Why not include ALL forms of Renewable Energy..???

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Permalink Reply by Ann on July 18, 2008 at 4:02pm

I especially like the potential for hydrogen fuel cell cars. I understand there are several on the highways in Calif, NY & Washington, DC. Maybe some will come on down here to Arkansas! Ann

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Permalink Reply by Luane Todd on July 29, 2008 at 9:47am

I think that all forms of renewable energy should be considered, especially solar and some forms of hydro at least in the NW part of AR. I would also include deep geothermal (from places like Hot Springs and Eureka Springs) and biogas generated from confinement feeding operations (Tyson's comes to mind) and landfill/waste treatment sites (every town has one or both and one could get really local with this method). I'm a waste not want not kind of person who wants to consider all forms of energy and make a blend which would be more predictable over the long haul.
I also think we need to look at ways to reduce demand. Transportation changes immediately come to mind but building requirements are actually higher than transportation from what information I can find.
Applying the 'get off the oil spigot' approach to food production will also net significant reductions in petroleum requirements and can begin to address water issues and CO2 reductions. I don't have time to go into all the possibilities for ag reform but I hope to post a blog soon to open this discussion.

I'll try to do a better job of keeping in touch with the groups in the next weeks.

Luane Todd
luanetodd@yahoo.com

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Permalink Reply by Reb S. on August 3, 2008 at 6:44pm

Yes - I agree and I believe that opening the door with such strong response for any renewable source will prove to keep it open for many more. We need every resource working for Americans.
Go Boone Go!

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Permalink Reply by Aimee on August 4, 2008 at 1:13pm

I especially appreciate Boone for bringing this question to the forefront... Even if you don't agree with his whole plan (natural gas comes to mind....not being renewable) you have to admit that his vision of solar power has gotten people to realize that there are other options out there...

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Permalink Reply by D. Mastin on August 18, 2008 at 8:21pm

I think this is more workable on a mass scale faster than solar.

Solar production is also extrememly polluting in its manufacture.

Best use of solar is water heating or passive thermal.

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Permalink Reply by Pamela Whiteley on August 21, 2008 at 7:24am

Boone Pickens is saying lets do it all. We have to get everything going on our side because it is too urgent. Luane Todd and I met and brainstormed a bit. We want to petition the Arkansas state legislature to mandate that 20% of Arkansas electricity be derived from renewable energy by 2015. Thirty other states have mandated this, why not us? We thing geothermal installed in homes is a good solution for Arkansas. With state tax credits, this would be more economical. I have geothermal in my house, it is available now.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Petty on August 22, 2008 at 6:56am

Hello everyone -

I've been lobbying Arkansas' Global Warming Commission for the last year, and I am excited to say that a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is going to go forward to the Arkansas legislature in 2009. The Commission has done a great job, but between now and the 2009 Session we need to push hard on our representatives. If anyone wants to discuss communications and lobbying strategy, I'll start another discussion and we can trade ideas and build some momentum.

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Permalink Reply by Aimee on August 22, 2008 at 10:30am

That's great news, Matthew...!!! Please, do start a discussion on strategy... 2009 is not that far off and we can polish (or learn new) lobbying skills in the interim... Thanks..!!!

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