Brandi Colander's Blog: The Media and the Environment

Recognizing Van Jones

2010-02-24T21:54:11Z

Yesterday, Van Jones announced that he will be joining the Center for American Progress, taking a teaching position at Princeton University as a fellow in the Center for African American Studies and at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs in the Program in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy, and accepting a 2010 NAACP Image Award for his pioneering work on the environment and civil rights.

NAACP President Benjamin Jealous touts Jones as “simply one of the few Americans in recent years to have generated powerful new ideas that are creating more jobs here…In America, we ultimately judge people on what they are doing for tomorrow, not for what they did yesterday.”

Moving concrete ideas forward on the economy and the environment is imperative and requires an inclusive approach. Jones offers tremendous perspective and solutions to generate skilled labor by training Americans, an integral effort in building a clean energy future right here in the United States. Stanford University is also expected to host Van Jones in April to speak at the ASSU FutureFest, Secretary Chu is slated to speak in March. Van has moved an environmental and employment agenda forward that is critical in this day and time; it is fitting that the fruits of his labor are now being recognized.

To read NRDC President Frances Beinecke’s post on Van’s achievements please visit: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/fbeinecke/van_jones_a_welcome_return_for_1.html

To read a posting on Van’s New York Times Bestseller please visit: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/bcolander/kudos_to_mr_jones.html

New Challenges for Cape Wind: National Park Service Weighs In

2010-01-04T22:43:35Z

Today, the National Park Service decided that the Nantucket Sound is in fact eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. This determination will require the Interior Department to consider any related significant archeological, historic and cultural values when reviewing Cape Wind's permit. This long-awaited decision sparked immediate action by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. Salazar has committed to meeting with involved parties next week to find "a common-sense agreement on actions that could be taken to minimize and mitigate Cape Wind's potential impacts on historic and cultural resources."

The National Park Service's Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places made this reviewed based on concerns raised by the Mashpee and Aquinnah Wampanoag tribes. These tribes argue that the designation of Nantucket Sound as a Historic Place is necessary since Cape Wind's 130 turbines will be visible on the horizon. These tribes hold that this visual will compromise their ancient rituals, which require among other things, an unblocked view of the sunrise.

This decision will undoubtedly continue to extend Cape Wind's timeline for bringing their project online and providing renewable energy through offshore wind. The core of this conflict is not new. On land, we have witnessed resistence to energy projects based on a host of challenges including NIMBYism, improper takings, historic and cultural considerations. Change enables new voices to be heard and innovative solutions to be applied. The merits of both sides will be need to be heavily weighed to determine the best way to balance our growing demand for clean energy with the attention to cultural sensitivties as we embark on new ways to generate renewable energy offshore.

NRDC has been following this issue closely. For additional blog coverage please view:

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/bcolander/us_offshore_wind_development_s.html

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/plehner/now_is_the_time_for_cape_wind.html

Offshore Renewables: The Atlantic Renewable Energy Office Announcement

2009-12-16T21:14:11Z

On December 9th, Secretary Salazar announced that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) will establish a new regional office in 2010. This office will be dedicated to supporting the development of renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off the Atlantic seaboard. This announcement, made while Salazar was touring the Middelgrunden wind farm near Copenhagen, demonstrates yet another concrete step towards the United States making offshore renewables a reality.

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:

-Department of Interior’s creation of the first-ever framework for offshore renewable energy development

-Secretary Salazar’s announcement of the first-ever exploratory leases for offshore wind production on the OCS offshore in New Jersey and Delaware

-Governors from Virginia, Maryland and Delaware signed a Memorandum of Understanding to generate clean renewable energy

-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

Obama Touts Insulation as ‘Sexy’

2009-12-15T21:01:22Z

Energy efficiency is in…period. Hopefully, it is here to stay. In the midst of our trying economic climate, who doesn’t want to be more intentional about saving money?

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.

“If you saw $20 bills just sort of floating through the window up into the atmosphere, you’d try to figure out how to keep them,” Mr. Obama said. That, he added, is “exactly what’s happening.”

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

Secretary Chu Announces $256 Million Investment to Improve the Energy Efficiency of the American Economy

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.

When It Comes to Offshore Wind-Mayor Bloomberg Gets It!

2009-12-14T21:46:36Z

During his trip to Copenhagen, for the historic climate talks, Mayor Bloomberg had the opportunity to visit the Horns Rev 2 offshore wind farm, off the coast of Denmark. The New York Times shows New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg peering out of a helicopter window at what could foreshadow the future of renewable energy in New York. I had the opportunity to view these same wind turbines and am pleased to hear Bloomberg describe them as “impressive” and going a step further by adding that “[i]t gives you a feeling for what it will be, I hope, off the Long Island shore.”

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!

Offshore Wind Update in the U.S. - Will Rhode Island Be the First?

2009-12-11T12:10:27Z

Yesterday, National Grid signed a development agreement with Deepwater Wind to build what is now anticipated to be the first U.S. offshore wind farm. Under a 20 year power purchase agreement, Deepwater Wind will sell electricity to National Grid from approximately 8 turbines producing 28 megawatts in Rhode Island. This project has the potential of eventually supplying 15% of Rhode Island’s electricity.

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.

DEAL TIMELINE

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.

New Website Lets New Yorkers Switch to Clean Energy in Three Clicks

2009-11-30T14:58:04Z

If they knew they had a choice, I'd bet a lot of consumers would quickly support renewable energy. But most consumers just don't know they can start America on the path toward a clean energy economy with their personal energy choices. Now - for New Yorkers who want to use green power and feel like they're making a difference - it just got easier.

A new website launched today simplifies the process of supporting renewable energy in New York! The 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. It was designed to be an easy streamlined process for supporting green power in only three clicks!!!

Simply go to www.greenpowernyc.com and it'll walk you these through 3 easy steps:

Step 1: Choose the type of renewable energy you want
Step 2: Choose a provider
Step 3: Fill out a short form to sign up

This allows residents and small business owners to select their desired type of clean power and energy provider, and switch to supporting clean energy using renewable energy certificates (RECs). This exciting tool will help New Yorkers cut global warming pollution, increase economic development in the clean energy sector, and avoid the construction of new fossil fuel power plants in the area.

What is a REC? This is how it works: Once electricity is put on the grid, it's impossible to route it to any one destination, like your home. Fortunately, customers are able to purchase RECs that have been sold by the renewable energy generator as environmental commodities. Each certificate represents the environmental benefits of a megawatt-hour of renewable electricity. Your purchase will enable you to make a claim to that renewable energy that no one else can make. Once you've purchased it, that certificate is "retired" so it can't ever be used again.

NRDC is excited about this project that was made possible by a generous donation from the Wolfensohn Family Foundation. Currently, ConEdison Solutions, Community Energy and Sterling Planet are the green power providers participating in this exciting venture. We welcome other green power providers to join this partnership, thereby providing even more clean energy options to NYC residents.

And I encourage my fellow New Yorkers to make the switch!

For more information on RECs and green power purchasing, please visit the following:

http://www.green-e.org/learn_re_claims.shtml

http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/buygp/types.htm

Press release:

http://www.nrdc.org/media/2009/091130.asp

Florida Utilities Drag State Efficiency Ranking Down

2009-10-21T15:38:33Z

This post is co-authored by Brandi Colander, NRDC, and John D. Wilson, SACE.

Florida is the dim bulb in the otherwise efficiency-dark Southeast, and the 2009 Energy Efficiency Scorecard from ACEEE shows how badly its electric utilities are dragging Florida's ranking down. Slipping from 19th to 23rd in the country in a much-improved study, the impact of Governor Charlie Crist's leadership on energy policy hasn't shown up in a comparison with other states.

This report is extremely timely because it shows the extraordinary customer savings that Florida could achieve if the Florida Public Service Commission approves strong energy efficiency goals on October 27th. Florida's utilities have put forward a deeply-flawed status quo proposal for the next ten years of energy efficiency. In the ACEEE study, Florida's utilities received only 4 out of a possible 20 points for their efficiency programs, ranking Florida 30th in the country for "Efficiency Programs and Policies."

Furthermore, most of the states with lower rankings than Florida are not actively engaged in scaling up energy efficiency. Therefore, of those states with any significant efficiency programs, Florida ranks near the bottom. This is in direct contrast to FPL's claim that it is the "the nation's leading utility in customer energy efficiency programs."

Per customer, Florida's utilities are achieving approximately one-tenth of the amount of energy efficiency as leading states. And we're not the only ones who are noticing: the Florida Chamber of Commerce recently commented on several areas where Florida lags in competitiveness, including Florida's average energy consumption. And the state's economic development authority, Enterprise Florida, has laid out "Sustainable Energy" as part of a "crucial" agenda for the state. Growing Florida's "energy efficiency industry" is not just a matter of saving money or using energy more wisely, it is about building a sustainable need for a skilled local workforce.

Increasing energy efficiency by a factor of ten would mean a major change in the way Florida utilities do business.

Floridians deserve this opportunity.

The Answer is Blowing in the Wind…WINDPOWER 2009

2009-05-08T18:34:33Z

On May 4-7, AWEA hosted their annual WINDPOWER 2009 Conference at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. In short, this conference broke records, and everyone in attendance felt like they were part of something bigger than themselves.

In 2001, WINDPOWER had roughly 1000 attendees and 25 exhibitors, these figures doubled in 2002. However, this year, WINDPOWER attracted over 18,000 registered attendees and more than 1280 exhibitors who participated in the trade show. While this event did attract international participation, over 87% of those in attendance were from the United States and participation was overwhelmingly male, at 85%. The conference and exhibition included an extensive trade show, moderately sized job fair and conference with six different tracks of curriculum ranging in spectrum from technical to policy interests.

Over 300 speakers and moderators were instrumental in the presentation of 50 sessions. In addition to standard breakout sessions, over 150 posters were strategically placed throughout the convention center with handouts; each of these posters could be presented as qualified papers in their own right and served as quick digestible ways to disseminate niche areas of the wind industry.

While the numbers alone are daunting, the organizers of this event should be praised for their ability to orchestrate such a large event in a manner that is truly designed to be user friendly and educate its participants. No matter what your previous level of experience or expertise was prior to attending this conference, you left immensely more informed. The unique perspectives from different industries and countries was particularly valuable and timely as the United States is positioned to potentially move into a new era with renewable energy, wind both on and offshore being a critical element of this movement.

Department of Interior Secretary Salazar, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Wellinghoff, Governor Quinn, and Spain's Minister of Industry and Energy Miguel Sebastian participated in the Welcome and Opening Session on Tuesday. Wellinghoff highlighted three goals: efficiency (improving efficient delivery of electricity and operational delivery), improving integration on the demand side (improving consumer participation and decreasing cost), and integrating renewables in the system. Wellinghoff strongly stated his support for a smart grid and a strong grid. He noted that we must consider transmission carefully and that a renewable energy standard does not get us beyond our transmission issues. Minister Sebastian noted that Spain has roughly 16,740 MW wind capacity and has avoided 20 million tons of CO2 emissions as a result. He also noted that over 40,000 jobs have been created by the wind industry.

With respect to offshore wind, we defer to our European neighbors since their offshore wind market has taken off. They cautioned us that offshore wind is not like onshore wind in water, it is a totally different industry. The UK has the best wind resource in Europe with 3.3 GW operating, 600 MW of which is offshore; over 7GW consented, over 4 GW offshore. Some of the challenges of offshore wind shared were the technical complexity, cost and timescale. Essentially the message that was driven home was that the penalty for getting something wrong was very high so as much upfront due diligence and data collection as possible was highly advised. European electricity is expected to grow by 35% by 2030, flagging a close watch on their potential grid infrastructure issues. What was reassuring about this information is that we have neighbors to learn from and perhaps most importantly, it can be done (as we like to say at NRDC).

Another critical area that deserves more domestic attention is a need to implement, in a streamlined manner, a method to transfer the skills of employees from oil and gas into the renewable energy sector. As the United States leverages innovation and conservation to weather this recession, many have dusted off old skill sets and preconceived notions strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on this emerging market that has more political support than ever before.

It is clear that there were a multitude of interests from the participants of this event; businesses new and old trying to corner the market, job seekers hoping to be employed by the market, attendees trying to better understand the market. One thing is clear, that everyone in attendance left feeling like when it comes to our country's energy future, there is an answer blowing in the wind...

Utility Energy Efficiency: Exelon Reduced its Greenhouse Gas Emissions by More Than 35 Percent

2009-04-07T19:47:10Z

It is not often that utility companies make headlines about energy efficiency. However, today Exelon, one of the nation's largest power generator's, announced that they have cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 35 percent from 2001 levels. This exercise of energy efficiency was a result of plans Exelon announced last summer to reduce, offset or displace 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. As a member of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders Partnership, Exelon has developed a corporate-wide inventory of the six major greenhouse gases with a commitment to setting measurable goals for achieving credible, cost-effective environmental improvements.

A 35 percent reduction in emissions was the result of retiring six fossil fuel plants with 11 units in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Texas; reducing leakage of greenhouse gasses from its electricity transmission and distribution systems and natural gas delivery system; increasing energy efficiency in its buildings and increasing the fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet. Exelon also anticipates a further reduction in its greenhouse-gas emissions by expanding its energy efficiency programs to reduce energy consumption by the company and its consumers as well as focusing more on renewable energy.

It is time that we change the way utilities view efficiency and distributed generation. Utilities should be investing in low-cost efficiency as they are well positioned to overcome these barriers by offering programs and incentives to manufacturers, distributors and consumers. These are economic development opportunities as new requirements and incentives save consumers money, keep energy dollars at home and grow local energy service jobs. Establishing cost effective energy efficiency as a resource that electric and natural gas utilities must invest in along with supply and transmission options is essential. Making utilities partners in energy efficiency is one of the first steps.

"As a national energy policy begins to take shape in Washington, we believe that our industry must take decisive action to address climate change," said Exelon Chairman and CEO John W. Rowe, in a speech at the Energy Information Administration 2009 Energy Conference in Washington, DC today. Establishing a regulatory framework that will drive investment in all cost-effective energy efficiency in order to further lower energy bills for residential, commercial and industrial consumers, reduce the myriad of environmental impacts from energy production and use, and meet global warming pollution reduction goals of reducing greenhouse gases is critical in moving forward.

FUEL: A New Documentary Film about Moving Beyond Oil

2009-01-27T21:21:09Z

Yesterday NRDC had an exclusive screening with Josh Tickell (Director) and Rebecca Harrell (Producer) of the film FUEL at our headquarters in New York City. This film is an honest account of the opportunities and challenges we face individually and collectively in supporting our energy use. From biodiesel to energy efficiency, FUEL depicts an industry at the helm of change and the paradoxes we face in making the right sustainable choices. It is engaging and ultimately inspiring while firmly setting forth the hard work that remains to be done.

This Thursday, I will be participating as a panelist to discuss the film following another screening. For more details and opportunities to see the film, please continue reading...

FUEL
CHANGE YOUR FUEL... CHANGE THE WORLD
The Picture House, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County are proud to present a FREE preview screening of FUEL
January 29th at 7pm
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion
moderated by environmentalist and film director Josh Tickell
The panel will include:
• FUEL producer Rebecca Harrell
• Chair of Environmental Protection Committee, City Council Member James F. Gennaro (24th district)
• NRDC Air and Energy lawyer, Brandi Colander
• CEO of Tri-State Biodiesel, Brent Baker
• Vice Chair of Policy for Biodiesel Industry Committee of Albany and Total Fuel Corp. founder, Daniel Falcone
• Vice President of Federated Conservationists of Westchester County and Managing Director of Sprague Energy, Steven J. Levy
Starting at 5:30 PM, tour FUEL's "Big Green" biodiesel bus!
Tickets can be reserved now at the
Picture House box office or online at
www.thepicturehouse.org
175 Wolfs Lane • Pelham, NY • 10803 • 914.738.3161

If you have yet to see it, hopefully it will be coming to a theater near you...
2008 SUNDANCE BEST DOCUMENTARY AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER
FUEL ENCOURAGES AUDIENCES TO CHANGE THEIR FUEL AND CHANGE THE WORLD
************************************************************************************************************
FUEL - The Eye-Opening Documentary that is Winning Awards & Making Headlines Across the Country -- Explores Green Energy Solutions to America's Addiction to Oil

LOS ANGELES - OSCAR contender FUEL, the ground-breaking award-winning "documentary that could," is electrifying audiences across the country by giving America a powerful wake-up call and inspiring people from all walks of life to join the green energy revolution. Nominated for the 2009 Writers Guild Award for Best Documentary Screenplay and Winner of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary, FUEL exposes shocking information about our nation's dependence on foreign oil and issues a resounding call-to-action to explore viable alternatives which provide real solutions for our future.

The film features an all-star cast and interviews with leading voices ranging from our nation's leaders to Hollywood celebrities, including: JULIA ROBERTS, SHERYL CROW, LARRY HAGMAN, WILLIE NELSON, PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER, ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR., LARRY DAVID, LAURIE DAVID & SIR RICHARD BRANSON.

First-time filmmaker Josh Tickell was selected by PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON for his Global Initiative on Climate Change. In 1997, Tickell set out on the road with a "Veggie Van" and a video camera and began filming what would eventually become known as FUEL. Over the course of his 11 year journey, Tickell traveled the world going to over 25 countries, authored two books, founded a nonprofit organization, and participated in jump-starting America's green energy movement. As it chronicles one man's personal journey to try to change the world for the better, in the process the film empowers and inspires each individual to rise to the challenge and to do their own personal best to contribute in any way they can to help save the environment and the world we are passing on to our children.

The film is currently being screened privately in select cities and will premiere in New York on February 6 and Los Angeles on February 13, 2009.

Oscar contender FUEL is in insightful portrait of America's addiction to oil and an uplifting testament to the immediacy of new energy solutions. Director Josh Tickell, a young activist, shuttles us on a whirlwind journey to track the rising domination of the petrochemical industry - from Rockefeller's strategy to halt Ford's first ethanol cars to Vice President Cheney's petrochemical company sponsored energy legislation - and reveals a gamut of available solutions to "repower America" - from vertical farms that occupy skyscrapers to algae facilities that turn wastewater into fuel. Tickell and a surprising array of environmentalists, policy makers, and entertainment notables take us through America's complicated, often ignominious energy past and illuminate a hopeful, achievable future, where decentralized, sustainable living is not only possible, it's imperative.
Change your fuel. Change the world. Watch the trailer at www.thefuelfilm.com

FUEL is distributed by Intention Media and produced by Chip Rosenbloom and Daniel Assael of Open Pictures, Greg Reitman of Blue Water Entertainment, Darius Fisher of DNA and produced by Rebecca Harrell.

America & Offshore Wind...

2009-01-16T20:21:21Z

A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit Denmark and witness firsthand what the promise of offshore wind could hold. Amazing. It was one of those moments where you feel the need to pinch yourself because you believe that you are witnessing something that will be a change agent in society. On the boat I understood that despite all of the concerns that accompany any project of immense scale coupled with technological novelty, it was possible...and America was behind.

Moving beyond the nostalgia, I acknowledge that there is no silver bullet to our appetite for energy and the launch of an offshore wind future in America will continue to be faced with obstacles. It is imperative that we are sensitive to the demands that we place on our oceans in an effort to offset our fossil fuel dependence. However, I am proud to see that today America has taken steps to join the ranks of Denmark and Germany in renewable energy, specifically with offshore wind.

Cape Wind has endured seven years of review, and NRDC has urged the Minerals Management Service to move forward with the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Despite the inherent challenges we are bound to endure in moving forward, understanding the potential based on our own experience with offshore wind will certainly demonstrate a more concrete commitment to moving America beyond oil. In addition, offshore wind will create jobs in America while also addressing global warming by furthering the agenda of moving America beyond fossil fuels.

Since this announcement comes at the tail end of the Bush administration we must account for the pending transition of the Obama administration. As a matter of process, the Secretary of the Interior now has to wait 30 days before they then have to enter a record of decision based on the FEIS. Therefore, the Obama administration will give this project the final weigh-in. Provided that the Obama administration will stay on board with their message demonstrating a commitment to a clean energy future in America, additional delays are unexpected.

Kudos to the many who have poured all of their energy into creating energy options for our country. I hope to one day update this picture with offshore wind turbines in American waters...

This Week's Headlines: ENERGY EFFICIENCY!

2009-01-09T21:44:50Z

Yesterday, President-elect Barack Obama announced his plan to offer working families a $1000 tax cut and improve energy efficiency in the homes of millions of Americans. This effort is designed to immediately create jobs and stimulate the economy. The economic recovery plan seeks to double production of alternative energy in the next three years and improve energy efficiency in millions of homes throughout the United States. But the President's message was echoed by so many across the nation this week -- read all about it:

New York: In Wednesday's State of the State address Governor David Paterson acknowledged that targeting energy efficiency in schools, hospitals and local governments will be key in realizing his ‘45' by ‘15' goal in which he hopes to create 50,000 new jobs. Paterson anticipates that New York will meet 45% of its electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and clean renewable energy by 2015. "Energy has become too expensive, too unpredictable, and too damaging to our environment. Our "45 by 15" program will not simply revitalize our economy; it will help protect our environment," Paterson said. Both National Grid and New York Independent System Operator have welcomed this initiative.

Maryland: Governor Martin O'Malley announced an $8 million initiative to scale up energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The initiative would grant local government and nonprofits with grants and loans in 2010. The Maryland Energy Administration would manage the program with a portion of the proceeds from the state's carbon-emission credit auctions. Maryland anticipates a collection of over $94 million from auctions; this money would help fund energy efficiency, low-income energy assistance, rate relief for local energy consumers, and renewable energy efforts.

Governors are also joined by trade associations in tackling energy efficiency...

The Edison Electric Institute, (the trade association of the United States shareholder-owned electric utility companies, international affiliates, and industry associates worldwide), joined environmental and energy groups recently in requesting that Congress and the new administration prioritize energy efficiency in their efforts to revitalize the economy. The joint effort suggests that Congress pass an economic recovery package that would include $33 billion designated for state and local government programs designed to weatherize houses, schools, businesses and government buildings.

This effort, led by NRDC, EEI and others is a nationwide energy efficiency campaign designed to educate the public about energy efficiency; strengthen the nation's energy efficiency delivery infrastructure; expand efficiency-related manpower training and technology development; and secure improved building and equipment efficiency standards and tax incentives that reward builders and equipment installers who substantially exceed standards. This effort will require:

an adoption of regulatory mechanisms that provide cost recovery for prudent utility investments in energy efficiency; an earnings opportunity tied to verifiable success in delivering cost-effective energy savings targets over time; and allow utilities to recoup fixed costs as power sales volumes decline, using mechanisms such as those adopted recently in Idaho and other states that rely on modest, regular rate adjustments tied directly to changes in overall electricity use.
support of significantly enhanced utility investments in smart metering and smart grid technologies aimed at delivering new energy management tools to customers; promoting adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and other new technologies; and reducing the costs of integrating renewable electricity generation into resource portfolios.
support of substantially higher levels of utility investment in joint research, development and deployment initiatives, including the Electric Power Research Institute.

So what does this all mean? Well, with the leading headline this morning being the record high unemployment rate of 7.2%, strengthening our foundation by increasing the efficiency of our existing infrastructure will require labor! Lane Burt, NRDC's energy policy analyst in our Washington, DC office was cited today in the New York Times article entitled "Efficiency Help Wanted" highlighting the job opportunities that exist in scaling up energy efficiency. The spectrum of jobs runs the gamut as there will be a need for everything from carpenters to accountants and staff to support this new volume of labor as well as technical schools to train the workforce.

Energy efficiency is not a new concept; it is not a new widget or technology per se and therefore lacks the panache of other alternatives in addressing our energy crisis. Perhaps more importantly, energy efficiency requires education and a change in behavior. However it is cheap when compared to other alternatives. With a consistent commitment to these goals supported by adequate policies and funding, it is evident that although unsexy, energy efficiency has mass appeal and we will continue to "read all about it" in many headlines to come.

Decoupling and Energy Efficiency in Virginia

2009-01-02T21:55:20Z

Shortly before Christmas, on December 23, 2008, the Virginia State Corporation Commission approved the Virginia Natural Gas conservation and ratemaking efficiency plan. Under this program, a host of new energy conservation programs will be implemented coupled with a revenue adjustment mechanism that is designed to encourage and assist the management of energy costs by consumers. The $6.6 million plan, provided by VNG over the course of three years, will go towards new initiatives to scale up conservation.
This is tremendously exciting in the world of energy efficiency and decoupling advocacy as Virginia has embraced efforts that have been underway for quite some time in California and the Northeast. Virginia should be praised for its progressive stance on this issue. One can only hope that neighboring states (specifically those on the left), the south and the middle of the country will continue to follow their lead.

To visually appreciate the decoupling and energy efficiency movement in the United States, please review the map below...

Kudos to Mr. Jones!

2008-10-24T15:36:37Z

Van Jones, whose group Green for All has partnered with NRDC on various projects, has made the New York Times' best-sellers list. He talked with The Huffington Post's Nicholas Sabloff:

"Let’s tell our disaffected youth: “You can make more money if you put down that handgun and pick up a caulk gun.” Remember, adds Mr. Jones, “a big chunk of the African-American community is economically stranded. The blue-collar, stepping-stone, manufacturing jobs are leaving. And they’re not being replaced by anything. So you have this whole generation of young blacks who are basically in economic free fall.” Green-collar retrofitting jobs are a great way to catch them."

"After only one week in print, the book skyrocketed to number 12. Van Jones and the Green for All team attribute their success to the online buzz and networking surrounding the book: Although there isn’t a big budget for publicity and promotion, the team reached out to allies, friends, bloggers, and activists."

"Everyone is stunned," Jones told the Huffington Post. "Usually to get to number 12 the first week as a new author you've got to spend a million bucks or be on Oprah."

I met Van Jones years ago at Vermont Law School while he was on the lecture circuit. I had the opportunity to briefly get to know him and was encouraged by his warmth and openness; he simply has a way of pulling you in to his cause -- the environment. His conviction was recently reinforced in print upon the release of his New York Times Best-Seller, "The Green Collar Economy" this month.

Earning recognition as the "first African American to pen an environmental best-seller", Jones has demonstrated his ability to form alliances across sectors and promote an environmental agenda that is inclusive. This book provides the context that has been missing for many who have perhaps been intrigued by the notion of being an environmentalist but not certain as to how to engage in the discussion and movement. Jones has created a text that speaks specifically to this disconnect and provides action items and resources available to all.

It has often been my experience that those committed to the environment, are usually not individuals of pretense, they have a shared goal with similar values-their cause is their work. This is one of the reasons that I have found this area of study so critical and interesting. The importance of having a "Van Jones" exchange during the formative years of my environmental education is reinforced with this recent milestone. I am constantly encouraged by Van's accomplishments and hope that his vision will be embraced and fostered by individuals who never before saw their role in this movement. Furthermore, the strategies set forth in "T he Green Collar Economy", with respect to remedying the economic and environmental injustices in our nation, provide real solutions to a country in need of a new course of action.

Kudos to Mr. Jones!