Pickens Plan District Group OH-06

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Comment by J Jay Pirko on November 22, 2009 at 8:25am

NEO Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County
Tuesday, November 24, 2009, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Energy Efficiency's Role in Green Building

Michael Hein and Jason Clark of The Green Building Pros are the main speakers for a Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Hein and Clark will discuss "Energy Efficiency's Role in Green Building" and will deal with topics such as what makes a building "green," why energy efficiency is important to homeowners and small business owners, and energy audits. To make existing buildings more energy efficient, an energy audit is the place to start. The speakers will explain what is involved in an energy audit and the reports produced to help determine the steps needed to reduce energy use while maintaining a comfortable and healthy building. A question/answer session will follow the presentation. Also, attendees will discuss future meeting topics.

The Green Building Pros (GBP) is a collaboration of energy efficiency and sustainability experts dedicated to bringing their expertise to the marketplace in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. The staff at GBP has decades of experience in the construction industry and hold advanced degrees and certifications in sustainability and green building. This experience and education – coupled with memberships and accreditation by leading organizations in green building and energy efficiency organizations such as the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), and the Building Performance Institute (BPI) – position GBP to be a leader in the growing green building market. GBP is on the Web at http://thegreenbuildingpros.com/.

Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.

For more information about the Clean Energy Network and the Trumbull County meeting, contact Dave Ambrose at 330-647-3666 or dambrose1@neo.rr.com.

Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO

Comment by J Jay Pirko on November 18, 2009 at 2:54pm

This was sent to me by Kenneth Prendergast, Executive Director of All Aboard Ohio!

As we ponder the removal of urban rail transit systems that anchored walkable neighborhoods, the abandonment and destruction of many U.S. cities over the past 50 years, the isolation of the urban poor, the nation's immobilized elderly population, the creation of sprawling car-dependent suburbia where transit cannot effectively serve or survive, our depletion of our once-world leading domestic oil reserves and thus ever-worsening dependence on imported oil, as well as dangerously high carbon emissions, consider these issues in the context of the eye-opening Harper's article by Jonathan Kwitney from February, 1981, "The Great Transportation Conspiracy."

The article, scanned column by column, was uploaded to a friend's web site as a series of JPGs displayed by an html file. A text search won't stumble across it; one has to know where to look. Well here it is:

http://robertpence.com/streetcars/streetcars.html

From time to time, interviews and articles surface where some current or retired transit official claims it never happened. That's not too surprising, considering that when Kwitney researched his article he found "no more than three" such people who claimed to have any knowledge of the events. Probably a lot of former execs and employees from that era had already died off, and I speculate that some who denied any knowledge were trying to conceal their own complicity.

Kwitney presents such a thoroughly-researched, detailed narrative that it's pretty hard to believe the claims of those who deny it ever happened.

KJP

Comment by J Jay Pirko on November 15, 2009 at 11:11am

This was sent to me by Kenneth Prendergast, Executive Director of All Aboard Ohio!

The Oil Situation Is Really Bad
by Dave Cohen

Published Nov 12 2009 by ASPO-USA, Archived Nov 12 2009


On the eve of the International Energy Agency’s release of its annual World Energy Outlook (WEO), a whistleblower at the IEA claims the agency “has been deliberately underplaying a looming [oil] shortage for fear of triggering panic buying” in the world markets. As the young fan said to “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, who was wrongly convicted of helping to throw the 1919 World Series, but knew the fix was in, say it ain’t so, Joe.

Ah, but apparently it is so. Another dose of disillusionment for the naive. A second Guardian informant went so far as to say the situation is really bad—

The senior official claims the US has played an influential role in encouraging the watchdog to underplay the rate of decline from existing oil fields while overplaying the chances of finding new reserves.

The allegations raise serious questions about the accuracy of the organization’s latest World Energy Outlook on oil demand and supply to be published tomorrow – which is used by the British and many other governments to help guide their wider energy and climate change policies…

A second senior IEA source, who has now left but was also unwilling to give his name, said a key rule at the organization was that it was “imperative not to anger the Americans” but the fact was that there was not as much oil in the world as had been admitted. “We have [already] entered the ‘peak oil’ zone. I think that the situation is really bad,” he added.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.energybulletin.net/node/50688

READ IEA'S WEO REPORT AT:
http://www.worldenergyoutlook.org/

READ THE GUARDIAN ARTICLE AT:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/09/peak-oil-international-energy-agency#history-byline

Comment by J Jay Pirko on November 15, 2009 at 9:50am

Posted on “Trucking & the Pickens Plan” Group:

Rail-truck intermodal shipping containers are the most cost-effective inland transportation system on the market. Fifteen years ago I was able to save $300-400 per "48x102" trailerload, using intermodal shipping containers to supply my customers in New York, shipping from Tupelo, MS through the Memphis, TN intermodal rail terminal. Diesel fuel retailed for about $0.75 per gallon back then, so intermodal cost savings have multiplied with the cost of imported oil.

Since returning to Ohio, I have been advocating the construction of a regional rail-truck intermodal shipping container terminal in the Youngstown area. This idea has gained support with our regional transportation planning and economic development organizations, and I am now involved with discussions about site selection, engineering, and funding.

Railroads must play a central role in restructuring our economy for energy independence, using a network of strategically-placed rail-truck terminals. Trucking would still be essential for local/regional deliveries, and for express-delivery "hot freight," but we need to use railroads as the standard for long-haul tonnage.

If CNG would not be feasible for railroad engines, we could use bio-diesel, processed from soybean oil and/or algae. Soybeans enrich the soil in which they are grown, and algae can be grown from waste water treatment plant effluent. Ultimately, we would be using our own sustainable resources to stop the energy trade deficit that has devastated our economy and weakened our national security for almost four decades.

Comment by J Jay Pirko on November 7, 2009 at 11:28am

Green Energy Ohio Tu-24-Nov-2009 (7-8:30pm)

To the Pickens Plan Army:

You are invited to Green Energy Ohio’s presentation "Sustainable Buildings" by Michael Hein of the Green Building Pros on Tu-24-Nov-2009 (7-8:30pm) at the Kent State University-Trumbull Campus, on Ohio Route 45 north of the Warren Route 5 Bypass. This presentation will include:

- What is a Green Building?
- Energy Efficiency Basics.
- Home Energy Audits.
- Questions/Answers.

J. Jay Pirko
OH-17 District Leader

Comment by J Jay Pirko on November 1, 2009 at 1:46pm

To the Pickens Plan Army, especially the OH-17 Group:

Once again, we should be proud of, and grateful to, our Congressman Tim Ryan, who has signed on as a co-sponsor of HR 1835, commonly called The Natural Gas Act of 2009.

Tim Ryan has been on the leading edge of our nation's efforts toward technology development and a sustainable energy policy. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee, Tim Ryan worked on the “Stimulus Bill,” with its investment in energy that was supported by the Pickens Army earlier this year.

Tim Ryan is working with his colleagues in our neighboring Congressional Districts, including Jason Altmire (PA-4) & John Bocceiri (OH-16) & Charlie Wilson (OH-6) to develop a Cleveland-to-Pittsburgh “Tech Belt.” Our delegation of legislators have been working to build a regional sustainable energy industry, using wind, solar, geothermal, and LEED-certified “green-buildings.”

Natural gas is another regional solution for our nation’s energy demands, and Tim Ryan is taking the lead as a co-sponsor of HR 1835. Our region is in a unique position to benefit from the development of the massive gas reserves in the Marcellus shale deposits running from the southern tier of New York, through the western portion of Pennsylvania into the eastern half of Ohio and through West Virginia.

V & M Steel is preparing to invest approximately one BILLION DOLLARS to expand its facility in Youngstown to produce the seamless steel pipes needed for gas & oil drilling. Youngstown is strategically located to provide one-day delivery to any location in the Marcellus shale region.

Energy costs are a major obstacle to economic development in this area, according to the Economic Development Action Team of our Regional Chamber of Commerce. Developing local energy production resources is essential to building our regional economy, and Congressman Tim Ryan is working on solutions.

Comment by James G. Lewis on June 6, 2009 at 1:50pm

Hi 'Pickens Plan' members of the Ohio 6th Congressional District !! I am new to the 'Pickens Plan,' but very interested and committed to help.

I am looking forward to meeting you folks in the future and to help recruit more 'Pickens Plan' members and to spread the awareness of the plan.

Comment by J Jay Pirko on May 25, 2009 at 3:10pm

Join Green Energy Ohio for a Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tue-26-May 7-8:30 pm, in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building. The meeting is free and open to the public, especially those interested in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies.

Scot Loveland will explain how wind turbines work and what is involved in a typical installation. In addition, Loveland will provide examples of energy savings that can be expected and help attendees determine if small scale wind is appropriate for their situations.

Loveland is in charge of Renewable Energy Projects for Tri-County Tower Service Inc. of North Jackson, Ohio. He is a high school teacher, and developed classroom curriculum based around renewable energy and green building projects.

The company installed their first wind turbine in 2003 and now considers renewable energy projects to be a full-time division of the organization. They offer complete turnkey construction of wind projects and are authorized dealer/installers for several small wind turbine manufacturers. More information about Tri-County’s products and services is available at http://www.tricountytower.com .

A question/answer session will follow the presentation. Also, we will discuss topics for future Trumbull meetings.

For more information about the Clean Energy Network and the Trumbull County meeting, contact Dave Ambrose at 330-647-3666 or ambrose@infohio.org .
The GEO Web site is http://www.greenenergyohio.org .

-Jim Pirko
OH-17 District Leader

Comment by J Jay Pirko on April 21, 2009 at 4:23pm

I am forwarding this email to invite any of the Pickens Plan Army to attend this meeting. Please email you reservation to rmccartney@eastgatecog.org if you plan to attend.

From: Rachel McCartney
Sent: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 8:44 am
Subject: EPAC--next week
Just a reminder that next week, April 30th will be the next EPAC meeting here at Eastgate from 1-3 p.m. The speaker will be coming in from Columbus to give ideas for and examples of green fleets.

The presentation is by Ohio Green Fleets ( www.ohiogreenfleets.org) on how communities can work to reduce their fuel use and use cleaner fuels. We will look at other communities and companies across Ohio that have adopted Green Fleet Policies. For those of you who have signed the Trumbull-Mahoning Green Pact, Goal #9 is “Greening Public Fleets” so this meeting will serve as our first workshop to address the 10 goals in the Green Pact. Please consider inviting your road department/engineers to attend, since they will have many appropriate questions/comments on fuel/equipment/policy changes to the fleets.

Feel free to forward this email to any interested local companies or others who may be in charge of fleets and interested in hearing this presentation.

Please reply to this email (if you did not already do so) if you plan to attend.

See you soon!

Rachel McCartney
Program Manager,
Community Development
EASTGATE REGIONAL
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
100 E. Federal Street
Suite 1000
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
ph. 330-779-3800
fax 330-779-3838
rmccartney@eastgatecog.org

Comment by J Jay Pirko on April 21, 2009 at 4:22pm

The Eastgate Council of Governments developed the following statement of commitment, which has been adopted by our County Commissioners, as well as the leading Cities and Townships in our region:

THE TRUMBULL-MAHONING GREEN PACT

We, the community leaders of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties, Ohio, are committed to enhancing and protecting the quality of life and improving the economic vibrancy of the region. With this Green Pact, we affirm that it is in the best interest of our residents, business community and natural environment to take practical steps that protect our air and water, preserve natural resources, increase green space, reduce our consumption of raw materials and increase recycling. We hereby commit to lead by example, through this series of common sense steps to accomplish green growth, management and living for our jurisdictions.

1. Growing a Strong, Green Economy
Alternative energy, energy efficient products, and environmentally-friendly businesses are a fast growing sector of the economy. We agree to collaborate to encourage a steady stream of new ideas and new enterprises aimed at enhancing the environment. This entrepreneurial spirit is important to improving the long term economic health of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties.
2. Encourage the Purchase of Green Products
Purchasing products that are environmentally friendly, including those that have recycled content, can preserve natural resources, reduce waste going into the landfill, and nurture the green marketplace. We will review purchasing policies to implement green procurement practices, and where possible, affiliated agencies are encouraged to combine efforts to save costs.

3. Implementing Sustainable Development Policies and Practices
The way our communities grow can have a significant impact on the environment and on our quality of life. We agree to examine our codes and policies to determine how we can: create walkable, bikeable communities, promote infill, redevelop brownfields, protect natural resources such as trees, protect our rivers through stormwater controls and create green infrastructure such as bio-swales and rain gardens. These policies and practices will have a positive impact on the “curb-appeal” of our communities.

4. Building Green Facilities and Reducing Energy Consumption
Buildings account for one-third of the energy and two-thirds of the electricity consumed in this country. We will explore creating buildings that are more energy efficient, conserve water and use environmentally friendly products. We may also, where appropriate, conduct energy audits of government buildings. We will look for other opportunities to reduce our energy consumption, such as making our street lights and traffic lights higher efficiency. Reducing energy use equals savings for tax payers.

5. Reducing Waste
Reducing the waste that is going to our landfills is vital to the health and safety of our residents and to the economic interest of every jurisdiction and tax-payer in Trumbull & Mahoning Counties. We agree that we will lead by example in our own operations by establishing recycling and reuse programs. We will also encourage demolition projects to recycle a portion of the material generated. We will encourage the reduction of packaging in our purchasing and in our local industries to further the life of our landfills.

6. Educating and Engaging Our Communities
We agree to lead by example and to encourage greater environmental stewardship of residents and local businesses. We will reach out to our stakeholders and citizens to teach the value and practice of sustainable living. We will also make periodic reports to our community about our efforts. We further agree to recognize, celebrate and reward existing businesses that adopt green, sustainable practices.

7. Preserving Green Space and Creating Greenways
Abundant open space and a strong, accessible system of greenways are necessary components of a healthy, livable community. We will support regional efforts to protect and preserve streams, wetlands, forests and the other important natural resources of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties and increase the amount of parks and recreation areas for our residents. We will continue to work together to grow an interconnected system of greenways and bike trails that provide opportunities for alternative transportation, outdoor recreation, and healthy living.

8. Reducing Emissions
We will consider performing a baseline emission inventory of greenhouse gases stemming from our government fleets and then will consider feasible options on how to reduce those emissions. We further agree to engage Eastgate Regional Council of Governments on regional solutions to air quality issues.

9. Greening Public Fleets
Vehicles are a major source of air pollution. We agree to consider options to address pollution stemming from our public fleets. Options may include: anti-idling directives, purchase of higher performing vehicles, use of alternative power sources, retrofitting existing vehicles, and/or utilizing repowering equipment.

10. Promoting Alternative Transportation
We agree to explore ways to improve and promote alternative transportation in Mahoning & Trumbull Counties which may include supporting mass transit options including rail, creating safe and well lit bike lanes on our roads to encourage easily accessible routes to vital services and businesses, and promoting and exploration of incentives for our employees to take the bus, bike, vanpool or carpool to work.

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