The Ethanol Fact Book contains statistics and information documenting the economic and environmental benefits of ethanol, Nelson said. According to the book, a typical 40 million gallon per year ethanol plant expands the local economic base by $110 million, generates $19.6 million in household income, increases tax revenue by $1.2 million, and creates nearly 700 permanent jobs.
Giving full credit to N.C. GreenPower
Furthermore, it was the N.C. GreenPower program, negotiated and governed by a diverse group of stakeholders including utilities, consumer advocates and environmental groups, that convinced the utilities in our state to allow renewable energy providers to interconnect with our power grid.
Turbulence over turbines at Virginia's first planned wind farm
Out here in the Allegheny Mountains, snug to the West Virginia line, the first commercial wind farm in Virginia is planned. As many as 22 turbines, each as tall as the Statue of Liberty, would churn out enough clean energy to power more than 12,000 homes a year, according to plans.
If approved by regulators, it would be the highest wind development on the East Coast, atop two mountain ridges more than 4,200 feet in elevation.
EPA: No plans for regulation
But an EPA spokeswoman said the agency's not planning to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired electric plants anytime soon, although top administrators are planning new limits on greenhouse gases that come out of vehicle tailpipes.
"At this point, we're still studying the issue," said Kim Olson, spokeswoman for EPA's regional office in Kansas City.
Energy session not guaranteed to bring solution
Special legislative sessions are designed to focus public attention on an issue. The energy issue will have its day in the sun when a special session convenes later this month. Gov. Ed Rendell will deliver an address Sept. 24 to the General Assembly on his proposals to make Pennsylvania less dependent on expensive oil and natural gas supplies.
Drivers aim to save money, Earth
But does going green mean saving the environment or saving a little cash?
Kevin Riddell, JD Power powertrain analyst, said the primary motivation for most people who buy an alternative energy vehicle is improved mileage, with the environmental benefits as a bonus.
"It's more difficult to sell environmental friendliness than to sell fuel economy," he said.
| technorati tags: alternative energy, Italy, energy, autos, EPA, wind power, clean energy, ethanol |
