Recent Energy and Environmental News – 14th August 2012

Posted on Wed 08/15/2012 by PA Pundits - International

By John Droz, Jr. ~

Friends:

Yes, my last newsletter wasn’t that long ago, but a LOT is happening…

Our proposed national energy slogan is “All of the Sensible” (in contrast to the absurd “All of the Above”). Please pass it on in everything you write and communicate, as we would like it to go viral.

We are making substantial progress with a team of our dedicated volunteers fighting the PTC extension. We will have an educational website up soon, with the url StopPTC.Info.

Our basic position is “The PTC is a heavy taxpayer subsidy of an eighteenth century energy technology that has no scientifically proven net benefits — and is a net jobs loser.” If you have any suggestions for improving this statement, please let me know, ASAP. ———-

The best looking, most informative, wind energy handout you can give is Kimball Rasmussen’s Rational Look at Renewable Energy (2.0). Here it is online. For hard copies you can call Keith Hill (Utah: 801-619-6503) who is handling this. Mention my name. They have been extremely generous in the past about sending out copies to needy folks. ———-

On Friday, Robert Bryce had another easy target on PBS News Hour (NRDC) in discussing gas and our energy options. It is worth watching. Interesting that the NRDC’s complaints against gas could almost be applied verbatim to the wind business — but they are ignoring that reality. A bonus is that Ken Salazar actually made a sensible statement about gas and the environment. ———-

This is a VERY interesting (short) video about US welfare options. IMO the amazing thing is that PBS actually asked a competent person to represent the position that is contrary to theirs. This is a classic discussion of the conflict between responsibility (fiscal and otherwise) and those advocating dependency (although of course not acknowledging it as such). The differences here are a close parallel to the question (and mentalities) as to whether wind energy should continue to get handouts. ———-

The Sierra Club just released a 23 page glossy marketing brochure entitled “Clean Energy Under Siege.”

A lot of it is about me and the effective network of good people (you!) who are promoting science-based energy solutions. (Of course they never acknowledge the science part!) Since they have zero regard for the truth (e.g. they never contacted me) the resulting collection of misinformation is not a surprising result.

A key thing that they conclude is that I and the Koch brothers (who I don’t know) are powerful forces in the US regarding energy policy! See the “relationship” chart on page 16.

I take the fact that this national organization is specifically targeting us as a badge of honor. It is proof positive of the exceptional good influences that our network is having. Knowing that 90% of it is BS, let me know any questions on this puff piece. ———-

Here is some of VP candidate Paul Ryan’s voting record on energy issues.

More reports about greed energy economics:

NYS Subsidies — a Road to Nowhere.

Wind subsidies kill birds.

A good assessment of the PTC situation.

Another PTC story worth reading.

Gamesa declares loss amid drastically reduced orders.

More reports about turbine health matters:

A wonderful letter on health effects written by the Waubra Foundation

Austrian Medical Association released their EMF Guidelines.

More reports about turbine wildlife matters:

Good news: a proposed Scottish wind project was cancelled as it was projected to kill less than one eagle a year over its estimated operational lifetime.

Miscellaneous energy reports:

A relevant article just appeared that discusses “churnalism” (as vs journalism). It says that this is the practice in which journalists simply take the PR material handed to them and churn it out to their readers or viewers.

A fine piece about US electricity regulation.

A NY town passes a restrictive wind law.

The NY Times (!) has an article about the Coming Oil Boom…

Green Car Collides with Laws of Thermodynamics

A hydro bill energizes debate.

End Notes —

I was visiting my daughter and son-in-law when I asked if I could borrow a newspaper. ‘You’re so out of date, Terry,’ they said. ‘This is the 21st century… we don’t waste money on newspapers. Here, you can borrow the iPad.’ I can tell you… that bloody fly never knew what hit it!!!

Please pass this information on to other open-minded, science-oriented people.

Thank you for your support.

John Droz, Jr.

Physicist and Environmental Advocate

Fellow: American Tradition Institute (http://www.atinstitute.org)