Green Options

Texas has reportedly applied for a waiver of the current ethanol standards. The Energy Policy Act provides an option for a waiver only if the environment or economy would be severely harmed because of the Renewable Fuel Standards.

The White House openly states there is no “quick fix” for the price of oil however starting now can help in the future. More politicians are openly expressing their support for allowing offshore drilling and exploration.

As we continue to discuss energy independence, debate drilling for domestic oil, explore alternative energy sources and ask our prospective leaders what their economic plans may be…should we also pay attention to a fence that is being rapidly built at the cost of disrupting a peaceful people, harming ecosystems and the alarming reality that a governmental department has been given the authority to run with no checks and balances?

According to a recent CNN Opinion Poll, 74% of Americans are in favor of offshore drilling. While still split 49% to 44% on prioritizing the environment and the economy. In The Swamp, a Chicago Tribune Weblog, Matthew Hay Brown reports this survey is the latest one showing rising support for drilling, from consumers who are tired of rising gas prices.

The CNN/Opinion Research poll was conducted from June 26th - 29th and included more than 1,000 Americans.

An assessment by the National Intelligence Council with input from all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies identifies climate change as a significant security threat.

Identifying a direct link between climate change and national security, the report suggests that whilst the US is capable of handling the impacts of climate change within it’s own borders, the international issues caused by humanitarian disasters and political unrest will pose a significant threat to US national security.

This was a big week for our Presidential candidates and energy policy, specifically domestic oil drilling. With the recent decision by a House Sub-committee to continue the ban on more offshore drilling, spirited discussion regarding domestic oil has sprung up everywhere. This week John McCain extended his support for offshore drilling, stating that he thinks the ban should be lifted however he also made the statement that he opposes any drilling of ANWR. Barack Obama opposes lifting the ban on offshore drilling and ANWR drilling.

As Americans, we have a lot to think about. The fact is we do have domestic oil that we are not extracting. Geologists report we have billions of barrels in both the Bakkan Shale and ANWR. Why is John McCain in favor of lifting the offshore drilling ban while at the same time opposed to ANWR drilling? Is it politically convenient? Is it a possible attempt to satisfy both sides of a debate? Why is Barack Obama opposed to all new domestic drilling? Despite the fact that offshore drilling is technologically at its best, we have other options in other areas.

As gas prices hit record high amounts and continue to rise, US citizens are finally turning to public transportation for daily commutes and vacations. Multiple sources are reporting a surge in the use of public transportation. As scores of people jump on the “bus” public transit officials nationwide are continuously determining how to accommodate their new riders.

The American Public Transportation Authority reports 35% more travelers will use [...]

All across the US and the world news agencies are reporting, Israel has chosen a national bird. In honor of their 60th anniversary as a country, they concluded a nationwide campaign to appoint a national bird. Some news articles are making sure we know the chosen bird is not kosher. Others are celebrating the fact that the bird species is known for being monogamous and taking good care of its [...]

Our communities are concerned about the price of gas. Everywhere I go people are talking about how gas prices are effecting their finances and businesses. MarketWatch reports that this Memorial Day weekend some motorists will choose to stay home, or at least closer to home, because of the price of gas. There is much discussion about why the prices continue to climb. Is the world’s oil supply running low? Should [...]

Alaska Public Radio Network reports, at a recent press conference President Bush pushed for ANWR drilling as he “scolded” congress for preventing it thus far. Citing estimates from the Department of Energy, the President stated the possibility of ANWR producing 1 million barrels of oil per day translates to 27 million gallons of gas and diesel which would “likely” mean lower gas prices.

Following the press conference, APRN spoke with Senator Ted Stevens. Legislation sponsored by Senator Stevens and Senator Lisa Murkowski, both from Alaska, allows for drilling in a designated section of ANWR if the price of oil reaches $125 per barrel and stays at that price for five consecutive days. These two Senators are advocates of drilling ANWR to obtain our own oil in order to drastically reduce the amount of oil we import from the middle east. Based on the amount of oil currently purchased and used per day, they say the oil obtained from ANWR would reduce our price at the pump.

According to Senator Stevens’ web site he supports a balanced approach to the energy crisis which includes retrieving domestic oil, conservation, and alternative energy sources. I agree with Senator Stevens, we need a balanced approach. Is drilling ANWR the answer? In April it was reported that billions of barrels of oil are sitting under the Bakken Shale, and that area is already being drilled. Would it make more sense to continue and expand our efforts there?