Live C-Span coverage of the Senate’s renewable energy vote here.

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This just in!

Moments ago, by an overwhelming 93 to 2 vote, the full Senate approved the Baucus-Grassley tax extender bill, which includes a one-year extension of the production tax credit.  It still has to make it through the House.

They giveth and they taketh away.  Tax credits for renewable energy given to businesses and homeowners of solar and wind power systems (but not geothermal, hydroelectric, or kinetic generators for some reason) are slated to expire at the end of 2008.  If these tax breaks go away, the already jittery utility companies and investors of these technologies may go away and those of us who like our air, water, and power clean can start burning those short lived credits to keep warm.

Today, on the brink of this next round of Senatorial voting, Gregory Wetstone of the American Wind Energy Association delivered these inspiring words:

“On behalf of America’s wind energy industry and the millions of Americans who favor clean, domestic wind power, I applaud this critically important effort to move forward on renewable energy tax incentives before Congress leaves town at the end of the month.  We are grateful to Senate leaders from both parties who put aside their differences to come together around this bipartisan package.  Clean energy tax incentives are a vital part of the solution to our nation’s economic, energy security, and environmental challenges.  With more than 100,000 jobs and billions of dollars in clean energy investment at risk, we urge all members of the Senate to vote yes on the Baucus-Grassley Amendment to H.R. 6049 and on final passage of this important legislation.  We hope the Senate’s approval of this measure today will add to the momentum for swift action in the House of Representatives.”

The vote could happen any minute so cross your fingers and check that C-Span link.

Photo by AWEA.

Editors Note:  We hope a dose of positivity helps Morgan during his hospital stay. GET WELL SOON!!!

He’s Batman’s outfitter.

He guided us through the icy March of the Pengiuns and may have been our first friend at the Electric Company.

Of course I’m talking about Morgan Freeman, Oscar winning actor, environmentalist, and subject of today’s Green Superhero.

From an unwanted blast of bus exhaust on a New York City street corner, Morgan Freeman began his 25 years of understated environmental work that has grown as broadly and influential as his acting career.  Named to the board of directors of Earth Biofuels, he currently works with BMW to promote their development of low and zero emission cars.

Though his sober understanding of our global need for energy, he says it’s not about “saving energy; (but) if we get the right kind of energy, there are endless amounts.”  Morgan chooses to express his excitement about the advancement of biofuels, and clean energy rather than his frustration.

For more Green Superheroes, click here.

Photo by divxplanet.

It’s the wave-making winds that matter more than the monk fish to the biggest names in commercial fishing.

Wind power is rushing to the forefront of America’s race for clean energy and dry land is becoming scarce for use as wind farms.  Small, densely populated coastal states like Rhode Island and New Jersey have availed the use of ocean plots which, until now, has been vehemently opposed by commercial fisherman.

Former commercial fishing tycoon turned wind power proponent, David Cohen, is President of Fisherman’s Energy, a partnership of the biggest commercial fishing outfits dedicated to developing offshore wind farms designed to power over 90,000 homes by 2013.  The plan benefits the fisherman by allowing them to share in the energy profits and convert their skills on the high seas to erect the massive turbines.

With big fish behind America’s clean energy upgrade, change is soon to follow.

Photo by CCBG.

Full New York Times article here.

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In 1854, the Crystal Palace was built in London in order to house the greatest spectacles the world had to offer while acting as a visual spectacle in itself. General Motor’s plant in Zaragoza, Spain offers the same feat with glistening rooftops of solar panels.

The Spanish have become one of the greatest purveyors of solar power not because they are the most environmentally aware people. It all comes down to the government which allows very generous subsidies of Euro per kilowatts. If our own government follow suit, we will soon be in awe of the future of the solar energy revolution like billions of human magpies.

Photo by Alison Martin.

Full Wall Street Journal article here.

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We have imported everything from ramen to household items to IT specialists. So it came as no surprise that we also import the latest wind technology from countries like India and China. But when India’s Suzlon wind turbines orders were cancelled by big name American energy companies, the Orient Express seemed to have finally lost its steam.

India and China had the leg up on Western competition because they did not have to take heed of environmental agreements that controlled carbon emissions. But in the frenzy to be the new leading economical powers, quality of production got lost in the shuffle. When it comes to introducing an innovative energy source, technology should never take a backseat. After all, shoddy workmanship on wind turbines has much greater consequences than a toaster that breaks in a week.

Photo by James Watson.

Full NPR article here.

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The love for ethanol may just have died as quickly as it had started. In fact, one can almost see the smiles of the Iowa politicians (as well as the Presidential nominees who have praised it) make for a sour turn with fresh corn glucose still dripping down their chins. And the reason for this is a very simple one: ethanol is not economically viable.

Ethanol faces two challenges. The more obvious one is the fact that ethanol production will face competition from the food market which could very well drive up the prices. Something no one wants. The other challenge is despite the fact that ethanol can save up quite a bit of energy as car fuel; the energy that is normally wasted would be wasted in transporting and producing the corn that is needed for ethanol. This is not to disregard ethanol completely as an alternative fuel. Children of the Corn might sound like a good idea right about now…

Photo by Jeffrey Beall.

Full Wall Street Journal article here.

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A common criticism of the U.S. energy crisis is that we are simply not doing enough. Many have opinions on where the spending should be headed. But there lies the real problem: too many ideas are on the line. The U.S., as well as Western Europe, is finding itself too busy struggling with the stability of the economy, environment, and the interest of its citizens that gets torn apart by both agendas to actualize solutions for the energy crisis.

Russia on the other hand remains focused only on what it considers to be the main pillar of strength and has already built numerous natural gas pipelines. Some may perceive Russia’s behavior as bullhead and monarchist almost but one might also consider that one can only begin serving ones nation when one has the capacity to.

Photo by Julien.

Since the Carter Administration, wind power has seen its fitful gusts of support from Congress but has yet to adequately fill the sails to move America’s alternative energy flagship.

The following audio clips are the opening statements of 5 high-level national leaders and wind power experts from the Windpower 2008 Conference and Exhibition held on June 3rd at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX:

Gregory Wetstone is Senior Director of Governmental and Public Affairs and spokesman for the American Wind Energy Association.

Our current energy production protocol may not only increase energy prices for both automobiles and homes but also externalize the looming concern for global climate change.




General Wesley K. Clark is a retired four-star general of the United States Army, B.V. Director and Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, and Board Member of Emergya Wind Technologies.

The overuse of natural gas, coal, and oil furthers concerns for national security, urged by Clark.




John Podesta is President and CEO for the Center for American Progress and is the former White House Chief of Staff.

Policy changes are stressed as the necessary step for a future with clean energy.





Jeff Goodell is the author of the New York Times Bestselling book Big Coal.

High CO2 emissions from coal and the carbon cap debate is the main focus of discussion.






Patrick Wood, III is the former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and is the Principal of Wood3 Resources.

Two separate energy “jihads”, one against petro-authoritarian (oil companies) and one against coal set the tone for Wood’s provocative remarks.




Top photo by Bill Brown

Full coverage here.

Green Air Filter:

It is official. Barack Obama has finally won the Democratic nomination that many have long expected him to take reign of. And of course we all know what this means (at least for us at Green Air); it is time to put his environmental policy under close scrutiny.

Obama is a fan of carbon cap and carbon credits. Setting up incentives for proper climate control is the latest trend in appeasing the captains of industry for whom making money comes first. Obama also totes the renewable fuel cellulosic ethanol as the solution for the nation’s oil dependency. However, one does have to consider whether Obama’s enthusiasm is influenced by the importance of the Iowa Caucus.

The most inspiring part of Obama’s environmental policy lies in the leadership he plans to take. Obama aims to create forums that can focus on the global energy crisis as well as work on an international level. Obama also plans on furthering research and education that will no doubt act as the innovation that can finally make a real change in the way the nation deals with our fuel and energy problems. Surely, if we could put a man on the moon 40 years ago…

Photo by Thomas Brodahl.

While Clinton and Obama are battling it out on the campaign trail, gas prices are continuing to rise. Both have focused on providing solutions to this growing problem, but nothing effective enough during these trying times.

Instead of waiting for the government to make up its mind, here are some no-brainers to help you save right now!

1. Keep your car tuned and oiled every 5,000 miles and add an air filter change once a year.
2. Don’t drive like a maniac. Aggressive driving causes undo stress on your car and fuel efficiency – not to mention your blood pressure.
3. Cool off by opening your window instead of blasting the AC when driving around town. But on the highway, make sure you roll ‘em up to cut wind resistance and yield higher fuel efficiency.
4. Shut off the engine when idle. It doesn’t require any extra fuel to start your car so if when stuck in gridlock or standing, power down and save.

For more ways to save on your petrol intake and dollar output click here.