Landmark Clean Energy Bill Passes Senate
From the Oregonian:
The Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that would require utilities to move aggressively into renewable power, adding momentum to Gov. Ted Kulongoski's effort to make the state a leader in clean-energy development.Under Senate Bill 838, wind, solar, geothermal and other types of renewable power must account for 25 percent of an electric utility's sales by 2025. Intermediate requirements set the standard at 5 percent by 2011, 15 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020.
Sen. Brad Avakian, D-Bethany, called the bill a "landmark effort" to reduce Oregon's dependence on electricity produced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.
"It's an ambitious standard, but Oregon is an ambitious state," said Avakian, chairman of the committee that pounded out the bill's details.
The vote, 20-10 in favor, split primarily along party lines. Democrats claimed the bill would fuel clean-energy development in urban and rural parts of the state without jeopardizing Oregon's reputation as a state with relatively low-cost power. Republicans warned that the mandates would force big rate increases for households and businesses.
The bill now heads for the House where a tougher fight is expected.
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April 11, 2007
Posted in in the news 2007. |
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connect with blueoregon
Apr 11, '07
I have noticed that the Coast guard Station in Astoria has perimeter lighting where each light is powered by a solar/mini-wind-turbine combo - an excellent idea for the Northwest Coast.
Alas, so far my inquiries as to where I could get something similar have come to naught. The Coasties I talked to just raise their eyebrows as if they apparently thought there might be a security violation in talking to me about it. And I have also canvassed every electrical wholesailer/retailer near there with no results either.
I find it amazing that this technology is not in use for streetlights and other external lighting uses everywhere west of the Cascades.
mike
Apr 12, '07
I find it amazing that this technology is not in use for streetlights and other external lighting uses everywhere west of the Cascades. JK: Maybe there is something wrong with it? Perhaps it is much more expensive than just paying the electric bill. Perhaps it falls apart after a year or two? * What lights the light when there is no wind? (most bateries wear out after a few years)
On the other hand, maybe it works and is economical, in which case others will pick up on it and it will spread. To put in lots of them before they are actually proven to work a few years can prove costly if they happen to not pan out as so many new ideas don't.
That is probably why "this technology is not in use for streetlights and other external lighting uses everywhere". (It is easy to tell others what they should do when you aren't putting your own money at risk.)
mike Thanks JK
Apr 12, '07
Mike: Go to any marine hardware store or pickup a sailboat electronics catalog. Those of us that own sailboats have been producing and storing our own power for over 15 years and many of the applications can be adapted for home use. There are dozens of choices for both solar and wind generated power. And given the tech advances in the last 3 years, most have a breakeven point of 5-7 years.
Or you can just plug into the wall and never question where or how your power is generated as some people would suggest.
Apr 12, '07
I read a great quote from a former EPA scientist:
When politicians begin passing legislation regarding the environment, American companies start hiring more lawyers while the Japanese hire more engineers
Apr 12, '07
JK -
"Perhaps it is much more expensive than just paying the electric bill." --- or perhaps not. I for one would like to find out.
"Perhaps it falls apart after a year or two?" --- see my last comment
"What lights the light when there is no wind?" --- The wind blows everyday here on the coast. And as I said above, it is a combination of solar and wind.
"To put in lots of them before they are actually proven to work a few years can prove costly if they happen to not pan out as so many new ideas don't." --- Of course you are right. They have been in use for at least two years and maybe more at the Astoria CG Station. They are still working, but I cannot say how maintenance intensive they are. I need to find a Coast Guard PR guy to find that out.
"It is easy to tell others what they should do ..." --- that was not my intent. If I could ID and find them I would buy two for my place if the cost. My statement was "I find it amazing that this technology is not in use for streetlights and other external lighting uses everywhere west of the Cascades." In your mind, how does that equate to telling others what they should do???
mike
Apr 12, '07
Scott - Thanks for the tip on the marine electronics. I'll check it out.
<h2>mike</h2>