Alternative Energy
Monday, March 12, 2012
Alternative Energy Idaho House to Mull Wind Project Moratorium Today
Posted by George Prentice on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 at 9:22 AM
When the Idaho Legislature reconvenes this morning, the House will again take up a proposal to place a moratorium on future wind farm projects.
"Wind energy development in Idaho has proliferated at an unprecedented rate," reads the statement of purpose from Idaho Falls Republican Rep. Erik Simpson, who successfully navigated the measure through the House Local Government Committee. Last year, a similar bill died by a 10-8 vote in the House State Affairs Committee.
The centerpiece of Simpson's new legislation would be the creation of an eight-member task force - four members each from the House and Senate - to study wind-energy development and ultimately report to the governor and Legislature in January 2014.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Alternative Energy Geothermal Scientists Want to Frack Oregon Volcano for Energy
Posted by George Prentice on Sun, Jan 15, 2012 at 8:55 AM
A team of geothermal scientists say they want to pump 24 million gallons of water into a dormant Oregon volcano later this year, in an effort to create cheap, clean electricity.
The Associated Press reports that if the water flows back to the surface of the Newberry Volcano fast enough and hot enough, the geothermal energy could be groundbreaking—literally and figuratively.
According to the report, the U.S. government and Google are in line to invest in the $43 million project. The volcano is located about 20 miles south of Bend, Ore.
In a process called hydroshearing, wells would be drilled deep into the rock, allowing the water to be pumped in and to create tiny fractures in the rock. As cold water is pumped down the production wells, steam is drawn out. The process is not unlike hydraulic fracturing, the controversial process of pumping fluids into shale to enhance natural gas flows. However this type of fracking would not use chemical-laden fluids.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Alternative Energy BLM Proposes Energy Development Zones for Public Lands
Posted by George Prentice on Thu, Dec 29, 2011 at 1:52 PM
The Bureau of Land Management today unveiled plans to create new guidelines for wind and solar projects on public lands. Today's announcement said that the agency would set aside so-called energy development zones before competitive leasing for alternative energy projects could occur.
"Existing regulations limit the competitive process," said Bob Abbey, BLM director. ""The renewable energy resources on America's public lands are enormous."
The American Bird Conservancy, which has called for greater diligence before public lands would be used for wind projects, offered cautious optimism following today's announcement.
"Siting is the most important step in making wind energy bird-smart," said Kelly Fuller, ABC's Wind Campaign coordinator. "American Bird Conservancy is developing a map of the areas where wind energy would be most risky to birds."
Earlier this month, ABC, the nation's leading bird conservation organization, petitioned the U.S. Department of Interior to "protect millions of birds from the negative impacts of wind energy by developing regulations that will safeguard wildlife."
The BLM will accept public comment regarding today's proposal until Monday, Feb. 27, 2012.
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