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.
Nevada to the Union, “Why Should We Take Your Nuclear Waste?”
Note: This article was originally published in the April 2002 issue of Democratic Energy.
In a classic battle of state vs. Federal authority, Nevada faces country-wide opposition in its fight to prevent the nation’s nuclear waste from being shipped to a mountain 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Nevada has no nuclear reactors but will be home to radioactive wastes from the 31 states that do. Thirty-one states translates into 62 votes in the Senate, so Nevada faces an uphill struggle even if some of those Senators support its position.
Update: Seattle Tackles Greenhouse Gases
Note: This article was originally published in the April 2002 issue of Democratic Energy.
Minnesota Says Size Matters When It Comes to Wind Energy Taxation
Note: The article below was first published in Democratic Energy in October 2002.
Report: A Better Way to Get From Here to There – A Commentary on the Hydrogen Economy
In January 2004, we published this report by David Morris describing a promising domestic energy strategy that relies on biofuels and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) as a solution moving the U.S. towards energy independence.The idea of a hydrogen economy has burst like a supernova over the energy policy landscape, mesmerizing us with its possibilities while blinding us to its weaknesses. Such a fierce spotlight on hydrogen is pushing more promising strategies into the shadows.
It Won’t Cost Much to Reduce a Major Source of Nuclear Waste
It Won’t Cost Much to Reduce a Major Source of Nuclear Waste By John Bailey Originally Published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, February 12, 2003 For less than $6 a year per household, Xcel Energy can shut down the twin nuclear reactors at Prairie Island and eliminate two-thirds of the state’s nuclear waste production. That is … Read More
Report: Biomass – Which Road to Take?
This October 2001 paper by David Morris looks at how plant matter must be an important element in a sustainable economy because it is the only renewable resource from which we can fashion physical products. In the next few months and years we will be making decisions at the local, state, national and international level that will channel tens, perhaps hundreds of billions of dollars of money into certain areas and markets. We are changing the rules.