The EPA recently released its preliminary results from a fracking study in Wyoming. Based on the results some are calling for federal action to increase regulations on the oil and gas industry to prevent contamination of drinking water.
Summary article:
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/198277-overnight-energy
Draft Report:
http://www.epa.gov/region8/superfund/wy/pavillion/EPA_ReportOnPavillion_Dec-8-2011.pdf
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
OTEC Progress in Hawaii
OTEC is proceeding in Hawaii. This article explains the race between two engineering companies attempting to develop a scalable OTEC deep ocean platform in the Islands. Makai Ocean Engineering is working to increase OTEC heat exchange efficiencies, while partnered with the world’s largest defense contractor, Lockheed Martin. Makai Ocean Engineeringʻs biggest competitor, OTEC International, was selected for lease negotiation on a 1-MW demonstrational ocean thermal plant on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. OTEC Internation has been largely underwritten for the last 11 years by the Baltimore-based nonprofit Abell Foundation. Which firm will make OTEC a viable option in Hawaiʻi in the near future? Only time will tell...
Kanoa OʻConnor
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Passive houses
Passive or “zero energy” homes are being introduced to the United States from countries in Europe such as Austria and Germany. The house maintains a moderate temperate without active heating or cooling systems and uses less than 25% of the energy usually required to run a home. A ventilation system is used whereby the warm air from inside the house is used to heat membranes and cooler outside air is heated from the membranes and keeps the air ventilated and the house warm. The ventilation along with 23 inch thick walls and triple pane windows make for a well ventilated, warm, almost sound proof house with low carbon dioxide levels.
Oil spill in Colorado
Two weeks ago, Suncor Energy discovered an oil spill in a creek in Denver, Colorado and that could potentially enter the South Platte River. The EPA is continuing investigations as they are concerned that the spill contains Canadian oil sands which are extremely thick and difficult to clean up (a great concern to the National Wildlife Federation).
Ripple effects of Fukushima breakdown
The analysis for the causes and mitigation strategies of the Fukishima breakdown are causing delays within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. So much time is being applied to American reactors to prevent a reoccurence that other work within the NRC, such as renewing licenses and requests to produce more power, has slowed down.
http://green.blogs.nytimes.
President Obama announced energy efficiency initiative
President Obama directed all federal agencies to make at least $2billion worth of energy upgrades within the next two years. 60 private sector companies and non-profit organizations have joined the initiative. The initiative will finance building renovations to make properties energy efficient and will create tens of thousands of jobs in the process.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Coal Company to Pay Record-Breaking Settlement for West Virginia Mine Accident
Alpha Natural Resources will pay $210 million in damages for the Upper Big Branch mine accident last year in West Virginia. The accident killed 29 miners and was a result of methane, coal dust, and defective equipment.
The money will go to safety upgrades, research, training, federal fines for safety violations, and the victims’ families. This is the largest settlement for a criminal investigation of a US mining accident. In addition, the federal investigation reported 369 safety violations. A jury convicted the mine’s security chief for lying to investigators and attempting to get rid of records at the mine.
More info in BBC’s article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16059159
-Khalial Withen
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