“Renewable” Energy: In Search of Definition

By -- March 28, 2009 2 Comments

As a physicist with energy expertise and a long time environmental activist, I have grown increasingly concerned about a lack of common sense in the country’s energy debates. Even simple terms underlying our leading debates sometimes are poorly considered.

Consider the indiscriminate use of the term “renewable” energy. This is no academic annoyance, for right now the U.S. Senate is drafting a national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The first version is not a good start on President Obama’s new science directive.

Some problematic issues with RPS (federal and state) are: …

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Worth Re-reading Weekend (MasterResource works for lazy summer days too)

By -- August 1, 2009 No Comments

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Is the Climate Science Debate Over?

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Industrial Wind Technology: Interview of Jon Boone by Allegheny Treasures

By Jon Boone -- October 31, 2009 14 Comments

Editor note: Jon Boone’s previous post on industrial wind parks led to this interview by Michael Morgan of Allegheny Treasures, an information resource dedicated to preserving the historic mountains of West Virginia and understanding the impact of industrial wind installations. 

Introduction: It’s been extremely difficult to bridge the gap that exists between those who know little about the issue and those who have a more comprehensive understanding of the workings of the electrical grid and the related technologies that supply it, like wind energy.  For many, their only information comes from the local press, “green” promotions by so-called environmental organizations, and occasional visits to web sites dedicated to one side or the other.  It’s often a mind-boggling quagmire!

The following conversation with Jon Boone, who now lives in Oakland, MD after a 30 year career at the University of Maryland, College Park, is an attempt to bridge that gap, perhaps allowing us to better understand the limitations of and problems associated with industrial wind technology.…

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Scientists versus Lobbyists: A Winning Strategy Against Big Wind

By -- June 14, 2010 19 Comments

My hope as a physicist is that our representatives make energy and environmental policy decisions based on sound science. So far that has not been the case. The main reason for this is that we are engaged in an epic battle between scientists and lobbyists for those with financial or political agendas.

Right now the scientists–the group with the better case for sound public policy–are losing.

I used to think that trying hard and being right was enough. Foolish me! Everything today is really about public relations. The Internet has spawned the perfect storm. Within a few minutes we can now send messages that are read by millions of people. At the other end, recipients are in overload, due to a steady bombardment of these messages. It is very hard for almost everyone to separate the wheat from the chaff.…

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2Q-2010 MasterResource Update: The Progress Continues

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By Robert Bradley Jr. -- August 19, 2010 6 Comments Continue Reading

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“Why They Go Green” (WSJ editorial says much in few words)

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Wind Turbines Offshore North Carolina: Look Before You Dive (Part I)

By -- May 19, 2011 4 Comments Continue Reading

North Carolina Onshore Wind Development: Look Before You Leap (Part II)

By -- June 27, 2011 7 Comments Continue Reading