Although this information is somewhat late, it is still very good news related to our energy future; renewable technologies, government legislation, and the place carbon will have across our economy. We all now know the outcome of the current Senate session regarding the bill passing for our new energy incentives. It is still nice to hear from a member of congress regarding the specifics of what is mounting on the hill.
For more information about the New Apollo Energy Project, please visit: http://www.house.gov/inslee/issues/energy/apollo_new.html.
You may also be interested in information about other clean energy legislation:
http://www.house.gov/inslee/issues/energy/ntl_issues.html.
************************
July 30, 2008
Dear Mr. Stouffer:
Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 6049, the Energy and Tax Extenders Act. I appreciate hearing from you.
Like you I believe in providing incentives to people and companies to act in accordance with environmental values and I am always looking for ways to bring fundamental change to our country's energy policy. You will be pleased to know that language to extend through 2013, the tax credits for solar, wind and other renewable energy sources is included in the Renewable Energy Tax Credit Extension Bill which has passed the House by a vote of 263 to 160. It was my pleasure to support this legislation and I hope that these tax credits are included in the version of this bill that the Senate passes.
I have been working for renewable energy incentives and standards for some time as part of the New Apollo Energy Project, which I have been championing in Congress.
The New Apollo Energy Project specifically addresses the shortcomings in our current energy policy. New Apollo advances a vision for this country’s energy future that relies on American technological prowess and can-do spirit, engaging an investment in clean energy that will create millions of domestic jobs – jobs that we are now losing to Japan, Germany and Denmark because the White House has avoided taking a stand on renewable energy policy. Washington State, with its hi-tech infrastructure and historic creativity, is poised to benefit from a clean energy investment. New Apollo envisions an energy policy where America leads the world in clean energy jobs and where an American President will not have to walk hand in hand with the Saudi royal family to lower our energy prices. New Apollo does this at no cost to the taxpayer, as the program is built to be self sufficient.
Key features of the New Apollo Energy Project:
*Clean Energy: New Apollo provides $49 billion in government loan guarantees for the construction of clean-energy generation facilities that will produce power from wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, oceans, coal with carbon-sequestration technology, and other sources. The legislation also commits $10.5 billion to research-and-development and investment tax credits for clean energy-producing operations. In addition, it includes a 10-year extension of the current tax credit for electricity generated from clean sources.
* Oil Savings: The boosts for clean energy and efficiency will make it possible to meet New Apollo’s call for notable reductions in daily domestic oil consumption -- cuts of 600,000 barrels a day by 2010, 1,700,000 barrels by 2015, and 3,000,000 barrels by 2020. These numbers are estimates of the amount of oil the United States would soon be importing daily from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Middle East, respectively, without a change in current policy.
* Fuel Efficiency: The best way to generate energy is to not waste it, so New Apollo includes incentives for American consumers to drive fuel-efficient vehicles, including tax credits for the purchase of hybrid, alternative-fuel, low-emission advanced diesel, and fuel-cell vehicles. It also provides $11.5 billion in tax credits for the automotive and aerospace industries to develop new fuel efficient automobiles and planes, retool existing plants, and construct new plants to manufacture energy efficient vehicles.
* Global Warming and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: New Apollo enacts a proposal similar to the McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act by capping our emissions of greenhouse gases while allowing companies to purchase and trade credits among themselves to ensure the most cost-effective reductions, and funding research to help industries make the shift to cleaner operations. The bill targets one of the biggest greenhouse-gas offenders -- coal -- by providing $7 billion in loan guarantees for the development of clean coal power plants.
* Clean Energy Jobs: New Apollo will close the existing technology gap with foreign competitors by investing billions of dollars in new federal research into advanced clean technologies, and creating a government-funded risk pool to help struggling start-up clean-energy companies commercialize their products. One study by the Apollo Alliance has found that a substantial federal commitment to clean energy could yield up to 3.3 million jobs nationally.
* Renewable Portfolio: New Apollo contains a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring all utilities, by 2021, to produce 10 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources.
* Energy Transmission: New Apollo creates national net-metering and interconnection standards that allow homeowners who generate clean energy to reduce their energy bills by feeding surplus electricity back into the grid. New Apollo additionally increases regulatory oversight of energy trading markets, which was a problem during Enron’s manipulation of the West Coast energy crisis.
New Apollo is revenue neutral, meaning it does not increase the federal deficit. It pays for itself by closing abusive corporate tax shelters and loopholes, and through auctioning off some of the allowances under the carbon dioxide trading program.
Other significant features in New Apollo:
Reducing Petroleum Dependence:
*An alternative fuel vehicle purchase requirement for government agencies.
*Tax credits for the installation of alternative refueling properties.
*Tax credits for the retail sale of alternative fuels.
*A renewable fuels standard set at 8 billion gallons by 2013.
*Modification of the tax credit for qualified electric vehicles.
*Loans for schools to buy high-efficiency vehicles.
*Ethanol-blended gasoline and bio-diesel government agency purchase requirements.
Clean Energy Economy:
*Federal support for the commercialization of carbon sequestration, coal gasification, and low emission coal technologies.
*Tax credits for the installation of minimum emission coal technologies.
*An order for the Secretary of Energy to create a credit for the creation of new electricity transmission lines to receive power from remote clean resources.
*Tax credits for energy efficient recycling and remanufacturing units.
*Requirement that the Secretary of Interior standardize right-of-way requirements for wind projects.
*Requirement that government agencies reduce energy consumption and use clean energy.
*Permanent extension of the Energy Savings Performance Contracts.
*Tradable renewable resource credits for public utilities.
*Establishment of a new energy commission to certify new technologies that qualify for credits under New Apollo.
*Tax credits for distributed energy generation and demand management property in residences and businesses.
*Tax credits for fly-wheel properties.
*Requires new federal buildings to be constructed using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED) silver standard for energy efficiency.
Green-Color Jobs:
*$36 billion in new federal research authorizations for advanced clean technologies, fusion power, and technologies focusing on existing energy sources.
*Federal support for the commercialization of clean technologies.
*Improved coordination of technology transfer activities.
*Establishment of a clean energy technology export program.
*Renewable energy lending requirements for the Export-Import Bank.
*Grants to improve mass transit programs.
*Grants for sewer and water energy improvements.
*Tax credits for the construction of energy efficient homes and commercial properties.
Consumer Protections:
*Funding for LIHEAP and weatherization projects.
*Implementing energy efficiency standards for certain appliances, and provides tax credits for the production of energy efficient appliances.
*Establishing a national energy efficient home mortgage association.
*Requiring the President to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
*Requiring the Secretary of Energy to issue Energy Star regulations for solar water heating devices.
JAY INSLEE
Member of Congress
************************
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
How Solar Energy Fits into the Eco Mix
I am a part-time writer, passionate solar energy enthusiast, and a full-time Application Architect. I'm a co-worker of Paul Hepperla at Verisae, Inc. Educated in English and Mathematics, I dabble in writing pieces of this or that throughout the Internet related to carbon management, renewable energies, and energy conservation & efficiency.
We are at the dawn of a solar revolution in the United States. Every aspect of the solar industry is experiencing explosive growth. Currently, there is huge demand and great expansion across the solar PV cell manufacturing industry. Specifically, the production of solar grade silicon. There is added demand for solar sales personal as well as huge demand for solar installation crews with appropriate certification. Opportunities abound everywhere for carbon offsetting projects, ozone depleting substance removal initiatives, and strategic carbon management planning.
I work my day job (when not writing articles about renewable, solar power) building asset management, demand side energy management, and carbon footprint tracking software. I work for Verisae, Inc. (www.Verisae.com). I'm deeply involved in carbon management and renewable energy. My quest during my “hobby time” is to bring solar energy to U.S. Residential homeowners.
Just published on a site getting about 6 million views a month...
I wrote an article about solar energy options some time ago. I published this article on the website called Helium, i.e. www.Helium.com. The article is titled “Renewable options for residential solar energy".
The renting of a solar energy system for your home is a new, attractive twist to the idea of switching to renewable energy. With the adoption of a leasing or rental model for residential solar electric systems, an average homeowner can now go green at home as well as build a part-time, solar energy business.
"Every person that you meet knows something you do not - learn from them." I like to think that I have gathered various tidbits of knowledge through the years and have the moxie to put together a few sentences to share with others. I find "the inner voice" running through my head often has some interesting things to say. I hope you, my reading audience, may find so as well. We shall see.
Take care,
Daniel Stouffer
------
About Daniel Stouffer:
Verisae Enterprise Carbon Footprint (ECF) allows companies to take inventory of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and their impacts on the environment. CO2 gas emissions are tracked which helps to manage areas like energy consumption and gas emissions. You can have a direct effect to reduce your Carbon Footprint. Visit us at www.Verisae.com.
I'm also a small business owner working to promote the adoption of renewable energy. Solargies (Solar Energies), my goal is to spread the use of renewable solar power as simply and as rapidly as possible. He is also a writer, investing his time and energies educating people about renewable energy, the exciting world of interactive marketing, and other oddities of interest. Visit me at www.Solargies.com.
We are at the dawn of a solar revolution in the United States. Every aspect of the solar industry is experiencing explosive growth. Currently, there is huge demand and great expansion across the solar PV cell manufacturing industry. Specifically, the production of solar grade silicon. There is added demand for solar sales personal as well as huge demand for solar installation crews with appropriate certification. Opportunities abound everywhere for carbon offsetting projects, ozone depleting substance removal initiatives, and strategic carbon management planning.
I work my day job (when not writing articles about renewable, solar power) building asset management, demand side energy management, and carbon footprint tracking software. I work for Verisae, Inc. (www.Verisae.com). I'm deeply involved in carbon management and renewable energy. My quest during my “hobby time” is to bring solar energy to U.S. Residential homeowners.
Just published on a site getting about 6 million views a month...
I wrote an article about solar energy options some time ago. I published this article on the website called Helium, i.e. www.Helium.com. The article is titled “Renewable options for residential solar energy".
The renting of a solar energy system for your home is a new, attractive twist to the idea of switching to renewable energy. With the adoption of a leasing or rental model for residential solar electric systems, an average homeowner can now go green at home as well as build a part-time, solar energy business.
"Every person that you meet knows something you do not - learn from them." I like to think that I have gathered various tidbits of knowledge through the years and have the moxie to put together a few sentences to share with others. I find "the inner voice" running through my head often has some interesting things to say. I hope you, my reading audience, may find so as well. We shall see.
Take care,
Daniel Stouffer
------
About Daniel Stouffer:
Verisae Enterprise Carbon Footprint (ECF) allows companies to take inventory of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and their impacts on the environment. CO2 gas emissions are tracked which helps to manage areas like energy consumption and gas emissions. You can have a direct effect to reduce your Carbon Footprint. Visit us at www.Verisae.com.
I'm also a small business owner working to promote the adoption of renewable energy. Solargies (Solar Energies), my goal is to spread the use of renewable solar power as simply and as rapidly as possible. He is also a writer, investing his time and energies educating people about renewable energy, the exciting world of interactive marketing, and other oddities of interest. Visit me at www.Solargies.com.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Exelon commits to big reduction
Exelon has developed their "2020 - a low carbon roadmap" where they will "reduce, offset, or displace more than 15 MMT of GHG's per year by 2020.
That's an aggressive goal and not atypical of utility companies in the United States. They understand the risk associated with not reducing and the opportunity they may have by being aggressive early.
They see their biggest opportunities for reduction in:
1. Efficiency improvements because of their "least expensive near-term reductions"
2. Boost output from existing nuke facilities
3. Build new high efficient nat-gas power plants to reduce use of the older plants. (Fuel switching)
They also want to help their customers reduce their emissions and offer more low-carbon electricity into the marketplace.
That's where it becomes interesting. In order to reduce their own direct emissions, they need co-operation from their customers. Yet, many of their customers have no idea of their own emissions nor the impact on Exelon's footprint.
The current legislation, such as Warner-Lieberman, do not necessarily push tracking downstream though it's the least expensive and quickest way to get us to significant reductions. It's coming but the most supported policies are lagging for now. I think it will catch up quickly and we will see economy-wide tracking legislation in place within two-years.
That's an aggressive goal and not atypical of utility companies in the United States. They understand the risk associated with not reducing and the opportunity they may have by being aggressive early.
They see their biggest opportunities for reduction in:
1. Efficiency improvements because of their "least expensive near-term reductions"
2. Boost output from existing nuke facilities
3. Build new high efficient nat-gas power plants to reduce use of the older plants. (Fuel switching)
They also want to help their customers reduce their emissions and offer more low-carbon electricity into the marketplace.
That's where it becomes interesting. In order to reduce their own direct emissions, they need co-operation from their customers. Yet, many of their customers have no idea of their own emissions nor the impact on Exelon's footprint.
The current legislation, such as Warner-Lieberman, do not necessarily push tracking downstream though it's the least expensive and quickest way to get us to significant reductions. It's coming but the most supported policies are lagging for now. I think it will catch up quickly and we will see economy-wide tracking legislation in place within two-years.
The cost of tracking greenhouse gases
There has been some debate and there will be continued debate as more and more legislation is passed over the cost to businesses, thus consumers, of tracking greenhouse gas emissions.
While I agree that, from the outside, the initial reaction and commonplace approaches for developing a carbon footprint look daunting, overbearing, bureaucratic and expensive, the reality is the following:
1. A "footprint" is a baseline. Without a good strong baseline, there can be no saving, no reduction, and no monetization of carbon.
2. Most other parts of the business have metrics, goals, tracking, and management.
3. A carbon footprint, following The Climate Registry General Reporting Protocol for Scope I and Scope II emissions, is made up of data that should be tracked in the business already!
4. By accumulating the data required for a carbon footprint, not only does a company, or individual gain insight into their emissions and environmental impact, they can gain further knowledge allowing them to make decisions affecting their emissions and their business.
5. Through the use of automation and linking of disparate pieces of data, a carbon footprint can be developed at a very low cost, and a very low pain threshold to the business. This requires a different way of looking at accomplishing the establishment of a baseline and on-going tracking. We call this moving from "one-time" to "over-time."
Verisae is in the business of moving the establishment of a footprint, and on-going tracking of emissions from a "one-time" to "over-time" and eliminating, or severely limiting the "pain" of the on-going tracking of a carbon footprint.
The reduction of the cost associated with the data gathering and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions will be a critical factor in the wide-spread adoption of reporting as well as accelerating efforts to push the tracking of emissions from upstream emitters like utility companies and cement production downstream to commercial buildings, large companies, and eventually all businesses. From my estimation, for a single company, a small "Mom and Pop" business, it should cost no more than $350 annually to report emissions! That's it. That includes verification!
Reporting and third party verification doesn't need to be an arduous, drawn-out and expensive consulting task. Sure, the initial footprint may require outside help but let's stop treating this like a theoretical experiment we do once to the full incorporation of tracking in the everyday scope of business. It's possible and it reduces the costs associated with this to a very small incremental cost.
Now, what's the benefit?
The benefit is the outcome of a really good baseline results in the ability to reduce emissions from that baseline either in the normal course of business or through a specific carbon reduction project. Those reductions can be MONETIZED! Those reductions can result in revenue that offset the cost of the reduction. Those reductions can have a high ROI, minimal impact on operations, and can support the environmental and sustainable goals of the business.
As Europe quickly moves towards a cost of $50 USD/MT CO2e, the reduction of carbon creates a meaningful way to generate revenue for a business. There is an opportunity present right now to get in early, create revenue, and meet sustainability goals.
Education is what is currently lacking. So, get educated! No time like the present!.
While I agree that, from the outside, the initial reaction and commonplace approaches for developing a carbon footprint look daunting, overbearing, bureaucratic and expensive, the reality is the following:
1. A "footprint" is a baseline. Without a good strong baseline, there can be no saving, no reduction, and no monetization of carbon.
2. Most other parts of the business have metrics, goals, tracking, and management.
3. A carbon footprint, following The Climate Registry General Reporting Protocol for Scope I and Scope II emissions, is made up of data that should be tracked in the business already!
4. By accumulating the data required for a carbon footprint, not only does a company, or individual gain insight into their emissions and environmental impact, they can gain further knowledge allowing them to make decisions affecting their emissions and their business.
5. Through the use of automation and linking of disparate pieces of data, a carbon footprint can be developed at a very low cost, and a very low pain threshold to the business. This requires a different way of looking at accomplishing the establishment of a baseline and on-going tracking. We call this moving from "one-time" to "over-time."
Verisae is in the business of moving the establishment of a footprint, and on-going tracking of emissions from a "one-time" to "over-time" and eliminating, or severely limiting the "pain" of the on-going tracking of a carbon footprint.
The reduction of the cost associated with the data gathering and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions will be a critical factor in the wide-spread adoption of reporting as well as accelerating efforts to push the tracking of emissions from upstream emitters like utility companies and cement production downstream to commercial buildings, large companies, and eventually all businesses. From my estimation, for a single company, a small "Mom and Pop" business, it should cost no more than $350 annually to report emissions! That's it. That includes verification!
Reporting and third party verification doesn't need to be an arduous, drawn-out and expensive consulting task. Sure, the initial footprint may require outside help but let's stop treating this like a theoretical experiment we do once to the full incorporation of tracking in the everyday scope of business. It's possible and it reduces the costs associated with this to a very small incremental cost.
Now, what's the benefit?
The benefit is the outcome of a really good baseline results in the ability to reduce emissions from that baseline either in the normal course of business or through a specific carbon reduction project. Those reductions can be MONETIZED! Those reductions can result in revenue that offset the cost of the reduction. Those reductions can have a high ROI, minimal impact on operations, and can support the environmental and sustainable goals of the business.
As Europe quickly moves towards a cost of $50 USD/MT CO2e, the reduction of carbon creates a meaningful way to generate revenue for a business. There is an opportunity present right now to get in early, create revenue, and meet sustainability goals.
Education is what is currently lacking. So, get educated! No time like the present!.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Required Reading Material
To best understand the Carbon constrained economy, there is some required reading for anyone interested in the impacts on all us.
The first is a fantastic McKinsey study that really details the largest opportunities to reduce emissions in the United States. It might surprise you as it has many others. The largest opportunities are also negative-cost impact opportunities!
What does that mean? It means at $50/MT CO2e, the cost to reduce emissions in many areas is far less than $50/MT thus a savings! Energy efficiency can be lumped and categorized as one main body that has a negative cost impact.
And why not? It's not only green but common sense and great business sense to reduce the cost of your operations by minimizing the raw material costs. One of the main raw material costs in any business is Energy. So, be smart, reduce your use, and by maintaining good business sense, you reduce your emissions. It's a win on all fronts. It's too bad many companies don't see the "sexiness" of an energy reduction project when it typically has high ROI, low impact on operations(in fact it's an improvement many times), and meets sustainability goals.
So, read this paper with it's wonderful Vattenfall curves at:
http://www.mckinsey.com/clientservice/ccsi/pdf/US_ghg_final_report.pdf
The first is a fantastic McKinsey study that really details the largest opportunities to reduce emissions in the United States. It might surprise you as it has many others. The largest opportunities are also negative-cost impact opportunities!
What does that mean? It means at $50/MT CO2e, the cost to reduce emissions in many areas is far less than $50/MT thus a savings! Energy efficiency can be lumped and categorized as one main body that has a negative cost impact.
And why not? It's not only green but common sense and great business sense to reduce the cost of your operations by minimizing the raw material costs. One of the main raw material costs in any business is Energy. So, be smart, reduce your use, and by maintaining good business sense, you reduce your emissions. It's a win on all fronts. It's too bad many companies don't see the "sexiness" of an energy reduction project when it typically has high ROI, low impact on operations(in fact it's an improvement many times), and meets sustainability goals.
So, read this paper with it's wonderful Vattenfall curves at:
http://www.mckinsey.com/clientservice/ccsi/pdf/US_ghg_final_report.pdf
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the first post of the Carbon Constrained Economy blog. The purpose of this blog is to discuss the latest news on how emissions, emissions reductions, and the monetization of carbon will impact the economy in the United States and Globally.
My name is Paul Hepperla and I've had 15 years of experience in the energy industry. Over the last two years, I've taken a strong interest in carbon footprinting, greenhouse gas emissions, and how this will impact day-to-day business decisions.
The new world of carbon constraint will present many different hurdles and opportunities. So let's explore what those are, debate about how best to cross the chasm, and continue the dialogue on how to best deal with the issue of Climate Change.
Thanks!
My name is Paul Hepperla and I've had 15 years of experience in the energy industry. Over the last two years, I've taken a strong interest in carbon footprinting, greenhouse gas emissions, and how this will impact day-to-day business decisions.
The new world of carbon constraint will present many different hurdles and opportunities. So let's explore what those are, debate about how best to cross the chasm, and continue the dialogue on how to best deal with the issue of Climate Change.
Thanks!
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