Energy

Chihota, Zimbabwe -- 01 September 2008 -- In Zimbabwe, residents of Chihota - about 50 kilometers southeast of Harare - have expressed concern about authorities' seeming lack of interest in establishing solar energy projects in their area. They say politicians should avoid making empty promises while campaigning.

Instead, the residents want office-bearers to work with them to resolve the energy crisis. Chihota is one of the country's districts hardest hit by deforestation and environmental degradation. Only a few indigenous trees remain, while the vegetation includes mostly scattered thorn bushes and short grass. Erosion has set in and gulleys dot the landscape.    » read more »

August 22, 2008 -- Chicago, IL -- "Breaking our oil addiction requires helping our auto industry re-tool to make fuel-efficient cars and trucks, which is why my energy plan includes $4 billion in the first year for this purpose.

As I have said repeatedly I also support providing additional assistance to the companies in future years to ensure that advanced fuel-efficient vehicles will be made here in the US.

Unfortunately, John McCain has shown how out of touch he is with the struggles of everyday people and the needs of autoworkers by consistently saying no to loan guarantees for our domestic automakers. Why would auto workers trust John McCain to protect their jobs and provide much needed help for America's auto industry?" said Senator Obama.

Source: Barack Obama campaign

Douala, Cameroon -- 25 August 2008 -- Oil palms are grown throughout West and Central Africa, but the development of the palm oil industry has been slow, despite a thriving market. A project sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization is about to change the palm oil industry in Cameroon and Nigeria.

A palm oil plantation: Photo by Angela Sevin (CC)

Palm oil is a common ingredient in traditional dishes in West and Central Africa. It is cheaper than vegetable oil and can also be used to make soap and pomade.    » read more »

August 14, 2008 -- Washington, D.C.—The average person today is inundated with messages about saving energy. Unfortunately too many messages perpetuate long-standing myths, making it difficult to sort out good advice from bad. ACEEE has compiled a list of myth-busters to help separate energy savings fact from energy wasting fiction.

Compact flourescent lamp (CFL): Photo by Jayaprakash R (CC)

MYTHBUSTING FACT #1: Turning off lights, even for short periods of time, really saves energy, with little impact on the lifespan of the bulb. Turn off the lights even when you’re leaving a room for just a few minutes.    » read more »

August 13, 2008 -- Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have set a world record in solar cell efficiency with a photovoltaic device that converts 40.8 percent of the light that hits it into electricity. This is the highest confirmed efficiency of any photovoltaic device to date.

The inverted metamorphic triple-junction solar cell was designed, fabricated and independently measured at NREL. The 40.8 percent efficiency was measured under concentrated light of 326 suns. One sun is about the amount of light that typically hits Earth on a sunny day. The new cell is a natural candidate for the space satellite market and for terrestrial concentrated photovoltaic arrays, which use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight onto the solar cells.    » read more »

Declines in U.S. Petroleum Consumption Expected to Continue

If you feel like you’ve been economizing by driving less and adjusting your thermostat more, you’re not alone. Total U.S. petroleum consumption reported in today’s Weekly Petroleum Status Report (WPSR) is once again lower than the same week last year.

Average monthly total petroleum consumption has now declined for 12 consecutive months when compared with the same month the year before. Within the last 25 years, we’ve identified 6 other 12-month periods during which there was a sustained drop in total petroleum consumption from the previous year.    » read more »

Urges Russia to Cease Military Operations

August 13, 2008 -- THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I've just met with my national security team to discuss the crisis in Georgia. I've spoken with President Saakashvili of Georgia, and President Sarkozy of France this morning. The United States strongly supports France's efforts, as President of the European Union, to broker an agreement that will end this conflict.

Outgoing president George W. Bush delivers a statement on Georgia: Flanked by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Aug. 13, 2008. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian    » read more »

White House -- 12 August 2008 -- U.S. President George Bush wants Congress to allow more offshore oil drilling. High energy prices are a big part of this year's presidential campaign. President Bush says a lot of Americans are wondering why their government is not doing something about the supply of crude oil.

Following a meeting with business leaders, Mr. Bush said opposition Democrats in Congress are to blame for blocking efforts to expand domestic offshore drilling that has been restricted since the early 1980s.    » read more »

Ashland, Bayfield, and Washburn Join Renewable Energy Partnership

August 12, 2008 -- WASHBURN – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn are joining the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community (WEIC) Partnership.

“State and local government must lead by example, and I am proud Northwoods communities will join as partners and adopt the state’s energy goals,” Governor Doyle said. “Energy Independent Communities strengthen Wisconsin’s commitment to renewable energy leadership, and move forward energy policies that will clean our air and water, create jobs and save us money.”    » read more »

With $5 Million State Aid Package, Company Could be the First Pulp and Paper Mill to Operate without Fossil Fuels

August 13, 2008 -- PARK FALLS – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today visited the Flambeau River Papers mill and announced $5 million to help the company achieve its goal of being the first integrated pulp and paper mill in the nation to operate without the use of fossil fuels.    » read more »

Aug 13, 2008 -- SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Utah Governor Jon Huntsman announced today that the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Commerce are actively monitoring and analyzing Utah gas prices. In the most recent AAA gas report, the State's average price for unleaded gasoline was third highest in the nation.

"Gas prices are hitting everyone hard. As the rest of the country is seeing some relief from exorbitant gas prices, gas retailers in Utah have not shown Utahns a commensurate decrease at the pumps here at home," said Governor Huntsman. "We are asking these state agencies to monitor the situation within their enforcement powers to make sure Utahns are not being taken advantage of."    » read more »

August 8, 2008 -- TRENTON – New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today expressed disappointment over the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s refusal to lower the nationwide Renewable Fuels Standard that calls for the production of nine billion gallons of ethanol and biodiesel this year and an even greater quantity during 2009.

“Corn belongs on the tables of our hard-working families, not in the gas tank,” Governor Corzine said. “The EPA’s decision is regrettable because food-to-fuel mandates drive up food prices and may do more to harm the environment than good.”    » read more »

First New Coal Mine in MT in Three Decades

(HELENA) – Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer today joined tribal leaders of the Crow Nation as well as executives from Australian-American Energy Company (AAEC) in announcing that the tribe and company have formed a partnership to move forward on a coal-to-liquid facility and a new mine to be located on the Crow Reservation.

“Montana is on the move,” said Governor Schweitzer. “This project means supplying American energy produced by American workers to the country. This is the first new coal mine in Montana in 30 years and will be a significant contributor to our nation’s energy security.”    » read more »

Construction set for four State E-85 facilities across Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August, 2008) – Just weeks after announcing plans to transition 500 MTA buses to hybrid, and days following the award of the highest grade ever for environmental initiatives from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Governor O’Malley was joined by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and administration officials to present roadmap for a more sustainable transportation fuel system in Maryland, beginning with the construction of four new E-85 fuel pumps throughout Maryland.

To promote Maryland’s energy independence, Governor O’Malley outlined a plan that will combine consumer education, new technologies, and the development of an infrastructure such as the new facilities announced today.    » read more »

August 12, 2008 -- PORTLAND -- Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today joined a host of sponsors and contributors for a ceremonial wall raising of the newest Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland home. The house is part of a green affordable subdivision in Portland, the first Habitat home built in Maine to meet the National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Standards.    » read more »