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Entries from May 2008

Another invite to Join a Conversation about Energy

May 9th, 2008 · Comments Off on Another invite to Join a Conversation about Energy

For several years now, various agencies of the US government have been sponsoring a monthly evening lecture series on energy issues: The Energy Conversation. Held in Crystal City, Virginia, these lectures (conversations?) bring together an eclectic mix of people who generally share a passion about one issue: concerns about the US approach to energy and […]

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Tags: Energy · environmental · politics

One hand clapping: Coal Subsidy Act to fail?

May 8th, 2008 · 2 Comments

The latest news suggests that the Lieberman-Warner Coal Subsidy Act (the Climate InSecurity Act, CISA) has moved from critical condition to the morgue.  As it will require 60 votes to get past any threatened filibuster (not that the Senate Democratic Party leadership could force a filibuster on anyone other than their own Senators fighting for […]

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Tags: cap and trade · Congress · emissions · Energy · environmental · Global Warming · government energy policy · James Inhofe · lieberman-warner

Drilling the hole deeper!

May 7th, 2008 · 2 Comments

If there reason for frustration with Democratic Party Senate leadership over messaging when it comes to energy issues, we should be beyond frustration about disastrous Republican substance when it comes to energy. When it comes to oil, the only solution: more supply, drill, drill, drill!!! Putting aside the question as to the sensibility of a […]

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Tags: Energy · environmental · government energy policy · politics

Messaging Energy Wrong

May 7th, 2008 · Comments Off on Messaging Energy Wrong

Putting aside any questions about the value of the substance of the Consumer-First Energy Act, let us take a few moments to examine the language and framing of its release. The opening paragraph of the press release: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Jeff Bingaman, Max Baucus, Charles Schumer, Byron Dorgan, Maria Cantwell and […]

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Tags: climate change · Energy · environmental · Global Warming · government energy policy · politics

“Consumer-First Energy Act”: How about some truth?

May 7th, 2008 · Comments Off on “Consumer-First Energy Act”: How about some truth?

A short while ago, “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Jeff Bingaman, Max Baucus, Charles Schumer, Byron Dorgan, Maria Cantwell and Bernie Sanders held a press conference today to unveil the Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008.” Done with some fanfare, the language around the act and its substance suggests that this author is unlikely […]

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Tags: Energy · environmental · government energy policy

Catastrophe to Celebration …

May 7th, 2008 · Comments Off on Catastrophe to Celebration …

Not everything is the Bush White House’s fault. Not everything.  In this case, not fully their fault, but the contrast is too striking to go without comment. The White House sent Laura Bush to speak on the disastrous cyclone in Myanmar. She gave a prepared statement. And, then she took questions. And, the press had their […]

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Tags: environmental

Bubbling our way to catastrophe …

May 7th, 2008 · 2 Comments

Oscillating between pessimistic optimism (or optimistic pessimism), there are so many reasons to be hopeful for change. Amazing technologies. Increasing awareness. McSUV sales plummeting. Political leaders taking forthright stands. Optimism. Reality can strike hard, ambusing surging optimism with reasons for dire concern. Today’s Chicago Tribune had a story of bubbling catastrophe … Sergei Zimov waded […]

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Tags: Energy

Representatives rejecting Clinton Challenge

May 6th, 2008 · Comments Off on Representatives rejecting Clinton Challenge

Joining Mark Udall, some 28 members of the House of Representatives responded to Hillary Clinton’s challenge on a gas tax holiday … and rejected her Energy Dumb concept for a gas tax holiday. While it is important that these 28 have spoken up, some of their words and the implications of their statement are concerning.

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Tags: climate change · Congress · democrats · Energy · gasoline · Hillary Clinton · politics · pollution

Gas prices drive four-legged alternatives …

May 5th, 2008 · Comments Off on Gas prices drive four-legged alternatives …

In the face of rising oil prices, people are searching for alternatives around the globe. Most of the news go to tomorrow’s technologies (like the Chevy Volt or PHESBs), but there is something of a back to the future aspect in some cases. As the Financial Times reports, camel sales are booming in Rajasthan, India.

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Tags: Energy

Gas Tax Scam (Dot COM)

May 5th, 2008 · 2 Comments

Clinton’s and McSame McCain’s energy dumb and dumber song-and-dance act about a ‘gas tax holiday’ is not getting any support from independent people who actually understand energy issues and/or economics.    As per GasTaxScam DOT com, the merit of this idea is about the merit of setting out on a long voyage with an empty tank. A secret […]

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Tags: climate change · conservation · Energy · government energy policy · Hillary Clinton · john mccain · politics