intensity of their concern is much different. Almost 6 in 10 (57 percent) worry "a lot" about price, while only 32 percent say they worry "a lot" about global warming.
"We're embarking on a new debate about energy in this country, and the public is entering it in a deeply dissatisfied frame of mind," said Scott Bittle, Public Agenda executive vice president and lead author of the report. "But they're unhappiest about the parts of the problem that hit them in the here and now. Global warming is still a more remote problem to the public than prices or oil dependence, and that's reflected in these grades."
When it comes to solutions, the Energy Learning Curve™ also finds widespread support on a range of proposals, including alternative energy, incentives for efficiency, and raising mileage standards for cars. At the same time there is also broad resistance to changes that might increase the cost of driving, and unrealistic assumptions about how quickly and easily alternatives can be achieved.
Of the barriers to progress, the most notable may be a serious knowledge deficit among the public. Half of all Americans can't identify a renewable energy source, nearly 4 in 10 cannot name a fossil fuel, two-thirds overestimate U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern oil, overestimate how much of the world’s oil reserves are in the U.S. and they're divided on whether drilling offshore and in Alaska would make us energy independent.
"This knowledge deficit may be the greatest challenge the nation faces on energy, greater than the economic or technical problems," Bittle said. "The public is unhappy and ready for change, but the lack of understanding could trip the nation up. A new energy policy can only work if the public buys into it. But politicians, experts and the media have to help people understand what's being sold to them. The last thing we need is an energy policy that leaves the public with buyer's remorse."
This report—the first in a series of The Energy Learning Curve ™ studies to measure the public evolving views and knowledge about energy issues—was based on interviews with a national random sample of 1,001 adults over the age of 18 conducted between January 15 and January 30 2009. Over 90 survey questions were asked, covering each facet of “the energy triple threat"—economic, oil dependence and environmental issues.”The margin of error for the overall sample is plus or minus four percentage points. Full results of the report are available at: www.publicagenda.org/energy and at www.planetforward.org/energy-index.
1. What grade would you give the United States overall when it comes to reducing its dependence on foreign oil?
A 5%
B 9%
C 25%
D 29%
F 25%
Don’t know 6%
2. And what grade would you give the United States when it comes to its efforts to reduce global warming?
A 10%
B 13%
C 32%
D 22%
F 14%
Don’t know 6%
3. And what grade would you give the U.S. government for keeping energy costs affordable?
A 7%
B 12%
C 31%
D 25%
F 21%
Don’t know 3%
4. And what grade would you give the U.S. government for developing alternative energy sources?
A 7%
B 14%
C 31%
D 28%
F 15%
Don’t know 5%
5. And what grade would you give the U.S. government for cooperating with other countries to reduce global warming?
A 10%
B 17%
C 29%
D 18%
F 13%
Don’t know 11%
________________
Public Agenda, www.publicagenda.org, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nonpartisan public policy research. Founded in 1975 by former U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and Daniel Yankelovich, the social scientist and author, Public Agenda is well respected for its influential public opinion surveys and balanced citizen education materials. Its mission is to inject the public’s voice into crucial policy debates.
Planet Forward, www.planetforward.org, is an innovative, viewer-driven program that debuts on the web first and then moves to television, and then moves back to the web. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning CNN veteran Frank Sesno, Planet Forward is driven by the power of ideas, as citizens make their case for what they think about the nation's energy future. Planet Forward is a co-production of the Public Affairs Project at The George Washington University and Nebraska Educational Telecommunications in collaboration with Public Agenda and Sunburst Creative Productions.
---
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Governor Perdue Signs Clean Energy Grant Legislation
On Earth Day 2009, Governor Sonny Perdue signed House Bill 473, legislation creating a commercial clean energy grant program for solar, wind, energy efficiency and geothermal heat pump projects. The grant program will be administered by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) and is contingent upon the availability of federal stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“HB 473 provides Georgia companies with additional incentives for investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said Governor Perdue. “These clean energy grants will also help the private sector meet the state’s goal of reducing energy consumption by 15 percent.”
HB 473 will be administered by GEFA under similar terms and conditions of the current Clean Energy Property Tax Credit (HB 670) passed last year. Quality standards, such as Energy Star criteria for geothermal heat pumps and a high efficiency standard (exceeding ASHRAE 90.1.2004 by 30 percent) for lighting and buildings, determine eligibility for the grant program. The grants will be available on a first come, first served basis; installation of the qualifying clean energy property must be completed before a grant application can be submitted. The maximum grant for each applicant is limited to the lesser of 35 percent of the cost of the clean energy property or the statutory caps.
While HB 473 authorizes Georgia to use ARRA funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy grants to non-residential consumers, the state will not know whether this is possible or how much will be available until its application for recovery funds is reviewed this summer by the U.S. Department of Energy. GEFA is expected to receive a total of approximately $82.5 million for the State Energy Program through ARRA, which will support many other efforts in addition to HB 473.
Governor Perdue has committed all state agencies to reduce energy consumption per square foot in state facilities 15 percent below FY2007 levels by 2020. To further ensure that Georgia’s natural resources are protected for future generations to use and to enjoy, the Governor also challenged Georgia’s citizens, businesses and local governments to match the state’s effort. Meeting this goal will reduce Georgia’s dependence on traditional energy sources, support the economy, and improve the environment.
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---
“HB 473 provides Georgia companies with additional incentives for investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said Governor Perdue. “These clean energy grants will also help the private sector meet the state’s goal of reducing energy consumption by 15 percent.”
HB 473 will be administered by GEFA under similar terms and conditions of the current Clean Energy Property Tax Credit (HB 670) passed last year. Quality standards, such as Energy Star criteria for geothermal heat pumps and a high efficiency standard (exceeding ASHRAE 90.1.2004 by 30 percent) for lighting and buildings, determine eligibility for the grant program. The grants will be available on a first come, first served basis; installation of the qualifying clean energy property must be completed before a grant application can be submitted. The maximum grant for each applicant is limited to the lesser of 35 percent of the cost of the clean energy property or the statutory caps.
While HB 473 authorizes Georgia to use ARRA funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy grants to non-residential consumers, the state will not know whether this is possible or how much will be available until its application for recovery funds is reviewed this summer by the U.S. Department of Energy. GEFA is expected to receive a total of approximately $82.5 million for the State Energy Program through ARRA, which will support many other efforts in addition to HB 473.
Governor Perdue has committed all state agencies to reduce energy consumption per square foot in state facilities 15 percent below FY2007 levels by 2020. To further ensure that Georgia’s natural resources are protected for future generations to use and to enjoy, the Governor also challenged Georgia’s citizens, businesses and local governments to match the state’s effort. Meeting this goal will reduce Georgia’s dependence on traditional energy sources, support the economy, and improve the environment.
---
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---
Monday, April 13, 2009
AWEA Annual Wind Energy Industry Report Reflects Strong Growth in 2008, Dramatic Increase in Manufacturing
Wind energy leaders in several categories maintained their #1 positions even as other leaders emerged in new categories, while 24 states saw new wind turbine and component manufacturing facilities opened, expanded or announced in 2008, according to the annual wind energy industry rankings report released today by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
The new listings, based on 2008 year-end numbers, show Texas leading in wind capacity and largest wind farms installed, Minnesota and Iowa both generating over 7% of their electricity from wind, and Indiana as the state with the fastest growth in wind on a percentage basis.
In company rankings, NextEra Energy Resources (formerly FPL Energy) continues to lead in wind farm ownership; GE Energy remained the wind turbine maker with the largest amount of new capacity installed, and Xcel Energy again leads investor-owned utilities in wind power. Wind power’s recent growth has also accelerated investment in manufacturing: wind turbine and turbine component manufacturers announced, added or expanded more than 55 facilities in 2008 alone, spanning 24 states from Alabama to Wisconsin.
“The wind energy industry today generates not only clean energy for our economy, but also hope and opportunity for American workers and businesses,” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “Whether it is building or maintaining a wind project, or producing wind turbine components, you’ll find people employed in wind power in nearly all 50 states today,” Bode said.
“But we cannot rest on past achievements. We need the right policies in place for our industry to maintain its momentum. A national Renewable Electricity Standard, requiring utilities to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025, is vital to provide the long-term, U.S.-wide commitment businesses need to invest tens of billions of dollars in clean energy installations and manufacturing facilities, and create hundreds of thousands of American jobs,” Bode said.
Highlights from AWEA’s new report include:
• Iowa, with 2,791 MW installed, surpassed California (2,517 MW) for the No. 2 position in wind power generating capacity.
• The top five states in terms of capacity installed are:
Texas, with 7,118 MW
Iowa, with 2,791 MW
California, with 2,517 MW
Minnesota , with 1,754 MW
Washington, with 1,447 MW
• Oregon moved into the 1,000-MW club, which now counts seven states, including Texas, Iowa, California, Minnesota, Washington and Colorado.
• Indiana ranked as the state with the fastest growth rate, expanding installations from zero to 131 MW, followed by Michigan (48%), Utah (21%), New Hampshire (17%) and Wisconsin (6%).
• Two states – Minnesota and Iowa – now get over 7% of their power needs from wind. Minnesota ranks first in this list (7.48%), followed closely by Iowa (7.1%). The rest of the top five are Colorado, North Dakota, and New Mexico.
• Ten new manufacturing facilities came online, 17 were expanded, and 30 were announced in 2008, according to AWEA estimates. These investments and announcements span 24 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Carolina, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Illinois, Alabama, Ohio, Indiana, Montana, Texas, Minnesota, Idaho, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Massachusetts.
• Approximately 85,000 people are employed in the wind industry today—a 70% increase from 50,000 a year ago—and hold jobs in areas as varied as turbine component manufacturing, construction and installation of wind turbines, wind turbine operations and maintenance, legal and marketing services, and more.
• NextEra Energy Resources remains atop the list of project owners, with 6,290 MW of wind power assets, roughly 25% of the total installed in the U.S. The three companies that make up the next 25% are Iberdrola Renewables, MidAmerican Energy (including PacifiCorp), and Horizon-Energia de Portugal.
• GE Energy turbines accounted for 43% of all new capacity installed in the U.S. in 2008. The rest of the top five include Vestas, which accounted for 13%, Siemens and Suzlon at 9% each, and Gamesa at 7%. Several new companies--Acciona, REPower, Fuhrlander, DeWind and AWE--entered the U.S. market in 2008.
• The wind power generating fleet of over 25,300 MW in place as of December 31,2008 will generate an estimated 73 billion kWh in 2009, enough to serve the equivalent of close to 7 million average U.S. homes.
The full annual rankings report is available on the AWEA Web site at www.awea.org and a state-by-state listing of existing and proposed wind energy projects is available at http://www.awea.org/projects.
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The new listings, based on 2008 year-end numbers, show Texas leading in wind capacity and largest wind farms installed, Minnesota and Iowa both generating over 7% of their electricity from wind, and Indiana as the state with the fastest growth in wind on a percentage basis.
In company rankings, NextEra Energy Resources (formerly FPL Energy) continues to lead in wind farm ownership; GE Energy remained the wind turbine maker with the largest amount of new capacity installed, and Xcel Energy again leads investor-owned utilities in wind power. Wind power’s recent growth has also accelerated investment in manufacturing: wind turbine and turbine component manufacturers announced, added or expanded more than 55 facilities in 2008 alone, spanning 24 states from Alabama to Wisconsin.
“The wind energy industry today generates not only clean energy for our economy, but also hope and opportunity for American workers and businesses,” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “Whether it is building or maintaining a wind project, or producing wind turbine components, you’ll find people employed in wind power in nearly all 50 states today,” Bode said.
“But we cannot rest on past achievements. We need the right policies in place for our industry to maintain its momentum. A national Renewable Electricity Standard, requiring utilities to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025, is vital to provide the long-term, U.S.-wide commitment businesses need to invest tens of billions of dollars in clean energy installations and manufacturing facilities, and create hundreds of thousands of American jobs,” Bode said.
Highlights from AWEA’s new report include:
• Iowa, with 2,791 MW installed, surpassed California (2,517 MW) for the No. 2 position in wind power generating capacity.
• The top five states in terms of capacity installed are:
Texas, with 7,118 MW
Iowa, with 2,791 MW
California, with 2,517 MW
Minnesota , with 1,754 MW
Washington, with 1,447 MW
• Oregon moved into the 1,000-MW club, which now counts seven states, including Texas, Iowa, California, Minnesota, Washington and Colorado.
• Indiana ranked as the state with the fastest growth rate, expanding installations from zero to 131 MW, followed by Michigan (48%), Utah (21%), New Hampshire (17%) and Wisconsin (6%).
• Two states – Minnesota and Iowa – now get over 7% of their power needs from wind. Minnesota ranks first in this list (7.48%), followed closely by Iowa (7.1%). The rest of the top five are Colorado, North Dakota, and New Mexico.
• Ten new manufacturing facilities came online, 17 were expanded, and 30 were announced in 2008, according to AWEA estimates. These investments and announcements span 24 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Carolina, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Illinois, Alabama, Ohio, Indiana, Montana, Texas, Minnesota, Idaho, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Massachusetts.
• Approximately 85,000 people are employed in the wind industry today—a 70% increase from 50,000 a year ago—and hold jobs in areas as varied as turbine component manufacturing, construction and installation of wind turbines, wind turbine operations and maintenance, legal and marketing services, and more.
• NextEra Energy Resources remains atop the list of project owners, with 6,290 MW of wind power assets, roughly 25% of the total installed in the U.S. The three companies that make up the next 25% are Iberdrola Renewables, MidAmerican Energy (including PacifiCorp), and Horizon-Energia de Portugal.
• GE Energy turbines accounted for 43% of all new capacity installed in the U.S. in 2008. The rest of the top five include Vestas, which accounted for 13%, Siemens and Suzlon at 9% each, and Gamesa at 7%. Several new companies--Acciona, REPower, Fuhrlander, DeWind and AWE--entered the U.S. market in 2008.
• The wind power generating fleet of over 25,300 MW in place as of December 31,2008 will generate an estimated 73 billion kWh in 2009, enough to serve the equivalent of close to 7 million average U.S. homes.
The full annual rankings report is available on the AWEA Web site at www.awea.org and a state-by-state listing of existing and proposed wind energy projects is available at http://www.awea.org/projects.
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Saturday, April 4, 2009
Tax Relief Executive Orders Ratified by General Assembly
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that the General Assembly has given final passage to three House Bills that ratify Executive Orders cutting taxes on Georgia’s citizens.
House Bill 46 ratified an Executive Order that suspended the state’s prepaid state motor fuel tax on dyed fuel oils (off-road diesel). Dyed fuels are specifically used for off-road purposes in agricultural, timber, mining and construction industries. These industries were unfavorably affected by the amount of off road diesel in 2008 and the effect was to do away with Georgia’s sales tax on the sales of off-road diesel.
By suspending the tax, farmers and timber owners saved the four percent sales tax charged on off-road diesel. The state does not charge an excise tax on this type of fuel, and the executive order did not impact local taxes.
Rep. Jay Roberts introduced the legislation in the House and was carried in the Senate by Sen. John Bulloch. The bill will ratify the suspension of the collection of this tax from May 2008 through May 2009.
House Bill 121 ratified an Executive Order suspending the increase in gas tax that was set to go into effect on July 1, 2008. Taxpayers saved an estimated $70 million from the suspension, seeing relief at a time when gas prices were at an all-time high.
The suspension froze the state motor fuel and state sales taxes on other categories of fuel, including diesel, aviation gasoline, liquid propane gas and special fuels, which includes compressed natural gas. Taxes on diesel were set to rise 4.2 cents a gallon to 16.5 cents and taxes on aviation gasoline would have increased by 3.6 cents per gallon to 20.9 cents. Propane taxes would have risen 0.8 cents a gallon to 8.2 cents and taxes on compressed natural gas would have increased 2.9 cents per gallon to 13.8 cents. The suspension does not freeze or apply to any local sales and use taxes.
Rep. Jim Cole introduced the bill and was carried in Senate by Sen. Bill Heath. Both bills received unanimous passage by both bodies.
House Bill 59 ratified an Executive Order that removed the sales and use tax on drugs that are provided as samples to physicians and those dispensed for clinical trials, which are approved by the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). By eliminating the inconsistency in the law, pharmaceutical medicines will be sold at retail and not taxed, but those that are distributed for no cost are subject for taxation.
This legislation was introduced by Rep. Larry O’Neal and was carried in Senate by Sen. Ronnie Chance. The bill passed unanimously in both bodies.
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House Bill 46 ratified an Executive Order that suspended the state’s prepaid state motor fuel tax on dyed fuel oils (off-road diesel). Dyed fuels are specifically used for off-road purposes in agricultural, timber, mining and construction industries. These industries were unfavorably affected by the amount of off road diesel in 2008 and the effect was to do away with Georgia’s sales tax on the sales of off-road diesel.
By suspending the tax, farmers and timber owners saved the four percent sales tax charged on off-road diesel. The state does not charge an excise tax on this type of fuel, and the executive order did not impact local taxes.
Rep. Jay Roberts introduced the legislation in the House and was carried in the Senate by Sen. John Bulloch. The bill will ratify the suspension of the collection of this tax from May 2008 through May 2009.
House Bill 121 ratified an Executive Order suspending the increase in gas tax that was set to go into effect on July 1, 2008. Taxpayers saved an estimated $70 million from the suspension, seeing relief at a time when gas prices were at an all-time high.
The suspension froze the state motor fuel and state sales taxes on other categories of fuel, including diesel, aviation gasoline, liquid propane gas and special fuels, which includes compressed natural gas. Taxes on diesel were set to rise 4.2 cents a gallon to 16.5 cents and taxes on aviation gasoline would have increased by 3.6 cents per gallon to 20.9 cents. Propane taxes would have risen 0.8 cents a gallon to 8.2 cents and taxes on compressed natural gas would have increased 2.9 cents per gallon to 13.8 cents. The suspension does not freeze or apply to any local sales and use taxes.
Rep. Jim Cole introduced the bill and was carried in Senate by Sen. Bill Heath. Both bills received unanimous passage by both bodies.
House Bill 59 ratified an Executive Order that removed the sales and use tax on drugs that are provided as samples to physicians and those dispensed for clinical trials, which are approved by the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). By eliminating the inconsistency in the law, pharmaceutical medicines will be sold at retail and not taxed, but those that are distributed for no cost are subject for taxation.
This legislation was introduced by Rep. Larry O’Neal and was carried in Senate by Sen. Ronnie Chance. The bill passed unanimously in both bodies.
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Sunday, February 15, 2009
Strategy Update Provides Roadmap for Affordable and Reliable Energy
Governor Sonny Perdue announced the completion of an update to the State Energy Strategy for Georgia (Strategy) last week. Published by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA), the 2009 State Energy Strategy Update includes a profile of Georgia’s energy consumption by sector, an implementation summary of the original Strategy’s recommendations, and an updated list of next steps to secure Georgia’s energy future.
“Relying on efficiency, conservation, renewable energy and advanced clean technologies, Georgia can meet its energy needs in an environmentally responsible and economic way,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “There is no ‘silver bullet’ for energy; rather a ‘silver buckshot’ approach is necessary to meet our future energy demand.”
In early 2006, Governor Perdue directed GEFA to develop an energy strategy for Georgia. Since its release in December 2006, the Strategy has provided an energy roadmap that balances economic growth and environmental concerns. GEFA, home of the state energy office, is responsible for monitoring the progress of the Strategy and for updating the plan as necessary.
“Over the past 30 years, Georgia experienced tremendous growth in population, economic activity and energy demand,” said GEFA Executive Director Chris Clark. “Due to the Governor’s leadership, Georgia is taking the necessary steps to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s obligations by fostering the wise use of our energy resources.”
The major steps Georgia has undertaken to implement the Strategy are grouped into three primary categories:
Conservation and efficiency
Governor’s Energy Challenge
Clean Energy Property Tax Credit
Telecommuting Tax Credit
Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Construction Act of 2008
The State Utilities Program
Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday
Weatherization Program
Renewable energy and research
Center of Innovation for Energy
Bioenergy One Stop Shop
Streamlined Review and Permitting for Renewable Energy Facilities
E85 Infrastructure Grant Program
Greenhouse Gas Inventory (Environmental Protection Division)
Greenhouse Gas Registry (Environmental Protection Division)
Carbon Sequestration Registry (Georgia Forestry Commission)
Advanced traditional technology
Expansion of Plant Vogtle
An electronic copy of the 2009 State Energy Strategy Update is available at https://www.gefa.org/index.aspx?recordid=24&page=205. The public is encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback through the Web site.
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“Relying on efficiency, conservation, renewable energy and advanced clean technologies, Georgia can meet its energy needs in an environmentally responsible and economic way,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “There is no ‘silver bullet’ for energy; rather a ‘silver buckshot’ approach is necessary to meet our future energy demand.”
In early 2006, Governor Perdue directed GEFA to develop an energy strategy for Georgia. Since its release in December 2006, the Strategy has provided an energy roadmap that balances economic growth and environmental concerns. GEFA, home of the state energy office, is responsible for monitoring the progress of the Strategy and for updating the plan as necessary.
“Over the past 30 years, Georgia experienced tremendous growth in population, economic activity and energy demand,” said GEFA Executive Director Chris Clark. “Due to the Governor’s leadership, Georgia is taking the necessary steps to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s obligations by fostering the wise use of our energy resources.”
The major steps Georgia has undertaken to implement the Strategy are grouped into three primary categories:
Conservation and efficiency
Governor’s Energy Challenge
Clean Energy Property Tax Credit
Telecommuting Tax Credit
Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Construction Act of 2008
The State Utilities Program
Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday
Weatherization Program
Renewable energy and research
Center of Innovation for Energy
Bioenergy One Stop Shop
Streamlined Review and Permitting for Renewable Energy Facilities
E85 Infrastructure Grant Program
Greenhouse Gas Inventory (Environmental Protection Division)
Greenhouse Gas Registry (Environmental Protection Division)
Carbon Sequestration Registry (Georgia Forestry Commission)
Advanced traditional technology
Expansion of Plant Vogtle
An electronic copy of the 2009 State Energy Strategy Update is available at https://www.gefa.org/index.aspx?recordid=24&page=205. The public is encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback through the Web site.
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Thursday, January 22, 2009
Georgia Republican Delegation Calls on Obama to Allow Offshore Drilling, Development of Oil Shale Fields
The nine Republican members of Georgia’s congressional delegation today called on President Obama to scrap plans to halt exploration of our domestic energy resources. News reports say Obama plans to re-impose a ban on offshore drilling and to rescind a plan to develop oil shale fields in the western United States.
The letter to Obama was signed by Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss as well as by U.S. Representatives Jack Kingston, Tom Price, Lynn Westmoreland, Phil Gingrey, Paul Broun, Nathan Deal and John Linder. The text of the letter is below:
January 22, 2009
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write in regards to recent news reports that your Administration is considering ordering a hold on an executive order issued by President Bush to allow offshore drilling in previously banned areas. These same news reports indicate that the Department of Interior will rescind a plan to develop oil shale fields in the western United States. We respectfully write to ask that you not reinstate an executive moratorium on offshore energy exploration and production and that you not rescind the Department of Interior plan for oil shale exploration and recovery.
Environmentally responsible offshore oil and natural gas exploration and recovery, as well as oil shale exploration and recovery, are essential components of a comprehensive energy policy that will enable the United States to become energy independent. Exploration and recovery of these resources is critical to our national security and economic wellbeing. We believe allowing for exploration in these areas is also consistent with your priorities of economic growth and environmental protection.
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The letter to Obama was signed by Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss as well as by U.S. Representatives Jack Kingston, Tom Price, Lynn Westmoreland, Phil Gingrey, Paul Broun, Nathan Deal and John Linder. The text of the letter is below:
January 22, 2009
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write in regards to recent news reports that your Administration is considering ordering a hold on an executive order issued by President Bush to allow offshore drilling in previously banned areas. These same news reports indicate that the Department of Interior will rescind a plan to develop oil shale fields in the western United States. We respectfully write to ask that you not reinstate an executive moratorium on offshore energy exploration and production and that you not rescind the Department of Interior plan for oil shale exploration and recovery.
Environmentally responsible offshore oil and natural gas exploration and recovery, as well as oil shale exploration and recovery, are essential components of a comprehensive energy policy that will enable the United States to become energy independent. Exploration and recovery of these resources is critical to our national security and economic wellbeing. We believe allowing for exploration in these areas is also consistent with your priorities of economic growth and environmental protection.
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Friday, January 16, 2009
Governor Perdue Recommends Phil Foil for GEFA Executive Director
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Phil Foil, deputy commissioner of operations and federal affairs for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is his recommended choice to succeed Chris Clark as the executive director of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA). The GEFA board of directors will meet January 27, to consider the Governor’s recommendation.
“It is my privilege to recommend Phil Foil as GEFA’s new executive director,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Phil is a respected leader at DCA and throughout state government. The GEFA staff and the customers they serve will benefit greatly from his leadership.”
GEFA provides financial assistance and administers programs that encourage stewardship of the environment and promote economic development statewide. GEFA is the lead state agency for energy planning and alternative fuels; manages Conserve Georgia, the Governor’s Energy Challenge and the Georgia Land Conservation Program; maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water, solid waste and recycling infrastructure.
“I deeply appreciate the Governor’s recommendation that I serve as the GEFA executive director,” said Phil Foil. “Through its many programs and initiatives, GEFA promotes sustainable economic development and the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources. I look forward to this mission that is so vital to the future of our state.”
Foil, 41, has served in a senior management position with DCA since July 2003. He currently manages the agency’s operations and serves as DCA’s federal affairs and congressional liaison. Foil successfully led DCA’s pursuit of the 2008 Georgia Oglethorpe Progress Award (the Georgia version of the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award). Prior to joining DCA, Foil was a public relations consultant and a client services manager for Automatic Data Processing (ADP).
Foil earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Georgia. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Leadership Institute’s Executive Development Program and the National Council of State Housing Agencies’ Advanced Executive Development Program at Notre Dame University.
Foil resides in Winder with his wife, Paula, and their two daughters.
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“It is my privilege to recommend Phil Foil as GEFA’s new executive director,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Phil is a respected leader at DCA and throughout state government. The GEFA staff and the customers they serve will benefit greatly from his leadership.”
GEFA provides financial assistance and administers programs that encourage stewardship of the environment and promote economic development statewide. GEFA is the lead state agency for energy planning and alternative fuels; manages Conserve Georgia, the Governor’s Energy Challenge and the Georgia Land Conservation Program; maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water, solid waste and recycling infrastructure.
“I deeply appreciate the Governor’s recommendation that I serve as the GEFA executive director,” said Phil Foil. “Through its many programs and initiatives, GEFA promotes sustainable economic development and the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources. I look forward to this mission that is so vital to the future of our state.”
Foil, 41, has served in a senior management position with DCA since July 2003. He currently manages the agency’s operations and serves as DCA’s federal affairs and congressional liaison. Foil successfully led DCA’s pursuit of the 2008 Georgia Oglethorpe Progress Award (the Georgia version of the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award). Prior to joining DCA, Foil was a public relations consultant and a client services manager for Automatic Data Processing (ADP).
Foil earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Georgia. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Leadership Institute’s Executive Development Program and the National Council of State Housing Agencies’ Advanced Executive Development Program at Notre Dame University.
Foil resides in Winder with his wife, Paula, and their two daughters.
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Sunday, December 21, 2008
Isakson Signs Pledge to Break Addiction to Foreign Oil
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today signed T. Boone Pickens’ energy independence pledge, joining the oil and gas developer in his campaign to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.
“America is spending billions of dollars every month on foreign oil, money that we need to be putting into our own economy right now,” Isakson said. “It is imperative that the new Congress move quickly to enact an energy plan and I am committed to making sure that happens. This is an economic issue and it’s also a national security issue.”
“Right now America is importing 70 percent of its oil -- Senator Isakson understands the threat this has on our economy and national security,” said Pickens, who has been in the oil industry for 50 years. “America can no longer afford to move forward without a plan that addresses our dependence on foreign oil. I am proud to have Senator Isakson’s support and leadership as we push Congress to enact an energy plan within the first 100 days of the new administration.”
Today’s announcement is another step in Isakson’s commitment to energy independence. Isakson previously joined a coalition that called for a comprehensive approach that includes increased domestic production of oil through offshore drilling, a commitment to nuclear energy, conservation, and a focused effort to transition the nation’s motor vehicle fleets to fuels other than gasoline and diesel.
Isakson has also co-sponsored the Gas Price Reduction Act of 2008, which would allow states the option to explore oil and gas resources in the Atlantic and Pacific Outer Continental Shelf, repeal the moratorium on Western state oil shale exploration, increase research and development for plug-in electric cars and trucks and strengthen U.S. futures markets through increased transparency.
Isakson is a co-sponsor of the Domestic Energy Production Act of 2008 that aims to lower the cost of energy and enhance U.S. energy security by increasing domestic supply. He has also voted numerous times to explore oil reserved in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
“We have a diverse country with many assets that regionally are very different. If we’re going to have standards that call on us to find renewable energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we must promote all those sources and not narrow those sources,” said Isakson.
The Pickens Pledge reads:
Unveiled on July 8, 2008 by T. Boone Pickens, the Pickens Plan is a detailed solution for ending the United States’ growing dependence on foreign oil. Earlier this year, when oil prices reached $140/barrel, America was spending about $700 billion for foreign oil, equaling the greatest transfer of wealth in human history. That figure has decreased some while oil prices have retreated, but the U.S. is still dependent on foreign nations for nearly 70 percent of its oil, representing a continuing national economic and national security threat. The plan calls for investing in power generation from domestic renewable resources such as wind and using our abundant supplies of natural gas as a transportation fuel, replacing more than one-third of our imported oil.
For more information on the Pickens Plan, please visit www.pickensplan.com.
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“America is spending billions of dollars every month on foreign oil, money that we need to be putting into our own economy right now,” Isakson said. “It is imperative that the new Congress move quickly to enact an energy plan and I am committed to making sure that happens. This is an economic issue and it’s also a national security issue.”
“Right now America is importing 70 percent of its oil -- Senator Isakson understands the threat this has on our economy and national security,” said Pickens, who has been in the oil industry for 50 years. “America can no longer afford to move forward without a plan that addresses our dependence on foreign oil. I am proud to have Senator Isakson’s support and leadership as we push Congress to enact an energy plan within the first 100 days of the new administration.”
Today’s announcement is another step in Isakson’s commitment to energy independence. Isakson previously joined a coalition that called for a comprehensive approach that includes increased domestic production of oil through offshore drilling, a commitment to nuclear energy, conservation, and a focused effort to transition the nation’s motor vehicle fleets to fuels other than gasoline and diesel.
Isakson has also co-sponsored the Gas Price Reduction Act of 2008, which would allow states the option to explore oil and gas resources in the Atlantic and Pacific Outer Continental Shelf, repeal the moratorium on Western state oil shale exploration, increase research and development for plug-in electric cars and trucks and strengthen U.S. futures markets through increased transparency.
Isakson is a co-sponsor of the Domestic Energy Production Act of 2008 that aims to lower the cost of energy and enhance U.S. energy security by increasing domestic supply. He has also voted numerous times to explore oil reserved in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
“We have a diverse country with many assets that regionally are very different. If we’re going to have standards that call on us to find renewable energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we must promote all those sources and not narrow those sources,” said Isakson.
The Pickens Pledge reads:
We will no longer stand by and watch as America’s national security and economy
become more dependent on the unstable foreign nations that we rely on for nearly
70% of the oil we use each day.
We spend nearly $700 billion every
year buying foreign oil, which represents the greatest transfer of wealth in the
history of mankind.
The new President and the 111th Congress need
to enact an energy plan that reduces our foreign oil dependence by at least 30%
within ten years.
This plan must include proven American technology
and resources; the development of new energy sources; and the expansion and
modernization of the national electrical grid to transport renewable energy to
homes and businesses.
Delaying any further means tacit support for
continuing America’s addiction to foreign oil.
I join with T. Boone
Pickens and his army of supporters in calling for an Energy Independence Plan to
be enacted within the first 100 days of the new administration.
Unveiled on July 8, 2008 by T. Boone Pickens, the Pickens Plan is a detailed solution for ending the United States’ growing dependence on foreign oil. Earlier this year, when oil prices reached $140/barrel, America was spending about $700 billion for foreign oil, equaling the greatest transfer of wealth in human history. That figure has decreased some while oil prices have retreated, but the U.S. is still dependent on foreign nations for nearly 70 percent of its oil, representing a continuing national economic and national security threat. The plan calls for investing in power generation from domestic renewable resources such as wind and using our abundant supplies of natural gas as a transportation fuel, replacing more than one-third of our imported oil.
For more information on the Pickens Plan, please visit www.pickensplan.com.
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Researchers Seek to Reduce Bat Deaths at Wind Turbines
The Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative (BWEC), a unique government-industry-conservation group alliance, has begun testing the effect of stopping wind turbines during low wind conditions to avoid killing bats. The study, the first of its kind in the U.S., would also determine the reduction, due to shutdowns, in the amount of electricity generated.
"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is concerned that several species of bats, including potentially endangered bats, are killed each year by wind turbines," said Alex Hoar, the Service's northeast coordinator for review of wind power projects. "The Service is pleased to be helping fund this precedent-setting study to test if slightly changing the way a wind turbine operates can substantially reduce or even avoid killing bats."
IBERDROLA RENEWABLES offered its Casselman Wind Power Project site in Pennsylvania for the experiment and is also providing funding for it. “We are proud to offer our Casselman site for this important experiment and fully support efforts of the BWEC,” said Andrew Linehan, director of permitting for the company. “We believe this is the responsible thing to do and recognize there is an impact on bats that requires scientific study. We’re committed to hosting this effort, which represents a new area of investigation for the wind industry,” Linehan said.
In 2004, BWEC (http://www.batsandwind.org) was formed by Bat Conservation International (BCI), the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the Service, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to learn why bats are being killed at wind energy facilities and how deaths can be prevented.
Since that time, BWEC scientists have learned much about patterns of bat deaths and the relationships between weather and interactions of bats with wind turbines. Key findings suggest bat fatalities occur primarily on low wind nights when turbines are operating at low power, but in some cases the turbine blades are rotating at or near their maximum speed. Scientists hypothesize that shutting down turbines in times of low wind during periods of high bat activity could significantly reduce fatalities, with modest reduction in power production and associated economic impact on project operations.
“I’m thrilled that this critical experiment is under way,” said Dr. Merlin Tuttle, Founder and President of BCI. “Our purpose is to work together on determining causes and solutions as quickly as possible.”
Bats, though often ignored and falsely besmirched, are vital to the health of the environment and to many human economies. They are primary predators of night-flying insects, including many major agricultural pests, while some are important pollinators and seed dispersers. Bat kills have been high at many facilities, especially in the eastern United States, though it remains unclear why some bat species seem susceptible to collisions with the turbines and changes in atmospheric pressure immediately downwind of the turbine blades These fatalities raise concerns about potential cumulative impacts on bat populations at a time when many species of bats are known or suspected to be in decline from other non-wind energy-related factors, and the use of wind energy is increasing worldwide.
“The industry is working cooperatively with diverse partners toward solutions, and this study is critical to those efforts,” said AWEA Deputy Executive Director Tom Gray. “AWEA is very pleased with the progress the cooperative has made over the past several years and this study represents a key milestone in moving forward with developing solutions and bringing the best science to bear on this issue."
“The curtailment experiment is a great first mitigation method and it may provide an approach to reduce the impact to bats at wind plants, but we need to fully understand why and how bats are being killed in order to devise methods to avoid the impact,” said Bob Thresher, Wind Research Fellow at the NREL and former Director of the Department of Energy’s National Wind Technology Center.
The BWEC partners are hopeful that this field experiment will yield a solution to support wind power production in concert with wildlife protection and conservation.
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"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is concerned that several species of bats, including potentially endangered bats, are killed each year by wind turbines," said Alex Hoar, the Service's northeast coordinator for review of wind power projects. "The Service is pleased to be helping fund this precedent-setting study to test if slightly changing the way a wind turbine operates can substantially reduce or even avoid killing bats."
IBERDROLA RENEWABLES offered its Casselman Wind Power Project site in Pennsylvania for the experiment and is also providing funding for it. “We are proud to offer our Casselman site for this important experiment and fully support efforts of the BWEC,” said Andrew Linehan, director of permitting for the company. “We believe this is the responsible thing to do and recognize there is an impact on bats that requires scientific study. We’re committed to hosting this effort, which represents a new area of investigation for the wind industry,” Linehan said.
In 2004, BWEC (http://www.batsandwind.org) was formed by Bat Conservation International (BCI), the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the Service, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to learn why bats are being killed at wind energy facilities and how deaths can be prevented.
Since that time, BWEC scientists have learned much about patterns of bat deaths and the relationships between weather and interactions of bats with wind turbines. Key findings suggest bat fatalities occur primarily on low wind nights when turbines are operating at low power, but in some cases the turbine blades are rotating at or near their maximum speed. Scientists hypothesize that shutting down turbines in times of low wind during periods of high bat activity could significantly reduce fatalities, with modest reduction in power production and associated economic impact on project operations.
“I’m thrilled that this critical experiment is under way,” said Dr. Merlin Tuttle, Founder and President of BCI. “Our purpose is to work together on determining causes and solutions as quickly as possible.”
Bats, though often ignored and falsely besmirched, are vital to the health of the environment and to many human economies. They are primary predators of night-flying insects, including many major agricultural pests, while some are important pollinators and seed dispersers. Bat kills have been high at many facilities, especially in the eastern United States, though it remains unclear why some bat species seem susceptible to collisions with the turbines and changes in atmospheric pressure immediately downwind of the turbine blades These fatalities raise concerns about potential cumulative impacts on bat populations at a time when many species of bats are known or suspected to be in decline from other non-wind energy-related factors, and the use of wind energy is increasing worldwide.
“The industry is working cooperatively with diverse partners toward solutions, and this study is critical to those efforts,” said AWEA Deputy Executive Director Tom Gray. “AWEA is very pleased with the progress the cooperative has made over the past several years and this study represents a key milestone in moving forward with developing solutions and bringing the best science to bear on this issue."
“The curtailment experiment is a great first mitigation method and it may provide an approach to reduce the impact to bats at wind plants, but we need to fully understand why and how bats are being killed in order to devise methods to avoid the impact,” said Bob Thresher, Wind Research Fellow at the NREL and former Director of the Department of Energy’s National Wind Technology Center.
The BWEC partners are hopeful that this field experiment will yield a solution to support wind power production in concert with wildlife protection and conservation.
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
American Wind Energy Statement on Senate Passage of Financial Rescue Package
Randall Swisher, executive director of the American Wind Energy Association, issued the following statement upon Senate passage of the financial rescue package, which includes a one-year extension of tax credits for wind and other renewable energy sources.
“Our members are very pleased by the Senate’s overwhelming vote of support for the renewable energy tax credits. Continuing this economic incentive means wind power companies can continue to supply an increasing percentage of U.S. electricity needs with a clean, cost-effective source of energy.
“We’re also gratified to have bipartisan support, which is absolutely essential if we as a nation are to make progress on our energy challenges. We look forward to favorable consideration in the House of Representatives.
“Wind energy producers are proud to be part of America’s energy and climate solution, and proud of the thousands of jobs we provide at a time of economic turmoil and uncertainty.”
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“Our members are very pleased by the Senate’s overwhelming vote of support for the renewable energy tax credits. Continuing this economic incentive means wind power companies can continue to supply an increasing percentage of U.S. electricity needs with a clean, cost-effective source of energy.
“We’re also gratified to have bipartisan support, which is absolutely essential if we as a nation are to make progress on our energy challenges. We look forward to favorable consideration in the House of Representatives.
“Wind energy producers are proud to be part of America’s energy and climate solution, and proud of the thousands of jobs we provide at a time of economic turmoil and uncertainty.”
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Coalition of Close to 700 Companies and Organization Urges Congress to Act on Tax Credits
A broad coalition of nearly 700 businesses, environmental organizations, public health advocates, electric utilities, agricultural organizations, investors, labor groups, non-governmental organizations, states, and trade associations today urged the House and Senate to put aside their differences and pass legislation that would renew tax cuts for renewable energy, research and development and other purposes.
In a letter to bipartisan Congressional leadership, companies and organizations from across the political spectrum urged that when the House and Senate consider the financial rescue package, which the House rejected on Monday, they “secure a final House – Senate agreement” on the tax extenders legislation.
The companies warned that failure to pass the legislation this week would jeopardize “hundreds of thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in clean energy investment, crucial incentives for research and development, and a range of popular programs.”
The tax extender legislation is now part of the financial rescue plan that will be voted on by the Senate Wednesday and, if it passes, will be forwarded to the House for approval.
“We need immediate action. If Congress fails to complete this effort, it will be a serious blow to the future of renewable energy in America.” said Gregory Wetstone, Senior Director for Legislative and Public Affairs at the American Wind Energy Association.
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In a letter to bipartisan Congressional leadership, companies and organizations from across the political spectrum urged that when the House and Senate consider the financial rescue package, which the House rejected on Monday, they “secure a final House – Senate agreement” on the tax extenders legislation.
The companies warned that failure to pass the legislation this week would jeopardize “hundreds of thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in clean energy investment, crucial incentives for research and development, and a range of popular programs.”
The tax extender legislation is now part of the financial rescue plan that will be voted on by the Senate Wednesday and, if it passes, will be forwarded to the House for approval.
“We need immediate action. If Congress fails to complete this effort, it will be a serious blow to the future of renewable energy in America.” said Gregory Wetstone, Senior Director for Legislative and Public Affairs at the American Wind Energy Association.
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Department of Energy Approves Request for Release of Crude from Strategic Petroleum Reserve
U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman approved a request today from Governor Sonny Perdue for additional releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to refineries in the Gulf Coast region.
“Today the Department approved an additional release of up to 900,000 barrels of crude oil from the SPR for two refiners that have not been able to obtain adequate supplies due to the ongoing disruptions,” Secretary Bodman wrote. “With this additional release, the total amount provided from the SPR to refineries will be approximately 5.7 million barrels since September 3, 2008.”
Governor Perdue asked for the additional releases on Monday after hearing that refineries may have excess capacity as they restart their operations.
“These crude releases will help ensure that the Southeast continues to receive consistent fuel supplies as we continue to see more stations receive fuel and lines shorten,” Governor Perdue said. “I appreciate the Administration’s quick response and their concern for the fuel shortages we have experienced.”
Out-of-state haulers
After yesterday’s announcement that the Department of Revenue will grant temporary waivers for out-of-state haulers to bring in supplies to Georgia, the state has identified new suppliers that are bringing in at least 150,000 additional gallons of fuel per day. That number could grow as additional suppliers are identified in other states that have excess capacity that they can bring to Georgia.
These supplies include both regular fuel and diesel, and will be distributed throughout the state based on identified acute shortages. Diesel will be directed to any first responders and school systems that are seeing low supplies and to the state’s major agriculture centers so that farmers continue to have a strong supply available.
The DOR temporary waiver allows out-of-state haulers that do not hold a current Georgia motor fuel license to bring supplies into Georgia as long as they apply for a Georgia license within 72 hours. These haulers would normally have to apply and be granted a license before coming into the state.
DOE Update
The Department of Energy also released an update on the recovery of fuel production in the Gulf Coast.
Power outages – Outages are now down to just 35,000 people without power in Texas. Crews are making rapid progress restoring power – about 154,000 people were reported without power on Monday.
Percent “shut-in” – The U.S. Department of Energy reports 57.1 percent of crude oil production capacity in the Gulf of Mexico is offline. This is a slight improvement from Monday, when 57.4 percent of capacity was out.
Refineries – Only one refinery remains completely shut down, and only three refineries are considered “restarting”. This is significant progress as almost all refineries are either back to normal or seeing reduced production.
These figures above come from the Department of Energy’s daily situation report. The complete report is available at: http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/2008_SitRep_21_Ike_100108_12PM.pdf .
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“Today the Department approved an additional release of up to 900,000 barrels of crude oil from the SPR for two refiners that have not been able to obtain adequate supplies due to the ongoing disruptions,” Secretary Bodman wrote. “With this additional release, the total amount provided from the SPR to refineries will be approximately 5.7 million barrels since September 3, 2008.”
Governor Perdue asked for the additional releases on Monday after hearing that refineries may have excess capacity as they restart their operations.
“These crude releases will help ensure that the Southeast continues to receive consistent fuel supplies as we continue to see more stations receive fuel and lines shorten,” Governor Perdue said. “I appreciate the Administration’s quick response and their concern for the fuel shortages we have experienced.”
Out-of-state haulers
After yesterday’s announcement that the Department of Revenue will grant temporary waivers for out-of-state haulers to bring in supplies to Georgia, the state has identified new suppliers that are bringing in at least 150,000 additional gallons of fuel per day. That number could grow as additional suppliers are identified in other states that have excess capacity that they can bring to Georgia.
These supplies include both regular fuel and diesel, and will be distributed throughout the state based on identified acute shortages. Diesel will be directed to any first responders and school systems that are seeing low supplies and to the state’s major agriculture centers so that farmers continue to have a strong supply available.
The DOR temporary waiver allows out-of-state haulers that do not hold a current Georgia motor fuel license to bring supplies into Georgia as long as they apply for a Georgia license within 72 hours. These haulers would normally have to apply and be granted a license before coming into the state.
DOE Update
The Department of Energy also released an update on the recovery of fuel production in the Gulf Coast.
Power outages – Outages are now down to just 35,000 people without power in Texas. Crews are making rapid progress restoring power – about 154,000 people were reported without power on Monday.
Percent “shut-in” – The U.S. Department of Energy reports 57.1 percent of crude oil production capacity in the Gulf of Mexico is offline. This is a slight improvement from Monday, when 57.4 percent of capacity was out.
Refineries – Only one refinery remains completely shut down, and only three refineries are considered “restarting”. This is significant progress as almost all refineries are either back to normal or seeing reduced production.
These figures above come from the Department of Energy’s daily situation report. The complete report is available at: http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/2008_SitRep_21_Ike_100108_12PM.pdf .
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Monday, September 29, 2008
Governor Releases Monday Fuel Update
Governor also sends letter to President Bush asking for release of crude from reserve
Governor Sonny Perdue today released the latest information on fuel production from the Gulf of Mexico:
Power outages – There are still more than 154,000 people without power in Texas. Crews are making rapid progress restoring power – about 415,000 people were reported without power on Friday.
Percent “shut-in” – The U.S. Department of Energy reports 57.4 percent of crude oil production capacity in the Gulf of Mexico is out. This is a slight improvement from Friday, when 59.3 percent of capacity was out. On Monday, September 22, 89.2 percent of capacity was out.
Refineries – Only two refineries remain completely shut down, and three additional refineries are “back to normal” compared to Friday’s report.
On September 27, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it is delivering 500,000 barrels of emergency exchange oil to Marathon’s Midwest refineries via the Capline.
Also today, Governor Perdue requested President George W. Bush direct the Department of Energy release a significant amount of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
“As President Bush and Congress work on a plan to rescue our financial markets, I urge them to also focus on our fuel shortage in the Southeast,” Governor Perdue said. “As refinery capacity is returning to pre-hurricane levels, I believe a surge in crude from the Reserve would bridge the gap until full production resumes and lessen the impact of shortages on the daily lives of our citizens.”
To date, DOE has released more than 4 million barrels of oil from the SPR. While it would take time for the crude to be processed by refineries and shipped to the Metro Atlanta market, release of the reserve would ensure fuel supplies continue to rise.
More than 1,000 Georgians have used a new tool at the Georgia Environmental Authorities Authority’s website that provides drivers with information about gas prices and gas availability. Consumers can access this information by going www.gefa.org and looking under the News and Notices section.
Some practical fuel efficiency tips for drivers include:
· Drive sensibly: Speeding, rapid acceleration (jackrabbit starts), and rapid braking lowers gas mileage.
· Choose the right vehicle: If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets better gas mileage whenever possible.
· Decrease speed: Gas mileage decreases rapidly when driving more than 60 miles-per-hour.
· Avoid idling: Idling gets zero miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas while idling than cars with smaller engines.
· Commute alternatives are also a useful way to conserve fuel, including telework, carpool and transit options, and flexible work schedules. More information is available about commute alternatives at www.CleanAirCampaign.com.
These figures above come from the Department of Energy’s daily situation report. The complete report is available at: http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/2008_SitRep_20_Ike_092908_12PM.pdf .
Letter to President Bush:
September 29, 2008
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As you are personally aware, over the last month we have seen Hurricanes Gustav and Ike crash into the United States Gulf Coast. These natural disasters devastated coastal areas in both Texas and Louisiana, damaging the lives of citizens in both states. Under your direction, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have worked tirelessly to help residents pick up the pieces. Our thoughts and prayers remain with these citizens as they begin to rebuild their lives.
While the damage on the Coast was extensive, the ripple effect of the direct hit to the petroleum industry is still impacting the lives of citizens around the Southeast. In Georgia, which is almost completely reliant on fuel transported from refineries in the Gulf via pipeline, we are particularly impacted by outages in the fuel supply chain.
I have watched with interest as you and Congress continue to work around the clock to rescue the financial markets and slow the impact of banking failures on the U.S and global economies. As Congress moves to vote on the rescue plan, I would ask that you also focus your attention on the fuel shortage in the Southeast that is impacting state and local economies. Gas stations with no fuel in the ground coupled with long lines at stations with current supply have become commonplace in Metro Atlanta and other places around the state. It is obvious that we are facing a true gap in the supply chain and I ask that you consider releasing a significant amount of crude oil from the strategic petroleum reserve (the Reserve) to refineries in the Gulf to help bring the system back on line.
I would like to thank you for your move earlier this month to make crude oil supplies from the Reserve available to the market. Timely releases have lessened the impact of production losses in the Gulf. Now, as refinery capacity is returning to pre-hurricane levels, I believe a surge in crude from the Reserve would bridge the gap until full production resumes and lessen the impact of shortages on the daily lives of our citizens.
In Georgia, we have made decisive moves to curb demand and assist distributors as they work to increase supply. My administration worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Administrator Johnson to secure three different fuel standard waivers. Those waivers are allowing distributors to more easily import additional supplies. We have issued an executive order activating Georgia’s price gouging statues, and have eased requirements on the size and weight of fuel shipments and the number of operating hours for trucks bringing supply into the state. We have teamed up with the private sector to provide information to our citizens about the realtime locations of available fuel. I continue to encourage Georgians to conserve gas by teleworking, carpooling, using mass transit and other measures to help us through this short-term supply deficiency.
While these actions have helped, I am confident that a release from the Reserve is critical and will give our citizens confidence that additional supplies are forthcoming. Thank you for your time and attention on this important matter.
Respectfully,
Sonny Perdue
Cc: Secretary Samuel W. Bodman
Georgia Congressional Delegation
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Governor Sonny Perdue today released the latest information on fuel production from the Gulf of Mexico:
Power outages – There are still more than 154,000 people without power in Texas. Crews are making rapid progress restoring power – about 415,000 people were reported without power on Friday.
Percent “shut-in” – The U.S. Department of Energy reports 57.4 percent of crude oil production capacity in the Gulf of Mexico is out. This is a slight improvement from Friday, when 59.3 percent of capacity was out. On Monday, September 22, 89.2 percent of capacity was out.
Refineries – Only two refineries remain completely shut down, and three additional refineries are “back to normal” compared to Friday’s report.
On September 27, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it is delivering 500,000 barrels of emergency exchange oil to Marathon’s Midwest refineries via the Capline.
Also today, Governor Perdue requested President George W. Bush direct the Department of Energy release a significant amount of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
“As President Bush and Congress work on a plan to rescue our financial markets, I urge them to also focus on our fuel shortage in the Southeast,” Governor Perdue said. “As refinery capacity is returning to pre-hurricane levels, I believe a surge in crude from the Reserve would bridge the gap until full production resumes and lessen the impact of shortages on the daily lives of our citizens.”
To date, DOE has released more than 4 million barrels of oil from the SPR. While it would take time for the crude to be processed by refineries and shipped to the Metro Atlanta market, release of the reserve would ensure fuel supplies continue to rise.
More than 1,000 Georgians have used a new tool at the Georgia Environmental Authorities Authority’s website that provides drivers with information about gas prices and gas availability. Consumers can access this information by going www.gefa.org and looking under the News and Notices section.
Some practical fuel efficiency tips for drivers include:
· Drive sensibly: Speeding, rapid acceleration (jackrabbit starts), and rapid braking lowers gas mileage.
· Choose the right vehicle: If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets better gas mileage whenever possible.
· Decrease speed: Gas mileage decreases rapidly when driving more than 60 miles-per-hour.
· Avoid idling: Idling gets zero miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas while idling than cars with smaller engines.
· Commute alternatives are also a useful way to conserve fuel, including telework, carpool and transit options, and flexible work schedules. More information is available about commute alternatives at www.CleanAirCampaign.com.
These figures above come from the Department of Energy’s daily situation report. The complete report is available at: http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/2008_SitRep_20_Ike_092908_12PM.pdf .
Letter to President Bush:
September 29, 2008
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As you are personally aware, over the last month we have seen Hurricanes Gustav and Ike crash into the United States Gulf Coast. These natural disasters devastated coastal areas in both Texas and Louisiana, damaging the lives of citizens in both states. Under your direction, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have worked tirelessly to help residents pick up the pieces. Our thoughts and prayers remain with these citizens as they begin to rebuild their lives.
While the damage on the Coast was extensive, the ripple effect of the direct hit to the petroleum industry is still impacting the lives of citizens around the Southeast. In Georgia, which is almost completely reliant on fuel transported from refineries in the Gulf via pipeline, we are particularly impacted by outages in the fuel supply chain.
I have watched with interest as you and Congress continue to work around the clock to rescue the financial markets and slow the impact of banking failures on the U.S and global economies. As Congress moves to vote on the rescue plan, I would ask that you also focus your attention on the fuel shortage in the Southeast that is impacting state and local economies. Gas stations with no fuel in the ground coupled with long lines at stations with current supply have become commonplace in Metro Atlanta and other places around the state. It is obvious that we are facing a true gap in the supply chain and I ask that you consider releasing a significant amount of crude oil from the strategic petroleum reserve (the Reserve) to refineries in the Gulf to help bring the system back on line.
I would like to thank you for your move earlier this month to make crude oil supplies from the Reserve available to the market. Timely releases have lessened the impact of production losses in the Gulf. Now, as refinery capacity is returning to pre-hurricane levels, I believe a surge in crude from the Reserve would bridge the gap until full production resumes and lessen the impact of shortages on the daily lives of our citizens.
In Georgia, we have made decisive moves to curb demand and assist distributors as they work to increase supply. My administration worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Administrator Johnson to secure three different fuel standard waivers. Those waivers are allowing distributors to more easily import additional supplies. We have issued an executive order activating Georgia’s price gouging statues, and have eased requirements on the size and weight of fuel shipments and the number of operating hours for trucks bringing supply into the state. We have teamed up with the private sector to provide information to our citizens about the realtime locations of available fuel. I continue to encourage Georgians to conserve gas by teleworking, carpooling, using mass transit and other measures to help us through this short-term supply deficiency.
While these actions have helped, I am confident that a release from the Reserve is critical and will give our citizens confidence that additional supplies are forthcoming. Thank you for your time and attention on this important matter.
Respectfully,
Sonny Perdue
Cc: Secretary Samuel W. Bodman
Georgia Congressional Delegation
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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Sunday, September 28, 2008
Electric Membership Corporations Send line Crews to Louisiana
Photo: Linemen from Coweta-Fayette EMC helping restore power in Louisiana were Josh Minnifield, Chris Sutton, Anthony Walker, Lanny Hammett, Bobby Smith, Doug Worley, Corey Hendrix, Jerome Arrington, Anthony Woodard, Jody Cronan and Shea Lassetter.Personnel from nine electric membership corporations (EMCs) in Georgia, including Coweta-Fayette EMC, headed to Louisiana last week to help the state’s electric co-ops restore power to areas hardest hit following Hurricane Ike.
“We are eager to help our sister co-ops,” says Michael Whiteside with Coweta-Fayette EMC. “Being an electric co-op means calling upon your neighbors during emergencies. We have an unwritten agreement that says if we’re in trouble, they help us. In return, we help them.”
Crews left Saturday morning from Carroll EMC in Carrollton, Cobb EMC in Marietta, Coweta-Fayette EMC in Newnan, Habersham EMC in Clarkesville, Mitchell EMC in Camilla, Ocmulgee EMC in Eastman, Snapping Shoals EMC in Covington, Southern Rivers Energy in Barnesville and Sumter EMC in Americus.
Winds and heavy rain are a great threat during hurricanes, blowing electric poles and structures to the ground and knocking hundreds of trees on power lines, shutting off power to many EMC consumers.
While we can’t say specifically in what order power will be restored in Louisiana, many utilities follow a standard industry practice to repair and energize its lines. First, feeder and primary lines are repaired, then secondary and service lines next. This method restores power to the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.
The EMCs in Georgia have vast experience in restoring power following major storms. In recent years, EMC crews have worked alongside co-ops in South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida.
Coweta-Fayette EMC is a consumer owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to 70,000 consumers in Coweta, Fayette, South Fulton, Meriwether, Heard and parts of Clayton, Spalding and Troup counties.
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