Energy
Streetsblog Basics
Cars, Ethanol and Patriotism
The Times had an interesting article yesterday for which a reporter drove through the Midwest to find out how ethanol users, distributors and producers are adjusting to the new fuel blend. One of the most striking things was that use of ethanol is accompanied by a sense of patriotic pride. One person, for example, says, "We are in favor of alternative energy forms, especially those produced here in the United States." Trade associations and state governments are pushing for more ethanol use.
September 1, 2006
How Do We ‘Fuel’ the Future?
WHAT: A discussion with Columbia geophysicist Klaus S. Lackner.
August 30, 2006
The True Cost of Gasoline, and What to Do About Energy
The news media has been writing a lot about energy and oil addiction lately. One particularly noteworthy package of reporting highlights the hidden problems of oil addiction. Another searches for ways it could be alleviated but misses the most critical one. The first is The Chicago Tribune's enormously important four-part series by Pulitzer-winning reporter Paul Salopek called A Tank of Gas, a World of Trouble published July 29.
August 23, 2006
Bloomberg on Oil Dependence: Punditry or Policy?
The Daily News reports that Mayor Bloomberg made his first public statements about U.S. oil dependency on his radio show last week:
August 7, 2006
Pseudo-Environmental Hummers
A lone Hummer driver with a conscience? At first glance, it seems so. But this is actually becoming something of a trend: Everyone who is pitching an alternative fuel these days is using a Hummer to make his or her point. And the reason is obvious. Everyone knows that Hummers are the most gas guzzing private vehicles on the road, and are much despised by people who are concerned about the environment or America's addiction to foreign oil.
July 24, 2006
Sierra Club Energy Forum
Thursday, July 20, 7 to 9 pm Sierra Club Energy ForumWhere: Mary Star of the Sea Senior Center 41 First Street between Hoyt and
BondRSVP at 212-791-3600 x 32The event is free and open to the public
July 7, 2006
Charles Komanoff’s “Fuel Tax Magic”
New York City economist and activist Charles Komanoff has been focused lately on developing and promoting the idea of a "carbon tax." Carbon taxes are still still very much considered fringe economic theory and politically unviable, though, as you read Komanoff's latest essay in Grist, you have to wonder how long that will last. The arguments in favor of carbon taxes are logical, powerful and, at least to this non-economist, seem to make a ton of common sense.
June 28, 2006