18. 12.

2010 Gmail - Some Recent Energy & Enviro…

Peter Latak <peterlatak@gmail.com>

Some Recent Energy & Environmental News - Christmas

2010
John Droz, jr. <aaprjohn@northnet.org> 18. decembra 2010 2:22
Komu: Peter Latak <peterlatak@gmail.com>

Peter:

This is the current issue of my informal, free collection of recent electrical energy-related developments. Since
citizens are daily inundated with material coming out on this topic, I am trying to present a digest summary of
the most pertinent applicable information. My bias is for articles that are: scientific, independent, informative,
constructive, and/or well-written. (I would STRONGLY recommend that you SAVE these emails, as you might
need links to some good articles in the future.)

At last count there are over 4000 readers of the newsletter. If there are some other open-minded people you
think would like this newsletter feel free to pass it on — or provide me with their email addresses and I will
include them in the future.

My core message is: Scientifically Sound Solutions not Palliative Political Pablum
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

What this translates to is that the policy statement of any true environmental organization should be the
following:

1) We believe that we have environmental and energy issues, and

2) We believe that these matters should be resolved by applying the Scientific
Method.

The Scientific Method consists of a comprehensive, objective, independent, transparent and empirical-based
assessment. Anything less would amount to promoting a political policy rather than a science oriented one.
Citizens should insist on nothing less from organizations they belong to.

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Due to many citizens calling in, the “Omnibus” spending bill has died in the US federal legislature. That’s good
news, and shows that citizens CAN have an impact.

On the other side of the fence, the “Tax” bill was unfortunately passed. One of their strategies for getting this
through, was to do it before the media and citizens figure out what is going on — and this strategy
succeeded... This is a wonderfully accurate cartoon:

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18. 12. 2010 Gmail - Some Recent Energy & Enviro…

Speaking of the US federal legislature, Ralph Hall is likely to chair the US House Science Committee starting
next year. This will be a major improvement: <<http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46101.html>>.
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This is a VERY important article which discusses “RGGI” and other related initiatives. Among other things, it
describes how ratepayer funds from citizens is used to fund environmental organizations. This whole charade
needs to be identified and objected to — if not sued out of existence. See <<http://www.thenewamerican.
com/index.php/usnews/politics/5466-cap-and-trade-by-stealth-us-states-partner-with-foreign-governments>>.
Then there is this <<http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/nyregion/29greenhouse.html?_r=2&src=twrhp>>.
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Another example of the US government eroding the freedom of citizens is the home energy assessment plan in
the works. There is nothing the matter with giving citizens the option of doing an energy audit. However, from
what I’ve heard, the eventual plan is that if your home does not meet a certain energy “standard” then you will
not be able to sell it. For more info see <<http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/homeenergyscore/
index.html>>.
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“The U.S. Bureau of Land Management suspended issuing wind permits on public land indefinitely this summer
after wildlife officials invoked a decades-old law for protecting eagles”: <<http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/
40640914/ns/us_news-environment/>>.
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Here is an unusual collection of well over a hundred carefully organized energy related articles — covering
wind energy, biofuels, nuclear, etc., etc. <<http://z4.invisionfree.com/Popular_Technology/index.php?
showtopic=3425>>. Save this as a resource!
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More indications about China’s real intentions regarding wind energy <<http://www.nytimes.com/2010/
12/15/business/global/15chinawind.html>>.
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18. 12. 2010 Gmail - Some Recent Energy & Enviro…
A good legal decision about Yucca Mountain. Note the Nevada governor’s absurd position that he and the EPA
expected to have environmental protection “for a million years.” <<http://www.nevadanewsbureau.
com/2010/12/15/nevada-officials-disappointed-with-dismissal-of-yucca-mountain-legal-challenges/>>.
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“How to Change The Global Energy Conversation” has some good points, like “Stop subsidizing old technology
that will never compete with fossil fuels and create incentives for innovation.” <<http://tinyurl.com/288cnmo>>
.
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A good article about wind turbines <<http://www.tfa.net/the_freedom_association/2010/12/giant-wind-

turbines-may-soon-be-ruining-a-landscape-near-you.html>>. MAKE SURE THAT YOU LOOK AT THE
SHORT “BROKEN WINDOW FALLACY” VIDEO ON THE LOWER PART OF THE PAGE!
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“Cool the Planet with Natural Gas” is an article by a utility COE where he also disparages wind energy
<<http://tinyurl.com/2auybu7>>.
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FERC’s plan to divvy up the cost of new transmission lines <<http://tinyurl.com/26enz2q>>.

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If you are looking up general wind project info, this site may help <<http://www.thewindpower.net/
index_en.php>>.
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A NYT piece about Turbine Free wind energy

<<http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/12/19/magazine/ideas2010.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=ab1#
Turbine-Free_Wind_Power>>.

The Putting Some Balance To It Department —

“The Abdication of the West” is a disturbing report about the activities at the Cancun meeting. The reference
to “transparent impenetrability” is particularly pertinent: <<http://sppiblog.org/news/the-abdication-of-the-
west>>.

Here is another report about the results at Cancun. My take is that it’s bad, but could have been a lot worse
<<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11975470>>. Here is another reasoned analysis
<<http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2010/12/12/bureaucrats-swindle-greens-in-cancun/>>.

An overview of the important upcoming US Supreme Court case about Global Warming
<<http://www.globalwarming.org/2010/12/08/supreme-court-to-hear-global-warming-nuisance-case-will-the-
court-empower-trial-lawyers-to-enact-climate-policy/>>.

Somehow I missed this very big deal that happened in mid October: the chief Wikipedia proponent for Global
Warming was unanimously stripped of his powers <<http://sppiblog.org/news/global-warming-propagandist-
slapped-down-by-wikipedia>>. Long overdue!

This report about “Taxpayer Funded Environmentalism” in the UK has several good points <<http://www.
taxpayersalliance.com/tfe.pdf>>.

Dire warnings of immanent flooding of coastal cities due to icebergs melting — all in 1922
<<http://wattsupwiththat.com/2008/03/16/you-ask-i-provide-november-2nd-1922-arctic-ocean-getting-warm-
seals-vanish-and-icebergs-melt/>>.

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Special Holiday Message —
Although the last year has had several disappointments, there also have been numerous positive experiences. To
me the best thing about being involved with this struggle, is meeting some wonderful people. It renews one’s
faith and hope in mankind.

So I want to thank YOU for your efforts and sacrifices throughout the last year — especially those that went
unnoticed and unsung. Believe me, the Big Guy is paying attention.

So the very best wishes to you and your family during this holy holiday period, and I hope that you have good
health and much success in the New Year.

Here are two small gifts —

1) This unique band playing holiday music only on iPads and iPhones <<http://www.youtube.com/
northpointministries#p/a/u/0/F9XNfWNooz4>>.

2) Please watch this inspiring patriotic story, to bring us into the New Year <<http://www.youtube.com/
watch_popup?v=Iwa-lSVqA1M&vq=medium>>.

Best Regards,

john droz, jr.

physicist & environmental advocate

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