Renewable Energy Job Creation

Republicans are proposing slashing the DOE budget by two billion, in areas where renewable energy breakthroughs are playing a huge roll in America’s energy independence. As we all know, the republican’s are very concerned with saving money at the federal level as long as it doesn’t touch their pockets or friends with campaign donations pockets. You know the players as big oil, big coal, and mega electric industries with their more than generous checkbook to the GOP political base.

The Continuing Resolution as it stands would slice over two billion dollars from the DOE's budget alone and would have detrimental impacts on the state of American energy innovation. The budget cuts would force the layoffs of scientists and engineers, shrink the capabilities of laboratories and universities to perform the most critical cutting-edge energy research projects, and, by cutting funds for highly-leveraged loan guarantee programs, steer private sector funds away from American entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to demonstrate and deploy their innovative energy technologies on American soil. – WattHead Energy

It’s going to be hard to stop the renewable energy industry now that it is rolling along and the dividends being paid are in long term good paying Green jobs. Jobs are about to pop up in Wyoming that were born from many of the same programs the Republican’s are slashing to the bone regardless.

Gestamp has partnered with Ohio-based Worthington Industries, Inc. to create a joint venture, Gestamp Worthington Wind Steel, LLC. Together, they will produce towers for wind turbines constructed in the North American market. The initial production facility will stand on 30 acres in Cheyenne, and could employ as many as 150 people when fully operational.

The proposed facility will produce utility-scale towers for 2 to 3-MW wind turbines. The partners plan to begin shipments of 80 to 100-ft long tower sections in early 2012. – Windpower Engineering

Holy crap, who’d of thunk that renewable energy funding would have created long term jobs? How can that be possible if it’s renewable energy? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Or as some on the right side of the aisle that don’t believe in science would suggest, it takes more energy to build a solar panel than it creates in its working lifetime. WRONG!

Could it be that the American economy is broken, busted, out of money because it plays favorites with far too many old industries such as oil, coal and electric? Where are the budget cuts for those industries in the Republican money saving plan? They don’t exist is where those cuts are? The DOE budget for administering fossil fuels is cut but the subsidies are not. You know why, I know why, it’s just more of the same pretentious and shamefulness of politics and our government at work.

My good friend, a conservative at heart, is constantly telling me that the government should stay out of business peoples business. I agree to a point. I don’t agree that the monopoly that is our archaic energy system in America should be given a free ride over new technology that is beneficial to our children’s health, energy independence, and future.

Papamoka

Common Sense to Offshore Wind Power

Developing new wind power farms off the Atlantic coast of America received a much needed shot in the arm this week from the Obama administration. One of the largest deterrents to expanding wind power offshore is the multiple levels of federal, state, and local red tape that every project must go through before even one wind turbine can be built. The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a fast track process that will remove years from the process by pre-qualifying potential tracts offshore for potential developers that are considering new offshore wind projects. The new initiative has been rightfully named, “Smart from the Start”.

BALTIMORE, MD -- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today launched a ‘Smart from the Start’ wind energy initiative for the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf to facilitate siting, leasing and construction of new projects, spurring the rapid and responsible development of this abundant renewable resource. “Our ‘Smart from the Start’ Initiative for Atlantic wind will allow us to identify priority Wind Energy Areas for potential development, improve our coordination with local, state, and federal partners, and accelerate the leasing process,” Salazar noted. “If we are wise with our planning, we can help build a robust and environmentally responsible offshore renewable energy program that creates jobs here at home.” The accelerated leasing process is being simplified through a regulatory change, enabling leases to be issued in 2011 and 2012. – U.S. Department of the Interior

With our nation still heavily dependent on foreign sources for our energy needs then it makes for common sense that our government does everything possible to expedite our weaning from those energy sources.

The Cape Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts is just one example of regulation gone mad with the project taking almost ten years before even one watt of energy is harvested. Cape Wind once completed will supply 75% of the electricity needed by the residents and businesses on Cape Cod. Just imagine dozens of such wind farms off the Atlantic coast and the impact that would have on reducing our energy dependence.

Several states like Maryland, New Jersey and Rhode Island have already taken steps to speed up the process for new offshore wind power farms and the added streamlining by the Department of the Interior is a win, win for renewable energy in America.

Papamoka

Cape Wind or Cape Windless

What are people talking about when they mention the horrible view that the Cape Wind Associates project will have for Cape Cod residents? Could it be that the closest simulated view point from Cotuit, Massachusetts at 5.6 miles from shore is simply atrocious to some residents. What about the renewable energy benefits of 75% of the Cape’s electricity being supplied by the non stop winds off of Cape Cod and the proposed 130 wind turbines? Why is the Cape Wind project stalled even though at one point in time it had an 86% approval rating from Cape Cod residents?

The Cape Wind project has been in and out of the news as far as its progress or lack of progress goes. From all accounts this seems to be coming down to a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) mega watt deity with none of the perks enjoyed by Greek Mythology gods and goddesses. Massachusetts may still be the bluest of the blue states but when it comes to wind power projects it reverts back to the fossil fueled industrial age of power generation where you grab some stuff that will burn and boil some water to make an electric engine go broom-broom.

Cape Wind which was first proposed in 2000 has been in the development phase since the Corps of Engineers issued its initial impact study in November of 2004 and the NIMBY arguments have been going back and forth since. The latest gripes or approvals are coming from Indian tribes on Cape Cod where some are complaining that the wind turbines will interfere with important cultural ceremonies based on the sun rise and others argue the exact opposite.

President Obama, who ran for President as a pro renewable energy candidate, recently sent his Secretary of the Interior to the Cape to weigh in on the decision to finally approve or deny the Cape Wind project.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who traveled to Nantucket Sound Feb. 2 with his team from the Interior Department on what he called a “fact finding mission,” gave no hint about which direction the administration is leaning toward. On the contrary, in discussing the pros and cons of the Cape Wind energy project, the secretary said he is as likely to approve the project as he is to deny it. - Indian Country Today

Hmmm? I have a strange feeling that this project with all the environmentally sound positive benefits will still be in the NIMBY mitigation phase in 2020, 2030, and 2050. The “he said, she said” banter regarding the Cape Wind Associates project will continue long after someone proposes a “clean” nuclear power plant, builds the nuclear power plant on Cape Cod, and that plant is shipping rail cars full of nuclear waste to Nevada to be buried for a million plus years.

At least the view from the beach won’t be interfered with. Cape residents should speak up loud and clear if they are a WIMBY (Wind In My Back Yard) or a "Go Nukes" proponent. I'm curious to see which view the folks on Cape Cod finally end up with for their electric energy needs.

Papamoka

U.S. Wind Power Breaks Record in 2009

If you have been reading this site long enough then you probably already know that I’m a renewable energy geek. I am constantly on the look out for the latest news and information on anything new and improved that will move the Green Energy industry forward even just a smidge. One of my favorites in the renewable energy field of products is wind power generation and all the news that my neurons can possibly devour. It just fascinates me that as each year passes, America is that much closer to being less dependent on foreign fossil fuels to generate electricity for our nation.

Check out this latest report from American Wind Energy Association…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. wind industry broke all previous records by installing nearly 10,000 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity in 2009 (enough to serve over 2.4 million homes), but still lags in manufacturing, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said today in its Q4 report.

These new projects place wind power neck and neck with natural gas ¹ as the leading source of new electricity generation for the country. Together, the two sources account for about 80% of the new capacity added in the country last year. - AWEA

What blew me away by this report was that Texas was the leader in the nation with wind power by almost a three to one margin followed by its closest rival Iowa for MW installed wind turbines. Then there is the little factoid that wind power generation is growing by 39% per year in America. Mega Watt “Ut oh” for OPEC or anyone else that wants to try and dim the lights on America. Then I’m wondering if there are even 2.4 million homes in the entire state of Massachusetts? That leaves 49 states to go!

Hold on, it gets better…

GE gets $1.4-B contract for largest US wind farm
January 27, 2010, 3:25pm

NEW YORK – GE (NYSE:GE) said it has received a $1.4 billion contract from independent power producer Caithness Energy to supply wind turbines and provide services for an 845-megawatt (MW) wind farm project to be located in Oregon.

The wind farm, called Shepherds Flat, has received most of the necessary government permits to operate and is ready to be built. When completed, it will be larger than any wind farm currently in operation around the globe. - Mb.com.ph

THE LARGEST in the WORLD! Now that is some great news!

Every single time I see one of those monster wind turbines spinning free power out of the air I can’t help but think of energy independence and that makes me think of the American flag which ultimately stands for freedom. And that makes me feel very comfortable knowing that my children’s future will not be held energy hostage by any foreign nation.

Papamoka

Related posts:
Holy Name High School Turbine
Wind Power in my Neighborhood
Energy Saving Cargo Ships

Renewable Energy Update

Down under they are taking the largest step possible when it comes to renewable energy for their nations citizens. Big steps like this are needed to slow the progression of global warming according to many scientists around the world from CO2 spewing power plants.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia plans to build the world's largest solar power station with an output of 1000 megawatts in a A$1.4 billion (US$1.05 billion) investment, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Sunday.

The plant would have three times the generating capacity of the current biggest solar-powered electricity plant, which is in California, Rudd said during a tour of a power station.

Tender details will be announced later in the year, and successful bidders will be named in the first half of 2010. Rudd said the project was aimed at exploiting the country's ample sunshine, which he called "Australia's biggest natural resource."

Good for the Aussies! So what is in the works here in the United States? New York state is installing 100 megawatts of solar power generating units on its public buildings to advance towards its 45-15 goal. (45% renewable energy by 2015)

GE Energy is providing 74 of its 1.5 megawatt wind turbines for a project in LaSalle County, IL.with funds made available by President Obama and his stimulus plan. That will power 30,000 homes.

So. Cal. Edison announced a deal back in February with BrightSource Energy for the eventual construction of seven solar thermal power generating plants adding 1.3 GW of power to its portfolio. - ARS Technica

The Port of LA is working on its impressive 1.15 million square feet of solar power panels on many of its rooftops and structures. Enough solar panels to power 2,500 homes. - Press Telegram

Exelon and SunPower Corp announced the construction of an urban solar field on leased property on the south side of Chicago. 32,800 solar panels are going up to power 1,200 to 1,500 homes or the equivalent of taking 2,500 cars off the road. - Exelon

I think it would be fair to say that the renewable energy industry is smoking hot!

Papamoka

State Workers to Feel the Economic Pain

Downsizing is all across the news reports, and all over America is talk about all of the fifty states having a hard time meeting their budget obligations. Governors are cutting corners where they can and still more cuts are needed. It’s the same scenario in privately run businesses as well. If the customer is cutting back and not visiting your business with paid orders then the only thing to do is cut back where you can save the most money the quickest way possible. Survival of the business aka state government service is the end objective.

That means layoffs and if the private sector is suffering that inevitable choice then the public works, government service, and government agencies must do the same. If taxes are not being paid into the state governments to keep up with the payroll of that state then they can’t pay out for services expected by its citizens. But is layoffs the only choice Governors have? I personally do not think so. Over at MSNBC courtesy of the Associated Press they have this thought on it…

Governors seek sacrifices from public workers
Money-saving measures include pay and benefit cuts, truncated workweeks

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Governors across the nation are seeking significant concessions from public employee unions in hopes of helping to balance their teetering budgets during the economic downturn.

From Maryland to California, Ohio to Hawaii, governors have asked or ordered state workers to accept furloughs, salary reductions, truncated workweeks or benefit cuts. They say the concessions are a better alternative to further job losses in the face of record-breaking unemployment.

Unions argue their members shouldn't be singled out and are even more vital in hard times — securing neighborhoods and prisons, educating children and providing social services to growing numbers of citizens. - MSNBC-AP

I’m personally a huge union workers supporter but I am also a realist that sees that the states can not be paying benefits and providing services when the money is just not their to do so. With the credit markets tightened to the point of a stranglehold on businesses, it isn’t like each state can go to the credit markets and float bonds till things pick up in the economy. Wall Street and the markets just do not work that way. States can also not rely on the federal government to support all of them with a total bailout till the point of if and when the economy starts to recover. That thought process is the way to total economic destruction far beyond the Great Depression of the early 1930’s.

Governors in all states need to look to the budgets they currently have and cut wherever is required. They must also negotiate with not just the unions that are the employees of the state but the suppliers of all items including benefits to the state first and foremost. If they have to combine bargaining power with adjacent states to gain far better rates, then so be it. It’s called demanding better terms from your suppliers. Be it health insurance, paper products, light bulbs, paper clips, or even new equipment for law enforcement. If you have ever known someone that has worked in the private sector in purchasing, its called getting the best terms and rates for your company and it is called competition. If one supplier isn’t willing to negotiate, you move on to another, and another till you get the price you need to maintain your business. Some people call it beating up your vendor but I like to call it the art of negotiation. Each participant knows the value of the deal and each person is looking to find the perfect price where both parties are happy. The purchaser is happy and the seller is happy. AKA, its business 101!

Each state in the union pays millions if not billions for gasoline and diesel per year for the fleets of vehicles they own, millions if not billions to heat or cool state run offices all across each state. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the energy suppliers need your base business to survive. Demand competitition from your current suppliers and then seek out alternative sources for the same products. Wind power, solar power, bio-fuels, and the list goes on.

There are still many investors in the market looking for state bonds that make sense. If a bond was floated from Massachusetts or any state just for the sake of paying salaries and maintaining a payroll the state itself could not maintain it would have little interest in the markets on Wall Street. If the same state came out with a bond based on putting 100,000 or 250,000 solar panels on state run offices that would save the state millions of dollars per month once installed that would never have to be paid to an energy utility for the next thirty plus years it would draw huge attention, and not just here in America on Wall Street, but around the world. The beauty of the “Purchasing Negotiation” is that you could demand that each unit purchased will not be paid for till it is installed and generating power. That should work out to a thirty to sixty day payment deal for the manufacturer if they take the initiative to hire qualified people and install each and every single unit on the state buildings. Something that they could and should take the initiative to outsource to mulitple companies across every single state. More jobs, more state tax income.

Those savings even with repayment of the bond could equal thousands of state jobs and services that are needed elsewhere. It is the initial investment that is needed and we have several Solar Power Panel manufacturers right here in the United States of America that could and would benefit with increasing the workforce to meet the demand of high tech jobs at good wages. Schott Solar of California has a manufacturing facility in Billerica, Ma and Evergreen Solar of Marlborough, MA has a facility in the former Fort Devens military base to name just two.

President Obama is on the right track with his renewable energy initiatives in the current bailout package and the states need to look at the thought processes behind renewable energy and apply the thought process in public buildings all over the nation. If solar panels on the roof are paying 10% to 30% of the energy needs then how many jobs does that save in the public sector? Same thought process goes to private businesses as well. Back in the mid 1980’s I worked in a wire and cable manufacturing facility, the building was about 300,000 square feet full of equipment that was all powered by the local electric utility. The monthly bill at the time for the power was over $30,000 dollars. Then you had to figure the cost to heat such a large facility by gas per month and the bill was even larger than the electric in the winter months.

Even with the current drop of the cost of oil, the largest bill for any business other than raw materials is the energy cost. Cut that cost down by going with multiple renewable energy systems and the probability that you never pay an electric bill or gas bill ever again is within reach! How many jobs is that bill paid to the electric or gas, oil, propane company worth every month to any business or a greater point, how much does that allow you to pass those savings onto your customer and get the business you could never touch before? Our economy is built on competition and innovation, we need to look at the innovations not just in the private sector but in each of our state governments.

Each of our states need to be creative budgetary wise and think long term when it comes to their energy needs. Payroll is not the biggest cost they have but it is the easiest to cut. Demand more long term economic thought process from your state Governor and Legislators!

Papamoka

Solar Farm in my Hometown

Central Mass is putting its feet firmly down in support of green energy. Worcester already has one huge wind turbine at Holy Name High School and another proposal for another wind turbine at College of the Holy Cross in the study phase, Worcester Envelope is also studying a wind turbine power option. Douglas is looking at a proposed mega wind farm on leased land from the state parks. And this list goes on and on in renewable energy projects across Worcester County.

Now a private company is looking at 150 acres in my hometown at Worcester Airport for a solar panel farm. Over at the Worcester Telegram they have this on it…

Friday, January 16, 2009
Company eyes land at airport for solar farm

Up to 150 acres may be used for production of electricity
By Martin Luttrell TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
mluttrell@telegram.com

WORCESTER — A solar energy company is in discussions with city officials and Massport to lease up to 150 acres at Worcester Regional Airport to build a solar farm that could produce 33.3 megawatts of power.

Ansar Energy LLC of Scituate is also negotiating with officials in Attleboro and Greenfield for solar power production there, officials in those communities said.

Assistant City Manager Julie A. Jacobson said the talks, which began in December, are preliminary, but the solar farm, if built according to the company’s plans, would be a $250 million investment.

Junaid Yasin, president of Ansar Energy, is out of the country and could not be reached for comment. - Worcester Telegram

Every single one of these projects is great to see when you think about how energy dependent we are on other nations for our electricity. Each one adding to the negative column the number of barrels of oil per year we import. If you happen to work in the construction industry, it means jobs down the road for qualified trades people too. Not to just build them initially but to maintain the systems as well for the long haul.

Mega Watt Kudo’s goes out to Mass Technology Collaborative!

Papamoka

Saudi Arabia and Oil’s Future

Saudi Arabia does not fear the current drop in oil prices, matter of fact it tells them that the business needs to be reevaluated with intense scrutiny. 60 Minutes with Lesley Stahl did a great piece on what the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is doing to hedge their bets for the future of oil. According to the report, Saudi Arabia would like the price per barrel to be at $55 in order to support all of its production costs and government obligations.

They are bringing online two oil fields that will be able to supply close to three million barrels a day alone in 2009 with new technology that can find every last drop of oil in a field that would supply oil for the next fifty years. According to the piece, that is more oil per day than most Middle East countries can supply per day today. Lesley was able to get the gentleman in charge of the oil fields to admit that the cost to produce one barrel of oil all across the kingdom is less than $2 per barrel and yet the two fields they are opening up in 2009 they paid cash for at the richly sum of $60 Billion dollars.

Trust me, I am having no pity for the Saudi Oil Kingdom that sat back at the pool while the cost of a barrel of oil hit $147 per barrel. $147 dollars per barrel minus $2 production cost, then subtract say another $10 bucks per barrel for overhead and paying the kingdom heirs off for sucking the go go juice out leaves $135 per barrel pure profit! Multiply that profit by the number of barrels of oil they supply a day to the world and you have a disgusting amount of expendable cash. Or dare I say a savings account to pay for any new technology that serves their purpose and nations future.

I don’t begrudge them the mega gross profit they have received; I frankly admire them for repeating the P.T. Barnum business plan. If there was an American business that could earn that type of profit margin on any product and legally, I say legally for a reason, then all the power to them. What really scares me is the fact that Saudi Arabia is not being stupid with its profits and just spending away like drunken sailors on their first shore leave in six months. No offense to sailors, it was just an expression. Saudi Arabia is looking at wind power and solar power for its future offset when oil declines in use across the world. Saudi Arabia is looking at engineering the greenest fossil fuel engine the world has ever seen. Saudi Arabia is doing now what America should have done immediately after the oil embargo of the 1970’s and I have to applaud them for seeing the future need where most American industries do not.

Oil and gas prices are going to tank for the next few years and that cheap oil will pave the way for the decline in American and world research on expanding solar power technology, wind power technology, and every other alternative source to oil but the Saudi government is still going to toss hundreds of billions of dollars at these technologies every single year. From the spoils of this past energy crisis will go the investment and ability to continue the research that in a couple of decades will pay off enormously for the kingdom. Saudi Arabia in thirty years will be the largest exporter of green energy in the world simply because they invested in the technology today. That is the business plan that they are following and it is a damn good one! Maybe we in America should look at their plan and try to beat them to the moon so to speak.

When the cost of a gallon of gas is just $1.00 then where is the market for an alternative fuel that cost $3 for the same vehicle? When oil fed electric plants can produce a megawatt of power at two thirds the cost of a wind turbine then where is the market for wind power? Same goes for solar power and the list goes on for all the alternative energy initiatives when it comes right down to the cost of energy for the average consumer. It is a little disheartening but it is reality. Or am I wrong?

Papamoka

Oil Price Tank Threatens Green Energy

One of the biggest factors for many industries and people to go with green energy was the high cost of oil. They went solar, they went with wind power, hydro, bio-fuels, hydrogen fleets, electric cars, and the green energy movement was born again. What happens now to that green energy drive when oil is once more affordable? Should it be abandoned or pursued more feverishly?

In my little corner of the world it was great to see one small Catholic high school put up a wind turbine on its campus from their pristine location on a high hill in our city. Seeing that turbine whip around and feed the school all of its electric energy needs is just amazing to behold. I would love to see the seven hills of Worcester, MA look like the Gray Goose about to take off. That would be a Howard Hughes reference to an aircraft that he proposed and the government prosecuted him over that it could never fly. It did fly and so will the green energy mentality.

America has been burned over the last few years with the speculation on oil and we frankly are late on getting on the green energy bandwagon. We never learned from the oil embargo of the 1970’s but we sure as hell will never forget the oil desecration of our financial system once the oil bubble burst.

Over at the Guardian and from Chris Goodall they have this amazing piece on "The Ten Big Energy Myths". I loved it! This is a must read article and you might find yourself amazed at the myths and what the truth actually is…

Myth 1: solar power is too expensive to be of much use
Myth 2: wind power is too unreliable
Myth 3: marine energy is a dead-end
Myth 4: nuclear power is cheaper than other low-carbon sources of electricity
Myth 5: electric cars are slow and ugly
Myth 6: biofuels are always destructive to the environment
Myth 7: climate change means we need more organic agriculture
Myth 8: zero carbon homes are the best way of dealing with greenhouse gas emissions from buildings
Myth 9: the most efficient power stations are big
Myth 10: all proposed solutions to climate change need to be hi-tech

Guardian.co.uk

I’m hoping that we in America will continue the fight for energy independence. We can not prosper as a people when any foreign entity controls our power needs. If we can not supply our nation with the energy we need to continue the fight that is right for human rights then we are dead in the water. If we as a people espouse to be the conscience of the world then we had better be able to feed the energy needs of that mind set. Otherwise, we need to start kissing the butt’s of some of the same folks that reaped the largest financial gains in history from the American people.

Keep up the fight for clean energy and chuck the bird at the people that told us we can not survive as a nation without the product they have to sell us. Thus dragging us collectively as a people into their political wars that have not made any sense for centuries.

Papamoka

Wind Power in my Neighborhood

My friend Jeff at Wormtown Taxi has been taking pictures of a Wind Turbine going up at Holy Name in Worcester. I live in the city of seven hills and frankly many of these bad boys grabbing free energy from the wind would be nice to see on all seven hills!

I am huge in support when it comes to wind power to the point that I wanted a little egg beater up on our house but the wife won out. Now I can argue that I could have put this sucker in the back yard! Having been up to the site several times I can see why they chose Holy Name for the location. The wind is always blowing up there and the prospects of paying off this project are not in decades but just a couple of years.

Make no doubt about it, this is the top story for New England! You will not see a turbine wind powered machine like this in the Boston, Providence, or Hartford skyline. Worcester has put its foot first. You can see this wind power machine from pretty much all over the city and it sends a clear message to the people holding a knife to our throats for energy needs.

Thank you Holy Name and all the other parties responsible for this next step to energy independence. One wind turbine takes that much out of the polution in the air and even more out of the pockets of people thinking they own us.

Papamoka

McCain Offshore Oil Drilling Hype

I have to say that I’m not to sure that this is such a bad idea given certain conditions. Conditions like our government going nuts in tax breaks for solar research, wind power research, hydrogen and natural gas research as fuels for our nations cars, trucks and busses. If the government focuses as much attention to these energy sources as they have on oil then maybe then we can look at offshore drilling for the time being? At least for the time being while the research is going on and improving the science and network needed to functionally serve these new technologies. Back in the 1970’s we had the first oil crisis where our nation was held hostage by OPEC and in 2008 we have our nation held hostage by energy traders. It’s a known fact that there is not one single answer to changing the source or usage of our energy needs.

One of the biggest gripes against McCain making this trip to an oil rig is the fact that his largest campaign contributors are from most of the big oil companies. Many far more qualified people are saying that even if we start drilling off shore in a large scale it could be ten years before the results drop the cost of oil down even just a few pennies? What about the millions of acres in known oil rich locations on land, in the continental United States that the oil companies already have access too?

Over at the Houston Chronicle they have this story on McCain using an oil platform to back up his thoughts on offshore drilling…

McCain uses oil platform visit to promote more drilling
By PHILIP ELLIOTT Associated Press
Aug. 19, 2008, 2:54PM

ABOARD THE CHEVRON GENESIS — Republican presidential candidate John McCain visited this oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico today to call for increased offshore drilling that he claims would lower the cost of food and heating homes.
McCain traveled 130 miles by helicopter to tour the massive facility, which produces 10,000 gallons of oil each day. He criticized his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, for not supporting such a plan.

"He says it won't solve our problem and that it's, quote, not real. He's wrong and the American people know it," McCain told reporters.

Obama's campaign, meanwhile, called the four-hour excursion nothing more than a stunt. Obama supporter and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack compared McCain's position to the "Beverly Hillbillies" television program where the main character — Jed Clampett — stumbles onto an oil gusher. McCain, he said, has "a Jed Clampett energy policy."

McCain and his aides believe the pocketbook approach can connect with voters — and, in turn, suggest that Obama wants people to pay more for gas, food and heating. - Houston Chronicle

One of the things that keeps coming into my mind is that Senator McCain flew by helicopter 260 miles round trip to an oil platform offshore that is only producing 10,000 gallons of oil per day? That is a quote from the story by the AP. If my calculations are correct then that platform is only producing 182 BARREL’S of oil per day at 55 gallons per barrel? I’m not sure that mega platform is even going to pay for McCain’s helicopter ride with one days production. After refining and what have you, how many gallons of helicopter go-go juice do you get. I’m thinking that the helicopter is burning a hell of a lot more gas than your average Chevy pickup truck. I’m guessing that the AP story has a problem with checking facts and CNN has the rig producing 10,000 barrels a day which is a huge difference in numbers. Even still, go-go juice for any kind of chopper is not cheap and they eat the stuff up like its candy to a baby.

How much would you like to bet that the helicopter trip was free courtesy of Chevron? How much money do you think is going to flow into the McCain campaign coffers for this trip to the offshore oil rig? John McCain’s energy plan is a joke and everyone knows it. He’s even being dishonest with himself for the sake of the almighty dollars rolling into his campaign from big oil companies. John McCain knows that any effort to put offshore oil drilling rigs in the Atlantic will be shot down in the Senate by every single state with a shoreline to the Atlantic. If putting up a wind farm off the coast of my home state in Massachusetts was a battle, you have not seen anything in comparison of battles if there is even one remote possibility that the fishing industry off the Atlantic coast were ever harmed by any form of oil drilling disaster or leak. Hurricane Katrina destroyed 113 offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and the environment and the fishing industry paid the highest price for that natural disaster. Over at the Washington Post they have this to say about offshore oil rig disasters from Katrina…

McCain and the Safety of Offshore Drilling
By Michael D. Shear

In an energy speech recently, McCain said that: "As for offshore drilling, it's safe enough these days that not even Hurricanes Katrina and Rita could cause significant spillage from the battered rigs off the coasts of New Orleans and Houston."

In fact, Katrina and Hurricane Rita caused damage to oil rigs and storage facilities in the Gulf, according to press reports and government studies.

The hurricanes totally destroyed 113 oil rigs, according to the government's Minerals Management Service, and damaged 457 pipelines. The resulting oil spills were large enough to be seen from space, according to several reports. - Washington Post

Offshore oil drilling is not the only answer to the energy crisis we are facing courtesy of Wall Street investors. Research into many other avenues and looking at the possibilities of new forms of energy is the answer. The top three are Solar Power, Wind Power, and Natural Gas. All of which this nation has an overall abundance of. Does McCain talk about these energy sources? Yes he does but his heart and soul is brought to you courtesy of big oil and free helicopter rides to their offshore oil platforms.

McCain, McSame, McBush, McRove, whoever the hell he is today does not have the answer or even a valid plan for the next couple of decades and our nations energy needs. It is becoming apparent that McCain’s plan is more of the same and screw you. Thank you very much and please donate to the McCain for President campaign. NOT!!!

McCain himself and his actions, statements, and just disregard for the truth are the loudest and clearest reason why people should vote for change and Barack Obama for President of the United States of America.

Related Links:
Ocean View Helicopters has info on Helicopter MPG
T. Boone Pickens Plan actually has a plan to break the oil crisis
Think Progress has this on what Katrina did to Oil Rigs

Cross posted at Bring It On!

Papamoka

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McCain, Obama, Offshore Oil Drilling, Chevron, Helicopter Ride, Offshore Oil Platform, Energy Crisis, Solar Power, Wind Power, Natural Gas, T Boone Pickens Plan

Renewable Energy and the Military

When it comes to our United States military and their “needs” there is what some would call a demand for results in technology when it comes right down to it. Anyone that has worked with the military in the private sector knows that the contracts go to the people with the best idea for what they “need”. There is no better source of expedience when it comes to the private sector than facing a military contract to supply X at date Y and if they like it then contract Z is awarded. The competition for military contracts in the private sector is intense, extremely intense, and a life or death existence for many companies all across America. Make no mistake about it, the people with the best plan can charge the value they think it is worth.

Maybe it would be a good idea for the Pentagon to put out a call to arms for all of the garage inventors in America to hasten the effort to expand renewable energy sources that could be used in the business end of protecting America? One thing is certain with this article from Reuters is that the end result will be something that will eventually pay it forward in your home down the road…

Military wants to lead U.S. into the green

By Bernie Woodall

FORT IRWIN, California (Reuters) - The U.S. military has a history of fostering change, from racial integration to development of the Internet. Now, Pentagon officials say their green energy efforts will help America fight global warming.

By size alone, the Defense Department can make waves. It accounts for 1.5 percent of U.S. energy consumption.

The military has set a goal that 25 percent of its energy should come from renewable sources by 2025 and aims to create machines and methods to help Main Street America reach similar targets, said Alan Shaffer, a retired Air Force officer who leads the Pentagon's research and engineering arm.

Snip and “Atten Hut!”

Renewable energy is not new to the military. Wind turbines supply much of the power used at the isolated U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and the geothermal power plant at the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station in California has been in operation for two decades.

But urgency to ramp up the program increased in 2006 after Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Richard Zilmer said bringing solar and wind power to the battlefront would cut down on casualties.

"Cost matters. Lives matter more," said Shaffer. "Every time we have to send a convoy out to refuel tanks or deploy forward locations, it puts people's lives at risk." -Reuters

Make no mistake about this article from Reuters, the Pentagon is hurting from the price of oil and that money has to come from somewhere else to pay for our troops movements. If the money for energy use comes from somewhere else then programs the military really cares about have to be canceled. This policy of our military will change the imprint that our military and their use of energy has and will funnel down to the bases all over the world and thus onto the economy of America. What I find interesting about this military intervention is the fact that they are not embracing renewable energy because they like the idea but the simple fact that they have no choice in the matter. Something all of us in the private sector have faced for two years now and it is looking like we will all have to adjust our energy use for a long time to come.

In the long run, what the military invests in today for renewable energy will be in our homes in five to ten years at the latest. Be it solar, wind, or even pulling energy out of the air in a Tesla type experiment, the end result is the expenses in research and developed applications of our military today will be in our homes in the not so distant future. I would not be surprised to see solar energy conversion go from 30% to 80% in less than five years. Battery technology breaking new barriers and charges that last for days or weeks. Electric powered cars that can run for a week on just one charge. The possibilities are extreme and it will take the power of the U.S. military budget dollars to make the change in our energy sources and usage possible. They alone have the purchasing power to move renewable energy beyond what it is today as a science.

Papamoka

*****Reuters has picked up this post!!! Thank you!

Wind Power White Knight Oil Barron

T. Boone Pickens is running a national television and internet campaign to save this country from the strangle hold of imported oil and I’m backing his plan. I signed up as a member simply because he is right. America is spending $700 Billion dollars a year on imported oil and that money is going out of this country to fund God only knows what. And this oil man for life is putting his money where his heart is and building a coalition of people that can make a difference on our nation’s oil addiction. You can check out his video here. I highly recommend it!

For a life long oil man to see our nation’s dependence on oil as wrong has to tell you that he can speak from experience. When he is personally backing the development of wind power in this nation by building a 4000 MW wind farm in Pampa, Texas then you know he is serious about this subject.

All of my adult life I have been energy conscious and a conservative of the use of any energy source. My wife hated it when I started buying fluorescent bulbs for all the light fixtures in the house in the mid 1990’s. And yes she was an energy conservation terrorist swapping out my energy savers with regular light bulbs whenever and wherever she thought she could get away with it. Eventually, I would find her evil doings and undo them with a replacement bulb. This battle went on for several years until she became tired of the war and surrendered.

When the cost to heat the house by natural gas was getting ridiculous, I installed a wood pellet stove that redeemed my “Cheapo in Chief” status with the fluorescent light bulbs as the house was warmer and cozier. She was happy, I was happier with the cost to heat the home reduced by two thirds! While she and my daughters saw the warmth as nap inducing technology, I saw a renewable energy source and a gas bill at summer prices.

This had me looking at other ways to save energy and that is when I stumbled upon a gas fired tank less hot water heater from Bosch on the internet. Tank less hot water is huge in Europe and is slowly now catching on in the United States. Trust me, six females in one house use a ton of hot water and yours truly was always the one jumping in the shower to find no hot water left. The old forty gallon water heater could never keep up and even when we were away it was running up my gas bill and that didn’t make any sense.

Needless to say I was looking at home sized wind turbines and solar panels for the house. That involved a lot more technical know how and installation than my paycheck could afford. Anything to reduce the energy use we have had was scrutinized and looked at for avenues of savings. We came across information on front loading washers and the high energy efficiency they had and combined that with a matching dryer for our clothes. Water bill went down, electric bill went down.



Check out this site from T. Boone Pickens on actually changing our dependence on oil and let me know what you think. Something has to change and it might as well start with us.

Papamoka

*****Wind Power and Generators has linked back to this post...