America's long leadership in scientific innovation is at risk

Energy czar sees China surpassing U.S., urges investment
	Dec 1, 2010	McClatchy Washington Bureau
	Renee Schoof Dec. 1, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- WASHINGTON -- The U.S. is losing its edge in energy innovation to China, and it's time to reclaim it for the sake of future economic prosperity, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a speech on Monday. Chu, a physicist and Nobel laureate, argued that the U.S. government should increase funding for energy research and development. A presidential science commission made the same recommendation Monday in a new report. "China is doing this," Chu said. "It seems to be working. We should be doing this." America's long leadership in scientific innovation is at risk, and China is pulling ahead in many ways, Chu said. He compared the competition to the space race that started in 1957 when the Soviet Union launched a basketball-sized satellite called Sputnik. President Dwight Eisenhower said the Soviet Union had more scientists and engineers and was producing new science graduates at a faster rate. America stepped up space exploration and landed the first man on the moon. Chu said that losing science and technological leadership to China is a high stakes challenge because "innovation adds to the wealth of society." Today China manufactures about 20 percent of global high-tech exports, while the U.S. share has fallen to under 15 percent. China has broken ground on 30 nuclear reactors out of about 50 being built worldwide _ two in the U.S. China has the world record in high-speed rail with 5,612 miles under construction. The U.S. has zero. Other measures on Chu's list include: -- In 2009, 51 percent of U.S. patents were awarded to non-U.S. companies. In the past, most originated in the United States. China ranks fifth in international patents. -- China's most prestigious universities, Peking and Tsinghua, are the two largest suppliers of students who receive PhDs in the United States. -- Applied Materials, an American company, recently opened the world's largest private solar research and development facility _ in China. Chu said he's optimistic that the United States will "wake up and seize the opportunity." Innovation, he said, could "give us the energy we want inexpensively and carbon-free." "It's a bipartisan/nonpartisan issue," he said. "It's all about economic prosperity." And unlike the Sputnik days, the U.S. stands to gain from collaborating with its competitors and selling to their markets, he said. As he often does in speeches, the energy secretary said he has reasons for optimism. Some of those he cited this time: -- Arizona State University is working on electric vehicles with a 500-mile range on a battery that would cost a third as much as today's batteries. "There's a really good shot at it," Chu said. -- Other energy projects under way include research on solar energy that would cost one-fourth the installed price today, meaning it would be cheap enough that it wouldn't need subsidies. _ College students across the country who have concerns about energy and climate change are being drawn to science and technology careers. "This is a good sign," the energy secretary said. He argued that the U.S. should come up with a long-range energy plan that gets bipartisan support and increase government spending on research and development, because business won't be able to put up all the money needed. Chu asked the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, a group of leading scientists and engineers, to study how the United States could transform its energy system in 10 to 20 years. In a report on Monday, one of its recommendations was an increase in investment in energy research and development from $5 billion to about $16 billion per year. In a press release, it said the money in the short term could come from "small charges on energy production, delivery and/or use." Chu's comments come as the federal government is wrestling with a soaring budget deficit and billions being spent to revive the sagging economy. The debate over spending has generated considerable partisanship, making consensus-building over energy investments difficult at best. Newstex ID: KRTB-0214-51293307

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Scott's Contracting
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House climate panel to be axed

	Dec 1, 2010	Politico
	Robin Bravender House Republicans will scrap the committee set up by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to investigate global warming, the panel's top Republican announced Wednesday. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) made official what many had already expected — the GOP majority will axe the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, which Pelosi created in 2007. "This hearing will be the last of the select committee," Sensenbrenner announced. Committee Chairman Ed Markey (D-Mass.) called Wednesday's hearing to give witnesses a chance to warn of the perils of climate change before the GOP launches efforts next year to roll back the Obama administration's climate policies. Sensenbrenner, a vocal climate change skeptic, had pushed to keep the panel alive to probe the White House's energy policies. But it was seen as unlikely that GOP leadership would devote resources to the panel created by Democrats at the same time that they called for scaling back government spending. The Wisconsin Republican may still play a key role in leading investigations into climate science next year. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), who is vying for the chairmanship of the Committee on Science and Technology, told POLITICO Tuesday he'd like to see Sensenbrenner lead the panel's climate science probes. Markey, meanwhile, assured Republicans that he and others will battle from the minority to slash global warming emissions. "We are not going away because the problems that climate change presents are too dangerous too urgent for us to disappear into the abyss of cynicism and loss," Markey said. "We are not going away because China, India, and Germany are not going away as competitors for global energy dominance. We are not going away because the national security threats from our continued dependence on foreign oil are not going away."

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Scott's Contracting
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climate change worsens future human well-being

Global experts: Warming could double food prices
	Dec 1, 2010	Associated Press Online
	By CHARLES J. HANLEY CANCUN, Mexico, Dec. 1, 2010 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- Even if we stopped spewing global warming gases today, the world would face a steady rise in food prices this century. But on our current emissions path, climate change becomes the "threat multiplier" that could double grain prices by 2050 and leave millions more children malnourished, global food experts reported Wednesday. Beyond 2050, when climate scientists project temperatures might rise to as much as 6.4 degrees C (11.5 degrees F) over 20th century levels, the planet grows "gloomy" for agriculture, said senior research fellow Gerald Nelson of the International Food Policy Research Institute. The specialists of the authoritative, Washington-based IFPRI said they fed 15 scenarios of population and income growth into supercomputer models of climate and found that "climate change worsens future human well-being, especially among the world's poorest people." The study, issued here at the annual U.N. climate conference, said prices will be driven up by a combination of factors: a slowdown in productivity in some places caused by warming and shifting rain patterns, and an increase in demand because of population and income growth. Change apparently already is under way. Returning from northern India, agricultural scientist Andrew Jarvis said wheat farmers there were finding warming was maturing their crops too quickly. "The temperatures are high and they're getting reduced yields," Jarvis, of the Colombia-based International Center for Tropical Agriculture, told reporters last month. For most farmers around the world, trying to adapt to these changes "will pose major challenges," Wednesday's IFPRI report said. Research points to future climate disruption for agricultural zones in much of sub-Saharan Africa, south Asia and parts of Latin America, including Mexico. In one combination of climate models and scenarios, "the corn belt in the United States could actually see a significant reduction in productivity potential," Nelson told reporters here. "Unlike the 20th century, when real agricultural prices declined, the first half of the 21st century is likely to see increases in real agricultural prices," the IFPRI report said. Even with "perfect mitigation," the implausible complete elimination immediately of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, it said real prices for grain would rise because of growing demand and other factors -- by 18 percent for rice by 2050 under the most optimistic scenario, to up to 34 percent for corn in the most pessimistic, a scenario envisioning high population growth. But climate change "acts as a threat multiplier," making feeding billions more mouths even more challenging, IFPRI said. With climate change factored in, the increases in real prices by 2050 could range from 31 percent for rice in the most optimistic scenario, to 100 percent for corn in the most pessimistic. And IFPRI has estimated that such skyrocketing prices could boost the global population of undernourished children by 20 percent, by an additional 25 million children. Up until 2050, endpoint of the experts' projections, some of the impact could be offset by research development of higher-yielding varieties of corn, wheat and other crops, and by freer, more flexible global trade in food commodities, IFPRI said. But beyond 2050, if temperatures rise sharply, "the world is a much more gloomy place for agriculture," Nelson said. Only deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and billions spent to help farmers adapt to a changing climate can head off serious food shortages, Nelson said. IFPRI, which is supported by world governments, estimates that at least $7 billion additional spending a year is needed for crop research and improved irrigation, roads and other upgrades of agricultural infrastructure. Needed just as much, it said, are better satellite data on how the world's farming zones are changing crops, land use and practices, and on-the-ground information from "citizen data-gatherers equipped with GPS-enabled camera phones and other measuring devices. "Such data would yield huge payoffs in illuminating the state of the world as it unfolds," it said. Newstex ID: AP-0001-51289233

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Scott's Contracting
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US, China close in on accord on key climate issue

	Dec 2, 2010	Associated Press Online
	By ARTHUR MAX CANCUN, Mexico, Dec. 2, 2010 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- The United States and China appeared close to agreement Wednesday on a key issue that has troubled climate change negotiations, boosting prospects that talks on global warming will score their first success in years. Analysts said the tone over measuring emissions had softened between the two major protagonists in the 193-nation talks. Over the past year they repeatedly exchanged accusations of reneging on commitments and undermining the talks. The much disputed issue involves how countries account for their actions to limit emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases and to what extent they will allow other countries to review their books. The process is known as measuring, reporting and verifying, or MRV in negotiating parlance. Details remain to be worked out and MRV is only one of several elements that negotiators want to adopt as a package in Cancun. "Maybe the differences are not that huge," said Su Wei, China's chief negotiator. "In general, both countries would like to promote the process" and emerge from Cancun with a deal. The veteran diplomat said China had put in place a rigorous system for measuring and assessing its carbon emissions, and had no objection if other countries examined its reports. "We have no problem with MRV," he said. Previously, China had said only some of its actions would be open to international scrutiny. Earlier this week, U.S. negotiator Jonathan Pershing said the U.S. and China had "spent a lot of energy in the past month working on those issues where we disagree and trying to resolve them. My sense is we have made progress." He did not specify those issues. The annual climate conference is the first since the Copenhagen summit last December, which broke up in acrimony after failing to reach a broad agreement binding industrial nations to deep emissions cuts and committing developing countries to move toward low-carbon growth. Instead, the summit, which drew President Barack Obama, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and nearly 120 other world leaders, ended with a three-page statement of principles that fell short of the unanimous approval required by all parties. This year, negotiators lowered their sights and were seeking to adopt a package of secondary issues that will keep the negotiations alive. Kathrin Gutman, who follows the talks for the World Wildlife Fund, said an agreement on verification would be an important piece of a deal that could "unlock the larger discussion" on emissions reductions. She said the two sides had refused to formally discuss the subject as recently as the last preparatory meeting a month ago, which was held in the Chinese city of Tianjin. The shift apparently derived from compromise proposals by India and Singapore. Barbara Finamore, the China expert for Natural Resources Defense Council, said the Chinese attitude at Cancun reflected "a sea change" in approach. "China made a strategic decision to be as positive, open and forthcoming as they can," she said in an interview. Newstex ID: AP-0001-51296720

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Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com
scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Guest Post: From an Air Corp Soldier

All the ladies will love this one...

While the C-5 was turning over its engines, a female crewman gave the G.I.s on board the usual  information regarding seat belts, emergency exits, etc.  Finally, she said, 'Now sit back and enjoy your trip while your captain, Judith Campbell, and crew  take you safely to Afghanistan '  An old MSgt. sitting in the eighth row thought to himself, 'Did I hear her right? Is the captain a woman? '  When the attendant came by he said 'Did I understand you right? Is the captain a woman?'  'Yes,'! said the attendant, 'In fact, this entire crew is female.'  'My God,' he said, 'I wish I had two double scotch and sodas. I don't know what to think  with only women up there in the cockpit.'  'That's another thing, Sergeant,' said the crew member,  'We No Longer Call It The Cockpit'  'It's now the Box Office.'  Quote of the day:  'Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.' She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.   So, 'if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.'

Weatherization Assistance Help Line for USA Residences

Apply for Weatherization Assistance

It is easy to find out if you are eligible and to apply for weatherization. Usually you can do it in a weatherization agency near your home.

• Am I Eligible?
• How does the process work?
• Frequently asked questions

Am I Eligible?

Want to apply immediately?

Select your state from the map on the State Contacts page and get the phone number and address of your state weatherization office.

As many as 20 to 30 million U.S. families are eligible for weatherization services nationwide. Services are provided by the states, and each state has slightly different criteria. All energy services are handled by local weatherization agencies.

If you receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children, you are automatically eligible to receive weatherization services. In other cases, states give preference to:

• People over 60 years of age
• Families with one or more members with a disability
• Families with children (in most states).

One of the primary factors affecting eligibility is income. Depending on what state you live in, you are eligible for weatherization if your income falls below the "200% poverty level" defined in the PDF below. Note, however, that some states use a third alternative to set eligibility if your income is less than 60% of the median income in your state; and minimum incomes for Hawaii and Alaska, respectively, are slightly higher. For details, see the DOE Poverty Income Guidelines for 2009.

How does the process work?

1. Call local agency
   • The states, not DOE, keep up-to-date lists of local weatherization agencies.
   • All weatherization services are provided by local agencies.
   • Most agencies are nonprofits that employ energy professionals.
   • Some are branches of local governments.
2. Come in and apply
   • Application form usually takes about 20 minutes
   • You must have proof of income for the year prior to application. (For people on fixed incomes, this is usually easy to do).
   • The agency also asks a small number of questions about your household, such as, the number of people living in the home.
3. Your eligibility is determined
   • If you are eligible, your weatherization agency puts you on a waiting list.
   • If you rent, you must get permission from your landlord.
   • People most in need are often moved to the top of the waiting list.
4. Professional energy consultation
   • Analysis of your energy bills
   • Test the infiltration of outside air with a blower door
   • Inspect equipment for health and safety
   • List the most cost-effective energy conservation measures for your home.
5. Workers arrive
   • Local weatherization agency schedules work.
   • Average expenditure of $6,500 per home
   • All work is energy-related. Work does not include new roofing, siding, or similar.
   • Work is typically completed in a day or two.
   • You sign off on final inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eligibility and Applying for Weatherization

Low-income families often have a number of questions for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on how to apply for weatherization assistance or about DOE's role in the process. If you want to apply immediately for weatherization, you'll need to contact your state agency.

• If I rent, can I still apply?
• If my income is within these national guidelines, will I be guaranteed to receive weatherization services?
• If I'm not eligible for this program, whom can I call for help?
• Why can't I call DOE directly to apply for assistance?
• What happens to my home during the Weatherization Process?
• How will I benefit by participating in this program?

If I rent, can I still apply?

Whether you own or rent, live in a single-family home, multi-family housing complex, or a mobile home, you can apply for assistance. If you rent, you must get written permission from your landlord before weatherization services can be performed.

If my income is within these national guidelines, will I be guaranteed to receive weatherization services?

Not necessarily. You will need to check your states particular guidelines. Funding can also be an issue because Congress allocates a certain amount of funding for the program on a national level, and it varies from year to year. Please be patient if you are put on a waiting list. Your home will be weatherized as soon as possible.

If I'm not eligible for this program, whom can I call for help?

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  Even if you are not approved for DOE-sponsored weatherization assistance, you might still be eligible for short-term assistance on your utility bill from the LIHEAP Program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP serves low-income families. In addition, states often use LIHEAP funds for weatherization to reduce a family's energy bills over the long term.
• Assistance to Individuals Involved in a Natural Disaster
  The Federal Energy Management Agency (FEMA) provides a number of services to assist individuals who are victims of a natural disaster. These services include low-interest loans, some cash grants, and links to assistance from other agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service and Farm Service Agency.
  
  FEMA also lists services it makes available to older Americans who live in federally declared disaster areas, including include Small Business Administration loans and FEMA grants.

Why can't I call DOE directly to apply for assistance?

Because of the guidelines set down by the U.S. Constitution, the federal government does not provide assistance directly to individuals. Instead, this function is the responsibility of the states. DOE does not have an application form to give to individuals for weatherizing their homes. DOE does not accept applications from individuals. Since each state has a different procedure, all we can do is refer you to your respective state agency.

What happens to my home during the Weatherization Process?

The first step in the process is for your local weatherization agency to carry out an energy audit. This agency is a nonprofit weatherization organization, local governmental agency, or sometimes a contractor trained in home energy services. The energy audit is a computerized assessment of your home's energy use and an analysis of which energy conservation measures are best for your home.

Once the audit is complete, the auditor or inspector from the local weatherization agency will meet with you and your family to explain how the work crews will conduct the work. Depending on your needs, the inspector will recommend more work in some homes than in others.

Throughout the weatherization process, the health and safety of your family remain a priority. Following weatherization, an inspector will return to make certain that everything is working properly and that nothing was missed.

How will I benefit by participating in this program?

Weatherization reduces your energy bills for a long time. Some measures, such as insulating your walls or roof, for example, will continue to provide you savings for the lifetime of your house—30 years or more. Others, such as making your heating or cooling equipment more efficient, will provide savings for 10 to 15 years. On average, the value of the weatherization improvement to your house is 2.2 times greater than the cost of the improvement itself.

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Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com
scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Your business received a 5 star rating

On Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 10:52 AM, MerchantCircle Ratings <reviews@merchantcircle.com> wrote:

Rating Alert

Dear Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy Missouri,

A visitor to your MerchantCircle business listing page gave your Holly Hills business a 5 star rating. You will not see a review associated with this rating but it reflects in your business's overall rating.

View Business Listing

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