Important Energy Policy News

solarnation » What the 112th May Bring

Ok, I realize I am already breaking my promise to have a more "balanced" approach to sustainability, but Solar Nation just sent this update on new and pending policy developments that warrants attention.

Per Solar Nation, the solar Department of Energy Treasury Grant Program (TGP) looks like it will be extended beyond this year through to 2011, thereby continuing momentum in commercial adoption of solar energy. This will help stabilize the solar industry and assist in further job creation. All good!

It also looks like a national energy policy, albeit a tweaked version, is still on the horizon. Compromise seems to be the new norm (and perhaps a dirty word) in legislation. As an advocate, I care less about how we get there then the fact that we do get there. For example, while nuclear energy is controversial, as there are security and by-product concerns, you can't argue the fact that it produces clean energy. In addition, many European countries have successfully added nuclear to their energy mix. So, if it's added to the energy mix we should go forward and put our scientist to work in finding creative, more viable solutions for dealing with nuclear waste.

Looks like the lame duck Congress isn't so lame.

This might be the best Christmas ever!

Paula

Itron's Philip Mezey on growing smart grid | Intelligent Utility

Itron's Philip Mezey on growing smart grid Intelligent Utility

Many of us who worked in in the telecom industry during it's hayday in the late 80's-90's see some interesting parallels between the telecom industry pre-post 1983 deregualation and the evolving energy industry. Prior to deregulation, the telecom industry operated as a series of local monopolies with little to no competition. Prices were high, products were limited, service was fair.

In a post-deregulation telecom environment competition thrived, prices fell significantly and new services were added to provide greater choice, functionality and flexibility. With the on-set of a smart-grid infrastructure, where consumers can better manage their appliances, HVAC systems and equipment, as well as chose their desired utility for electric production, we will see a big shift in the operation of utility companies.

How and when this all shakes out is still up for debate, but some states, like Texas and California, aren't waiting. This article talks to the future of the smart-grid.

Best,

Paula

How States Lead the Way | RenewablesBiz

How States Lead the Way RenewablesBiz

With our nation's "lame duck" session in full-force, it's hard to see any forward policy movement ahead of us. This recent analysis
believes the country's energy policy will continue to unfold on a state-by-state basis. While I'm pleased that my fair state of NJ is within
the "Top 10" list of states leading the way on clean energy policy, I am very concerned that NJ's budgetary woes will continue
to shift funding, and perhaps policy, away from a solid, long-term vision for clean energy.

Case and point, NJ's solar rebate program is now over. Perhaps the fact that solar installations have doubled over the past year
have influenced this decision. Perhaps it was strictly a reflection of NJ's financial condition. Either way, time will tell how this decision impacts future solar installations.

Best,

Paula

Eat Green-Benefits of supporting local farmers

Some friends convinced me to split a "farm share" with them this summer. As a budding sustainability enthusiast, and a bit of a health nut, I liked the idea of eating more locally grown organic produce without having to make a big investment. The 3-way split cost us $176 each which roughly equated to $7.30/week for the 6 months growing session. A bargain for organic fresh produce, fruit and flowers!!!

But the financial benefits were minor in relation to the culinary, social and health benefits we received from buying local produce. Over the course of the 6 months we
experimented with new, and sometimes exotic produce, like Kobolini, a broccoli-like root that is delicious when stemmed then tossed with olive oil and garlic. (What isn't?!) My family even developed a new appreciation for kale and bok choy, again sauteing them with olive oil and garlic or mixing them with soy sauce and other veggies to form the stuffing for spring rolls. Absolutely delicious!!!

We loved the routine of going to the farm and picking out our weekly fresh produce, herbs and flowers. It was a great social experience, both with our respective family members (my son loved picking the berries, but hated picking beans!), my friends (who thought it was fun until 90+ degree weather set in!) and our extended new family-the farm manager and seasonal helpers (who gave us picking and cooking tips). We developed a strong bond and a deeply rooted commitment to living off the land, that is, as much as a suburban family can live off the land!

Most importantly, the quality of the produce was phenomenal. Initially it seemed strange to be picking up dirty, small produce (and it was!), but the benefits out-weighed the extra work. The taste of fresh, farm-picked, organic produce far exceeded anything we've gotten from a traditional grocery store.  The beets and sweet potatoes were sweeter and the greens more flavorful.  Better still, we knew that the food we were eating was produced without harmful or unnatural chemicals, so we were eating healthier.

It was sad saying goodbye to our friends at the farm when the season ended before Thanksgiving.  Being a part of a farm share was a fantastic experience. It also felt great knowing this simple and rewarding experience helped support local farming, reduced gas emissions and allowed us to eat healthier-all for the reasonable price of $7.30/week!  That's what I call sustainability at it's best!

Seasons Greetings!

Paula

 http://www.fernbrookfarms.com/