For some, Earth Day means that they will make an extra effort to recycle. For others, it means they invest in energy efficient technologies in their home, turning a day of celebrating green into a lifetime of saving them another form of green-money! The opportunities to contribute are infinite, the quest the same. If you pause at all to reflect on this day, you are acknowledging that your heart tugs a bit and you want to do your part.
What does this Earth Day mean to me? It means that we are in a position to determine, perhaps more than any other time in history, the trajectory for the next 40 years of Earth Day celebrations. It presents an opportunity to determine how we will commemorate our planet given the advancements our society has made in education, science, and technology. I recognize that these are lofty ideals, so what can you do now?
Here are a couple of options:
Invest in green power with just three clicks of your mouse!
This site - www.greenpowernyc.com - is a joint effort by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Alliance for Clean Energy New York.
We created this website to provide New Yorkers with a tool to lead the way in repowering America, starting with their own homes and small businesses.
Simply go to http://www.greenpowernyc.com/ and it'll walk you these through 3 easy steps:
For more information, click here.
Get involved in your backyard (ioby)!
IOBY: is dedicated to fostering environmental action to occur precisely IN OUR BACKYARDS! ioby.org (pronounced eye-OH-be) enables you to support neighborhood level environmental projects with a few simple clicks.
This organization serves as a constant reminder that the environment that needs a little tender loving care is not only the Amazon rainforest or Arctic glaciers but the places where we work and live. There is a pressing need for your involvement much closer to home. Getting involved with ioby allows you to witness firsthand the return on your investment whether you give your time or money.
For more information, click here.
Finally, for me, this Earth Day presents a call to action. I would like to see the world make a commitment to investing in cleaner energy. Like all change, you must start at home. The United States is positioned to demonstrate a commitment to moving beyond business as usual and to remain competitive with the rest of the world by offering innovative solutions that generate clean energy alternatives. Early next week we anticipate comprehensive climate and energy legislation. 40 years from now, we should be able to hold ourselves accountable to the Copenhagen Accord, establish a competitive edge on renewable energy technology and be a global leader in developing sustainable solutions to nurture our ever evolving planet.
Happy Earth Day!
]]>The primary duties of this regional office will be to evaluate permits for renewable energy activities in an “effective, efficient, and consistent manner while being responsive to the States, developers and other stakeholders.” In addition, this office will be responsible for the implementation and management of the offshore renewable energy program, leasing, environmental programs, task force formation, State consultations and post-lease permitting in Federal waters off the East Coast.
The world waits with bated breath to see how the United States will deploy offshore renewables. Perhaps more to the point, the world is particularly interested in how the US will navigate bureaucratic obstacles to offshore renewable energy projects in our current financial climate. The difficulty lies in striking the right balance between launching properly sited, mature technologies with the right mix of financial incentives to enable a new industry to be competitive all while being mindful of the environmental sustainability of a project. Fortunately, it can be done.
Recent developments, such as this, have been encouraging. Here are other encouraging noteworthy developments:
-Secretary Salazar’s attendance at the historic climate change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark
-President Obama’s Ocean Policy Task Force made landmark national ocean policy with the release of their Interim Report of the Interagency Ocean Policy in September and further released their Interim Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Framework this week
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Today, during a visit to a Virginia Home Depot, President Obama focused on energy efficiency as a “win-win” given its ability to save energy, money, and jobs all while helping the environment. However, President Obama went a step further in his energy efficiency advocacy. “Here’s what’s sexy about it — saving money,” said the president.
In previous blogs, I have focused on the importance of energy efficiency while coyly suggesting that it is sparking new appeal and to that end, “sexy”. It is indeed gratifying to see leadership at this level, sharing the win-win benefits of increasing our commitment to energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is unique in that every individual has the ability to modify their behavior and contribute to being mindful of their energy use. This is not a difficult task and one that has perhaps previously lacked appeal because it does involve taking a closer look at things like insulation-admittedly not a glitzy subject, but a critical energy efficiency tool. However, there are many steps being taken by individuals like you and the government at every level, which will enhance our energy efficiency in the future.
Recent headlines:
Administration Announces Nearly $8 Billion in Weatherization Funding and Energy Efficiency Grants
Obama Administration Announces $3.2 Billion in Funding for Local Energy Efficiency Improvements
Retrofitting 32,000 Homes for More Energy Efficiency and Comfort
Click here to see where Recovery Act funds are going.
Click here for more information on Clean Energy Jobs.
Click here for more information on energy efficient appliances.
]]>Bloomberg briefly acknowledged the history of difficulty in moving offshore wind proposals forward in New York. However, this has not stopped him from remaining steadfast in his pursuit to move his renewable energy agenda forward. In New York, Bloomberg is hoping to have a consortium of government agencies and utilities in both Long Island and New York develop what could be the world’s largest offshore wind power complex -- a 700 megawatt renewable energy project expected to cost roughly $3 billion.
Here are more Bloomberg reactions to his offshore wind farm visit in Copenhagen:
“I don’t understand what there is to complain about.”
“Would they rather be staring at a coal plant?”
“It’s a lot better than buying foreign oil.”
Sometimes, you really do have to see it to believe it…and when you do, you often wonder why you can’t have the same. I am glad to see that when it comes to offshore wind -- Mayor Bloomberg gets it!
]]>The Collaborative, a group that is represented by energy utilities and a host of New York State and New York City agencies, has received responses from approximately 30 wind developers and firms from its Request for Information (RFI). This RFI, issued on July 1st 2009, signaled the tremendous interest in developing a wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean, 13 nautical miles off the shore of the Rockaway Peninsula.
In the spring of 2010, the Collaborative expects to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP). Current projections anticipate that the wind project could be designed for 350 megawatts of generation with the ability to expand up to 700 megawatts. In the interim, engineers and scientists have been enlisted by the Collaborative to conduct desktop studies of the proposed project site. These studies will guide ocean floor surveying, wildlife migration patterns, and help further evaluate the overall feasibility of the project.
This effort represents a critical step in the proper development of offshore renewables. It is indicative of an attempt to get the first generation of offshore wind “right “by ensuring that these projects are built sustainably with environmental implications thoroughly explored prior to deployment. It is critical that appropriate measures are implemented to ensure that offshore renewables are developed without jeopardizing the health of our already-stressed, valuable ocean systems.
The collaborative consists of:
The New York State Department of State, Department of Environmental Conservation and Office of General Services are also participating by providing the Collaborative with input and guidance.
The concept for the offshore wind project emanated from Governor David A. Paterson’s Renewable Energy Task Force and is consistent with the Governor’s “45 by 15” program, which establishes the goal for New York State to meet 45 percent of its electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and renewable sources by the year 2015. The offshore wind project is also aligned with City of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PlaNYC goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York City 30 percent by 2030. The project would significantly boost the installed capacity of renewable energy in New York City and provide clean energy to thousands of City households, businesses and public institutions.
A transmission interconnection study by the Collaborative concluded that an interconnection for up to 700 MW of wind power, located at a proposed location in the Atlantic Ocean, would be feasible with upgrades to the current transmission systems. An application to interconnect the offshore wind project has been filed with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) for up to 700 MW by 2015.
Members of the Collaborative reiterated a strong desire to help implement the plan and some expressed an interest to purchase clean renewable energy from the project. NYPA and NYSERDA indicated they would be able to lend technical support by way of consultants working with each agency on wind power projects. NYSERDA also indicated the possibility of funding being made available from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative aimed at advancing clean, renewable energy projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The New York State Department of State and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will offer general information on the planning and regulatory aspects of the project.
]]>Rhode Island has been very clear in their intent to have 25% of its electricity from renewable energy through long-term contracts. In June of 2009, Governor Carcieri signed a law requiring the largest utility in Rhode Island, National Grid, to make long-term contracts to buy 90 megawatts of renewable power. During the signing of this legislation, the Governor noted that this step would assist Deepwater Wind in securing $1.5 billion in funding for its two offshore wind farms.
Of course, other renewable sources will continue to be explored in Rhode Island, in an ongoing effort to provide even more cost effective renewable power. However, offshore wind may have an advantage in Rhode Island of serving as the primary source of renewable energy that they anticipate generating given how suitable their coastline is for offshore renewables and how limited land is for land-based wind farms. What works heavily in Rhode Island’s favor is a mix of geography, construction logistics and limited resistance to the project.
As a matter of process, this project must still be approved by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. By law, the agreement between National Grid and Deepwater will be evaluated to determine whether or not the contract is “commercially reasonable”. Cape Wind is the other contender to become the first offshore wind farm in U.S.
The Deepwater wind farm will be based off the coast of Block Island and is expected to cost 24.4 cents per kilowatt-hour upon operation in 2013; the contract also calls for annual price increases of 3.5%. Currently, the retail price of electricity for a home in Rhode Island is approximately 13 cents per kilowatt-hour. The Governor’s office anticipates that when this project comes online, customers can anticipate an average increase to their monthly electric bill of $1.35.
Deepwater is aiming to have this project up and running by 2012, which based on current projections, should make them the first offshore wind farm in the country. This project would be followed by a larger offshore wind farm, one with 106 turbines and 15 miles off the mainland. This is indeed a tremendous step forward for renewable energy.
June 26: Governor Carcieri signs law requiring National Grid to purchase 25% of its electricity from renewable energy.
Aug. 31: Deepwater Wind is the only developer to submit a proposal by National Grid’s deadline.
Oct. 15: National Grid rejects Deepwater’s first offer, estimated at 30.7 cents per kilowatt hour.
Nov. 18: National Grid rejects a second offer from Deepwater of 25.3 cents per kilowatt hour.
Dec. 9: An agreement is reached at 24.4 cents per kilowatt hour.
]]>To highlight a positive outcome from this decision, the PSC based its goals on the right cost-effectiveness test - the total resource cost test (TRC). This test ensures that the total cost of energy efficiency measures are less than the total savings. This is a major improvement over the test that the PSC has been relying on for years, but finally discarded today- the rate impact measure (RIM) test. Perversely, the RIM test considers customer savings a bad thing - calling them "lost revenue to utilities" and preventing efficiency measures that will result in lower bills and less pollution.
However, the PSC continued to use a second test that eliminates the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures. This test, called the two-year payback screen, simply defies logic and is a terrible energy efficiency policy for Florida. Why would you eliminate the most cost-effective measures from your goals? The evidence shows that customers still face barriers to adopting these measures and requiring utilities to help their customers overcome them - rather than more expensive measures - is the most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency.
Fortunately, it was clear during today's hearing that several of the Commissioners understand that this test makes no sense (one called it "arbitrary"). But when it came to voting on goals, the Commissioners only restored the top ten measures that had been eliminated. While this was a slight improvement, it left the goals at less than half of what they should be and still misses almost all of the best opportunities for achieving energy efficiency. We are hopeful, however, that we can build on the skepticism exhibited by several of the Florida PSC's Commissioners and get Florida to join the leading states in making the leap toward greater energy efficiency.
]]>Focusing on buildings is imperative as buildings use roughly 40% of energy globally, followed by transportation and industry. As a result, buildings account for almost half of greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, 75% of all electricity generated by power plants is used to operate buildings. Buildings present an enormous opportunity to cost-effectively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while creating infrastructure for the future that is less dependent on fossil fuels, and as a result, more sustainable. The DOE estimates that at least 30% of building sector emissions can be eliminated at no net cost by simply updated old infrastructure with newer more efficient technology.
The MOU will enable both nations to collaborate on the development of standards and guidelines for "eco-cities". For more information on this initiative, please visit: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7640.htm
This joint effort holds tremendous promise for ratcheting down demand and scaling up energy efficiency while addressing one of the primary concerns many have in establishing effective energy policy and climate change legislation; that our international neighbors are not in sync with our efforts. The MOU demonstrates the intention that goes beyond domestic borders, to create solutions to our global energy demands. As the two nations who lead as the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, this collaboration will set an example that hopefully others around the globe will follow.
]]>The brilliance of ioby is that it is action oriented. No longer does one need to simply hear about environmental catastrophes and feel too overwhelmed and disempowered to be part of the solution. Just a few clicks and you are no longer scared stagnant. Leveraging online microphilanthropy ioby offers you the opportunity to invest in the change you wish to see in the world, literally and figuratively.
The average project costs roughly $419. Project participants also blog about their work, which increases the level of transparency and enables you to see your money at work. The scale of these projects varies, but the collective impact is unquestioned. Here are a few of my favorite projects, clearly on the lower end:
Children's Bucket Garden and Composting:
Teaches kids about soil preparation, plant life-cycles, plant care etc.
Amount needed-$69
Naturally Made Cleaning Supplies:
Teaches adults how to make their own non-toxic cleaning supplies.
Amount needed-$87
Composting Class:
Teaches the benefits of composting, provides bins, worms and instructions on how to start and maintain a bin.
Amount needed-$115
As we witness global initiatives to move this country towards energy independence, Congress taking action to address climate change, and an environmentally enlightened generation, we should look to harness the momentum of this time. The ability to have information, in real time, to address some of our more local and immediate environmental concerns is invaluable. Kudos to Cassie, Erin, and Brandon (fellow Yalies and former classmates) for their tremendous efforts to bring ioby to fruition, job well done!
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During this public hearing, Secretary Salazar announced that wind power can replace 3,000 coal plants and offers a great opportunity along the East Coast. The Secretary also acknowledged that the exploitation of renewable energy resources is essential as we have traditionally depended on the Outer Continental Shelf, which extends approximately 200 miles from shore, for 14 percent of our nation's natural gas production and 27 percent of its oil production. Salazar regards the purchase of oil from countries hostile to the United States, as "funding both sides in the war on terrorism."
The new frontier of offshore energy presents many exciting opportunities and challenges for our domestic energy policy. As strong supporters of renewable energy and our natural resources, it is imperative that we approach this new era with adequate information and prudence to ensure that we are striking the right balance between offering alternatives to fossil fuels while not causing irreparable harm to the natural resources that sustain us, like our precious oceans.
We are witnessing the perfect storm of potential for renewable energy as the increased awareness of our changing climate coupled with economic hardships and increased costs associated with traditional fossil fuels (both environmental and fiscal) encourage us to move away from "business as usual." We have also witnessed firsthand the impact that our economy has had on every industry, and the renewable energy industry was not immune.
As we move forward, and look to our oceans, we must learn from them first. This requires acquiring the proper information to assess the best possible siting options for these renewable energy alternatives. One way to do this is by using marine spatial planning. Marine spatial plans developed in partnership and coordination with NOAA and willing states, respectively, can better inform us in an effort to prevent the siting of projects where unique vulnerabilities and potentially devastating environmental impacts may be present. Many are actively engaged in watching and working with the leadership of the Interior Department to better understand how we are moving forward as a nation to address these concerns.
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