Energy News in the New York Times
Jan 27, 2009 – It is a busy day in The New York Times today for energy news. John M. Broder has an article titled, “Geography Is Dividing Democrats Over Energy.” Oops. Isn’t it the Republicans that are going to oppose new initiatives on the energy front? It seems sparks are flying amongst the Democrats concerning President Obama’s environmental promises and plans, central campaign issues. Most of the policy makers in Congress and the administration are from California or East Coast states [Green States], but many Democratic Congressmen are from states in the Midwest and the Plains, which are heavily dependent on coal and manufacturing [Brown States]. For example, California produced 20.7% of its electricity from coal whereas Ohio produced 86% of its electricity from coal. [What happened to the red & blue states?] Stay tuned to GreenEnergyForEarth.com to see how this division of the Democrats will play out as far as timing, scope and cost of proposed legislation. Then, of course, the Republicans even though in the minority will want to make their voice heard.
Another article by Cornelia Dean titled, “Emissions Cut Won’t Bring Quick Relief, Scientists Say.” If we cut back on global emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that trap heat will the bad effects immediately reverse? No, according to a new report by Susan Solomon et al. in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. CO2 is currently at 385 ppm. At 450 ppm, the researchers say that the rising seas will threaten many coastal areas [think Florida] and rainfall will decrease by about 10% in Western Australia, Southwestern US, Southern Europe & North Africa. That amount can cause dust bowls. The warnings indicate that once we go over a certain limit we are not on the slippery slope, but off the cliff with little chance of reversal for a very long time. Please leave your comments here.