LibrosNorth Carolina is begging for some fracking.
North Carolina’s water department doesn’t know if fracking will poison drinking water or despoil wetlands — and that’s just how department leaders like it.
We told you recently that the state is pushing to allow oil and gas companies to use hydraulic fracturing without property owners’ permission. It’s part of a Republican-led push to hurry-the-fuck-up-already on fracking, environmental and health concerns be damned.
Now comes news that Republican Gov. Pat McCrory’s administration has turned down a pair of EPA grants that would have paid for monitoring of water quality and wetlands as the much-ballyhooed fracking bonanza gets underway. Because, um, well, they say it’s because the fracking boom isn’t happening quickly enough to justify any pre-fracking baseline environmental monitoring.
The state wetlands program’s development unit applied for the two EPA grants before Gov. McCrory was sworn into office in January. Under McCrory, however, the unit was dissolved amid a bureaucratic restructure, and the Division of Water Resources turned down the nearly $600,000 worth of federal assistance that the state had previously requested.
The Daily Tar Heel reports that the division’s director, Tom Reeder, defended the decision on Friday during a meeting of the Mining and Energy Commission, which is responsible for developing the state’s fracking rules. But not everyone was convinced:
“I find when you get in these types of discussions when there’s a lot of accusations being made, it’s good to inject a little reality into the discussion now and again,” Reeder told the commission.
Reeder said one of the reasons the department returned the grant is because the funded studies would have covered a broader region than the proposed fracking area and would be completed too far in advance of drilling to be a useful baseline testing.
But George Matthis, a former DENR employee who spoke before the commission, said EPA grants are usually able to be amended and timelines can be extended.
“This whole business with the grant returns really got under my skin,” Matthis said in an interview. “Having managed grants for 15 years for this department, it just doesn’t make any sense.”
We share Matthis’s hunch that the decision has more to do with the division’s pro-business slant than any trivial concerns over the finer details of the studies. Reeder says “a little reality” is what’s needed in this discussion, but reality is exactly what he’s trying to avoid.
Source
State returns EPA grants to study fracking, The Daily Tar Heel
John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who tweets, posts articles to Facebook, and blogs about ecology. He welcomes reader questions, tips, and incoherent rants: johnupton@gmail.com.
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One of China’s biggest wind turbine manufacturers is accused of stealing software from an American firm, then using the ill-gotten trade secrets in turbines in the victim’s own backyard of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts-based AMSC, which makes software and equipment that regulates the flow of electricity from wind turbines to the electrical grid, was allegedly betrayed by an employee of one of its subsidiaries. The U.S. Justice Department charges that the employee stole the software by downloading it to a computer in Austria, then sold it to Chinese company Sinovel, which had formerly been an AMSC customer. Justice has indicted Sinovel, two Sinovel executives, and the rogue AMSC employee.
The theft led to the loss of 500 jobs and $800 million, AMSC says. U.S. Attorney John Vaudreuil says it was “nothing short of attempted corporate homicide.”
AMSC, which claimed the stolen software was used in four Sinovel turbines installed in Massachusetts, called for the Obama administration and Congress to re-evaluate the US trade relationship with China.
Daniel McGahn, the company’s president, said: “The fact that Sinovel has exported stolen American intellectual property from China back into the United States, less than 40 miles from our global headquarters, shows not only a blatant disrespect for intellectual property but a disregard for international trade law.”
The software in question is used to run AMSC’s PM3000 wind power convertor [PDF].
From a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice:
The indictment alleges that the four defendants conspired to obtain AMSC’s copyrighted information and trade secrets in order to produce wind turbines and to retrofit existing wind turbines with [AMSC’s] technology, without having to pay AMSC for previously-delivered products and services, thereby cheating AMSC out of more than $800 million.
It seems that the masterminds behind the alleged software heist may escape justice, shielded by their foreign residencies, though Justice will proceed with its prosecution of Sinovel. From The New York Times:
The two Chinese executives are in China, and the former employee, who was working for AMSC in Austria, has returned home to Serbia, according to John W. Vaudreuil, the United States attorney. He said that the United States did not have extradition treaties with either nation, but the accused could be arrested if they traveled to a country with which the United States does have an extradition treaty.
Sinovel will face a trial here, he said, and could face fines equal to twice the damages, plus restitution to AMSC.
The employee, Dejan Karabasevic, 40, served a brief prison term in Austria related to the case, Mr. Vaudreuil said.
John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who tweets, posts articles to Facebook, and blogs about ecology. He welcomes reader questions, tips, and incoherent rants: johnupton@gmail.com.
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Chinese wind power company charged with stealing American trade secrets
The increase in energy bills and rocketing green concerns has led Australians into welcoming solar power Perth as the alternative source of energy. Perth is amongst the cities in Australia that has got a great potential for generation of solar energy. A recent report by the World Energy Agency states that Perth has the best solar resources and best potential for generating solar power among towns in the Organisation for Industrial Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Perth households and businesses have experienced the upward thrust of electricity charges to up to 45 p.c in the last few years. With further electricity price hikes anticipated, there might be no better time to turn to solar energy and save cash in electricity expenses.
The primary merit of solar energy is that it is renewable. The sun provides energy almost everyday which makes it better than nuclear power or coal. Solar power generates electrical power using a PV system/solar energy panel that’s installed in the roof of your home or business grounds. Solar panels can collect power enough to sustain a few households or business residences by distributing the energy through a power network.
Aside from cutting expenses on power bills and dodging electricity price rises, solar power Perth is probably one of the methods to scale back your carbon print. It’s a well known fact that solar power does not release emissions in the air and the use of solar energy is 1 method of forestalling pollution and global temperature rises in Australia.
What’s more, solar power Perth is cheap to all without regard for your personal income thanks to the solar rebates offered by the Commonwealth and State Government. It’s also an incontrovertible fact that the discounts offered in Perth are one of the very highest in Australia thanks to the city’s climate. Solar power shoppers in Perth are now able to cut the cost of up-front installation expenses significantly and sell back to the primary grid all new power.
Ian Milne is the business chief of avantsolar.com.au, Perths premier solar energy panel specialists. With a selection of different solar modules and inverters to suit every budget and application.
Mother Jones
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The Washington Post passes along some rare good news for travelers:
An industry working group assigned by the Federal Aviation Administration to research the use of electronics on airplanes is expected to recommend relaxing the ban on portable electronic devices during takeoff and landing.
One member of the group, who asked for anonymity because they were not allowed to speak publicly about internal discussions, said the panel is drafting a document that will recommend a wider use of devices, including tablets and smartphones used only for data (like e-mail) but not talking, during takeoff and landing.
Will this really happen? After TSA pulled the football away after promising to allow small pocket knives on planes, I have my doubts. I think these guys just like playing mind games with us. Besides, the third paragraph of the story says something about allowing devices to be on “in a limited ‘airplane mode,'” which, as the reporter oddly fails to point out, is the current rule and is essentially the same as devices being in the state technically known as “off.” So the whole thing is a little confusing.
But who knows? Maybe common sense will prevail. Cross your fingers.
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FAA Maybe, Possibly Getting Ready to Allow iPad Use During Takeoff
Solar energy has become popular over the last decades because of its environmental friendliness and cost saving on energy. Many of us in Australia are realizing the importance of using solar energy in their houses. However , the extreme price of solar cell installation remains a challenge to several. Solar energy is clean in nature and it is environmentally supportable making it a great option of power source.
Electricity on the opposite side is dear compared against solar and therefore many people are taking solar as their preferred energy supply. If you need to install solar cells in Perth, the good story is that the Australian government has supplied solar rebate Perth and the price of solar cell installation is now cheap.
The govt. has offered solar rebate Perth in two ways thru which residents can afford installation cost at the state level in the area. The 1st sort of help supplied by the government is during the acquisition of the solar system. There are some credits on the utility bill for the supplier if power generated is not used throughout the day. This reduces the solar cell installation by miles. The govt. has provided a great price cut to the subjects through this programme.
The second one is the RET scheme (the renewable energy target). When you install the solar cells at your house, you will get a certificate called the Restore able Certificate of Energy. This is provided at the rate of 1 STC for every Megawatt produced by the system in the subsequent 15 years. The b credits are different and they rely on sunshine amount as well as the extensions.
The govt. solar rebate Perth has been a helpful program and it’s of great help to subjects living in Perth. It is a very great scheme and it is useful as it cuts down the cost of installing solar energy panels. Installation of solar panels has become cost-effective in Perth with the govt. aid.
Ian Milne is the business manager of avantsolar.com.au, Perths premier solar panel pros. With a variety of different solar modules and inverters to suit every budget and application.
Saving The Environment While You Spend Less: Photovoltaic Power Cells in Perth
The govt. of Australia has been proactive for the last couple of years vis energy reductions and carbon emission issues. As a part of its plan, it has introduced and popularised photovoltaic cell systems to the mass folks. The govt. isn’t just promoting the system in households but also distributing the technology to small company ventures. With assistance from the govt. , this sector has been growing really fast and the country has become the swiftest expanding market for the industry.
Solar cells or cells are popular among almost all of the states in Australia. Perth has been one of the ground-breaking states in the industry in terms of popularization and use of the system. Of course the expansion is pretty much dependent on the rebates or specials that are offered. There are a total of 2 different solar rebates in Perth.
Replenishable Energy Certificates
Feed-in Price list plans
REC
The first of the solar rebates in Perth is the REC scheme. In this process, the government issues credits in the shape of energy certificates. By using this certificate, a user can get a reduction on the installation of the total system or a trade can be done once the system is absolutely installed. Although the choices may vary based mostly on the REC values and position of the spot, a fair number of folk basically prefer the 1st option. Since installation takes fewer amounts to be spent, the scheme proves to be a useful one.
Feed-in Price lists
Feed in Price lists have been one of the most electrifying aspects that encouraged shoppers to change to solar panels. After installation of a panel, the system may produce a surplus power which is left new. If this happens, the user gets fed back to the grid and energy credits are offered as well. This is the most effective of the solar rebates in Perth as it has increased the number of clients noticeably.
Getting a solar cell for your house or firm will not just help us save the environment but also will cost you less dollars, thanks to the solar rebates in Perth.
Ian Milne is the business boss of avantsolar.com.au, Perths premier solar energy panel gurus. With a selection of different solar modules and inverters to suit each budget and application.
Solar power system is a good system that’s required by most residents in Perth, Australia. There are several folks using this system in their houses or office buildings. It is reasonable because this system has plenty of advantages for all users. This system is said to be a better choice than any other power systems that are attainable from the market,eg electric power system, gas power system, and many more. These are some advantages you can get from this system.
1. Clean for the environment
When you use this system, you can take a vital part in saving your environment. This system is extremely clear for the environment. It doesn’t produce any threatening substances to the environment when it is working properly. Should you be looking for the clean power system, you must select the solar power Perth system. This system works by changing the renewable energy source, that is sun energy, to become other energy forms. this system is regarded as the best and cleanest way to supply energy inside your home.
2. Cost effective
Many people love using this solar power Perth system as it is extraordinarily cost effective. It can cut down your use bill significantly. This technology is much less expensive than the normal energy source, such as gas or electricity. Some people believe that they are able to save 30% on their utility charges when installing this system on their residences.
3. Easy to install
This is another benefit you can get from this system. This solar power system is extremely easy to install. Some solar power Perth firms are ready to help install a solar power system on your place. These corporations have a large amount of experiences in the solar power installation process.
They are some benefits you can get from this solar power system. This system is awfully useful to provide clean and efficient energy to your home. You can enjoy some benefits from this system. It is advised that you select the best company that can help you install a new solar power system on your home.
Ian Milne is the business executive of avantsolar.com.au, Perths premier solar energy panel gurus. With a range of different solar modules and inverters to suit every budget and application.
Solar energy has multiple benefits to the users and to the environment. A few of these benefits can only be reaped by folk that have invested in Solar Panel Perth. This is a reason why you should take the lead of employing solar energy. For example, solar energy is regarded as the most clean because it produces no contaminants into the atmosphere. As a result of this, the air remains safe to breathe.
Because the employment of Solar Panel Perth doesn’t produce any green house gases, it means that it doesn’t contribute to global temperature increases. In reality solar energy does contribute actively to the decreasing of green house gases like carbon dioxide which are accountable for global temperature rises.
Using solar energy means you are participating in protection of our environment for posterity. Unlike other sources of energy like oil, destruction of the environment is inescapable since it has got to be exploited during drilling. This is an element that leads to degeneration of the environment. As well as this, solar energy is more trusty compared against most other power sources since it is improbable the panel will develop a problem.
The cost of using solar electricity is more cost effective when you’ve made the initial investment. The only snag before has been the original value of it which was extortionate to a large number of people in Perth and across Australia.
But since the govt has intervened by the arrival of solar energy repayments, there isn’t any reason why you can’t invest in the same.
Since the amount of sunshine in Perth is adequate, there’s an excellent chance that you’ll be producing slightly more energy than you need. You can then feed in the excess energy into the nation's grid suggesting that you receive a specific amount of money for each KWh.
Ian Milne is the business boss of avantsolar.com.au, Perths premier solar energy panel experts. With a range of different solar modules and inverters to suit each budget and application.
