Pittsburgh & Hollywood

Pittsburgh Highmark- I ask for forgiveness in advance as I proceed to laud a healthcare provider. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is unveiling a 22,000 square foot green roof on its facility in downtown Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh has a soiled reputation (pun intended) and a major problem with sewage overflow. Highmark’s green roof will reduce the company’s energy consumption by 12% and will absorb most of the 37 annual inches of rain instead of it ending in the local storm water system. According to John Schombert, Executive Director of 3 Rivers Wet Weather, a local non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of the region’s water quality, from May to September the areas waterways are contaminated. The roof contains over 25,000 plants in varied depths of between 6 to 18 inches. Highmark is involved in a variety of other environmental-friendly initiatives such as a Silver LEED certified Data Center in Hershey, PA, paper and utilities conservation measures and use of certified green seal cleaning products. I think it’s fascinating to see this type of project in a very unlikely place, it continues to demonstrate that every city is beginning to understand the benefits of ecology and science.

Only In LA- Fortunately for Hollywood hipsters another club is about to open. This one, Ecco, is claiming to be the first “ecco friendly ultra lounge”. Can someone please explain this term to me? It may even receive a LEED certification. Flushless toilets, free valet parking for hybrids and green energy provided by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power are just some of the features. Sounds like the perfect place to hang for all those Dodger fans that require wearing sunglasses at night ballgames.

Punch Drunk- It has been an abnormally long election cycle and the candidates are definitely getting spendy with taxpayer’s and Asia’s money. Obamessiah yesterday just couldn’t help himself and proposed an incentive of $50 billion to US automakers doubling the $25 billion already approved by Congress. I need to start a failing manufacturing or financial business quick, so I can get mine.

Six Debate Questions for The Candidates

Please Debate- As John McCain and Barack Obama each prepare for tonight’s town hall style debate format, one can only hope that some of the 100 undecided voters in the room ask questions about energy policy, clean technology and conservation. Let us hope that the discussion is actually substantive and not all sideshow politics. Below are some questions I would like to see put forth to both candidates:

1) Energy efficiency seems to receive very little attention in this race. What policies would your administrations put forth to exploit this nation’s energy-efficiency reserves and create jobs in the expanding green economy?

2) If you are so serious that nuclear energy is the way forward, could you explain both how you will finance such expensive plants and additionally how you would dispose of the corresponding waste?

3) The U.S. produces a quarter of all our pollution from automobiles and trucks. What measures would your administration take to reduce this global-warming pollution beyond current levels?

4) Where do each of you stand on reducing CO2 emissions by 20% in 2020 and 50% by 2050? How do your policies get us there or better?

5) How do each of you respond to the fact that the U.S. automobile industry was just allowed $25 billion in U.S. taxpayer subsidies, when a company like Ford already has the ability to produce a automobile that gets 65 mpg?

6) As a voter I am confused. How can you both claim to support alternative energy, but the Obama campaign claims Senator McCain, you have voted against renewable energy 23 times in your Senate career. Please correct this fact if it is indeed false.

Soprano Sings In New Jersey

Jersey Clean- New Jersey regulators awarded the rights yesterday for Garden State Offshore Energy to construct a $1 billion wind farm in the southern portion of the state. New Jersey now joins both Delaware and Rhode Island each having granted rights to construct wind farms. The New Jersey Energy Master Plan has goals of 20% of the state’s energy coming from renewable sources by 2020. The plan calls for 96 wind turbines to be placed 16-20 miles offshore. These turbines are expected to produce enough electricity to power tens of thousands of homes by 2013. Can New York be far behind in approving such a project?

Bailout- It turns out the $700 billion bailout…errrr, I mean rescue legislation indeed contained the extension of tax credits for renewable energy going forward 8 years. So I suppose this is good news, that under the most ridiculous of circumstances these credits were finally passed and extended. Now the real question becomes how many Goldman Sachs bankers will become intimately involved in the dispersion of this taxpayer (I mean China's) money.

Jobs In The Bag

Bag The Bag- Ikea, with the overwhelming support of its customers, has stopped providing plastic bags in their stores as of yesterday. Up until this announcement Ikea had been charging customers 5 cents a bag and donating the proceeds to American Forests to plant trees (728,000 to date) to restore forests. The EPA claims US consumers consume over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps each year. Big kudos to both Ikea and its customers.

Jobs for Everyone- A report released today by The US Conference of Mayors, Mayors Climate Protection Center estimates that by 2038, 4.2 million jobs will be created in the clean-green sector. Jobs will grow in segments like renewable electricity production 1.23 million jobs; alternative transportation fuels 1.5 million; engineering, research, legal and consulting 1.4 million. 85% of these jobs will be in large metropolitan areas. The reports also assumes and reports the following: by 2038, 40% of all electricity generated will come from alternative resources, residential and commercial retrofitting will cause a 35% decrease in energy consumption and 30% of gasoline and diesel demand for autos and light trucks will be satisfied by alternative fuels.

Bailout- Aside from some crazy pork being slipped into the bailout bill passed by the Senate 74-25 last evening, it also included pushing forward the tax credits for alternative energy. Still haven’t had a chance to read the details, but at least some good may still come from this bill.

Debate- Curious to see the leader of energy policy in the Republican party, Sarah Palin lay forth her plans and thoughts for the new et economy. Let’s hope she doesn’t spend 90 minutes continuing to sidestep and being vague.

McCain Lies & Pope Goes Green

No Renewable Energy- As I have written in the past it seems that Congress will not pass incentives for renewable energies due to a stalemate. After yesterday’s debacle of missing leadership with the financial bailout it is no wonder something requiring long- term innovative thinking is stalled. Groups as disparate as the National Association of Home Builders, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Sierra Club have come together to urge Congress to pass and expand these clean energy incentives. Unfortunately, in this case the peril lies in the fact that these tax credits are lumped into basket full of unrelated tax incentives that overlap between business and personal. Of course, Republicans (our favorite Drill Baby Drill party) are concerned the incentives offer to much in offsets to these solar and wind companies. Now if only it were oil they would have no objections. It is imperative that these incentives for clean energy be extended and expanded asap. I ask all of you to monitor this and contact your own representatives in Congress.


McCain, Palin & Energy Flubs

In an interview with ABC Channel 6 in Columbus, Ohio, last night, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, said that "the world’s largest oil reserves are in the United States of America.”
The correct order: Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Nigeria, Angola, and THEN the U.S. The McCain campaign says that the candidate meant to say that the world's largest COAL reserves are in the U.S.
And that's true -- the Energy Information Administration says that the U.S. "has the world's largest known coal reserves, about 263.8 billion short tons. This is enough coal to last approximately 225 years at today's level of use. "
What's odd about this, though, is that McCain has made energy independence the domestic centerpiece of his campaign ("Drill, baby, drill!") not to mention a major reason for picking Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. (McCain said Palin “knows more about energy than probably anyone else in the United States of America.”)
And yet, even with these credentials, the McCain-Palin team has been criticized for getting some basic facts about energy wrong.
Palin told ABC News' Charlie Gibson that "a credential that I do bring to this table" deal "with the energy independence that I've been working on for these years as the governor of this state that produces nearly 20 percent of the U.S. domestic supply of energy…"
McCain in a separate interview told Gibson that Palin has "been governor of our largest state, in charge of 20 percent of America's energy supply."
As Factcheck.org has pointed out, Alaska produces closer to 3.5 percent of the U.S. domestic energy supply.
What about oil? Maybe they meant the U.S. domestic supply of oil?
Actually, Alaskan production accounts for less than 5 percent of the crude oil and petroleum products supplied to the U.S. in 2007 -- including imports from other nations.
The only way this makes sense is if McCain and Palin meant to say that Alaska produces 14 percent (instead of 20) of the oil (not energy) produced entirely in the U.S. (not the entire supply), and that excludes all oil imports and any other form of power.
People make mistakes, but when the McCain-Palin team makes gaffes about their No. 1 domestic issue, they risk stepping on their message.

-Jake Tapper ABC News’ senior national correspondent on Politico.com

Pope Goes Green- 2700 solar panels were installed today on the Paul VI auditorium roof in Vatican City. These panels will provide enough power to light, heat or cool the 6,000 -seat hall. To Pope Benedict XVI’s credit he has been an advocate of alternative power and the unbalanced use of energy in the world. The panels valued at $1.5 million were donated by Solar World of Bonn, Germany.

Redirect the Bailout to the Green Economy

“In my experience, never before in the history of capitalism has so much money been asked from so many people, to help so few that screwed up so badly”. – Robert Reich

ET- Thomas Friedman’s column in today’s NY Times ponders what results would be reaped if a similar $1 trillion bailout was directed toward the new clean economy versus the old school broken financial segment. In redirecting this money to the green economy, we could expect it to return benefits and jobs to this economy in extraordinary numbers. Definitely a must read.

Sanyo Salem- As proof of the above Sanyo announced it has chosen Salem, Oregon to construct a solar plant. The $80 million plant will employ 200 and be online by 2010. The State of Oregon’s Business Energy Tax Program will provide credits and subsidies for 50% of the plants costs.

Green Jobs Now! A Day To Build The New Economy

With a reeling economy, soaring gas prices and rising fears of a global climate crisis, more than 100,000 people rallied at events across the country to urge leaders to jump start the clean energy economy. The events, "Green Jobs Now: A Day to Build the New Economy," urged policy makers to think beyond the short-sighted distraction of drilling and, instead, create real energy solutions that build a new green economy strong enough to create millions of green jobs and lift people out of poverty.
"We can't drill and burn our way out of this economic crisis. We can -- and must -- invest and invent our way out," said Van Jones, founder and president of Green For All. "600,000 jobs have been lost this year alone. We need to free ourselves from our dependence on foreign oil, and instead invest in jobs in sustainable industries -- wind and solar, among others. Only then will we be able to fight poverty and pollution at the same time."
With over 650 events and well over 100,000 participants in all 50 states, the events represented one of the largest and most diverse days of citizen action focused on economic issues and global warming in American history.
"With over 650 communities, spanning every state in this country, rising up to say they are ready for bold solutions to the economic, energy and climate crises, it's time for our leaders to step up to the plate and tackle these challenges head on," said Gillian Caldwell campaign director of 1Sky.
"America is ready for the green jobs that a commitment to 100% clean electricity within 10 years will bring -- jobs that can't be outsourced, jobs that reassert America's commitment to opportunity, innovation, and environmental protection for all," said Alliance for Climate Protection CEO Cathy Zoi. "This is what it means to Repower America."
Rally participants from across the country were urged to sign the Green Jobs Now (www.greenjobsnow.org) petition to send the message to political leaders. The petition states:
I'm ready for green jobs now. I urge our elected officials to invest in creating millions of green jobs and a Clean Energy Corps. We can't drill and burn our way out of the current crisis. We can invest and invent our way out. We can create new pathways out of poverty and curb global warming at the same time. We will do this by retooling our factories, rebuilding our communities, and repowering America with 100% clean and renewable electricity. It's time to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty.
Source: PR Newswire

Who Really Won The Debate? Ralph Nader

The Not So Great Debate- Today I hope some of my friends here share their comments on last night’s debate in Oxford. Overall the entire event was a snorefest and Jim Lehrer, for whom I have enormous respect, was beyond annoying. Any one that reads this knows I am hardly a fan of John McCain, but it seems like he more than held his own and dare I say won this first debate. Mind you, I have not listened or read even one pundit or critic’s view of what occurred last night. Senator Obama just seemed so flat. Even a novice could see the many times he could have held John McCain accountable and let them slide by. McCain proved more passionate and even more specific. Believe me I am no fan of his energy thesis, “solar, wind, biofuels and other alternative energy sources, but what we really need is more offshore drilling and nuclear plants”. It feels, in contrast to Obama, that we are back in 1978 with the McCain energy plan, which is hardly alternative or clean. At least Obama last night made the strong point of what this new clean technology means to the economy. All McCain could say was that his new drilling and nuclear policy would add 700,000 new jobs. Doing precisely what-- mopping up oil spills and trying to figure out what to do with the barrels of nuclear waste? I read just yesterday that hospitals in the country cannot even figure how to dispose of their current small quantities of nuclear waste that are rapidly piling up. So, I say the spoils go to that great debate avoider McCain and Obama better draw some blood the next time the two meet. After eight years of this administration how hard can it be to tar and feather their candidate? Time to pin the tail on the donkey or as the case may be, the elephant.

Go Republicans!- Yes, again I commit treason as I applaud the House Republicans for actually finding a spine to oppose a blank check bailout to these Wall Street financial institutions. I admit they acted kind of in the 11th hour, which opened suspicions as to the timing and the introduction of John McCain as savior, but overall this group is right. Something of this size and scope cannot be slammed down our throats like many of Bush’s past crisis, without a thorough vetting and debate. John Boehner claiming he “wouldn’t be rolled” by the White House was classic. Once again, this proves that the checks and balances system still works on occasion. Call me the libertarian of the week!

Nader- I caught a brief glimpse of Ralph Nader last night on Bill Maher’s show and have to say other than his flailing delivery this guy makes excellent arguments. Including that capitalism has basically eaten itself much like Karl Marx had written. Nader made the point that “true capitalism” is only practiced by small businesses and entrepreneurs and not large corporations, which have become subsidized socialism for the rich. Additionally, he insisted both parties have become so beholden to these corporations that no one, not even Obamessiah, stand for peace and real homeland security. Additionally, he went after Obama for insisting he would go into Pakistan and accused Obama of being “insensitive” to Third World nations where he was raised. I am definitely paying closer attention to Nader’s speeches the rest of this election cycle.

RESPECT-Legendary Humanitarian Paul Newman(1925-2008)

Decline of Empire

“Well, it certainly does, because our, our next-door neighbors are foreign countries, there in the state that I am the executive of. We have trade missions back and forth. We — we do — it’s very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States of America,
where — where do they go? It’s Alaska. It’s just right over the border.”- Governor & Genius Sarah Palin on CBS News


The Real End of Empire?- Two wars draining the coffers and now this financial meltdown accompanied with the largest bank failure in history, Washington Mutual. The President cannot even direct & control his own party’s House Republicans. Despair is at the door as we witness the near end of Empire. The President just uttered a whole 6-7 sentences in an attempt to calm the markets, beyond surreal. Folks the time has come to roll up the carpets as we are through being the world’s dominant player. In a mere 8 years all has been squandered. The Republican mantra that government is “not the answer” has now been fully manifested. The only possible silver lining is now all attention needs to be paid on domestic policy and infrastructure; this will allow the US to suspend our dominance on sovereign nations throughout the world.

Less Baggage- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc today committed to reduce its global plastic shopping bag waste by an average of 33 percent per store by 2013. This is expected to eliminate more than 135 million pounds of plastic waste globally. To help reach this goal, Wal-Mart will reduce the number of bags given out by its stores, encourage the use of reusable bags and give customers the ability to continue recycling plastic shopping bags. The announcement was made at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting.
"By reducing the number of plastic bags our customers use, increasing the availability and affordability of reusable bags and providing recycling solutions, we think we can eliminate plastic waste equivalent to 9 billion plastic bags per year from our existing stores alone," said Matt Kistler, senior vice president for sustainability of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "If we can encourage consumers to change their behavior, just one bag at a time, we believe real progress can be made toward our goal of creating zero waste."
Wal-Mart's comprehensive bag reduction strategy is being developed in partnership with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). This goal could have far-reaching environmental and economic benefits. It is estimated that roughly 60-80 percent of all marine debris is plastic. Reducing plastic shopping bag waste could also help reduce government expenditures. For example, the state of California spends approximately $25 million per year to discard plastic bags into landfills. (PR Newswire)

Clean, Green Ink

Clarity- Nice story by Jad Mouawad exploring the future of hydrogen-powered vehicles in today’s NY Times. Looks as though big oil is once again hardly cooperating. The cluster concept for rolling out hydrogen fuel stations near high-density cities definitely has merit.

Green Business- The NY Times seems to have embraced clean energy technologies as it rolls out a Business of Green section and blog. There were as many as 10 stories alone today regarding the environment and new clean technologies. Included were stories on solar, electricity generated from cow manure, a possible wind farm proposal to be located 10 miles of the coast of Long Island. Reading all of these stories as a compiled work clearly makes the case for clean energy as leading our future economy.

Ebay Green- Auction giant Ebay has created a sister site, WorldofGood.com to sell goods produced with social and environmental goals in mind. Ebay is looking to create “ethical supply chains” and the prices on this site will be fixed as opposed to auction. Ebay knows good business when it sees it. The Natural Marketing Institute estimates that by 2010, the environmentally friendly goods market, will grow to $420 billion.

Palinocrity and Pdiddy Ignorance

McCain’s Palinocrity- I have to give to old McShame. Looks like he is taking his plays directly from the Bush-Cheney governance manual. Who would choose a VP based on one phone call? This choice fits into McShame’s destructive nature in choosing Palin, a governor who governs a state smaller than 16 American cities and 47 of US States. So when we are spoon fed this notion of her executive experience do not buy it. Alaska is the cesspool of pork barrel, graft Republican politics. It will yet be proven, if indeed Palinocrity is a real reformer. For many years I fantasized what would happen if a Presidential candidate chose a regular citizen as VP, well now I get to watch it play out for real.

Schweitzer Rules- Now to another small state governor, Brian Schweitzer of Montana. Schweitzer came out the clear up and comer from the Demo Convention. He fired up the crowd tying energy development to national security. Back home in Montana, his policies have drastically increased the health insurance coverage for kids. He is a leader on alternative clean energy and someone we should all keep an eye on.

Go, Utes- The state where I graduated high school, Utah (Uh no, I am not a Mormon) has developed the use of natural gas cars faster than any other state. At 87 cents a gallon who could resist? Add in the state tax exemption for alternative fuel vehicles and it’s a total win-win. I know from having lived in the Kingdom of God on Earth for 4 long years how the word of mouth works there. At least in this case it’s propelling along conservation and clean energy.

P Diddy Idiot, Flies Commerical- You have to view this video on YouTube of Sean Combs complaining because he can no longer afford to fly private coast to coast due to gas prices. It is beyond lame and he certainly makes an unintelligent and uninformed plea for lower prices. The irony for me is the one time I met Diddy was in first class on an American flight to LA. To someone that much is given apparently shameless ignorance is expected.

Facebook the Movie- Believe it or not, coming to a theater near you, Facebook The Movie. Columbia Pictures has optioned the story which has Aaron Sorkin attached to write the screenplay and is being produced by heavyweight producer Scott Rudin. What’s unusual is it will be a silent film with people just approving each other as friends and having no real interaction. This film should do wonders in sharing the inspiring story of isolation and continued false connectivity wrought on society by Facebook.