A Clean Energy Hub in the Great Lakes Region

Southeast Michigan Making Progress Going Green

On April 30, I attended the All Things Green Conference and Expo hosted by the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce. I got a look at several "green" companies and businesses that are either based in Michigan or expanding their operations in the state. It was a good conference. The focus of many of the sessions were on energy.



The presentation by Next Energy focused on the advancement of clean and renewable technologies. There was a presentation by reps from Mariah Power and MasTech who are partnering in Manistee County, MI. They presented a case study on small wind manufacturing.



I enjoyed the "Greening your Business" session. The speakers were:

Loch McCabe, President, Shepard Advisors,

David Mckinney, CEO, Clean Light, Green Light

Mike Dolkowski, President, Carbon Credit Environmental Services, Inc.

All in all it was a good conference. My suggestion for next year's conference is that the organizers include a session on water use conservation and water efficiency.

I also noted the lack of representation of minority and disadvantaged businesses/enterprises in the emerging "green business sector". This was not a fault of the organizers of the conference because this is a problem that is industry wide. As more minority "green" entrepreneurs come to the forefront the industry should make a stronger effort to reach to these groups.

In general, my thoughts are that the "green movement" is a trend that minority entrepreneurs and businesses cannot afford to miss out on, speaking both economically and environmentally for our communities.

My friends at the African American Environmentalist Association have written much on this issue:

Tuesday, January 01, 2008 - Will African Americans Participate In Energy Production? -

Wednesday, April 02, 2008 - Green Jobs? Not From Green Groups For African Americans

Friday, February 27, 2009 - Where Is the Congressional Black Caucus on Energy Ownership?

10 GOOD THINGS ABOUT $4 GAS

The world had long assumed that Americans were just unrepentant energy pigs (well, we still are).

If gas prices went up, well, we kept our Explorers aimed at the horizon, and little changed. We truthfully didn't have lots of options. Unlike Europeans, we didn't have jobs we could bike to or convenient public transit. Gasoline prices never stayed high enough long enough to force those kinds of shifts in how we lived.

Now here we are. Gas prices are at $4 a gallon, as no one needs to tell you, and they are likely to stay that way. Most of us still don't have the alternatives we need to adapt with grace, which means that many will adapt just by suffering. We will run out of gas on the Interstate, ease our minivans over to the shoulder and tell the kids everything is O.K. We'll fall behind on Visa bills to pay for gas so we can buy food made ever more expensive by energy costs.

But it's also true that Americans are finding options where there seemed to be none. They're ready to change — just waiting for their infrastructure to catch up. They are driving to commuter-rail lines only to find there are no parking spots left. They are running fewer errands and dumping their SUVs. Public-transit use is at a 50-year high. Gas purchases are down 2% to 3%. And all those changes bring secondary, hard-earned benefits.

"You suddenly are reminded how the economy works," says Eric Roston, author of a new book about energy, The Carbon Age. "Nobody wants high prices for oil. But there's also no faster mechanism to change behavior." The suffering will go on. But the story, like any good tragedy, is not without redemption.

1. Globalized Jobs Return Home
The world suddenly seems big again. A family of four can't fly cross-country for much less than $2,000. The cost of shipping a standard 40-ft. (12 m) container of couches from Shanghai to New Jersey has tripled since 2000. Trucking carrots from Mexico to Georgia makes less and less economic sense.

When John Smith started a high-end furniture company in Washington in 2003, he couldn't make everything in the U.S. and stay competitive. So his company, Willem Smith, started operations in Vietnam and Ecuador. He found himself visiting factories 11 time zones away from his four small daughters.

By last year, the cost of making and importing one of his favorite pieces, the Caballero Chair, was ballooning. He was shipping Italian leather to Vietnam and then shipping the large chair back to the States. There were other problems too, like inflation in Vietnam. So last January, Willem Smith "repatriated" the Caballero to Hickory, N.C. That shift helps contain shipping costs and has other perks. "People are happy to buy American," Smith says. "And it felt kind of nice to bring this one home."

In more industries, such as steel, lawn-mower batteries and upscale furniture, doing business in the U.S. is starting to look slightly more feasible.

2. Sprawl Stalls
Across the country, real estate agents are reporting that many home buyers are looking to move closer to cities. Gas prices are shaping their decisions. A May study that examined housing values in five cities found prices had fared worse in the more distant neighborhoods. "The collapse of America's housing bubble — and its reverberations in financial markets — has obscured a tectonic shift in housing demand," wrote economist Joe Cortright in the study, sponsored by CEOs for Cities, a nonprofit group that promotes cities. "Housing in cities and neighborhoods that require lengthy commutes and provide few transportation alternatives to the private vehicle are falling in value more precipitously than in more central, compact and accessible places."

3. Four-Day Workweeks
Companies, colleges and governments are moving to four-day weeks. Brevard Community College in Cocoa, Fla., went to four days for the 2007 summer session and saved $268,000 in energy costs. There were unforeseen benefits too. Over the year, sick leave fell 50%, and turnover among the 1,500-person staff dropped 44%. "We thought the energy savings would be a plus. But the reaction was about what it meant to people's family lives and their ability to take care of themselves," says college president Jim Drake. Brevard is doing four-day weeks again this summer and may make the change year-round.

4. Less Pollution
As people consume less fuel in America, vehicle emissions should drop. Less pollution means bluer skies and longer lives — and the potential to slow global warming, albeit slightly. Lower energy demand means the air will contain fewer toxic agents, like particle pollution, which can get deep into your lungs and cause serious health problems. Bottom line? About 2,220 lives have already been saved over the past year because of higher gas prices and less pollution, according to an estimate calculated for TIME by J. Paul Leigh, a University of California at Davis health-economics professor who co-wrote a study on the topic in the March 2008 Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. If prices remain high, we can expect some 2,000 people to avoid dying from pollution in the next 12 months.

5. More Frugality
Trucking companies are using software to help identify optimal places for drivers to refuel and the most efficient delivery routes. Waste haulers are checking tire pressure twice a day instead of every couple of days. We're all wasting less. Vespa scooter sales increased 106% in May compared with the same time last year; Ford SUV sales dropped 55% in June. Columbia, Md., resident Glenn Conrad, 58, bought a Honda Insight a few years ago and like many so-called hypermilers became obsessed with his miles-per-gallon gauge. "That thing is really addictive," he says. Although a police officer recently gave him a warning for going too slowly, he is undeterred. "If I roll both of my windows up," he says, "I instantly get about two more miles per gallon."

6. Fewer Traffic Deaths
Every year, about 40,000 people die in traffic accidents in the U.S. If you are age 5 through 34, you are more likely to die this way than any other way. Ordinary things we do — or don't do — have extraordinary consequences. We know that higher gas prices cause many of us to slow down and drive less — which means fewer people die. Early research into 2006 accident data suggests many lives have already been spared. If gas remains at $4 a gallon for a year or more, expect as many as 1,000 fewer fatalities a month, according to professor Michael Morrisey at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and associate professor David Grabowski at Harvard Medical School, who calculated that estimate for TIME. That means annual deaths could be cut by almost a third — a public-health triumph.

7. Cheaper Insurance
If you are driving less, you could qualify for lower car-insurance rates. For example, if you have stopped driving to work, your classification has changed to "pleasure driver," and you could save 10% to 15% (or $94 to $142 on an average premium), according to the Consumer Federation of America. So if you're parked more, call your insurer.

8. Less Traffic
Travel on all roads dropped 2.1% in the first four months of 2008, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Wherever people can take public transit, they are. Even before the biggest gas-price hikes, a Congressional Budget Office study of California freeways from 2003 to 2006 showed that the number of freeway trips went down 0.7% for every 50� increase in gas prices — but only in areas near public transit. Cities are struggling to keep up. BART, the San Francisco Bay Area rail system, removed seats to open up more standing room. In Boston, where turnpike use declined by 600,000 cars in May, officials are pleading with public-transit passengers to travel at non peak times.

9. More Cops on the Beat
Across the country, police bike and foot patrols are up, and cops are being told to cut down on idling their cruisers — which is sort of like telling a teenager to stop using his cell phone. Georgia state police have been told to cut driving time 25%. In Shelby, N.C., police officers have been ordered to park their cars for 15 min. every 2 hours and to stop taking patrol cars out for lunch. In May the city government's fuel consumption decreased. The longer-term effects may include better community relations — and slimmer police.

10. Less Obesity
People walk more, bike more and eat out less when gas is pricey. A permanent $1 hike in prices may cut obesity 10%, saving thousands of lives and billions of dollars a year, estimates Charles Courtemanche, an assistant professor of economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. At Orange Cycle, the largest bike store in Orlando, Fla., sales of upright urban bikes from March to June rose 57% compared with the same period last year. The shop was around for the 1970s gas crisis too, but this feels different, says co-owner Deena Breed. "I don't think it's just gas," she says. "It has to do with weight, exercise, community — a general sense of not being so wasteful."

Michigan, Last in Efficiency?

This is a commentary on energy efficiency posted on the Enviro Mich Listserv on Jun 19, 2008


Dear Michigan Citizens, Voters and Ratepayers,

Evidence suggests that Michigan's lack of energy efficiency programs and achievement are hurting our citizens and businesses and putting us deeper in an economic hole. This situation may not improve. Energy efficiency legislation is currently being debated in the Michigan Senate with opposition.

Is Michigan last in Energy Efficiency?
· A quick look at the chart in this site suggests the State of Michigan may be making the least effort to promote energy efficiency of all 50 states. Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana appear to be making more energy efficiency efforts. http://www.dsireusa.org/summarytables/FinEE.cfm?&CurrentPageID=7&EE=1&RE=0
· Michigan is ranked very low in US residential and commercial building codes and only 33
rd in energy efficiency policy according to an ACEEE study. http://www.aceee.org/press/e075pr.htm About 15 years ago, we were one of the leading states in efficiency.

Does Energy Efficiency Matter? (It’s only money and health and …)
· Successful commercial and industrial companies are energy efficient. Wal-Mart became highly efficient in many ways including energy use and prospered. K-Mart didn’t. Cutting energy costs contributes directly to profits and even corporate survival.
· Energy efficient homes allow residents to save and spend on better things (education, retirement, health care, mortgage payments) rather than just creating more smoke, CO2 and other pollution.
· Wisconsin and Vermont have had excellent efficiency programs for years. If Michigan had Vermont’s program and results, we would have put back $3 billion into our economy since 2000.
http://www.focusonenergy.com/Default.aspx
http://www.efficiencyvermont.com/pages/Common/AboutUs/

An Energy Efficiency Program is an Investment, not a Tax
· A mandated, state-wide, utility funded energy efficiency program would communicate and incentivise efficiency products and practices for residential, commercial and industrial electric and heating.
· Such a program would cost less than $1.00 per month on a typical home electric bill. But, it can offset the need for a new coal plant which would increase the monthly electric bill by $3.00 to $4.00 for decades.
· In addition to avoiding a coal plant charge on an electric bill, an energy efficient house can save over $50 per month on combined electric and heating bills.


There is Strong Support for Energy Efficiency program in Michigan
· According to a poll by MUCC and NWF, 79% of Michigan sportsman support a Michigan energy plan which requires investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy, first, before building new coal fired plants to meet our energy needs. http://targetglobalwarming.org/michiganpressrelease
· Other polls confirm public support for energy efficiency.
· Preliminary recommendations from the Michigan Climate Action Council strongly support the need for an energy efficiency program in Michigan. Business, utilities, environs and government are all represented. http://www.miclimatechange.us/index.cfm
From the RCI workgroup: http://www.miclimatechange.us/ewebeditpro/items/O46F17860.pdf
From the Energy Supply workgroup: http://www.miclimatechange.us/ewebeditpro/items/O46F18008.pdf
· Plus, energy efficiency will create Michigan jobs. http://aceee.org/pubs/e07x.htm

Surrounding States already have Energy Efficiency Laws and Programs
· Surrounding states have already passed stronger energy efficiency legislation (mandating energy efficiency programs) which puts them far ahead of Michigan in ratepayer savings. For example: Wisconsin (1.2% of revenue), Minnesota (1.5% of savings), Ohio (2% savings) and Illinois (2% savings).

· Of note, proposed Michigan legislation calls for only a modest 1% energy savings per year. We will never become fully competitive by aiming low.
· A recent Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance study indicates that Michigan could save $1.7 billion a year (2025) with a 1% energy savings program but $3.1 billion a year with a 2% savings program.

Conclusion
Energy efficiency is the quickest, cleanest and least expensive way to achieve our energy goals. It creates jobs, save rate payers money which can flow back into the state's economy and reduces CO2, pollution and health problems. Energy efficiency is an investment in waste and pollution reduction and pays many dividends.

The Senate, House, other government, media and friends need to know of our support for energy efficiency in Michigan. We haven't had an energy efficiency program in years and it is hurting our residents and economy. Quick action and a high energy savings target can help get us out of our economic hole.


Take care, frank

Frank Zaski
A Concerned Citizen
Franklin, Mi.

Why is gas $4.00 a gallon & what can we do about it?

Gas prices are rising, demand for oil is rising,and yet oil production stopped rising three years ago. Peak oil may be here, and it's taking us unprepared.

The International Conference on Peak Oil and ClimateChange: Paths to Sustainability explores the rootcause of rising gas prices, global warming,biodiversity loss, and unsustainability.

May 30 - June 1, 2008 in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Join with a broad array of professionals, politicians,business leaders, and concerned citizens to explorethe causes of global problems and discover solutionsto move humanity toward lasting paths ofsustainability.

To learn more and register, visit
http://www.PeakOilConference.org

LCV Applauds Senate Passage of Energy Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: David Sandretti, (202) 785-8683 or david_sandretti@lcv.org



More Work Needed to Cut Tax Subsidies for Big Oil, Encourage Investment in Clean, Renewable Energy



WASHINGTON, DC - League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski issued the following statement regarding the Senate 's passage of the energy bill:

"The U.S. Senate should be applauded for passing a much-needed energy bill
that is a significant first step toward increasing fuel efficiency standards for our automobiles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. We urge President Bush to sign the bill after the House passes it. The bill is not perfect. It was stripped of provisions that would have required that 15 percent of our electricity come from clean, renewable energy sources by 2020. And at a time when the oil industry is enjoying near-$100 per barrel oil and record profits, the Senate by one vote earlier today sided with Big Oil and against the American people and the environment. Voting 59-40, a minority of senators blocked an attempt to repeal billions of dollars in tax giveaways to the oil industry and invest that money instead in clean renewable energy for the future. LCV will continue to fight for these critical issues in future legislation,and will work to elect more pro-environment senators who will side with the planet and future generations over the interests of Big Oil and Big Coal."

###


The nonprofit League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the independent political voice for the environment. To secure the environmental future of our planet, LCV's mission is to advocate for sound environmental policies and to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt and implement such policies.

Kerry C. Duggan

Campaigns Project Manager

League of Conservation Voters

1920 L Street, NW #800

Washington, DC 20036

Direct: (202) 454-4592

Mobile/text: (734) 846-0093

kerry_duggan@lcv.org

Minnesota sets tentative CO2 price

Minnesota sets tentative CO2 price
By Ben Shousemailto:Shousebshouse@argusleader.com
Published December 7, 2007

A Minnesota agency set a non-binding price range on carbon dioxide emissions on Thursday, a move environmentalists say vindicates their past arguments against the proposed Big Stone II power plant in northeast South Dakota.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission told electricity providers to analyze emission prices between $4 and $30 a ton when planning how their systems will grow.

The change does not directly affect the Big Stone II proposal, which is awaiting approval of its power lines from the Minnesota commission next year.

But the St. Paul-based advocacy group Fresh Energy said the price range shows that the five utilities hoping to build Big Stone II were using an overly rosy analysis of the risk of future carbon regulation.

“Those few CEOs pushing new, dirty coal plants should level with their customers. They can’t say we didn’t know coal is a risky investment,” said Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy.

Big Stone II spokesman Dan Sharp said the utilities used the price of $9 a ton because the Minnesota commission ordered them to. And the commission did not say on Thursday if the price was meant to be a carbon tax or part of a cap-and-trade system.

“It’s really hard to make any kind of comparison or any kind of judgement, because they weren’t specific,” Sharp said.

Conference: Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA)

There will be a series of meetings regarding high pressure pipelines and planning in Washington DC on January 15-17. This is the kickoff of the new Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA). Those interested are encouraged to attend, and consider joining one of the task teams. More information is available a: http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm...v/comm/%20PIPA.htm

There also was a recent conference in New Orleans that dealt with these issues. The proceedings of that conference can be found at: http://www.pstrust.org/conferenc...rence/%20index.htm

Source:
Carl Weimer
Homepage

Risk-Informed Land Use Guidance - Pipeline Safety

I found this fascinating. I had never really given thought to this issue. Thanks Jim!

The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (PSIA) of 2002 required the Secretary of Transportation, in conjunction with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other appropriate federal and state agencies and local governments, to undertake a study of land use practices, zoning ordinances, and preservation of environmental resources with regard to pipeline rights-of-way and their maintenance. The Act also required the Secretary to promote the adoption of practices, laws, and ordinances by federal agencies and state and local governments in reducing the risks and hazards associated with encroachment on pipeline rights-of-way.

TRB Special Report 281
In light of the PSIA requirements, PHMSA contracted with the TRB to study the feasibility of developing risk-informed land use guidance for application adjacent to transmission pipelines. The TRB convened an expert committee of 12 members from academia, pipeline industry, local governments, and consultants to conduct the study and provide recommendations to OPS. The TRB Special Report (SR 281) was published in September 2004.

http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/RiskInformedLandUse.htm


Source:
James M. Potter, AICP, PP
Community Planner
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Environment and Energy
Environmental Planning Division
james.m.potter@hud.gov
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/environment/index.cfm

AAEA Says More American Environmentalists Should Support Nuclear Power

My friends over at the African American Environmentalist Association have some different views on energy policy (particularly nuclear and coal) than most environmentalists I come into contact with. Although I may not agree with everything they support, they have my utmost respect for their professionalism and courage to swim against the current when they believe necessary. Check out their post and consider what they have to say.

AAEA is the only American environmental organization actively supporting nuclear
power...AAEA is the David fighting the anti-nuclear movement Goliath to allow
this technology to provide the electricity we need while mitigating global
warming...The pro-nuclear movement needs more American environmentalists to
ACTIVELY support nuclear power.

For more click here:
http://aaenvironment.blogspot.com/2007/11/more-american-environmentalists-should.html

Debate Over Wind Power: Is there merit to the critisims?

Wind farms are nothing new to some parts of the United States. In fact, wind projects are in the midst of a huge growth spurt in many parts of the country, driven by government incentives to promote alternatives to fossil fuels. Significant public debate and navigation of a "hodgepodge" of regulations has risen from the increased interest in renewable energy alternatives such as wind power. While public debate over inland and offshore wind power is likely to be centered on environmental and aesthetic issues. Click here to read more.