Will the Bipartisanship Last?

Roster Changes on Senate Energy Panel Could Threaten
	Emphasis  Added by Scotty , KATIE HOWELL of Greenwire New York Times Feb 4, 2011
	All eyes will be on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this session as it attempts to craft a legislative proposal to match President Obama's prime-time statement last week that he wants to source 80 percent of the nation's energy from low-carbon sources by 2035. But with an influx of new members, questions remain about how cohesive the panel will be on energy issues. Seven freshmen and one veteran senator are joining the 22-member panel this year in a shakeup that could threaten the historically bipartisan committee's ability to move on energy legislation, including the clean energy standard that Obama touted last week. "It's going to be tough; it's going to be challenging to come up with a consensus," said Joshua Freed, director of the Clean Energy Program at Third Way, a centrist Democratic think tank. The roster changes are sparked by the departures of six members from the Senate and three additional departures from the committee. Joining the panel are third-year Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota and freshmen Democrats Chris Coons of Delaware and Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Five freshmen Republicans -- Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Dan Coats of Indiana, Rob Portman of Ohio and John Hoeven of North Dakota -- will also join the panel. Paul and Lee are political newcomers, but the other three are veteran officeholders: Coats is a former senator and congressman, while Hoeven is a former governor, and Portman served in the House and in former President George W. Bush's Cabinet. The political ideologies of some of the new members could disrupt the panel's ability to pass bipartisan legislation this year. Specifically, the influence of tea party-backed Lee and Paul and wild card Democrat Manchin could play a significant factor in the committee's energy discussions. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), the chairman of the committee, for one, is uncertain whether the membership changes will force the committee to swing to the right. But he remains hopeful the committee can continue working in a bipartisan fashion. "Well, what about Senator Franken? Senator Coons? We've got two who might not swing to the right, maybe one who would," Bingaman said of his party's new members. "I don't know." And as for the views of the five new Republicans, Bingaman added, "It's hard to know until we get into the discussion of specific issues." But on the issues, the new members -- especially Lee and Paul -- tend to be trending far to the right. Paul last week floated a measure that would cut $500 billion a year in government spending, including the complete elimination of the Energy Department. And  Lee wants to open up access to new oil and gas reserves in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and to oil shale reserves in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. Manchin, on the other hand, in a campaign ad last fall famously shot through Democrats' cap-and-trade proposal. But the moderate Democrat could be an asset in finding common ground across the aisle. Republican Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, for one, said he is looking forward to working with Manchin. "I think we've got some good members on the Republican side, and I think we've got some good members on the Democrat side, like Joe Manchin, who understand energy policy, understand the need for it, and more importantly, see movement forward as a blend of everything that's out there if we want a successful blueprint," Burr said. Crucial players Some of the Republican freshmen -- like Portman, Coats and Hoeven -- with experience working with Democrats could also be crucial to moving energy legislation this year. Hoeven, for instance, has expressed interest in creating incentives for renewables. "I see incredible opportunity across all these subsectors of energy if we promote them all, create the right legal, tax and regulatory environment so that we can get these companies to invest in these new technologies, do new things in new innovative ways, you not only produce more energy, you do it with better environmental stewardship and you create jobs," Hoeven said during an interview in the Capitol this week. The former North Dakota governor helped increase development of the wind industry in his state, including a push to build new transmission lines and for stronger tax incentives for renewable industries. But he is an advocate for oil and gas interests as well. "My view is we've got to promote all of the sources of energy and we've got to create a climate where they can all come forward," he said. Third Way's Freed is optimistic about the committee's ability to work in a bipartisan manner on legislation like a clean energy standard. "While there are some wildcards like Senator Lee and Senator Paul, there are a number of senators who have a long track record of working across the aisle," Freed said. "That provides a real opening, particularly on an issue like a clean energy standard to get people around the table talking." "That's all we need this early in the process," he added. And the committee members will also have the example of its leaders. Bingaman and ranking member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) have historically had a good working relationship, which is unlikely to change in the new Congress. Murkowski, who calls her new roster of Republicans a "good mix," said last night that she and Bingaman have held several long meetings to discuss legislative priorities. "We're kind of talking about some of those logistics right now and trying to find some of those areas of agreement," she said. White House meeting One area that is sure to find its ways into discussions of both Democrats and Republicans is Obama's proposal for a clean energy mandate. Bingaman, who has historically opposed such a measure in favor of mandates that support only renewables, yesterday met with Obama at the White House to discuss energy policy. In an interview, Bingaman called the sit-down "very constructive, very productive." But he said he and the president did not use the time to hash out any specifics on a clean energy standard. "Both the president and I agreed that Congress has a real opportunity to work together on bipartisan legislation to advance our energy and economic security," Bingaman added in a prepared statement. "I told President Obama that I plan to work with my colleagues on both sides of the Energy Committee aisle to develop workable legislative proposals that can achieve his clean energy goals." Reporters Jean Chemnick and John McArdle contributed. Copyright 2011 E&E Publishing. All Rights Reserved. For more news on energy and the environment, visit www.greenwire.com. Greenwire is published by Environment & Energy Publishing.

Scott's Contracting
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http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
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Will the Bipartisanship Last?

Post Moved to: http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2011/02/will-bipartisanship-last_05.html

6 Trends That Will Shape Green Homes

From energy efficiency to water conservation to density, here are the issues
that will matter most to sustainable builders and consumers in 2011. 
6 Trends That Will Shape Green Homes
Brought to you via: St Louis Renewable Energy - Eco Home

6 Trends That Will Shape Green Homes

From energy efficiency to water conservation to density, here are the issues
that will matter most to sustainable builders and consumers in 2011. 
6 Trends That Will Shape Green Homes
Brought
to you by: Eco Home

http://ecohome.com/

Green Blog Post via: pixelpipe.com

Trial Run- Experiment #1-Pixelpipe.com

New Experimental Social News Tool. How Does It Look on your End? Send
Feedback to scottscontracting@gmail.com


Pixelpipe is a content distribution gateway that allows users to publish text, photo, video and audio files once through Pixelpipe and have the content distributed across over 100 social networks, photo/video sites and blogs, and online storage around the globe. We provide a number of mobile & desktop applications for users, liberating their content and sharing their life.

this Green Blog Post was email via: Pixelpipe.com. Easy Set Up. Ease of Use. Program passed my first Experiment / Trial Run. Scotty

Dow Solar Shingles Update- DOW POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle

On Fri, Feb 4, 2011 at 9:22 AM, Scott's Contracting  wrote:

Latest update on the Dow Solar Shingle requests I have received.  I will supply more info when available.  Build Green, Scotty
Previous Articles:

•  http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/dow-solar-shingle-costs-ave-midwestern-home/ 
  
• http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/new-solar-roofing-option-is-win-win/ 

or View the For my Google Blogspot Readers Find the Articles here

• http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2010/11/dow-solar-shingle-costs-ave-midwestern.html 
  
• http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-solar-roofing-option-is-win-win.html
  

On Fri, Feb 4, 2011 at 9:06 AM, <fdowcig@dow.com> wrote:

Dear Mr. Scott,

Thank you for your interest in Dow Solar Solutions.

Dow is currently developing solar energy collection technology called Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs), which will enable solar energy generation materials to be incorporated directly into the design of commercial and residential building materials; such as roofing systems, exterior sidings, fascias and more.

Traditionally the costs for photovoltaic or solar power have been very high and uncompetitive and the process to incorporate them on homes has been very cumbersome for homeowners.  Dow is working with a consortium of partners to change all that.  This new innovative product and technology is designed to make solar power more accessible and affordable for homeowners, and because it can be installed by the same roofing contractor that installs conventional shingles, it will reduce installation time and costs.

Recently Dow Solar Solutions unveiled its line of DOW POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle, revolutionary photovoltaic solar panels in the form of solar shingles that can be integrated into rooftops with standard asphalt shingle materials. The solar shingle systems are expected to be available to select builders and channels partners in limited quantities by mid-2011 and are projected to be more widely available in 2012, putting the power of solar electricity generation directly and conveniently in the hands of homeowners.

Groundbreaking technology from Dow Solar Solutions (DSS) integrates low-cost, thin-film CIGS photovoltaic cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design, which represents a multi-functional solar energy generating roofing product. The innovative product design reduces installation costs because the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously by roofing contractors.

For updates, please visit www.dowsolar.com  We have added your information to our mailing list.

Once again, thank you for your interest in Dow Solar Solutions.

Jenny L.
Dow Customer Information Group
www.dowbuildingmaterials.com

This information is considered accurate and reliable as of the date appearing above and is presented in good faith.  Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, recipient is responsible for determining whether the information in this document is appropriate for recipient's use.  Since Dow has no control over how this information may ultimately be used, all liability is expressly disclaimed and Dow assumes no obligation or liability therefore.   No warranty, express or implied is given nor is freedom from any patent owned by The Dow Chemical Company or others to be inferred.

If you are interested in Green Building on an Investment Property Check out the Benton Gut Rehab Blog Series-Benton Gut Rehab Green Blog Series

Part 1: History

Part 2: Stone Foundation Repair

Part 3: Tuckpointing the Brick Walls pt 1

Part 4: Tuckpointing the Brick Walls pt 2

Part 5: What were they thinking?

Part 6: Paint Pro Tip #35

Part 7: Repairing Water Damage-Exterior Wall

Part 8: 1st Floor Weatherization

Part 9: See the Difference a Little White Paint Makes

Part 10: Interior Framing-Plumbing-Laundry Room

Part 11: Kitchen Framing Tip #36-Benton Rehab Project

Part 12: Water Main Repair- Benton Rehab

Part 13: Benton Rehab Project Drywall Installation and Tip: Number 1172

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

6 Big Oil Companies Jump on Renewable Energy Bandwagon

Has anyone else noticed the influx of TV advertising for Companies who are now responding to the Green Initiative?  Specifically, the Big Oil Companies.

• Exxon Mobil
• Shell 
• Koch Industries (from my research they do not promote clean energy)
• BP
• Chevron
• ConnocoPhillips

Why would Big Oil companies join in the research and development of Renewable Energy Production?  (That was the question I started asking myself)  My Summary and Conclusion is at the end of Article. Scotty

I decided to nose around their websites and I've Posted information I found on the Big Oil Companies Web Sites. emphasis added by Scotty


The Following Information is from the Exxon Mobil's Energy Outlook.


EXXON MOBILE- Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer.-
"The growing use of natural gas and other less-carbon intensive energy supplies, combined with greater energy efficiency in nations around the world, will help mitigate environmental impacts of increased energy demand. According to the Outlook, global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions growth will be lower than the projected average rate of growth in energy demand. 

“Our energy outlook clearly points to a growing demand for energy globally which reflects improving living standards for millions of people around the world. ExxonMobil will continue to invest in technology and innovation to develop new economic energy supplies to help meet this demand while looking for ways to reduce environmental impacts,” said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer. 

“The forecasts also show a shift toward natural gas as businesses and governments look for reliable, affordable and cleaner ways to meet energy needs,” Tillerson said. “Newly unlocked supplies of shale gas and other unconventional energy sources will be vital in meeting this demand.”

Rising electricity demand -- and the choice of fuels used to generate that electricity -- represent a key focus area, which will have a major impact on the global energy landscape over the next two decades. According to the outlook, global electricity demand will rise by more than 80 percent through 2030 from 2005 levels. In the non-OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries alone demand will soar by more than 150 percent as economic and social development improve and more people gain access to electricity. 

According to ExxonMobil’s Outlook, efforts to ensure reliable, affordable energy while also limiting greenhouse gas emissions will lead to polices in many countries that put a cost on carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, abundant supplies of natural gas will become increasingly competitive as an economic source of electric power as its use results in up to 60 percent fewer CO2 emissions than coal in generating electricity. Demand for natural gas for power generation is expected to rise by about 85 percent from 2005 to 2030 when natural gas will provide more than a quarter of the world’s electricity needs. Natural gas demand is rising in every region of the world but growth is strongest in non-OECD countries, particularly China where demand in 2030 will be approximately six times what it was in 2005." Article Continues 

Next Clipped article from "Risk Factors"

Government sponsorship of alternative energy. Many governments are providing tax advantages and other subsidies and mandates to make alternative energy sources more competitive against oil and gas.  

Governments are also promoting research into new
technologies to reduce the cost and increase the scalability of alternative energy sources. 

We are conducting our own research efforts into alternative energy, such as through sponsorship of the Global Climate and Energy Project at Stanford University and research into hydrogen fuel cells and fuel-producing algae. Our future results may depend in part on the success of our research efforts and on our ability to adapt and apply the strengths of our current business model to providing the competitive energy products of the future. See "Management Effectiveness" below. Continues


Shell Article Link

Shell is involved in 11 wind projects in Europe and North America with a total generating capacity of around 1,100 MW (Shell share 550 MW). Almost 900 MW of the total capacity come from some 722 wind turbines of eight wind projects in the USA that are part of a 50:50 joint venture. The biggest single one, the 264 MW Mount Storm wind project in West Virginia, USA, began operations in 2008.

We are also 50:50 partners in three joint-venture wind projects in Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. All in all, they involve a total of some 170 wind turbines with an aggregate capacity of some 200 MW Continues Here

  WATCH VIDEO: Oil Billionaires Fight Climate Legislation

Oil billionaires David and Charles Koch ...Koch Industries, the nation's second-largest private company with oil refineries and pipelines

LINK... each year, Koch Industries is likely responsible for about 300 million tons of carbon dioxide pollution every year. Flint Hills Resources, Koch's refining subsidiary, processes 300 million barrels of oil a year. This one company -- with its refining, pipeline, chemical, fertilizer, cattle, and forestry operations -- is involved in up to five percent of the entire United States 7-gigaton carbon footprint. Continues

Read more about Koch:
'Financial Kingpin' of Climate Change Denial Exposed: Koch Industries Outspends Exxon 3-to-1

BP 
"is contributing to the growing low-carbon energy sector by focusing on technologies that we believe we can build into substantial long-term businesses"
From Page: BP Alternative energy

Our low-carbon businesses

Developing large-scale businesses to compete with traditional forms of power and fuel

Biofuels

Working to provide sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels for transport

Wind power

Our growing US-based wind power business

Solar power

Focusing on efficiency and innovation in harnessing the power of the sun

Carbon capture and storage

Playing a leading role in one of tomorrow’s key energy technologies

   

Case studies 

 

Chevron and Solar

Harnessing the Sun's Energy link

Chevron Energy Solutions (CES), a Chevron subsidiary, is the nation's largest installer of solar energy systems

ConocoPhillips  is committed to protecting the environment that we share. We implement high environmental standards in order to ensure that our actions today will not only provide the energy needed to drive economic growth and social well-being, but also secure a stable and healthy environment for tomorrow. Health, Safety and Environmental Policy, Management System and Audits A comprehensive Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policy governs our efforts to improve our health and safety performance as well as our environmental stewardship. read more... Climate Change At ConocoPhillips we believe climate change is occurring and that human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels, is a contributing factor.  read more... Energy Efficiency Since the combustion of energy is a primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, we continually strive to make our operations more energy efficient. read more... Ever-Cleaner Energy ConocoPhillips believes that a secure energy future depends on utilizing a diverse mix of energy sources that are reliable, available and environmentally responsible. read more... Clean Air ConocoPhillips continues working to reduce air emissions from our operations read more... Clean Water ConocoPhillips recognizes that water management is an important worldwide issue and that it is critical to the sustainability of our business. read more... Biodiversity We recognize the importance of protecting and promoting biodiversity, particularly in sensitive areas. read more... Material Efficiency Being good stewards of the environment includes setting standards for waste management, minimization and decommissioning. read more... Remediation We give serious attention to our duty to restore properties impacted by our operations. read more... Environmental Fines and Penalties In 2008, environmental fines and penalties levied on ConocoPhillips totaled approximately $2.2 million. read more...

____________________________________________________

Summary

• Times are changing with the demand for clean energy.  The demands are coming in many forms: increase in population, carbon taxes, peer support, investor relations, Global Government Officials, customer requests, Clean Energy or Non-Polluting Energy Needs "World Wide", etc 
• When I read all that the Big Oil companies are getting involved with clean energy production.  It confirms my thinking and believe that: "Renewable Energy from Clean Energy Sources" will become an integral part of all Home and Business Energy Needs.  
• More to Come

Future Article: How did the Investments by Big Oil Companies Increase the Cost of Renewable Energy

email Scotty