Traditional Barbeque Grilling Summer time is here and the fun has begun but it wouldn’t be complete without a barbeque, family and friends. Even though barbeques can be lots of fun, barbeques that uses traditional materials such a charcoal, lighter fluid, and plastics/paper cups and plates can have harmful effects on the environment. 1.Traditional Charcoal Briquettes –Traditional charcoals are mixed and pre-soaked with poisonous chemicals and additives such as coal dust, sodium nitrate, limestone, starch, and sawdust. When these charcoals are burned they produces hydrocarbons as well as soot particles that pollute the air and can irritate lung and heart problems. In addition, grilling meat from charcoal barbecue grills can potentially produce hazardous carcinogenic compounds, called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) which are created when fat dripped from meat comes into contact with burning charcoal, then they evaporate in form of smoke and get deposited back into charred parts of barbecue meat. The hotter the cooking temperature is and the longer the smoking session lasts, the higher the risk of food poisoning. This phenomenon can actually happen when you broil and pan-fry meat as well. 2.Traditional Charcoal Lighter fluid-Charcoal lighter fluid is made from toxic petroleum distillates, which produce volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) which are ingredients for creating ground-level ozone air pollution. In addition, when charcoal is soaked in lighter fluid and burned, the taste and smell of the lighter fluid can be cooked into the food leaving a horrible taste. 3.Traditional Grill/Oven Cleaners –Traditionally, some people have used oven cleaners to clean their grills. These oven cleaners can be full of dangerous ingredients such as ether, ethylene glycol lye (sodium and potassium hydroxide), methylene chloride, and pine oil. 4. Plastic/Paper Cups and Plates - Did you know that paper cups are laminated with a plastic resin called polyethylene? This helps keep beverages warm and prevents the paper from absorbing liquids and leaking. The plastic also prevents the cup from being recycled. Every paper cup that is manufactured and coated with plastic resin ends up in a landfill. Once in a landfill, the paper will begin to decompose. This process releases methane, a greenhouse gas with 23 times the heat-trapping power of carbon dioxide. Green Barbeque Grilling Alternatives/Recommendations The good news is that consumers can avoid these harmful health hazards by using the following “green” barbeque alternatives/recommendations: 1. Natural Charcoal – Noram de Mexico’s Sierra Madre 100% oak hardwood charcoal contains no coal, oil, limestone, starch, sawdust or petroleum products and is certified by the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood program as sustainably harvested. Cowboy Charcoals is another natural charcoal composed of untreated maple and oak scraps from furniture and flooring factories and is made without fillers or fossil fuels. These products are available at Lowe’s stores, and can even add a nice woody taste to your food. Whole Foods also has a similar product. Other manufacturers of all natural charcoal include Greenlink and Lazzari, both of which can be found at natural food outlets across the U.S. 2. Non-toxic lighter fluid – Instead of using a traditional lighter fluid use an electric charcoal starter or a charcoal chimney starter . One such product is the One Light Charcoal bag which can be found at Walmart and Whole Foods. This product comes in a single-use bag that has an internal chimney to get the all-natural charcoal red hot while the paper bag burns away. Another alternative is Ecoflame Lighting Gel which is non-explosive and made from natural sugar cane alcohol. It’s odor free, safe to use indoors on fireplaces, and retails for about $6. 3. Natural/Green Grill Cleaners- Non-toxic grill cleaners such as Simple Green Heavy Duty BBQ & Grill Cleaner, SoyClean BBQ Grill Cleaner, and Orange Plus are non-toxic biodegradable alternatives for traditional grill cleaners that are comprised of harmful chemicals. 4. Biodegradable Cups and Plates – Using biodegradable cups and plates such as Eco Productsor Green Party Supply can cut down on waste and help protect the environment. They are made from renewable plant starch materials as wells as sugarcane fibers. These great alternatives to plastic are strong, durable, liquid resistant, and compostable. Have a wonderful Summer and Enjoy your “GREEN” Barbeque! Instead of being part of the “Problems” that are harming the environment, be part of the “Solutions” that are preserving mother earth. Be part of the SOLUTION today by entering your zipcode here! Sobuka connects people to green minded contractors. To find a contractor in your area, please visit us at www.sobuka.com and enter your zip code. Tags: Cooking Green, Going Green with Food, Green Cooking, Green Grilling, Summer Grilling
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Summer Grilling Recommendations
Monday, June 20, 2011
How serious is china?
This article is a re-post from July of last year….reflecting China’s seriousness and commitment to the green industry. In the future, we will revisit where the issue currently stands. Stay posted. Recent reports from Pew Charitable Trusts show that China leads the G20 countries in energy-efficient investments. Clearly, China have been involved with much more industrial ventures such as the $292.9 billion electric rail investment compared to our stimulus infused $2 billion Orlando-route rail development. Despite United States leading in energy capacity, the report finds that we continue to lag in the “five-year clean energy investment growth rate” category. Some may read this and rebut that we don’t have the money nor time to engage in such exorbitant ventures. Although the consensus of the nation’s economy is in a fragile state, we have no better time to invest than now. The reason I say this is “we must spend money to make more money.” Reviving our manufacturing sector, develop more railroad constructions, bolstering transportation systems, and creating stable jobs, is the product of these investments. New York Times also attest to the notion that “spending on railroads is growing faster than any other area of investment…” So I guess we are either doing a little bit of a good thing or we don’t know how much more the country should do. This is not a tender towards any political affiliation; but a concern that we all should be aware and motivated by. Railroad construction is not the answer nor only grubstake for businesses to buy into; it is part of the alternative energy commitment the United States should continue to embark on. Renewable energy technology is the emerging enterprise that will continue to grow and forge more innovations. Solar installations, green remodeling, wind renewable energy credits(RECs) are domestic ventures that will yield a lot more than ever told. Let such things be your renewable energy investment; because our economy would no longer sustain this “plan A” type of economy and hold it over the lives of the middle-class and workforce of the country. Are we hanging on for a big jolt on the hopes of an energy and climate bill? Is this issue less critical or significant than financial or immigration reform? Sadly, we have dug so deep into generational debt, and our chances for economic revival and expansion in clean renewable energy investment has quickly fallen past the top 10 of clean energy investing categories at this point. So we must charge up in these opportunities. In addition the United States has no standard for renewable energy expansion nor lengthy incentives to cultivate business investments. Pew reports show that: These few statistics cannot emphasize any more about the very importance of clean energy investment; even if we are not the leading nation in this endeavor, the United States should look beyond fundamental differences within the government and exercise more expansion on clean energy investment to help our economy, debts, younger generation and long-term jobs. Need more green info? Enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out what you may qualify in your area. Tags: Alternative energy resources, Clean Energy Investments, Improving economy, Renewable energy, United States businesses
Is Your City Clean?…Program
When you hear of the Clean Cities Program, what comes to your mind? How about seeing trash in-the-trash-can, less smog, or politicians behaving? The last idea is a work in progress but we are not too far away from recycling and air quality. Let’s start with what the Clean Cities Program is really about. It is a national program sponsored by the U.S Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Program (VTP). Furthermore, it is a government-industry partnership of about 90 entities (public, private, and non-profit) designed to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. Clean Cities Program Clean Cities purpose is to contribute to the energy, environmental, and economic security of the United States by focusing on the local level policies. You may find a program at your state level or by geographic region. Established in 1993 under the Clinton Administration as a response to the Energy Policy Act (EPAct), the purpose was to provide resources for voluntary, community-centered programs to reduce consumption of petroleum-based fuels. Let’s now look at what Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland are doing or have done with respect to the program. In addition we will discuss how their program can assist you. If you are located outside there territories, visit the US Department of Energy Clean Cities Program to locate your Clean Cities chapter. Washington DC: The District of Columbia’s Clean Cities office is called the Office of the Clean City. It serves as one of the mayor’s (as of 2011, Vincent C. Gray) initiative focused on the following: a. assesses and evaluates the cleanliness of the entire city, using citizen-volunteer rating teams. b. implements process improvement methodologies in the form of laws and policies to protect public places. c. advocates for the full implementation of laws passed by the DC Council that have a positive impact aligned with national environmental initiatives. d. partners and work with local organizations and individuals to help clean the city. These organizations include working with Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), civic associations, concerned citizens, and private sector entities. e. A clean city coordinator is assigned the task of attending a variety of ANCs, community, and civic association meetings, and schedules speaking engagements with residents about the Clean City initiatives. These meetings may include encouraging and supporting the development of programs to educate children on safety, sanitation “Do’s and Don’ts,” and litter prevention. The coordinator also works closely with the new “Keep Washington DC Beautiful” affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, (KAB) Inc. One of the projects sponsored by the Keep Washington DC Beautiful affiliate chapter of KAB was a Clean City Summit. For more information on the District of Columbia’s Clean Cities Program please contact: Mail: Maryland: The Maryland Energy Administration coordinates the Maryland Clean Cities Coalition (MCCC) program. The MCCC aligns themselves with the US Department of Energy. Their program work to increase the use of fuel blends, accelerate sales of hybrid vehicles, promote informed consumer choice on fuel economy, and encourage the use of reduction technologies for heavy duty trucks, vehicles, and equipment. For more information on Maryland’s Clean Cities Program please contact: Contact Name: Chris Rice Virginia: The Clean Cities program of Virginia has a branch in Hampton, VA. Hampton Roads was recognized as a Clean Cities Coalition by the U.S. Department of Energy in 1996. In 2001, the non-profit Virginia Clean Cities, Inc. was created to manage the Coalition. In 2009, Virginia Clean Cities formed a partnership with James Madison University enabling both organizations to leverage resources, current initiatives, and future opportunities. Virginia Clean Cities has an office at James Madison University, and serves as a cornerstone program in the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER). Virginia Clean Cities work with local communities to provide resources and information on cleaner transportation alternatives. They encourage residents to get involved and participate in their events such as the ‘Virginia Get Ready – Electric Vehicle,’ a presentation style event geared with the Rocky Mountain Institute and several other vehicle manufacturers. For more information on Maryland’s Clean Cities Program please contact: Mail: Sobuka connects green-minded people to green contractors for solar, wind, energy efficiency audits, and green remodeling. To find a contractor in your area, go to our homepage and perform a zip code search. Be part of the solution. Tags: Vincent Gray, Clean Cities Program, District of Columbia, Hampton, US Department of Energy, Virginia, Washington DC
Office of the Clean City Coordinator
Government of the District of Columbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 221
Washington, DC 20004
Email:CleanCity@dc.gov
Website: http://www.cleancity.dc.gov
Email: crice@energy.state.md.us
Website: http://www.energy.state.md.us/incentives/transportation/cleancities/index.asp
701 Carrier Drive MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
(504) 568-8896
E-mail: info@hrccc.org
Website: http://www.hrccc.org/
Friday, June 17, 2011
Car Rebate Programs in our Area
We bring this article back as a refresher from last year. Please enjoy and feel free to comment on any ideas. There are several perks available for people looking to buy an electric/hybrid vehicle. Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland offer several great incentives. For example in the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) electric car buyers would be exempt from vehicle excise taxes. In addition, vehicle registration receives a $36 discount. For those unfamiliar with an excise tax, you are basically taxed for driving on local roads as a resident from the state or county. Excise taxes can be very expensive. For more information about these incentives for Washington DC, please contact: District of Columbia, Department of Motor Vehicles Now let’s go to Maryland. In Maryland there is a $2,000 tax credit for electric car buyers. In addition electric cars are exempt from annual vehicle inspection testing for the first 3 years after purchase. For more information about these incentives for the state of MD, please contact: Maryland, Department of Motor Vehicles Finally Virginia. Virginia electric car owners may access HOV lanes without meeting occupancy requirements. When you talk about saving time while in traffic this idea is a great bonus. For more information about these incentives for the state of Virginia, please contact: Virginia, Department of Motor Vehicles For a complete listing of incentives outside the DMV area, you can visit thecarelectric.com. You may also find dsireusa.org useful for any green related incentives. If you would like to learn more about what you can do to go green, a nice energy audit will send you in the right direction. The insight you gain from it will give you plenty of ideas for a little green remodeling, so you can become part of the solution. Sign up for an energy audit through Sobuka by typing in your zipcode and selecting contractors in your area.
Email: dcdmvdealerinfo@dc.gov
Tel: 202-729-7043
Email: MVACS@mdot.state.md.us
Tel: 1-800-950-1MVA (1-800-950-1682)
Tel: (804) 497-7100
Recycling Can Save Money
We bring this article back as a reminder on the importantance and impact of recycling:
You may often stare at it or walk pass them as they’ve piled on occupying space; and some thoughts could be “Maybe I could use them later…” Well, it could be, now for a good cause as you may possibly be rewarded. A contribution on save the environment or joining the green movement is the little seed of consciousness to other behaviors and activities anyone would enjoy. Trade in your old electronics for either cash or for free recycling, is that plan. There are a number of avenues to engage in such recycle exchange activities. We already do that with cars and should continue with our “stored” electronics. These sitesyourenew.com, earth911.com or greenearthexchange.com are very good places to schedule electronic drop-offs or trade-ins.
The incentives to participate should be exciting enough to get people to assess their storage and weigh the value of unwanted electronics. Cash strapped individuals could raise an eyebrow on this thought – maybe even extend a “voluntary service” towards close family and friends’ junk collections. But wait, this is not limited to other plastic and metal items that can be disposed; any of them counts, which certainly adds to your value. There are quite a number of inspiring stories such as this and much more that make this plan worthwhile. Believe me when I say dealing for green is a thrill, so here’s to every trade-in and noble green act to be done towards this cause. Look out for more interesting pieces and videos we will feature on living green and helping our environment.
Sobuka connects people to green minded contractors. To find a contractor in your area, please visit us at www.sobuka.com and enter your zip code.
Tags: Environment, green exchange, recycle, Trade-in Electronic
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY COALITION (06/16/2011)
« Back to Events SUSTAINABLE ENERGY COALITION MARK YOUR CALENDAR 14th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy Efficiency + Renewables = Economic & National Security! The EXPO is free, open to the public, and no RSVPs are required. Even if you will not be in Washington DC on June 16, please consider: WHEN Thursday, June 16, 2011 WHERE Cannon House Office Building WHAT Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the 14th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Forum being hosted by the House and Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucuses, in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Coalition, the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, the House Algae Energy Caucus, the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, the House High Performance Building Caucus, the Green Jobs Caucus and the Congressional Peak Oil Caucus. This year’s EXPO will bring together nearly sixty businesses, sustainable energy industry trade associations, government agencies, and energy policy research organizations (see list to-date below) to showcase the status and near-term potential of the cross-section of renewable energy (biofuels/biomass, geothermal, solar, water, wind) and energy efficiency technologies. The late morning program will feature Members of the U.S. Congress while speakers throughout the day will discuss the role sustainable energy technologies can play in meeting America’s energy needs. As Congress, the Administration, the business community, environmental advocates, and American voters search for options to stimulate the economy and “green jobs,” as well as address issues of national security, higher energy costs, increased reliance on energy imports, and the environmental threats associated with energy consumption, the EXPO will help address the role that sustainable energy technologies might play. This will include not only the technical aspects of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies but also related issues such as economics, jobs potential, environmental benefits, current and near-term market potential, model programs in the public and private sectors, and institutional, financial and legal barriers. Did You Know? America’s economy has tripled in size since 1970 and three-quarters of the energy needed to fuel that growth came from energy efficiency advances – yet, much more can still be done. The economies of Japan and several European countries are about 50% more energy-efficient than the U.S. Did You Know? By applying “best practice” efficiency changes to buildings, vehicles, and industry, 75% of global energy use could be saved. In the United States, a $476 billion investment in just smart grid technologies could yield up to $2 trillion in benefits. Did You Know? For every $1 million spent on energy efficiency, 2.5 – 8.9 person-years of employment are generated. In fact, in 2010, appliance, equipment, and lighting efficiency standards generated 340,000 jobs. Did You Know? The U.S. energy efficient residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning market is projected to grow from $5.38 billion in 2010 to $8.15 billion in 2015 – a compound annual growth rate of 8.6%. Moreover, fluorescent and LED lights will account for over three quarters of the U.S. lighting market by 2020. Did You Know? Combined heat and power systems produce almost 8% of U.S. electric power; save building and industry owners over $5 billion/year in energy costs; and decrease energy use by almost 1.3 trillion BTUs/year. Did You Know? According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2011 renewable energy sources are now providing nearly 12% of domestic U.S. energy production and 13% of net U.S. electrical generation. Did You Know? Renewable energy industries employ 850,000 – 950,000 Americans through a combination of direct, indirect, and induced jobs. Did You Know? The U.S. solar energy industry’s total market value grew 67% from $3.6 billion in 2009 to $6.0 billion in 2010. In total, 878 MW of photovoltaic capacity and 78 MW of concentrating solar power were in installed in the U.S. in 2010. In parts of the United States, solar has already reached parity with grid rates. Did You Know? America’s wind power industry grew by 15% in 2010 to over 40,000 MW and provided 26% of all new electric generating capacity in the country – second in new generation capacity only to natural gas. Costs for wind-generated electricity are now on par with coal-generated power with some wind farms cost-competitive with natural gas. Did You Know? The geothermal industry is developing 146 projects across 15 states. The total installed geothermal capacity of the U.S. is 3,102 MW, enough to power over 2 million American homes. Global geothermal power capacity could increase 134% by 2020. Did You Know? The ethanol industry’s 211 biorefineries across 29 states increased annual production by 23% in 2010 to 14.31 billion gallons. Advanced biofuels capacity could hit 718 million gallons this year. Ethanol production contributed $53.6 billion to the gross domestic product in 2010 and employed more than 70,000 Americans. Did You Know? Hydropower now provides 7% of the nation’s net electrical generating capacity. The country has tremendous potential to add capacity to existing non-powered dams as 97% of about 79,000 dams in the United States are not generating any power. Did You Know? The fuel cell market is growing rapidly and is projected to reach the market size of $4.2 billion by the end of 2012. Moreover, cumulative sales of fuel cell vehicles could surpass the million-unit milestone by 2020. Did You Know? Hydrogen is the lightest element yet it has the highest energy content per unit weight of all the fuels – three times the energy of a pound of gasoline. Hydrogen generated from diverse domestic resources can reduce demand for oil by more than 11 million barrels per day by the year 2040. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS EXECUTIVE BRANCH SPEAKERS 12:50 – Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change EXHIBITOR SPEAKERS MORNING SCHEDULE (9:30am – 11:20am): POLICY ISSUES – PART I (9:30am – 9:48am): Scott Sklar, President – The Stella Group, Ltd. Karl Gawell, Executive Director – Geothermal Energy Association Susan Wickwire, Acting Director, Climate Protection Partnerships Division, US EPA SMART GRID (9:51am – 10:03am): Dan Delurey, President – Demand Response & Smart Grid Coalition Laurie Actman, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Public – Viridity Energy BIOFUELS (10:06am – 10:36am) : Michael J. McAdams, President – Advanced Biofuels Association Tom Buis, CEO – Growth Energy Joanne Ivancic, Executive Director – Advanced Biofuels USA Greg Dolan, Executive Director – Methanol Institute Dawn Fenton, Directory-Policy – Diesel Technology Forum ENERGY EFFICIENCY (10:39am – 11:03am): Eric G. Huffman, Daylighting Sales Manager – SUNOPTICS Bruce Salkin, Owner – Enervation, Inc. Don Moore, CEO – Harmonics Limited, Inc. Thomas Horner, VP Engineering – Water Management, Inc. COMMUNITY STRATEGIES (11:06am – 11:18am): Mike Kennedy, President – Maryland Energy & Sustainability Co-op David Sklar, CEO/Founder – STAR Island Bahamas AFTERNOON SCHEDULE (2:20pm – 4:20 pm): POLICY ISSUES – PART II (2:20pm – 2:32pm): Ruth McCormick, Senior Policy Associate – Business Council for Sustainable Energy Manning Feraci, Vice-President of Legislative Affairs – Solar Energy Industries Association SOLAR (2:35pm – 2:47pm): Christopher O’Brien, Head of Market Development – Oerlikon Solar Brent Cotton, Solar Analyst – Solar Energy World CHP/DISTRICT ENERGY (2:50pm – 3:08pm): Jessica Bridges, Executive Director – U.S. Clean Heat & Power Association Rob Thornton, President – International District Energy Association Ken Smith, President/CEO – District Energy St. Paul HYDROPOWER/OCEAN POWER (3:11pm – 3:35pm): Linda Church Ciocci, Executive Director – National Hydropower Association Gia Schneider, CEO – Natel Energy, Inc. Sean O’Neill, President – Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition Bill Staby, Chief Executive Officer – Resolute Marine Energy, Inc. FUEL CELLS (3:38pm – 3:50pm): Ruth Cox, Executive Director – Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association Robert Rose, Executive Director – Breakthrough Technologies Institute PASSIVE SOLAR/INTELLIGENT DESIGN (3:53pm – 4:05pm): Michael Hindle, Chair – Mid-Atlantic Passive House Alliance Asit Parikh, Partner – Zenesis Design/Build BIOGAS/BIOMASS (4:08pm – 4:20pm): Daniel S. Henry, VP Chief Technical Officer – Hearth & Home Technologies Melissa VanOrnum, Marketing Manager – GHD, Inc. Nora Goldstein, Board Member – American Biogas Council EXHIBITORS CONFIRMED TO DATE Abengoa Solar (more exhibitors to be announced) FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Ken Bossong, Sustainable Energy Coalition* # # # # # *Founded in 1992, the Sustainable Energy Coalition is a coalition of 23 national business, environmental, and energy policy organizations supporting aggressive development of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.SUSTAINABLE ENERGY COALITION
iCal Import
6930 Carroll Avenue, #340; Takoma Park, MD 20912
301-270-6477 x.11; fax: 301-270-4291; kbossong614@yahoo.com
AND PLAN TO ATTEND!
& Energy Efficiency EXPO + Forum
** sharing this information via e-mail and social networks with friends and colleagues who may be in the nation’s Capitol at that time;
** contacting the Members of your Congressional delegation and encouraging them to visit the EXPO + Forum;
** viewing the videotape of the Forum — a week or ten days after June 16 it will be posted on-line on the web page of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (www.eesi.org).
9:30 am – 4:30 pm: Exhibits Open for Viewing
11:30 am – 12:30: Presentations by Members of Congress (see list to-date below)
12:45 – 2:15 pm: Presentations by Executive Branch officials (see list below)
9:30 am – 11:20 am; 2:20 pm – 4:20 pm: Exhibitor Speakers (see list below)
Caucus Room and Veterans Affairs Committee Room (3rd floor)
U.S. House of Representatives
Independence Avenue and New Jersey Avenue SE; Washington, DC 20515
HOUSE CANNON CAUCUS ROOM (Room 345)
(11:30am – 12:30pm)
Sen. Mark Udall, D-CO (invited)
Rep. ChrisVan Hollen, D-MD (invited)
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-MD (invited)
Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, R-WA (invited)
Rep. Jay Inslee, D-WA (invited)
(additional names to be announced)
HOUSE CANNON CAUCUS ROOM (Room 345)
12:45pm – 2:15pm
Moderator: Scott Sklar, President – The Stella Group, Ltd.
1:03 – Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations and Environment, U.S. Navy
1:16 – Philip D. Moeller, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
1:29 – John R. Norris, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
1:42 – Henry Kelly, Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
1:55 – Sharon E. Burke, Assistant Secretary for Operational Energy Plans and Programs, U.S. Department of Defense
2:05 – Marc Spitzer, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
HOUSE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ROOM
Moderator: Carol Werner, Executive Director – Environmental and Energy Study Institute
Topic: 25 studies over the last three years that conclude that the world and the U.S. could meet all its energy needs from high-value energy efficiency & renewable energy w/o fossil fuels or nuclear energy.
Topic: Update on geothermal markets in the U.S. and the world.
Topic: Updates on EPA’s partnership programs.
Topic: Convergence of smart grid and energy efficiency.
Topic: The benefits of building to grid technology for the environment and the economy.
Topic: Advanced biofuels industry and policy outlook and overview.
Topic: Ethanol policy reform in order to reduce our nation’s dependency on foreign oil.
Topic: Answers to the question – Why can’t we put advanced biofuels in our fuel tanks now?
Topic: Renewable methanol production and the role of methanol in transportation.
Topic: Enabling clean, energy-efficient transportation with clean diesel technology.
Topic: Energy savings through high performance daylighting; how to save energy, increase productivity, and create job growth with proper daylighting design.
Topic: LED lighting as a key component to agencies achieving energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability.
Topic: Harmonics Limited patented Harmonic Suppress System Energy Savings Technology
Topic: The amount of energy saved with water efficiency programs.
Topic: Creation of local cooperative that use collective purchasing power to provide affordable access to “green” products and services.
Topic: The STAR Island project located in the Bahamas – a carbon neutral, “green” island resort community.
Topic: The roles and partnership between energy efficiency, renewable energy, and natural gas in spurring economic growth & improving energy security, with case studies from “Clean Energy Partners.”
Topic: The importance of the 1603 Treasury Program and the crucial need for an extension of this program.
Topic: Importance of solar manufacturing in U.S. and role of advanced technologies in helping U.S. manufacturing to be competitive.
Topic: Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal implementation, understanding, design & design for commercial & residential use.
Topic: The impact of combined heat and power on energy generation I the U.S. and its potential for contributing to grid stability and producing domestic jobs.
Topic: Combined heat & power are proven, effective near-term clean energy solutions to cut emissions, increase energy efficiency and strengthen the electricity grid in cities, campuses, and communities.
Topic: Proven solutions to advance energy through integration.
Topic: Hydropower’s role in securing America’s energy future.
Topic: Opportunities for new, renewable hydropower utilizing existing, low dams and other water infrastructure such as irrigation canals.
Topic: Recent advances in marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy.
Topic: Wave power and the energy/water nexus.
Topic: Fuel cells are delivering clean, reliable, and affordable power to major corporations across the U.S. and offering these companies a competitive advantage in warehouse, retail, and data center operations.
Topic: The business case for fuel cells-growing number of deployments, how investment in fuel cells is benefitting the states.
Topic: Design principles and cost-benefit of passive house design plus the argument for efficient building envelope design as an approach to mitigating climate change and providing a secure energy future.
Topic: A look at practical methods and technologies for new building design and retrofit that are able to achieve critical performance targets – without breaking the bank.
Topic: The benefits of dry heat from densified biomass for confined animal feeding operation.
Topic: The benefits of anaerobic digestion.
Topic: The American Biogas Council’s efforts to promote renewable energy generated by anaerobic digestion.
Advanced Biofuels Association
Advanced Biofuels USA
AFC First Financial Corporation
American Biogas Council
American Council On Renewable Energy
American Wind Energy Association
Beacon Power
Biomass Coordinating Council /LACORE Bob Lawrence & Associates
Business Council for Sustainable Energy
Continuum Energy Solutions
Demand Response & Smart Grid Coalition
Dialight Corporation
Diesel Technology Forum
District Energy St. Paul
Enervation Lighting
Environmental and Energy Study Institute
EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program
Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association
Fuel Cells 2000
Geostellar
Geothermal Energy Association
Geothermal Exchange Organization
GHD Inc.
Growth Energy
Harmonics Limited, Inc.
Hearth & Home Technologies
International District Energy Association
Institute for Electric Efficiency
Maryland Energy & Sustainability Coop.
Methanol Institute
Mid-Atlantic Passive House Alliance
Natel Energy, Inc.
National Biodiesel Board
National Hydropower Association
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.
Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition
Oerlikon Solar
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force-Energy
Prodex
Resolute Marine Energy, Inc.
Solar Energy Industries Association
Solar Energy World
Solar Solution LLC
Solar Tech Inc.
Standard Solar
Star Island Bahamas
Sunoptics High Performance Prismatic
Skylights
The Stella Group Ltd.
U.S. Clean Heat & Power Association
U.S. Department of Energy – Clean Cities
Viridity Energy, Inc.
Water Management
Zenesis Design/Build
301-270-6477 x.11; kbossong614@yahoo.com
Several Ideas for Father’s Day
At this time, we came up with several green gift ideas for Father’s Day.
1. Watches have been a popular item for most people. Why get your dad a watch with that needs batteries when you can go solar? One idea is theCasio G-shock Solar Watch from Amazon.com. Too sporty looking? Ok, how about this stylishSeiko Men’s SNP007 Coutura Kinetic Perpetual Watch, also from Amazon.com? No batteries to throw away, so good for the environment.
2. You may not have to buy any products for your father. There may be furniture around the home that can be recycled or beefed up. If you have an old wooden chair that your father may like or anything antique, think about refurbishing them with replacement parts and/or gloss material to make them look like new.
3. Another great gift idea a book. Check out these green books ranging from topics such as green design, green living, and sustainable practices to help improve a home. There are also books available on green facts such as climate change and topics relating to the physical science of our planet. If you want to go super green, Amazon also has the Kindle, an electronic tablet, where you can download from a list of hundreds of books all on-line while saving trees.
4. Save energy for your father by purchasing energy star rated products ranging anywhere from fluorescent/LEDs light bulbs to a new washer/dryer.
5. For handymen out there, tools can be a great gift. For example the Black and Decker Thermal Leak can help weatherize the home. The thermal detector has a color (green, blue, red) module to check for energy leaks. We created an article sometime ago to help people weatherize their homes by sealing their windows by themselves. Check out our previous blog post onweatherization.
If you are looking or shopping the web for appliances or home related goods, you can stop by our on-line store here: Shop Sobuka.
Tell us what gifts you are giving your dad by leaving a comment to share with our green world. You can also check out ZapRoot for some great ideas on media based technology:
If you would like to learn more about what you can do to go green, a nice energy audit will send you in the right direction. The insight you gain from it will give you plenty of ideas for a little green remodeling, so you can become part of the solution. Sign up for an energy audit through Sobuka by typing in your zipcode and selecting contractors in your area.