Enrgy Freedom-How to Avoid $5 per gallon Gas price?

Tweet

Last week the oil prices went up again and the gas prices raised by 20cents per gallon within 3 days. Why? the consumption did not increase so what makes these prices jump so fast? Is it the fear that an attack on nuclear facility of our enemy nation may happen and what they will do to retaliate?
As long as we are not free from importing foreign oil, we have to face this problem.Since the transportation sector has significant demand, the solution deals with changing to alternative fuel vehicles. Here are some practical solution where our defense dollars should be redirected;
1. Start with making plug in hybrids cost same as ordinary car with tax credits.
2. Support and develop compressed natural gas vehicles with bio methane projects at the farms where waste can be converted to methane.
3. Develop larger capacity batteries to get 200-300 mile range for EV commuter cars.
It is time that our national priority for Defense include Green Strategy whose sole purpose is to see energy independence via Conservation and Alternative energy generation. Let us not wait for the Gas prices to go up to $5 to $ 8 dollar per gallon. Our National leaders must Act now!This would be a better preemptive strike for Peace.

Sustainable Green Development of NYS Ski Resorts

Tweet

I was checking the web for green ski resorts and a list of top 10 shows on the screen.The surprise was that none of them was in New York. Why?
It happens to be that New York has the best energy related incentives and now a Governor that is serious about economic development, green infrastructure, energy conservation. The Utility companies want to give grants to make energy efficiency investment on old technology at these facilities.
We are fortunate to be able to help one ski resort in finger lakes to get 70% of their cost to install energy efficient snow guns offered as grant from the power company. Other greem measure are planned to save water, recycle waste and make the facility Energy Independent over the 5-10 years.
Leaders supporting such Sustainable green measures are expected to help them achieve these goals.
Ram

Green Energy Tax Credits ending Tonight. Future?

Tweet

People who are interested in generating Green power are promised a 30% tax credit on project cost as long as project began in 2011. Many Farms, businesses and institutions are signing contracts before the end of this year to lock in the tax credits. The amount of this incentive could be very large. For example a farmer building the digester and bio gas energy generation system at 2.5 million dollar cost could be entitled to $750,000 tax credit. If other grant incentives are available then 50% of the cost may be covered from State energy and USDA grants.

These projects become feasible if lending institutions or Economic Development loans are available to pay for upfront costs and make the project a smart investment for the Farmer.

Losing the 30% tax starting next year is a big setback to the sustainability and Green programs. Please let the politicians know that extending these credits is a critical investment in America's future.

In the past, America has dumped Billions of Dollars in Foreign wars on weapons and human capital. This must end with the new energy independence war that invests money in America to help American businesses.In the end the oil is replaced with local green power,local jobs are retained and environment is protected. Win-Win is much better than wasting money on protecting the enemy interests because we buy oil from them.

Let us hope that the new Government in 2012 would make smart move and embark on the war for energy independence. By July 4th,2020 we could be free from importing oil.

Dairy Farmers Need Help to Produce Green Power

Tweet

Participated in a seminar last week where farmers were informed about new EPA Air Quality regulations.The potential impact on these business could be very serious and most expressed their fear of losing the business.Greenhouse gas emmissions caused by Methane is the target issue.
Common question was how can the Federal government do this? Farming has been generational family business and now this law can put them out of business.This naturally produced gas by Animal digestive process or manure digestion is both a problem and a resource. It is not practical to control emmissions from cows but manure is proven to be a valuable resource to produce biogas and green power. The farms now need long term low interest financing to build the necessary digestion and power generation system. When EPA comes with Air Emmission standards it should accompany funding from USDA to help them build what can help solve the problem. A Green revolving loan tax free Bond fund is essential to keep these hard working family and businesses retain jobs in America. Our economy is too weak to kill it with new regulation but no funding to help solve the problem. The States with large dairy farms should take action now to deal with Fedral EPA regulations.
Our leaders should be made aware of thes issues in New York State.

Tax Incentives for Biofuels from Organic Wastes

Tweet

There are existing federal incentives for renewable fuels such as Ethanol made from Corn, food waste, Waste oil and Grease and other biomass as defined by EPA. Ethanol or bio diesel made from waste is certainly better than making it from consumer farm products such as Corn and Soybean. It is a good idea to provide federal and State incentives for making such liquid auto fuels that can replace conventional non renewable fuels such as Gasoline and Diesel fuel.

Considering the ample supply of natural gas and potential to extract large volumes from deep wells, the economic value of bio gas would stay flat and does not provide sufficient incentive for construction of farm digesters. The Dairy farms need to deal with environmental issues related to disposal of cow manure.Technology exists to clean the Bio gas and compress it to produce BIO-CNG that can fuel the farm vehicles and other public vehicles. It is time to extend the renewable fuel standards and allow the production of BIO-CNG with similar tax credit as the Bio diesel or Ethanol from Biomass.
We need all possible sources of auto fuels made from wastes to help solve the energy and environmental problems and be energy independent.

Green Partnerships between Public Private sector makes winners

Tweet

Is solar power good for people living in cold climate such as Rochester NY?
While we get snow and have long winters, the silicon chips like it and make more power. In hot climate like Texas they work less efficient. So it is merely a question of cost and use of available tax credits to make it worthwhile in our climate. Who is taking advantage of the current incentives?

A Buffalo based Solar PV installer has come up with a creative 15 years lease solution for non profit organizations. Their plan offers a 15 years lease where they install a 25KW system worth $100,000 at no upfront cost to non profit organization. The non profit will just pay a monthly fee of $100.00, while using the green power produced on site with value of over $200 per month.

Therefore, the facility saves over $100 per month right from the beginning with no capital investment required upfront. Great example of Win-Win. Public non profit gets 25KW PV system and energy savings for long term. Private company gets tax credits and grant incentives to cover their risk and creates new business for them. This program is only available until end of this year. Let us hope the federal Govt extends the tax credit program so many organizations can take advanatge of such partnerships.

We need more Green power generation supported by incentives. It is worth it for a sustainable future.

Communities seek Economic Development Now. How?

Tweet

Energy costs continue to rise and debts faced by communities are at all time high. How to stimulate the economy? Create jobs?
What we need is a long term strategy to deal with this issue. Energy Independence by conserving and generating energy offers a solution.
In past, America has invested Trillions on defending oil in middle east and other countries. As the soldiers come home, they can be trained to work on new Green economy to produce new products. The money spent on arms and funding the wars can now be invested in new innovative green products.
It is time we produce the next generation solar, wind and other conservation products in America and reduce our energy demand. The money saved from not importing foreign oil can be invested in local economy and help us develop our own infrastructure. It is time we invest in America and put our soldiers and resident fight the Energy War and become free.