Robert Z's Page
Profile Information
- Are you interested in becoming an organizer in your area?
- Maybe--But Not Sure What to Organize
- Tell us about your experience with alternative energy:
- I am a mechanical engineer and I understand how things should work. I'm no rocket-scientits but I know this "energy problem" can and will be solved. The only question is when do we start the journey...
- What excites you about this campaign?
- Someone has finally stepped up to offer positive leadership regarding this difficult yet achievable goal of energy independence.
- What do you want to do to help?
- Help spread the word on line or in my community. Offer suggestions, create a forum for ongoing discussions.
SEE THE FILM: A CRUDE AWAKENING - The Oil Crash
Featured Action
Twitter Feed
© 2009 Created by PickensPlan
Badges | Community Guidelines | Report an Issue | Privacy | Terms of Service
Comment Wall (10 comments)
You need to be a member of PickensPlan to add comments!
Join this Ning Network
27FEB09
Honorable Speaker of the House Congresswoman Pelosi,
I am an Electronic Technician Chief in the US Navy with 27 years service stationed overseas. I’m outlying an idea to assist and work with current plans for achieving energy independence. I urge you, as speaker of the house and the driving force to form the select committee on energy independence and global warming, consider for discussion and introduction into the house US Treasury Savings Bonds for Energy Independance.
In WWII America sold war bonds supporting the war effort. When young, my mother told me her primary school raised enough money through bonds to build a tank to support troops. I am impressed with the patriotism and purpose of our greatest generation that accomplished so much.
Selling energy bonds for RE (Renewable Energy) development would lower foreign oil imports and assist with the complex problem of funding. Bonds sold as “Energy S” could support new solar trough plants, “Energy W” to support wind farms, Energy “H” to support hydroelectric plants, Energy “T” to support RE transportation such as electric bullet train routes powered by RE, Energy "C" COOPS for small communities only needing a small quantity of turbines, and Energy “I” for needed infrastructure high voltage power lines to the RE site. Bonds will have the project name and include an artist’s perspective of the project and an American flag. President Obama had great success with the internet during his campaign. In a similar manner, using the internet, energy bonds could have a website listing current projects and an “electronic checkout” could purchase a bond $25 or higher. Simpler methods of payment such as “PAYPAL” and credit cards would be available and after an electronic purchase is complete a color print out of the bond is available with a follow up of the bond in the mail. The website would limit quantity of projects for each category until funding is complete. After a project becomes funded, a new project will be available. A tab on the site will show history and status of previous projects. Purchasers may take great pride in “collecting” and displaying bonds of various RE projects and participating at different levels of financial support. Solar trough plants in the multi-hundred MW size capacity with molten salt energy storage in California, Arizona, and West Texas can provide a major portion of electric needs. North Dakota has potential to support 1/3 of our nations electric needs in it’s class 4 wind zone areas. There are plenty of suitable proposed wind turbine farms now around the nation to significantly increase our RE if funded. Mid sized hydro-electric has not been used in America to it’s full potential. Following the example of our neighbor, Canada, it would provide a significant increase in percentage of electric production. Developing all three we could provide the majority of our electric and heating needs through renewable energy in a "New New Deal" fashion allowing natural gas for transportation as T. Boone Pickens is working for. Bullet train routes have proven a viable alternative to commercial domestic air service and when powered by electricity provided by RE suppliers America would be in the forefront of world technology. Example, I heard of discussion for a commuter train from Denver to Colorado Springs. Such a route built as a renewable energy project with charter requirement legally requiring to only purchase electricity from available renewable energy sources would be a model example. There are many train routes, city bus systems, and government vehicles that can be converted to run from alternative energy sources and fuels. Jobs created would bolster the economy, lower trade deficit, and strengthen national security. I would take great pride in print outs of bonds with graphics of each project I supported and many other Americans would also. The energy bonds could have tax breaks. BLM lands may be a viable place to start for some projects.
I contacted the US treasury department and was told that the marketing department for savings bonds closed several years ago. I was told there would be problems because savings bonds are at the federal level while the projects will be at the state and local level. I disagree and believe that these can easily be figured out in the way of grants to the state and local level using money from the bonds for those specific projects. I was told to check out auctions on the www.treasurydirect.gov website and found them to not apply to citizens wanting to buy savings bonds to support a cause such as energy independance. I was told by the treasury department to look into CREB (Clean Renewable Energy Bonds). I found CREB to be large scale funding that a citizen would not be able to participate in as a US Treasury Energy Independance Bond would provide. If given the tools to participate directly, the power of the citizens of the United States to help achieve energy independance could not be denied. Americans mean well and the Energy Independance Savings bond program will give citizens the power at their level to make it happen. If marketed through a web page, commercials, and to federal employees the word would get out and participation would spread like wildfire.
Mr. Paul Gipe, a resident of Bakersfield CA, an author of several books about wind energy, and recipient of multiple awards as a pioneer in the industry since the 1970's has put a letter I wrote to Senator Dorgan on this subject as well as an older letter I wrote on wind COOP in JAN07. These websites are:
http://www.wind-works.org/coopwind/RenewableEnergyBondsforEnergyIndependence.html
and
http://www.wind-works.org/articles/AmericanEnergyIndependencethroughCooperativeInvestmentinWindEnergy.html
Sincerely and very respectfully,
ETC(SW/AW) Mike Kendall USN
Mailing address: PSC 476, Box 879, FPO AP, 96322 USA
Telephone (803) 265-4756, Email: ke6cvh@yahoo.com
After looking at a clip of T. Boone Pickens, I found that he is really alot like the grandfathers from my time. All of the proceeds of his book, which speaks about the resources here, in America, he gives to a charity. He is a humourous old man, about 80 years old coupled with alot of wisdom. He just wants to look out for everyone. He could easily take care of himself but because he seems to genuinely ( I hope I spelled that right) care about people here in America, he is organizing people to bring about much needed changes in the resources we use and where they come from. I asked myself, does Illinois have such resources where we can benefit here in the city of Chicago? What can I do to help?
I was also impressed because it'n not like he acts as a business man with the biggest secret, he revealed his plan and how this thing would work. He's got real business sense and wants to put American people to work.
I paid close attention to the press conference where the President talked about what he planned to do with the stimulus package. Part of this plan included alternative methods of energy which include wind and natural gas (which was discussed by Mr. Pickens). I want to get involved. I have little experience in organizing, but I am confident that with mentoring and more education, I could organize a people and get the support needed by a community that is used to being left in the dark on many important issues.
My personal goal is to be aware of many things and supply this information to our community so they can start to give a real, true contribution to this country. Many don't pay taxes and don't work. But if given the opportunity and given the benefit of the doubt, our efforts to change this will not be in vain.
Leslie
Easily keep track of the latest news effecting Indiana’s environment!
– People are posting links to stories everyday. The site will notify you of new content when it is added.You have full control over watching your new content! Easily find businesses that can supply you with what you need!
- Find businesses that are working to make Indiana Greener
- Farmers Markets - Locally sourced Restaurants
- Green Builders - Alternative Energy
- Eco-Tourism - Recycling
- More – if you want info on something then just ask!
Also CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS going down here in Indiana!
- USGBC Mix n Mingle - The United States Green Building Council’s Indiana Chapter invites you to a Green meet and greet on Wednesday, November 12th, 5:30pm to 8pm at The Baker Street Train Station. Admission is 5 dollars which includes one drink ticket and food. - On the Radio - Turn to the NPR station for the broadcast of the Little Bro Radio show. They will be hosting 'A Greener Indiana' as a guest and playing your local requests. Tune in to 89.1 on Thursday November 13 at 9;30 to share the moment. - South Central Indiana Energy Forum- Join the Energy Discussing at the Hoosier Environmental Council Region 5 Forum on Energy Issues and Alternatives
with Indiana State Reps. Kreg Battles and Eric Koch and HEC Executive Director Jesse Kharbanda Take part in advocacy education and course-of-action planning for the South Central Counties of Indiana. Coal provides 96% of Indiana Electricity. We must move away from our reliance on this environmentally devastating energy source. Help Indiana embrace Renewable Electricity, such as wind and biomass power.We can work together for a healthier Indiana! November 15 at 1pm – Otis Golf Course Shelter House at 607 Tunnelton Rd in Bedford. - Ecological Sciences & Engineering Symposium - on Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature for a Sustainable World! In the spirit of unifying environmental interests at Purdue, the Ecological Sciences & Engineering Graduate program, coordinated by Center for the Environment at Purdue (C4E), will host their second annual campus-wide integration symposium. This year's theme is biomimicry.Hope to see you there on December 5thfrom 8-5 at Purdue University Stewart Center and Memorial Union South Ballroom in West Lafayette. and now you get to hear it first!
-New Years Eve Party w/A Greener Indiana! - Come join A Greener Indiana and Three Heads Company in an ALL NIGHT ALL AGES 4 BAND JAM OUT in Merrillville. We are pulling no stops and going all out in bringing you this top production event. What a dynamic year. In accordance we are flipping the script and giving the winter some summer sun. Can’t wait till recreational and festival season? You don’t have to. We are bringing it to you! Bring in the new years in the right way at St. Elijah’s as 2008 goes out and 09 comes in with style! Bar available and smoking allowed in designated areas.Drink responsibly and arrange eco-carpools and DD Activists! <- Coining that one…See you there! To get all the details click here --> www.AGreenerIndiana.com
Have you seen T. boones AUTO MATIC system to send
e-mail to your rep. You type in a few key strokes and
it auto adresses the e-mail to all your reps and the GOV.
of your state based on zip code. Has a sugested draft of a letter to send. NEVER EASYER. Spread the word to click on the ACTION CENTER at the main web site.
We now have a RED "CONTACT CONGRESS" BUTTON on the main page, top right. Fill out the standard form and the letter is sent to YOUR Governor and Washington Representatives! Easy breezy. Perfect timing considering the energy bill is coming up. We must beat back the lobbyists!
WE CAN DO THIS.
Best
Kim
Walt
Thank you for the comment and insights - you are correct on all fronts. You should consider joining a new group I launched over the weekend, you can access it by returning to my page, it is titled PICKens Me! Jobs!
You are an engineer, and not all of alternative energy jobs require 'rocket scientists' ;) Why not list some of your accomplishment, objects, you can copy/paste from your resume... you never know who is looking for you.
All the best,
RoseMarie LaCoursiere
Thanks, That discussion really pressed some politcal hot buttons!
Walt
The onshore and offshore installation of wind turbines in Denmark and Germany are producing 20% of all their electrical needs; in Spain, as much as 38% (please see examples in the photos on my page). We are 10 years behind in implementation compared to these countries!
I mention these examples to give us a direction for inspiration and point to where we could be heading with the Pickens Plan. The technology is already there and we do not have to reinvent the wheel. These are a few of the websites I would suggest you visit to see what others around the world have done and are doing:
1) The Solar Village – Freiburg, Germany. See: http://www.thesolarvillage.com/
2) The Folkecenter for Renewable Energy – Denmark.
See: http://www.folkecenter.net/gb/overview/publications/
Under VARIOUS, read: The transition from Fossil Fuels to the Renewable Energies
The whole website is excellent and you could spend hours there.
3) Google: Samso, Denmark. This is an island off the coast of Denmark that is completely self-sustaining. http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/07/07/080707fa_fact_kolbert
4) Read the article written by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. titled: “Global Warming: A Real Solution”
Here are a few great videos to see: “Saved by the Sun” a PBS NOVA video, and “A Crude Awakening” by Basil Gemlpke, et al. Americans need to mobilize and pressure our government representatives both on the state and national level. The Pickens Plan is a good place to foster discussion and share ideas and PUSH this plan! We can all share in this vital common cause. Good luck in your quest for a better more secure America….. Please ask 5 of your friends to join the “PLAN”. Lee Ewald