Posted by: johnny_a
in MyBlog on Sep 22, 2008
From the Honolulu Advertiser (September 20):
"Big Island acting mayor Dixie Kaetsu yesterday vetoed a bill that would have banned plastic bags, citing "philosophical issues" and concerns over the measure's language on public involvement."
Posted by: johnny_a
in MyBlog on Sep 16, 2008
Press Release
-- www.drivesmarterchallenge.org --
Posted by: johnny_a
in MyBlog on Sep 11, 2008
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates state utilities, approved OG&E's comprehensive renewable energy program, which includes construction of a high-capacity transmission line between Woodward and Oklahoma City. OG&E, which powers more than 765,000 customers in Oklahoma and Arkansas, sees the approval of their plan as vital to the development of future wind energy projects.
"A high-capacity transmission line from Woodward to Oklahoma City is an important step in unlocking the full potential wind energy in western Oklahoma," said Pete Delaney, OG&E chairman, president and CEO. "The approval of our plan by the Commission is a significant development in providing the benefit of wind energy to our state."
The 115 mile, 345 kilovolt (kV) line between Woodward and Oklahoma City will be the first step in OG&E's plan to quadruple its wind energy capacity in the state to at least 770 megawatts. The approval keeps the transmission line on schedule at current costs and assures that the development of new wind farms can be coordinated effectively with the availability of new transmission capacity. The new line is needed because the existing transmission facilities in the area are nearly at capacity.
The cost of the plan to the average residential customer, including the cost of adding the new transmission line and new wind generation, as well as savings from using wind energy, is estimated at $1.50 per month in 2010. The plan will include a renewable energy purchase program, which will allow more OG&E customers to choose up to 100 percent renewable energy.
The Commission's approval today included the cost to build the transmission line between Woodward and Oklahoma City; a rider to allow recovery of costs for the line beginning at the time it goes into service; and a tariff that will allow more OG&E customers to choose up to 100 percent renewable energy. The program will be expanded as new wind generation capacity comes online -- a planned 300 MW or more in 2010 and another 300 MW in 2011 or 2012.
Source: OG&E
Posted by: johnny_a
in MyBlog on Sep 10, 2008
In an effort to reduce emissions and help motorists save money on fuel, the United Kingdom's Department for Transport has begun advising new drivers on fuel saving driving techniques. Examiners will provide candidates with feedback on how green their driving is during their practical driving tests, without any impact on their pass/fail status.
"To help the next generation of motorists drive in a way that is better for their wallets and the environment, the driving test will now assess how successfully they follow fuel efficient and eco-safe driving advice," said Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick. "Common-sense changes can make for major improvements. Drivers can save around a month's worth of fuel each year by taking simple steps, like ensuring their tyres are correctly pumped up, changing gear earlier to keep revs low and avoiding carrying unnecessary clutter in the boot (trunk)."
Since 2005, the Department for Transport has included tips on greener driving in official learning materials. In the same year it became part of the practical test for driving instructors.
Source:
Department for Transport
Posted by: johnny_a
in MyBlog on Sep 04, 2008
Northern Ethanol, a company with its sights set on becoming a production leader of corn-based biofuel in Canada and the Eastern U.S., has agreed to acquire a 70 acre site from Praxair, Inc in Niagara Falls. The company plans to build it's first of three U.S. and Canadian based ethanol production facilities on the site.
Northern Ethanol plans to produce 400 million liters (105.6 US gallons) per year at the plant. The company believes that the plant's proximity to the Central Canadian and North Eastern US markets will provide them with significant competitive advantages over other ethanol producers, who must incur the costs of delivering ethanol from significant distances.
Posted by: johnny_a
in MyBlog on Sep 02, 2008
The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), the state-owned corporation responsible for the trade of alcoholic beverages in the Canadian province of Quebec, moved ahead today with its plan to charge customers for single-use bags in its outlets. Customers who now ask for a paper or plastic single-use bag will have to pay five cents for a one-bottle bag, ten cents for a two-bottle bag, and fifteen cents for a four-bottle bag.
According to SAQ, in a press release dated August 28, this measure marks the beginning of a transition phase that will prepare its customers for the total elimination of single-use bags in January 2009. SAQ adds that proceeds from the sale of the bags will be donated to an organization that works in the field of sustainable development.
