Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
kristopher
kristopher's Journal
kristopher's Journal
August 26, 2015
NYC rooftops could host 11 GW of high-yield solar projects
NYC rooftops could host 11 GW of high-yield solar projects
Derek Markham
August 24, 2015
Mapdwell's NYC solar map © Mapdwell
A map of solar energy potential for some 1 million buildings across five boroughs in NYC highlights the opportunities for clean energy in the Big Apple, and aims to make solar "exciting and simple."
[Update: Mapdwell has corrected its original press release to include the solar potential for all five boroughs, which is 11 GW, not 4.7 GW.]
Rooftops in New York City could be home to some 11 gigawatts of "high-yield" solar projects, according to Mapdwell, a Boston-based startup that identifies solar potential using an advanced solar mapping tool originally developed at MIT.
Homeowners and businesses in NYC can take advantage of the detailed data from Mapdwell's Solar System New York City project to take action toward the adoption of clean energy on their rooftops, as the solar mapping platform presents data on the solar potential of individual rooftops, along with a detailed cost/benefit analysis on the financial and environmental aspects of installing solar energy systems on those roofs.
Two years ago, Mapdwell made waves in the solar mapping field by creating an accurate map of the solar potential of all 17,000 rooftops in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and making the data accessible to anyone through its website, and the MIT spinoff has since expanded its offerings to other cities.
The company's high-resolution mapping platform essentially creates a 3D model of each community it covers, and uses the shape of the roof, the roof's orientation, the presence of any solar shading caused by trees or nearby structures, as well as historical weather data, to uncover what it describes as "highly accurate" data on solar potential. (Google is also getting into the solar mapping business with its Project Sunroof.)
Mapdwell's foray into New York City's solar landscape has revealed the potential for some 11 GW of rooftop solar capacity, which could generate more than 13 million MWh (megawatt-hours) of clean electricity per year, and power the equivalent of almost half a million homes....
http://www.treehugger.com/renewable-energy/nyc-rooftops-could-host-47-gw-high-yield-solar-projects.html
Derek Markham
August 24, 2015
Mapdwell's NYC solar map © Mapdwell
A map of solar energy potential for some 1 million buildings across five boroughs in NYC highlights the opportunities for clean energy in the Big Apple, and aims to make solar "exciting and simple."
[Update: Mapdwell has corrected its original press release to include the solar potential for all five boroughs, which is 11 GW, not 4.7 GW.]
Rooftops in New York City could be home to some 11 gigawatts of "high-yield" solar projects, according to Mapdwell, a Boston-based startup that identifies solar potential using an advanced solar mapping tool originally developed at MIT.
Homeowners and businesses in NYC can take advantage of the detailed data from Mapdwell's Solar System New York City project to take action toward the adoption of clean energy on their rooftops, as the solar mapping platform presents data on the solar potential of individual rooftops, along with a detailed cost/benefit analysis on the financial and environmental aspects of installing solar energy systems on those roofs.
Two years ago, Mapdwell made waves in the solar mapping field by creating an accurate map of the solar potential of all 17,000 rooftops in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and making the data accessible to anyone through its website, and the MIT spinoff has since expanded its offerings to other cities.
The company's high-resolution mapping platform essentially creates a 3D model of each community it covers, and uses the shape of the roof, the roof's orientation, the presence of any solar shading caused by trees or nearby structures, as well as historical weather data, to uncover what it describes as "highly accurate" data on solar potential. (Google is also getting into the solar mapping business with its Project Sunroof.)
Mapdwell's foray into New York City's solar landscape has revealed the potential for some 11 GW of rooftop solar capacity, which could generate more than 13 million MWh (megawatt-hours) of clean electricity per year, and power the equivalent of almost half a million homes....
August 26, 2015
http://blog.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/blogs/2015/08/5_reasons_utilities.html?cmpid=renewablesolar08252015
5 Reasons Utilities Are Hating on Their Solar-Producing Customers
5 Reasons Utilities Are Hating on Their Solar-Producing Customers
John Farrell
Aug 24, 2015
It seems crazy that electric companies would have anything against customers that spend their own money to reduce their energy use with clean, local solar power. But any number of utilities are slapping excessive fees and charges on customers with solar to slow or stop them. Here's 5 reasons why...
1. Utilities Don’t View Customer-Owned Solar Power as a Resource
mn value of solar v costMost utilities see a solar array on a customer rooftop the same as they see an energy efficient refrigerator. It means the customer buys less electricity. In some states, policies called “decoupling” tend to hold utilities harmless to these sales losses in order to encourage more investment in cost-effective energy efficiency. But with solar, utilities tend to ignore the benefits that this energy provides to the electricity system unless someone tells them to account for it.
Read a utility integrated resource plan (their 15-year plan for the electric grid), and you can see an electric utility wax eloquent about a shiny new 100 megawatt power plant that could provide energy during peak energy periods with zero fuel cost. But if instead of a big utility-built power plant we’re talking about 10,000 individual solar arrays on customer rooftops, utilities lose all perspective.
In Minnesota, for example, the state legislature passed a “value of solar” program that requires the state’s largest utility, Xcel Energy, to calculate how much solar energy is worth to its grid. In 2014 and 2015, the utility has reported that the value of solar energy is higher than the cost to the utility in buying it from customers via net metering. Other studies have shown similar results, including one in Maine, in Missouri, and in many other states.
Faced with compelling evidence of the value of customer-produced solar power, why haven’t utilities come around?
2. The Utility Business Model Seems Broken
John Farrell
Aug 24, 2015
It seems crazy that electric companies would have anything against customers that spend their own money to reduce their energy use with clean, local solar power. But any number of utilities are slapping excessive fees and charges on customers with solar to slow or stop them. Here's 5 reasons why...
1. Utilities Don’t View Customer-Owned Solar Power as a Resource
mn value of solar v costMost utilities see a solar array on a customer rooftop the same as they see an energy efficient refrigerator. It means the customer buys less electricity. In some states, policies called “decoupling” tend to hold utilities harmless to these sales losses in order to encourage more investment in cost-effective energy efficiency. But with solar, utilities tend to ignore the benefits that this energy provides to the electricity system unless someone tells them to account for it.
Read a utility integrated resource plan (their 15-year plan for the electric grid), and you can see an electric utility wax eloquent about a shiny new 100 megawatt power plant that could provide energy during peak energy periods with zero fuel cost. But if instead of a big utility-built power plant we’re talking about 10,000 individual solar arrays on customer rooftops, utilities lose all perspective.
In Minnesota, for example, the state legislature passed a “value of solar” program that requires the state’s largest utility, Xcel Energy, to calculate how much solar energy is worth to its grid. In 2014 and 2015, the utility has reported that the value of solar energy is higher than the cost to the utility in buying it from customers via net metering. Other studies have shown similar results, including one in Maine, in Missouri, and in many other states.
Faced with compelling evidence of the value of customer-produced solar power, why haven’t utilities come around?
2. The Utility Business Model Seems Broken
http://blog.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/blogs/2015/08/5_reasons_utilities.html?cmpid=renewablesolar08252015
August 25, 2015
Nuclear industry darkened by delays, cost overruns at Vogtle & Summer facilities
Nuclear industry darkened by delays, cost overruns at Vogtle & Summer facilities
By Herman K. Trabish | August 24, 2015 Printprint
Dive Brief:
- The Vogtle nuclear facility in Georgia and V.C. Summer nuclear facility in South Carolina are both some three years behind schedule in construction and each is expected come in billions of dollars over their original budgets. These poor performances are expected to discourage further U.S. investment in nuclear power in the near term, SNL reports.
- The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecast of nuclear generation falling by 10,800 MW through 2020 could be understated, according to analysis from Fitch Ratings, because political pressure and higher-than-expected operations and maintenance costs are accelerating plant retirements.
- Longer term hope for nuclear advocates comes from The EPA Clean Power Plan’s assignment of compliance to states that use new nuclear plants and existing facility upgrades that add new capacity. And the Department of Energy last year announced it would accept applications from nuclear developers for $12.5 billion in loan guarantees.
Dive Insight:
"Failure" in the construction of the two high-profile nuclear plants will likely chill enthusiasm for new nuke plants in the near future, Fitch Ratings said in an analysis last week. Not only that, but operations and maintenance costs could force the retirement of more nuclear plants than expected. EPA regulations and Department of Energy loans, however, could fuel some growth for the sector in the longer term.
Vogtle is co-owned by ...
http://www.utilitydive.com/news/nuclear-industry-darkened-by-delays-cost-overruns-at-vogtle-summer-facil/404418/
By Herman K. Trabish | August 24, 2015 Printprint
Dive Brief:
- The Vogtle nuclear facility in Georgia and V.C. Summer nuclear facility in South Carolina are both some three years behind schedule in construction and each is expected come in billions of dollars over their original budgets. These poor performances are expected to discourage further U.S. investment in nuclear power in the near term, SNL reports.
- The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecast of nuclear generation falling by 10,800 MW through 2020 could be understated, according to analysis from Fitch Ratings, because political pressure and higher-than-expected operations and maintenance costs are accelerating plant retirements.
- Longer term hope for nuclear advocates comes from The EPA Clean Power Plan’s assignment of compliance to states that use new nuclear plants and existing facility upgrades that add new capacity. And the Department of Energy last year announced it would accept applications from nuclear developers for $12.5 billion in loan guarantees.
Dive Insight:
"Failure" in the construction of the two high-profile nuclear plants will likely chill enthusiasm for new nuke plants in the near future, Fitch Ratings said in an analysis last week. Not only that, but operations and maintenance costs could force the retirement of more nuclear plants than expected. EPA regulations and Department of Energy loans, however, could fuel some growth for the sector in the longer term.
Vogtle is co-owned by ...
August 25, 2015
While they have provided assurances that ratepayers in the Pepco territories are insulated from future losses related to probable decommissioning costs of their huge nuclear investment, the strength they would acquire by being the largest electric and gas utility in the region would almost certainly give them the market power to force policies that would not only curtail the growth of renewables but also incentivize sales for their nuclear fleet. I imagine that if this just announced decision by the DC PSC stands challenges, it will be influential on their decision regarding the closing of these plants in spite of their claims that it is unrelated.
Company owning largest US nuclear reactor fleet is having a bad week
With the steadily declining cost of energy from renewable sources, Exelon, the owner of the largest fleet of nuclear reactors in the US, is in trouble. (FYI 23 reactors at 14 locations)
About a decade ago the company gambled on a strategy of buying up every aging nuclear reactor they could find. Their bet hasn't paid off. Initially hurt by the upsurge of low cost fracked natural gas, they have been under steadily increasing pressure from the growth in the renewable sector, with no change in trends expected.
They claim declining revenues from the reactors are making it impossible to keep them running and consequently they have been arm-twisting the states hosting Exelon's nuclear facilities to give them favorable treatment by passing laws to mandate the purchase of their nuclear generated power at above-market rates. They have also pursued several other strategies such as lobbying to have all existing reactors count towards the carbon reduction requirements in the EPA's newly released Clean Power Plan and the acquisition of Pepco Holdings, owner of most utility customers in NJ, DE, MD, VA and Wash DC.
Following on the heels of the very recent rejection by the EPA of the inclusion of Exelon's reactors in the CPP, they have now received more bad news.
Exelon's Q-C plant fails to clear energy auction
Kevin E. Schmidt, QUAD-CITY TIMES
CORDOVA, Ill. — With Exelon's Quad-Cities Generating Station losing out on its bid to sell power to the energy grid in 2018-2019, a company official said Monday it is even more crucial for the nuclear plant's future that Illinois lawmakers pass energy policy reforms.
In a news release, Exelon Corp. announced that the Quad-Cities station along with the company's Oyster Creek and Three Mile Island nuclear power plants "did not clear" in the PJM capacity auction for the 2018-2019 planning year. PJM, a grid operator that administers the wholesale power market for the upper United States, holds the annual auction to ensure its 13-state region will have enough power to meet demand.
By not clearing the auction, those three plants will not be guaranteed any revenues from PJM for that year. Exelon's Oyster Creek is in Ocean County near the New Jersey shore. Three Mile Island is in central Pennsylvania, about 10 miles south of Harrisburg.
The auction's outcome was another blow for the Quad-Cities nuclear plant, which the company has said faces the threat of a premature closure.
But at a news conference at the Cordova plant Monday, Exelon spokesman Bill Stoermer stressed several times that "no decision has been made about closing any of our Illinois plants, including Quad-Cities." Two other Illinois Exelon plants — Byron and Clinton — also could face possible early closure, Exelon has said...
http://qctimes.com/business/exelon-s-q-c-plant-fails-to-clear-energy-auction/article_8c5c0fcd-a9cc-58f7-86f1-9a031b9278ce.html
Kevin E. Schmidt, QUAD-CITY TIMES
CORDOVA, Ill. — With Exelon's Quad-Cities Generating Station losing out on its bid to sell power to the energy grid in 2018-2019, a company official said Monday it is even more crucial for the nuclear plant's future that Illinois lawmakers pass energy policy reforms.
In a news release, Exelon Corp. announced that the Quad-Cities station along with the company's Oyster Creek and Three Mile Island nuclear power plants "did not clear" in the PJM capacity auction for the 2018-2019 planning year. PJM, a grid operator that administers the wholesale power market for the upper United States, holds the annual auction to ensure its 13-state region will have enough power to meet demand.
By not clearing the auction, those three plants will not be guaranteed any revenues from PJM for that year. Exelon's Oyster Creek is in Ocean County near the New Jersey shore. Three Mile Island is in central Pennsylvania, about 10 miles south of Harrisburg.
The auction's outcome was another blow for the Quad-Cities nuclear plant, which the company has said faces the threat of a premature closure.
But at a news conference at the Cordova plant Monday, Exelon spokesman Bill Stoermer stressed several times that "no decision has been made about closing any of our Illinois plants, including Quad-Cities." Two other Illinois Exelon plants — Byron and Clinton — also could face possible early closure, Exelon has said...
While they have provided assurances that ratepayers in the Pepco territories are insulated from future losses related to probable decommissioning costs of their huge nuclear investment, the strength they would acquire by being the largest electric and gas utility in the region would almost certainly give them the market power to force policies that would not only curtail the growth of renewables but also incentivize sales for their nuclear fleet. I imagine that if this just announced decision by the DC PSC stands challenges, it will be influential on their decision regarding the closing of these plants in spite of their claims that it is unrelated.
D.C. rejects Exelon-Pepco merger; Del. terms blocked
Jeff Montgomery, The News Journal 1:59 p.m. EDT August 25, 2015
Millions in energy and utility concessions and Delmarva Power bill credits were thrown into limbo Tuesday by a District of Columbia regulator vote against the $6.8 billion Exelon-Pepco Holdings Inc. merger.
D.C. Public Service Commission members rejected the plan after Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia had already approved Exelon’s offer of $27.25 per share for Pepco’s stock, along with assumption of Pepco’s debt.
Full approval would have created the Mid-Atlantic’s largest electric and gas utility, with 10 million customers and a $26 billion rate base. Delmarva Power, part of Pepco, would have kept its headquarters in Delaware under the two big companies agreement with the state Public Service Commission.
...
Under Delaware’s portion of the merger agreement, Delmarva customers in Delaware would receive protection from the expenses of non-regulated operations, such as costs for “market-generator” nuclear plants that sell to the regional grid. Representatives of the merger candidates also agreed that Delmarva also would commit to reduce the average duration of service interruptions to 175 minutes or fewer by 2020, down from a current 295-minute minimum standard.
...
http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2015/08/25/exelon-merger-blocked/32329217/
Jeff Montgomery, The News Journal 1:59 p.m. EDT August 25, 2015
Millions in energy and utility concessions and Delmarva Power bill credits were thrown into limbo Tuesday by a District of Columbia regulator vote against the $6.8 billion Exelon-Pepco Holdings Inc. merger.
D.C. Public Service Commission members rejected the plan after Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia had already approved Exelon’s offer of $27.25 per share for Pepco’s stock, along with assumption of Pepco’s debt.
Full approval would have created the Mid-Atlantic’s largest electric and gas utility, with 10 million customers and a $26 billion rate base. Delmarva Power, part of Pepco, would have kept its headquarters in Delaware under the two big companies agreement with the state Public Service Commission.
...
Under Delaware’s portion of the merger agreement, Delmarva customers in Delaware would receive protection from the expenses of non-regulated operations, such as costs for “market-generator” nuclear plants that sell to the regional grid. Representatives of the merger candidates also agreed that Delmarva also would commit to reduce the average duration of service interruptions to 175 minutes or fewer by 2020, down from a current 295-minute minimum standard.
...
August 21, 2015
Just speculating, but I imagine this is related to Austria's court challenge.
They haven't started building and the cost estimate they baited the hook with has already increased more than 50%.
Wow.
Work ordered to stop at planned British Hinkley C nuclear site
Exclusive: EDF Energy mothballs planned Hinkley C nuclear power site
Thu 20 Aug 2015
The UK’s nuclear watchdog has stopped safety inspections at the planned site of the Hinkley C nuclear power station after EDF Energy ordered a stop to all groundwork, ClickGreen can reveal.
Despite recently publishing a list of preferred suppliers for the £24 billion project, the French firm were in behind-the-scenes talks with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), during which they informed them of their decision to mothball the site.
In April, bosses at contractors Nuclear New Build Genco (NNB) – a consortium including EDF Energy, China General Nuclear Corporation and investors – introduced a spending cap because of uncertainty surrounding the Final Investment Decision.
Preparations for construction continued to move forward, but all work has now been stopped and the site has been placed in a state of “care and maintenance”.
Hinkley C is supposed to be the first new nuclear plant in the UK since the 1980s and is scheduled to start producing electricity in 2023. EDF, however....
http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/126381-exclusive-edf-mothballs-planned-hinkley-c-nuclear-power-site.html
Thu 20 Aug 2015
The UK’s nuclear watchdog has stopped safety inspections at the planned site of the Hinkley C nuclear power station after EDF Energy ordered a stop to all groundwork, ClickGreen can reveal.
Despite recently publishing a list of preferred suppliers for the £24 billion project, the French firm were in behind-the-scenes talks with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), during which they informed them of their decision to mothball the site.
In April, bosses at contractors Nuclear New Build Genco (NNB) – a consortium including EDF Energy, China General Nuclear Corporation and investors – introduced a spending cap because of uncertainty surrounding the Final Investment Decision.
Preparations for construction continued to move forward, but all work has now been stopped and the site has been placed in a state of “care and maintenance”.
Hinkley C is supposed to be the first new nuclear plant in the UK since the 1980s and is scheduled to start producing electricity in 2023. EDF, however....
Just speculating, but I imagine this is related to Austria's court challenge.
Austria files EU complaint against UK nuclear plant
EurActiv.com with AFP 06 Jul 2015
Werner Faymann
Austria has filed a legal challenge at the European Court of Justice against EU-granted state subsidies for a new nuclear power plant in Britain, government officials confirmed on Monday (6 July).
...Austria argues that the Hinkley Point C project is in breach of European law and risks distorting the energy market.
...Austrian Environment Minister Andrae Rupprechter said nuclear energy was no longer able to "survive economically" and should "not be artificially resuscitated through state subsidies".
"Instead of funding unsafe and costly energy forms that are outdated, we have to support Europe's energy turnaround with the expansion of renewable energies," he said.
Initially forecast to cost £16 billion ($25 billion, 22.6 billion euros), EU officials now estimate the project will require £24.5 billion....
http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/austria-files-eu-complaint-against-uk-nuclear-plant-316030
EurActiv.com with AFP 06 Jul 2015
Werner Faymann
Austria has filed a legal challenge at the European Court of Justice against EU-granted state subsidies for a new nuclear power plant in Britain, government officials confirmed on Monday (6 July).
...Austria argues that the Hinkley Point C project is in breach of European law and risks distorting the energy market.
...Austrian Environment Minister Andrae Rupprechter said nuclear energy was no longer able to "survive economically" and should "not be artificially resuscitated through state subsidies".
"Instead of funding unsafe and costly energy forms that are outdated, we have to support Europe's energy turnaround with the expansion of renewable energies," he said.
Initially forecast to cost £16 billion ($25 billion, 22.6 billion euros), EU officials now estimate the project will require £24.5 billion....
They haven't started building and the cost estimate they baited the hook with has already increased more than 50%.
Wow.
August 20, 2015
July was warmest month on Earth in 136 years, NOAA says
July was warmest month on Earth in 136 years, NOAA says
Another month, another record high for global temperatures, U.S. government scientists announced Thursday.
Earth’s average surface temperature for the month of July was 61.86 degrees Fahrenheit (or 16.61 degrees Celsius). That made July the hottest month since meteorologists began keeping track way back in 1880, according to a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
July’s average temperature was 1.46 degrees F higher than the average for the 20th century and 0.14 degrees F above the previously hottest month, which occurred in 1998.
The new record was fueled by the oceans. Across the globe, the average sea surface temperature in July was 62.85 degrees F, 0.13 degrees higher than the previous monthly record (set in July 2014) and 1.35 degrees higher than the average for the 20th century. All 10 of the hottest months for sea surface temperatures have occurred since April 2014, the NOAA report noted.
Temperatures on land contributed too, coming in 1.73 degrees F above the 20th century average...
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-july-hottest-month-on-record-noaa-20150820-story.html
Another month, another record high for global temperatures, U.S. government scientists announced Thursday.
Earth’s average surface temperature for the month of July was 61.86 degrees Fahrenheit (or 16.61 degrees Celsius). That made July the hottest month since meteorologists began keeping track way back in 1880, according to a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
July’s average temperature was 1.46 degrees F higher than the average for the 20th century and 0.14 degrees F above the previously hottest month, which occurred in 1998.
The new record was fueled by the oceans. Across the globe, the average sea surface temperature in July was 62.85 degrees F, 0.13 degrees higher than the previous monthly record (set in July 2014) and 1.35 degrees higher than the average for the 20th century. All 10 of the hottest months for sea surface temperatures have occurred since April 2014, the NOAA report noted.
Temperatures on land contributed too, coming in 1.73 degrees F above the 20th century average...
August 20, 2015
http://harpers.org/blog/2008/01/the-emails-that-dick-cheney-deleted/
(January 22, 2008) The Emails that Dick Cheney Deleted
The Emails that Dick Cheney Deleted
By Scott Horton January 22, 2008, 8:26 am
Late last week, right after official White House spokesmen made a series of either evasive or completely false statements about the mysterious case of the vanishing, then reappearing, then perhaps no really vanished White House emails, Henry Waxman and his Oversight Committee announced some of the conclusions they had reached. Dan Eggen and Elizabeth Williamson published an account of it on Friday in the Washington Post:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has now posted a series of studies to help us zero in on just what’s missing. It will come as no surprise to most that the big offender is the man at the center of the most virulent scandals, and the missing email traffic relates just to those dates in which a federal prosecutor would have the most interest. Vice President Dick Cheney’s office destroyed its emails, in violation of the requirements of the federal records act and potentially criminal law, for the following days....
By Scott Horton January 22, 2008, 8:26 am
Late last week, right after official White House spokesmen made a series of either evasive or completely false statements about the mysterious case of the vanishing, then reappearing, then perhaps no really vanished White House emails, Henry Waxman and his Oversight Committee announced some of the conclusions they had reached. Dan Eggen and Elizabeth Williamson published an account of it on Friday in the Washington Post:
The White House possesses no archived e-mail messages for many of its component offices, including the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President, for hundreds of days between 2003 and 2005, according to the summary of an internal White House study that was disclosed yesterday by a congressional Democrat.
The 2005 study — whose credibility the White House attacked this week — identified 473 separate days in which no electronic messages were stored for one or more White House offices, said House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.).
Waxman said he decided to release the summary after White House spokesman Tony Fratto said yesterday that there is “no evidence” that any White House e-mails from those years are missing. Fratto’s assertion “seems to be an unsubstantiated statement that has no relation to the facts they have shared with us,” Waxman said. The competing claims were the latest salvos in an escalating dispute over whether the Bush administration has complied with long-standing statutory requirements to preserve official White House records — including those reflecting potentially sensitive policy discussions — for history and in case of any future legal demands.
Waxman said he is seeking testimony on the issue at a hearing next month from White House counsel Fred F. Fielding, National Archivist Allen Weinstein and Alan R. Swendiman, the politically appointed director of the Office of Administration, which produced the 2005 study at issue.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has now posted a series of studies to help us zero in on just what’s missing. It will come as no surprise to most that the big offender is the man at the center of the most virulent scandals, and the missing email traffic relates just to those dates in which a federal prosecutor would have the most interest. Vice President Dick Cheney’s office destroyed its emails, in violation of the requirements of the federal records act and potentially criminal law, for the following days....
http://harpers.org/blog/2008/01/the-emails-that-dick-cheney-deleted/
August 16, 2015
Air pollution in Asia may be changing weather patterns in the United States.
Increasingly intense storms in the United States might have an unexpected origin: Asian air pollution. Researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have found that aerosols from across the Pacific strengthen extratropical cyclones—a type of storm system that drives much of our country's weather.
Asia is home to the world's 20 most polluted cities, but that dirty air doesn’t stay put...
http://www.onearth.org/earthwire/asia-pollution-us-weather?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=socialmedia
THE GATHERING STORM
THE GATHERING STORMAir pollution in Asia may be changing weather patterns in the United States.
Increasingly intense storms in the United States might have an unexpected origin: Asian air pollution. Researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have found that aerosols from across the Pacific strengthen extratropical cyclones—a type of storm system that drives much of our country's weather.
Asia is home to the world's 20 most polluted cities, but that dirty air doesn’t stay put...
http://www.onearth.org/earthwire/asia-pollution-us-weather?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=socialmedia
August 14, 2015
Overview: running through the loss to our culture from neglecting the arts
via a video on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/1abdalmajid/videos/417668325064183/?fref=nf
August 14, 2015
The model that emerges for optimizing renewable energy sources is best conceptualized by turning the centralized model on its head. Instead of starting with a large scale centralized producer of electricity needing to be distributed to end users, we start with the end user and look at the best system - economic and technical - to provide for that user's power needs with today's technology. We then link these various residential, commercial and industrial 'microgrids' together in a distribution system that not only shares the strengths of the various contributors, but that also provides a platform allowing them to buy and sell as needs and capacity dictate. This keeps a large part of the money people spend on energy in the local community.
The centralized system isn't capable of doing this.
Pollution, costs and reliability are all improved with a system that is optimized to end user needs. The elements are 'distributed' throughout various end user platforms built around the variable energy sources of solar and wind supplemented with 'dispatch-able' energy sources. Small scale hydro, smaller biofuel fired thermal generators that can switch on and off rapidly; geothermal plants, hundreds of different methods of end user and system storage; 'smart' distribution;strong and a focus on energy efficiency investment are a few of the additional tools available to round out the solar/wind core.
The way these elements fit together to build a 'distributed grid' create a system of economic rewards that is completely incompatible with the economic rewards of grid built to promote and service the needs of large scale thermal generating plants.
Within this context, coal and nuclear are but two sides of the same coin.
With that said, let me add that the examples below are predicted by a famous paper written by Amory Lovins about 40 years ago: Energy Strategy: The Road Not Taken
http://www.rmi.org/Knowledge-Center/Library/E77-01_EnergyStrategyRoadNotTaken
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/652472/experts-urge-coal-nuclear-energy-future
And Not Coincidentally...
We see that same trend within current hard-right Japanese government - exemplified by the draconian states secrets law they passed to help enable wrenching the nation back onto the hard energy path.
Abe’s secrets law undermines Japan’s democracy
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/12/13/commentary/japan-commentary/abes-secrets-law-undermines-japans-democracy/
A bit more from an old classmate...
More at http://www.japansubculture.com/japan-passes-draconian-secrets-law-journalists-whistleblowers-are-now-terrorists/
coal and nuclear, nuclear and coal - 2 sides of the same planet killing coin
The present 'grid' is a system built around extremely large generating plants that burn various fuels in order to make steam that will turn the shaft of a huge generator and produce electricity.
The way to make this system work in the least expensive way possible is to run these plants as much as possible.
Savings are also achieved by making the generating units as large as possible so that there is a reduction in costs by avoiding duplicating things like site work, building foundations, grid connection facilities and so on. It's the same idea as adding living space to your home - it's cheaper to build a larger house than to add extra footage in the form of a detached dwelling with separate electric, sewage, and water hook-ups.
The savings we get from making these plants larger come at a cost, which is lack of flexibility. The generators themselves are so large that shutting them down results in a very time consuming restart process - sometimes on the order to 10+ hours.
In addition to that they also ramp up and down slowly, meaning that if additional power is needed rapidly to prevent a black out, that power must come from a unit that is running but not sending its power to the grid; which of course adds cost and burns fuel. In fact, the large scale thermal grid requires far more back up and standby generation than a renewable based grid.
From this centralized system's functional perspective, coal and nuclear are largely interchangeable because the system is created and operated by a set of economic rules that reward those generators which are best fitting contributors to making it function seamlessly.
This economic and operational model is referred to as "large scale centralized generation".
Dismantling this model - both physical and economic - is the major obstacle slowing the transition to an ultra-low carbon energy system.
The model that emerges for optimizing renewable energy sources is best conceptualized by turning the centralized model on its head. Instead of starting with a large scale centralized producer of electricity needing to be distributed to end users, we start with the end user and look at the best system - economic and technical - to provide for that user's power needs with today's technology. We then link these various residential, commercial and industrial 'microgrids' together in a distribution system that not only shares the strengths of the various contributors, but that also provides a platform allowing them to buy and sell as needs and capacity dictate. This keeps a large part of the money people spend on energy in the local community.
The centralized system isn't capable of doing this.
Pollution, costs and reliability are all improved with a system that is optimized to end user needs. The elements are 'distributed' throughout various end user platforms built around the variable energy sources of solar and wind supplemented with 'dispatch-able' energy sources. Small scale hydro, smaller biofuel fired thermal generators that can switch on and off rapidly; geothermal plants, hundreds of different methods of end user and system storage; 'smart' distribution;strong and a focus on energy efficiency investment are a few of the additional tools available to round out the solar/wind core.
The way these elements fit together to build a 'distributed grid' create a system of economic rewards that is completely incompatible with the economic rewards of grid built to promote and service the needs of large scale thermal generating plants.
Within this context, coal and nuclear are but two sides of the same coin.
With that said, let me add that the examples below are predicted by a famous paper written by Amory Lovins about 40 years ago: Energy Strategy: The Road Not Taken
http://www.rmi.org/Knowledge-Center/Library/E77-01_EnergyStrategyRoadNotTaken
Experts urge coal, nuclear energy future
Natural gas supplies drying up, they say
12 Aug 2015 at 03:48
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Thailand must build more coal-fired and new nuclear power plants to meet its energy needs and strengthen energy security as future supplies of natural gas are uncertain, engineers said yesterday.
Academics from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering made the comments at a press briefing Tuesday.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha late last month ordered the halt of a planned coal-fired power plant and seaport in southern Krabi province after protests against the projects. He appointed a panel comprising representatives from the government, National Reform Council, National Legislative Assembly and public sector to discuss alternative solutions, including renewable energy options.
Pinyo Meechumna, from Chulalongkorn's Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, said the country's energy security was at risk as its power plants rely too heavily on natural gas. Of the country's natural gas consumption, 70% is domestically produced while the rest is purchased from neighbouring countries.
He said if this situation continued...
Natural gas supplies drying up, they say
12 Aug 2015 at 03:48
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Thailand must build more coal-fired and new nuclear power plants to meet its energy needs and strengthen energy security as future supplies of natural gas are uncertain, engineers said yesterday.
Academics from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering made the comments at a press briefing Tuesday.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha late last month ordered the halt of a planned coal-fired power plant and seaport in southern Krabi province after protests against the projects. He appointed a panel comprising representatives from the government, National Reform Council, National Legislative Assembly and public sector to discuss alternative solutions, including renewable energy options.
Pinyo Meechumna, from Chulalongkorn's Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, said the country's energy security was at risk as its power plants rely too heavily on natural gas. Of the country's natural gas consumption, 70% is domestically produced while the rest is purchased from neighbouring countries.
He said if this situation continued...
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/652472/experts-urge-coal-nuclear-energy-future
And Not Coincidentally...
Law curbing public assembly takes effect in Thailand
Source: AP NEWS
A protester shows the three-finger salute during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok last year. Pic: AP.
BANGKOK (AP) — A new law has come into effect in Thailand that curbs public gatherings and bans protests at the prime minister’s office, airports and various other public places.
Human rights groups have criticized the Public Assembly Act and its stiff penalties. It is the latest restrictive measure put in place since the military ousted an elected government in a coup last year. The coup followed years of political demonstrations that led to violence and often paralyzed the country’s capital.
The law that took effect Thursday requires protesters to inform police about rallies at least 24 hours before they are held. It bans demonstrations within 150 meters (500 feet) of government offices, courts, airports, train and bus stations.
Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd called the law “a necessity for Thailand.”
http://asiancorrespondent.com/134796/law-curbing-public-assembly-takes-effect-in-thailand/
Source: AP NEWS
A protester shows the three-finger salute during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok last year. Pic: AP.
BANGKOK (AP) — A new law has come into effect in Thailand that curbs public gatherings and bans protests at the prime minister’s office, airports and various other public places.
Human rights groups have criticized the Public Assembly Act and its stiff penalties. It is the latest restrictive measure put in place since the military ousted an elected government in a coup last year. The coup followed years of political demonstrations that led to violence and often paralyzed the country’s capital.
The law that took effect Thursday requires protesters to inform police about rallies at least 24 hours before they are held. It bans demonstrations within 150 meters (500 feet) of government offices, courts, airports, train and bus stations.
Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd called the law “a necessity for Thailand.”
We see that same trend within current hard-right Japanese government - exemplified by the draconian states secrets law they passed to help enable wrenching the nation back onto the hard energy path.
Abe’s secrets law undermines Japan’s democracy
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2014/12/13/commentary/japan-commentary/abes-secrets-law-undermines-japans-democracy/
A bit more from an old classmate...
Japan Passes Draconian Secrecy Bill Into Law: Journalists, Whistleblowers are now “terrorists”
POSTED BY JAKEADELSTEIN ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2013
December 9th, Tokyo* (Updated from December 7th post)
The Prime Minister Abe Shinzo (LDP) led ruling coalition passed the ominous new Designated Secrets Bill yesterday in the middle of the night on December 7th (Friday, Tokyo time), apparently fearing that the light of another day, or the harsh radiation of the truth, would cause the legislation to shrivel up and die. The ruling government cut off debate and forced a vote in the upper house of Japan’s parliament, The Diet, before the clock could strike midnight. 130 were in favor, 82 were opposed.
The law will punish journalists and whistleblowers who divulge government secrets with up to ten years in prison, and up to five years for those who “instigate leaks” (ask questions about state secrets). There is no independent third-party organization set in place to monitor how the law is applied and it gives every ministry and the smallest government agency or related committee carte blanche to declare any inconvenient information “top secret.”
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the LDP, Komeito, and “Your Party” relentlessly pushed the bill forward, despite a sudden dip in cabinet support rates to below 50% and increasing opposition within Japan and the world. Earlier this week, the LDP Secretary General, Shigeru Ishiba, labeled the growing protests “tantamount to terrorism” which prompted more public outcry. There were estimated to be 15,000 people outside Japan’s parliament (The Diet) chanting in protest when the bill was passed.
POSTED BY JAKEADELSTEIN ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2013
December 9th, Tokyo* (Updated from December 7th post)
The Prime Minister Abe Shinzo (LDP) led ruling coalition passed the ominous new Designated Secrets Bill yesterday in the middle of the night on December 7th (Friday, Tokyo time), apparently fearing that the light of another day, or the harsh radiation of the truth, would cause the legislation to shrivel up and die. The ruling government cut off debate and forced a vote in the upper house of Japan’s parliament, The Diet, before the clock could strike midnight. 130 were in favor, 82 were opposed.
The law will punish journalists and whistleblowers who divulge government secrets with up to ten years in prison, and up to five years for those who “instigate leaks” (ask questions about state secrets). There is no independent third-party organization set in place to monitor how the law is applied and it gives every ministry and the smallest government agency or related committee carte blanche to declare any inconvenient information “top secret.”
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the LDP, Komeito, and “Your Party” relentlessly pushed the bill forward, despite a sudden dip in cabinet support rates to below 50% and increasing opposition within Japan and the world. Earlier this week, the LDP Secretary General, Shigeru Ishiba, labeled the growing protests “tantamount to terrorism” which prompted more public outcry. There were estimated to be 15,000 people outside Japan’s parliament (The Diet) chanting in protest when the bill was passed.
We don’t know what will be a secret. We don’t know who will be kept private under this law. And it’s a law that doesn’t inform the citizens of anything, so I oppose it… The current administration is slowly trying to create a country that has the ability to fight a war. I’ll continue to fight against this law, because it is the beginning of such a country. —Unemployed, 53, Yoriko W●●●, who protested the bill on December 6th.
More at http://www.japansubculture.com/japan-passes-draconian-secrets-law-journalists-whistleblowers-are-now-terrorists/
Profile Information
Member since: Fri Dec 19, 2003, 02:20 AMNumber of posts: 29,798
