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He was nice to Gore

One thing worth noting from this morning’s hearing: Dingell, whom I expected to challenge Gore aggressively, asked him not a single question. In fact, he was enormously respectful of Gore. And the way he attempted to pronounce Bjorn Lomborg’s name made it clear that it was not him who invited Lomborg. Maybe he really has […]

Gore errata

If you just can’t get enough livebloggin’, Brian Beutler also had a running commentary on Gore’s testimony over at his blog. Meanwhile, Inhofe and Co. are busy whining that they didn’t get Gore’s Senate testimony earlier. True statesmen. It looks like Lomborg’s testimony has been delayed so long that Gore will be in front of […]

Edwards, Canada, and now South Africa

Former Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.) -- now a presidential hopeful -- has just published his latest energy plan. One important plank of that plan foresees the nation producing (not just consuming, which would allow for imports) 65 billion gallons a year of ethanol by 2025. ("I'll meet your bid for 2030, Barack, and raise it by five billion!")

If the 51 cents a gallon volumetric ethanol excise tax credit (VEETC) is extended beyond the end of 2010 -- as most commentators and even the USDA expect will happen -- here's what the cumulative cost to the U.S. Treasury would be from 2007 through 2025, assuming straight-line growth:

Almost $350 billion (=$0.51 x 19 x [7+(65-7)/2]).

Major technological advances are necessary

Whatever you may think of Robert Samuelson, his essential point in today's Washington Post is sound: With developing countries increasing their energy use dramatically over the next few decades, the solution to climate change will have to come from major advances in technology.

Umbra on peeing in the shower

Dear Umbra, Is it suitable to justify peeing (urinating) while showering in order to save a toilet flush? Any health issues to your feet or shower algae growth? Luke WhistlerBrisbane, Australia Dearest Luke, If I told you that my editor picked not only this question, but also the previous question about organic likker, what would […]

All ten of ’em

If you don’t want to read my whole blow-by-blow of Gore’s testimony to the House, here’s a summary of his ten legislative recommendations. An immediate "carbon freeze" that would cap U.S. CO2 emissions at current levels, followed by a program to generate 90% reductions by 2050. Start a long-term tax shift to reduce payroll taxes […]

It’s popular even in Texas

I take issue with one-issue voters, mostly because I think one-issue candidates make terrible legislators.

But that said, I wouldn't do what I do if didn't believe that transitioning to a renewable energy economy is a critical, keystone challenge facing our country, with profound implications for our future.

And I'm not the only one. I don't think politicians properly appreciate how popular renewable energy is. Take this recent poll (PDF) from Texas, the heart of oil country. Eighty-four percent of Texans said they want the state to invest in solar -- that's broad support. And 81 percent are willing to pay for it -- that speaks to the depth. In the next few weeks we will be seeing some similar numbers out of Arizona and Florida. Both are swing states with bitter partisan divides -- and people unite around one thing: solar. It's a wise politician who hitches her/his wagon to renewable energy's star.

We’ll Miss the Mall

From the campaign trail, John Edwards outlines big energy plans Today we learned something: there are other Democrats running for president besides Hillrack O’Clinton. Surprised? So were we! Seems a charming southerner, name of John Edwards, is on the campaign trail. And though he’s just your run-of-the-mill white fella, the former North Carolina senator is […]

Everything’s Up To Date in Kansas City Power & Light

Sierra Club makes groundbreaking deal with Midwest utility If a groundbreaking deal between an electric company and the Sierra Club is any indication, we can all get along. Aww. The green group has agreed to quit a six-year campaign against a new Missouri coal plant being built by Kansas City Power & Light; in return, […]

Severe Whether Events

Climate action of all kinds takes Capitol Hill by storm It’s only Wednesday, but it’s already been a full week of rip-roarin’ climate action on Capitol Hill. After a coalition of investors pleaded for emissions cuts on Monday, hundreds of activists gathered Tuesday for “Climate Crisis Action Day.” The group heard from senators John Kerry […]