Pickens Plan District Group FL-14

Comment

Comment by William C. Brock Jr. on October 14, 2009 at 6:50am

We have a "Liquid Transportation Fuel Crisis" LTF crisis. By 2012 to 2015 we are going hit the wall with world oil demand exceeding world oil production. Oil prices will spike and our economy will crash again. This will continue until we end our dependence on imported oil. We need to immediately focus on domestic production of LTF to mitigate this coming crisis. We can't produce electric cars & trucks fast enough. All means of conversion to LTF must be scaled up and expanded: Algae, CNG, Coal, all feedstock etc.. We need to convert as many cars and trucks over to CNG as possible . Every new vehicle should be flexfuel or biodiesel capable. Electric and PHEV's need to be ramped up quickly. This train wreck is coming and we can't get off.

Comment by Jeff Greene on October 14, 2009 at 2:54am

Angela,

There is more natural gas than oil off our Coast. I agree we need to do it all to get off of oil dependence but more importantly in the short run is getting off of FOREIGN oil dependence. Domestic Natural Gas and Oil will bridge the next 20 years to get us to an electric car with a battery that meets the demands of US drivers. Bio-Diesel and ethanol production can ramp up. Hydrogen, the much heralded fuel of the future 20 years ago is still be heralded as the fuel of the future in 20 years. The current vehicles on the road have an average life of 17 years. If every new car in America was alternative fuel it would still take 17 years to get our existing vehicles off the road. I love your passion, keep the dialogue going, we need everyone to understand.

Comment by Angela Melton on October 14, 2009 at 2:46am

Any source of energy would create jobs. Why are we right back to oil. What do you think will happen to all the tourism jobs the first time we have a spill? So basically we are told that the time for oil is over, we need to look at alternatives, and we all back this up, then all of a sudden things didn't quite work out the way we planned so now it's on the back burner and we're ready to support oil again. Totally disappointed, yet not unexpected. So very typical. We've been here many times before, which is why even though we've been talking about this situation for 30, 40, 50 years now, we haven't bothered to actually do anything about it. Oil IS NOT the answer. The process is long. We're not even at the permitting stage yet, so it is a years out situation. "revenue COULD become available immediately from application fees, advanced royalty fees and advanced payments" does not mean it WILL. Proposals, as we all know, are not a final product. So whatever we are being told now can and very likely will change. If you really want to reduce our energy needs trade deficit, figure out a way to reduce our energy needs. Why are we constantly sticking a candy bar in the fat kids mouth?

Comment by Jeff Greene on October 14, 2009 at 1:20am

Brian,

I couldn't agree more, the only way to create jobs is to sell products. Whether its cars, conversions, cylinders, scooters, wind mills, whatever. We are adding salespeople to our company now with plans to add technicians and eventually if it makes sense manufacturing. There are huge opportunities in alternative fuel and CNG makes sense from creating jobs, to cleaner fuel, to cheaper fuel, to made in America.

The manufacturing sector in this country is eroding. Our position in the rest of the world is that of an elite country. We can not sell equipment manufactured in the United States to other countries because they cost too much to manufacture, but our quality has been so good that they will buy used equipment that is American made over new equipment from China. I don't know the answer to how we are go to create jobs at a macro level, we are doing it at a micro level and it has not been easy. Salespeople create jobs not subsidies. If your sales force is not selling, your organization is paralyzed with fear and insecurity. The market is changing, let's see what tomorrow brings. Keep the faith.

Jeff

Comment by Brian J. Shaw on October 13, 2009 at 6:22pm

Jobs. As much as we need to concentrate on alternative energy, we need to concentrate on creating jobs. There are currently 36,000 unemployed persons in District 14 (Lee County). I'm one of them. I've been unemployed since June 2008.

Am I passionate about the energy crisis and global warming? Yes! Do I think homes should be refitted to "greener" standards and incorporate renewable resources when building new, or remodeling? Yes! Do I think that IMMEDIATE attention needs to be given to job creation?

YES!

Comment by Angela Melton on October 13, 2009 at 6:10pm

"the Pickens Plan is about many things, but it is Certainly about using American made fuels (some renewable, some fossil) to power our cars and homes."

So, of the "many things" the Pickens Plan is about, what other things are actually on the table right now?

Comment by Jeff Greene on October 13, 2009 at 4:10pm

Dear Fellow Pickens Plan members:

I have been impressed with your level of response as well as your passion relating to the recent message about environmental groups and their opposition to oil and gas exploration. In fairness to all sides; I believe it is important to add some further perspective on this issue. After checking with House and Senate Sponsors and the focus of future legislation as well as advocacy groups on this issue, I have been told the following considerations are being made right now:

1. Drilling will be banned in the traditional 3 mile state waters around Florida. The New “open area” will be the 3-9 nautical mile area that is traditionally federal waters but Florida and Texas own due to historical reasons.
2. The proposal does NOT allow drilling. It merely lifts the ban and requires the Governor and Cabinet to receive proposals for leases and then permits. There is no requirement to drill and if the Trustees determine drilling is not economically viable or environmentally safe, they would reject the proposals. (and keep the $5M application fee).
3. No permanently equipment visible from shore will be allowed. Temporary rigs may be used between 3 and 9 miles, but cannot be in place for more than 6 months.
4. Many coastal areas of military and environmental concern would be off limits.
5. The state of Florida will receive MINIMALLY 20.5% of all revenue received from the sale of oil and gas – The state is effectively a 20.5% revenue share partner in the agreement – and potentially more depending upon the bids of the participants.
6. Funding received from the proposal will be spent on the following areas: Future and alternative fuel developments (Including specifically infrastructure and end-user grants for CNG Vehicles), environmental restoration and enhancement projects, local governments, education, economic development and promotion for arts and tourism.
7. In order to ensure the best companies and best trained employees are involved; a $5M non refundable application fee would be required as well as a $500 Million bond prior to any drilling activity by each entity engaged in the process. An apprentice type training program will also be required as well as the best materials and pipes to ensure accident free drilling activity. Florida will have the world’s highest standards for drilling if it is allowed here.
8. I have also been told that revenue could become available immediately from application fees, advanced royalty fees and advanced payments. AND that oil and gas revenue would flow in 12-18 months after a permit is issued. So the funding is not a – “years out” issue – it is short term available.

Many of you may wish to oppose this plan, but let me respectfully remind you that the Pickens Plan is about many things, but it is Certainly about using American made fuels (some renewable, some fossil) to power our cars and homes. CNG is a huge part of our plan and massive amounts of natural gas lie in the Gulf’s eastern planning region and Florida waters. To suggest we don’t need to enhance our supply of American fuels seems inconsistent with our mission and that is the basis of support for this proposal. Secondly, the fact that it can be done – and will ONLY Be done with massive environmental protections, huge financial protection measures and with the best trained labor available makes it more appealing. And lastly, yes, the money matters too. Florida is in Deep, Deep financial peril. After cuts of nearly $7B in the past two years, our leaders tell us we will face another $7B in cuts over the next two years. Tax increases in a recession make no sense, so a wealth event like oil and gas exploration may be our only way out as a state. AND, that the legislative leaders want to expand and fund CNG infrastructure as well as deployment of vehicle filling equipment only adds to the allure of this proposal for Pickens Plan supporters.

Please visit www.EnergyFLA.com to join the move in Florida to enhance our supply of American fuels.

I hope you will join me in supporting this effort – and ensuring that the legislature knows the Pickens Plan is behind it – and fully expects CNG to benefit in the years ahead to help eliminate the balance of trade deficit americ now has with its energy needs.

Comment by Angela Melton on August 3, 2009 at 6:06am

Brian,
Congratulations. I think a few meetings might be a good place to start. It would be good to get some people together to see what kind of ideas we have and how everybody is able to help out. I'm excited about actually doing something. I'm here to help.

Comment by amy oconnor on August 2, 2009 at 5:31pm

Contact member David Etzler from the S. Fla Green Living Fair and pick his brain. I am sure he will be helpful...this site is great for Networking. I am a novice and plan to keep asking for suggestions and advice. No reason you cannot get some great ideas from his event and then set out to make your own...and you can count on me to drive over for your 1st Lee Co Green Festival =)

Comment by Brian J. Shaw on August 2, 2009 at 5:11pm

Hello District 14,

I am very excited to be a part of the Pickens team and now acting District Leader. I will do all I can to get our district in line with what we are seeing in other districts across Florida.

My background has been mostly Information Technology to which I have given close to 15 years of my life. I have also been a club DJ for 10 years and an event promoter for close to six years. I will graduate in November with a degree in Entertainment Business. I'd really like to see what kind of energy/enthusiasm our district has, not just for the Pickens Plan, but for alternative energies and our environment as a whole. I like to see people active in what they believe in. I will never ask you to picket a government building, but I will call on you to educate your peers, friends, our children and the community as a whole. I have a three-year-old daughter who will be inheriting what I leave behind.

I'm full of ideas and would like to speak with anyone who wants to help plan events in our area. Since my background is in music, entertainment and promotion I would love to see us create some fairs that both educate and entertain.

I am a very energetic person, and the more energy you give me, the more I will give back. Please contact me with any ideas you may have to get us together. Monthly meetings, a dinner party? I want to hear it all.

Thank-you all for your continued supprt of the Pickens Plan,

Brian Shaw

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