Ethanol Plants vs. Oil Refineries: Security in Numbers
NOTE: Article originally published October 2002.
The Federal Takeover of Electricity Authority: The War Heats Up
Article originally published in October 2002
In electricity, everything is connected to virtually everything else. That is why, when electricity began to flow across state lines in significant volumes in the 1920s, regional power pools began to form. By 1965, when a blackout affected 30 million people in northeastern United States, regional power pools blanketed the nation. A national coordination council was established.
Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism Encourages Farmer-Ownership
Article below originally posted in October 2002.
Wind energy is the fastest growing energy source in the world. Wind energy provides benefits to land owners and rural communities, but not as much as it could be. At least that’s what Dan Juhl, principal of Dan Mar Associates in Minnesota, believes and he has created an interesting solution.
Energy Self-Sufficient Homes in Northern California
Note: This article was originally published in the April 2002 issue of Democratic Energy
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD’s) Advantage Home program requires a home to consume 25-50 percent less energy for cooling than the existing state energy code allows. When coupled with rooftop solar cells, these Solar Advantage homes are nearly energy self-sufficient on an annual basis. A Solar Advantage Home can result in $450 in yearly energy cost savings for homeowners.
Chicago Plans for Energy Self-Reliance
Note: This article was originally published in the April 2002 issue of Democratic Energy
Spirit Lake School District – Wind Energy Economics 101
Note: This article was originally published in the April 2002 issue of Democratic Energy
Energy Efficient Neighborhoods
Note: This article was originally published in the April 2002 issue of Democratic Energy.
States Encourage Farmer-owned Biorefineries
Note: This article was originally published in the April 2002 issue of Democratic Energy.
Minnesota Mandates Biodiesel
Note: This article was originally published in the April 2002 issue of Democratic Energy.
In March 2002, Minnesota enacted the nation’s first biodiesel mandate. The new law requires nearly all diesel fuel sold in the state to contain at least 2 percent biodiesel by 2005. The mandate can go into effect earlier than 2005 if Congress enacts financial incentives for using vegetable oil in vehicles and if Minnesota has a sufficient in-state capacity to produce 8,000,000 gallons per year.