Colleagues
A couple of days ago, there was an article reporting how Governor Manchin has "finally" gat the attention of former President Bill Clinton about the need for coal to be the solution to our energy crisis."
In today's Gazette, there is a report by Tim Huber of Associated Press with the headline "Support Needed for Coal To Liquid" in section A...(I clipped it...so did not get the page number).
It outlines our challenge.
Supporters of seeking Federal Government subsidies for funding CTL, because Wall Street won't without the Government guarantees, Congressmen Rahall and Murtha and sadly, Senator Rockefeller.
Here's Rockefeller's statement, which is unbelievably wrong...but probably politically correct:. "Coal-clean coal-must be the solution for our energy needs"....It is the only solution to our energy needs. That is what is so ridiculous about all of it. It is what we have got. God gave it to us"
There is total disregard for Global warming, and the economic opportunities that reversing it present. We must mount a massive two part public education effort. I have tried to outline the issues below, and bear with me, as I know all of you know the issues and alternatives.
First we need to refute, and educate, with independent studies and evidence, Rockefeller's arguments: 1.. There is no clean coal technology yet developed that is commercially viable. 2.. CTL is NOT the only solution to our energy needs...by a long shot. To start with, Energy conservation and efficiency is very low hanging fruit that can dramatically cut our imported oil addiction. 3.. The widespread independent opinions about the horrors of CTL, 4.. The truth that carbon sequestration technology on the scale that will be required is not proven or viable...as the Australians have already concluded 5.. God delivers more energy every single day in sunlight than we would need, or could consume in 20+ years. We need to start with Rockefeller and the rest of the WV Delegation, (well maybe excluding Capito) and educate them that 1.. Solar energy is coming down in cost at such a rate that it will be competitive with coal by 2015. 2.. The Renewable energy industry, whether it be solar, wind or biomass and alternative fuels, but particularly the solar manufacturing industry is growing so rapidly that West Virginia is going to be in worse economic shape if it does not participate NOW 3.. Several States have already embraced the inevitable switch to renewable energy, including Murtha's Pennsylvania. 4.. There needs to be aggressive support for raising the C.A.F.E. Standards...because the battery technology exists to achieve 100 m.p.g. in a plug in Prius, so the technology to get higher gas mileage is here and emerging...so Government support needs to be focused on accelerating and incentivizing its adoption. When can we all get together and develop a strategy, and a program to counter the effort that the CTL crowd are going to make? I urge you all to see this as a major crisis requiring bold and immediate action.
There are National organizations in addition to the Sierra Club that may have resources to help us. We need a ground swell of opposition to thwart this CTL crowd. And proposing alternatives will bring a positive focus to our efforts, and show that we are not opposed to jobs and economic development, quite the contrary, there are just as well paying jobs in renewable energy that are safer, (Sago, Utah Miners) , do not pollute or use our precious water and air.
We all have a lot on our plates right now, I am sure. I am quite immersed in starting anew manufacturing business, that ironically, will save jet fuel in commercial airlines when brought to fruition.
But stopping this CTL effort, and educating the citizens of this State that the ere are alternatives energy policies and technologies that will be better for almost everyone except the Blankenship CEO types and politicians he and his ilk have bought and paid for.
I for one am ready, with my available slides and training from the Gore Climate Project, to get on the road and get "our side" of this case out there. But I cannot do it alone....
Let me hear from you all...am I just a ranting old man, (I turned 75 today), or are you with me?
Timing is NOW...bring me your commitment so we can together move this effort forward...and it will be the best birthday present that I could ever want...
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
I did not see the story in the on-line version, so there is still something to be said for the old-fashioned paper newspaper.
I attended the rally opposing the CTL Conference in Beckley yesterday, and Bill Price talked me into going inside. Jay Rockefeller was scheduled to be the lunch speaker, so I stayed around for that. Unfortunately, Rockefeller was late, did not start his speech till 2 PM, and spent a lot of time talking about health insurance, veterans, and budget issues. He did make a strong pitch for climate change and the need for carbon sequestration as part of a CTL program, (but I suspect that if a CTL subsidy bill passed without sequestration, the industry would probably accept the handouts). Then, he presented his 4-point plan for CTL which he wants to put into a bill. He claims that there are 60 votes in the Senate for some type of CTL subsidy, but the parties can not agree on a version, and the supporters need to present a united front. (That means evidence of continued divisiveness would be an effective delaying tactic. His 4 points include: 1) Build military uses of CTL fuels. (Air Force is very interested and were featured speakers, but the Pentagon would need authorization for long-term contracts, which would require a change military procurement rules.). 2) Keep everyone on the same page. He claims there are 60 votes for CTL if it includes "some environmental standards". 3) A substantial federal R&D effort on carbon sequestration, a program similar to the Manhattan Project. 4) Expand the pipeline infrastructure, both to ship liquid fuels, and to ship CO2 to sites for geologic sequestration.
Afterward I tried to talk to a couple reporters, but no one seemed interested so I doubt I got much air time. So I wrote a letter to the editor of the Beckley paper this morning.
All in all, it was a waste of time. The main impression I had was that this was a gathering of corporate honchos, all grabbing for subsidies and federal handouts of pork. There certainly was no opposition inside the meeting, and I did not see any press coverage of the protest outside.
But I did learn from Bill Raney, as he introduced the speaker, that in the coal industry "We practice aggressive stewardship and real environmental protection every day. Our people protect the streams they fish and the mountains they hunt". (The funny/sad thing is that no one laughed when he delivered that line).
JBK
"Allan Tweddle" allantweddle@msn.com 8/16/2007 10:56 AM >>>
Colleagues
A couple of days ago, there was an article reporting how Governor Manchin has "finally" gat the attention of former President Bill Clinton about the need for coal to be the solution to our energy crisis."
In today's Gazette, there is a report by Tim Huber of Associated Press with the headline "Support Needed for Coal To Liquid" in section A...(I clipped it...so did not get the page number).
It outlines our challenge.
Supporters of seeking Federal Government subsidies for funding CTL, because Wall Street won't without the Government guarantees, Congressmen Rahall and Murtha and sadly, Senator Rockefeller.
Here's Rockefeller's statement, which is unbelievably wrong...but probably politically correct:. "Coal-clean coal-must be the solution for our energy needs"....It is the only solution to our energy needs. That is what is so ridiculous about all of it. It is what we have got. God gave it to us"
There is total disregard for Global warming, and the economic opportunities that reversing it present. We must mount a massive two part public education effort. I have tried to outline the issues below, and bear with me, as I know all of you know the issues and alternatives.
First we need to refute, and educate, with independent studies and evidence, Rockefeller's arguments: 1.. There is no clean coal technology yet developed that is commercially viable. 2.. CTL is NOT the only solution to our energy needs...by a long shot. To start with, Energy conservation and efficiency is very low hanging fruit that can dramatically cut our imported oil addiction. 3.. The widespread independent opinions about the horrors of CTL, 4.. The truth that carbon sequestration technology on the scale that will be required is not proven or viable...as the Australians have already concluded 5.. God delivers more energy every single day in sunlight than we would need, or could consume in 20+ years. We need to start with Rockefeller and the rest of the WV Delegation, (well maybe excluding Capito) and educate them that 1.. Solar energy is coming down in cost at such a rate that it will be competitive with coal by 2015. 2.. The Renewable energy industry, whether it be solar, wind or biomass and alternative fuels, but particularly the solar manufacturing industry is growing so rapidly that West Virginia is going to be in worse economic shape if it does not participate NOW 3.. Several States have already embraced the inevitable switch to renewable energy, including Murtha's Pennsylvania. 4.. There needs to be aggressive support for raising the C.A.F.E. Standards...because the battery technology exists to achieve 100 m.p.g. in a plug in Prius, so the technology to get higher gas mileage is here and emerging...so Government support needs to be focused on accelerating and incentivizing its adoption. When can we all get together and develop a strategy, and a program to counter the effort that the CTL crowd are going to make? I urge you all to see this as a major crisis requiring bold and immediate action.
There are National organizations in addition to the Sierra Club that may have resources to help us. We need a ground swell of opposition to thwart this CTL crowd. And proposing alternatives will bring a positive focus to our efforts, and show that we are not opposed to jobs and economic development, quite the contrary, there are just as well paying jobs in renewable energy that are safer, (Sago, Utah Miners) , do not pollute or use our precious water and air.
We all have a lot on our plates right now, I am sure. I am quite immersed in starting anew manufacturing business, that ironically, will save jet fuel in commercial airlines when brought to fruition.
But stopping this CTL effort, and educating the citizens of this State that the ere are alternatives energy policies and technologies that will be better for almost everyone except the Blankenship CEO types and politicians he and his ilk have bought and paid for.
I for one am ready, with my available slides and training from the Gore Climate Project, to get on the road and get "our side" of this case out there. But I cannot do it alone....
Let me hear from you all...am I just a ranting old man, (I turned 75 today), or are you with me?
Timing is NOW...bring me your commitment so we can together move this effort forward...and it will be the best birthday present that I could ever want...
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
I'm wondering if all of us could sponsor a major forum on renewable energy (the sooner the better) which includes what is wrong with going in the direction of MORE coal via, CTL, etc. By major forum, I'm thinking trying to get Al Gore here or even candidate Edwards. When I heard "Manhattan Project" from Rockefeller, I nearly flipped; we all know what the end result of that was! After reading that Al Gore is suggesting that students us non-violent direct action to keep new coal-fired power plants from being built, we might be able to get his attention and cooperation.
Who knows him well enough to ask and get a YES? Janet
Janet Keating, Co-Director Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition P.O. Box 6753 Huntington, WV 25773-6753 304-522-0246 phone 304-522-4079 fax www.ohvec.org
-----Original Message----- From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu] Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:19 PM To: Allan Tweddle; Sierra Club Environmental Comm. Cc: Don GARVIN; Julian Martin; Kathryn Stone; Judy BONDS; Janet Keating; Karen Grubb; Judy Rodd; Frank YOUNG; Larry Gibson; Paul Wilson; Vivian Stockman; CAG; Heather Connolly; James Kotcon Subject: Re: CTL
I did not see the story in the on-line version, so there is still something to be said for the old-fashioned paper newspaper.
I attended the rally opposing the CTL Conference in Beckley yesterday, and Bill Price talked me into going inside. Jay Rockefeller was scheduled to be the lunch speaker, so I stayed around for that. Unfortunately, Rockefeller was late, did not start his speech till 2 PM, and spent a lot of time talking about health insurance, veterans, and budget issues. He did make a strong pitch for climate change and the need for carbon sequestration as part of a CTL program, (but I suspect that if a CTL subsidy bill passed without sequestration, the industry would probably accept the handouts). Then, he presented his 4-point plan for CTL which he wants to put into a bill. He claims that there are 60 votes in the Senate for some type of CTL subsidy, but the parties can not agree on a version, and the supporters need to present a united front. (That means evidence of continued divisiveness would be an effective delaying tactic. His 4 points include: 1) Build military uses of CTL fuels. (Air Force is very interested and were featured speakers, but the Pentagon would need authorization for long-term contracts, which would require a change military procurement rules.). 2) Keep everyone on the same page. He claims there are 60 votes for CTL if it includes "some environmental standards". 3) A substantial federal R&D effort on carbon sequestration, a program similar to the Manhattan Project. 4) Expand the pipeline infrastructure, both to ship liquid fuels, and to ship CO2 to sites for geologic sequestration.
Afterward I tried to talk to a couple reporters, but no one seemed interested so I doubt I got much air time. So I wrote a letter to the editor of the Beckley paper this morning.
All in all, it was a waste of time. The main impression I had was that this was a gathering of corporate honchos, all grabbing for subsidies and federal handouts of pork. There certainly was no opposition inside the meeting, and I did not see any press coverage of the protest outside.
But I did learn from Bill Raney, as he introduced the speaker, that in the coal industry "We practice aggressive stewardship and real environmental protection every day. Our people protect the streams they fish and the mountains they hunt". (The funny/sad thing is that no one laughed when he delivered that line).
JBK
"Allan Tweddle" allantweddle@msn.com 8/16/2007 10:56 AM >>>
Colleagues
A couple of days ago, there was an article reporting how Governor Manchin has "finally" gat the attention of former President Bill Clinton about the need for coal to be the solution to our energy crisis."
In today's Gazette, there is a report by Tim Huber of Associated Press with the headline "Support Needed for Coal To Liquid" in section A...(I clipped it...so did not get the page number).
It outlines our challenge.
Supporters of seeking Federal Government subsidies for funding CTL, because Wall Street won't without the Government guarantees, Congressmen Rahall and Murtha and sadly, Senator Rockefeller.
Here's Rockefeller's statement, which is unbelievably wrong...but probably politically correct:. "Coal-clean coal-must be the solution for our energy needs"....It is the only solution to our energy needs. That is what is so ridiculous about all of it. It is what we have got. God gave it to us"
There is total disregard for Global warming, and the economic opportunities that reversing it present. We must mount a massive two part public education effort. I have tried to outline the issues below, and bear with me, as I know all of you know the issues and alternatives.
First we need to refute, and educate, with independent studies and evidence, Rockefeller's arguments: 1.. There is no clean coal technology yet developed that is commercially viable. 2.. CTL is NOT the only solution to our energy needs...by a long shot. To start with, Energy conservation and efficiency is very low hanging fruit that can dramatically cut our imported oil addiction. 3.. The widespread independent opinions about the horrors of CTL, 4.. The truth that carbon sequestration technology on the scale that will be required is not proven or viable...as the Australians have already concluded 5.. God delivers more energy every single day in sunlight than we would need, or could consume in 20+ years. We need to start with Rockefeller and the rest of the WV Delegation, (well maybe excluding Capito) and educate them that 1.. Solar energy is coming down in cost at such a rate that it will be competitive with coal by 2015. 2.. The Renewable energy industry, whether it be solar, wind or biomass and alternative fuels, but particularly the solar manufacturing industry is growing so rapidly that West Virginia is going to be in worse economic shape if it does not participate NOW 3.. Several States have already embraced the inevitable switch to renewable energy, including Murtha's Pennsylvania. 4.. There needs to be aggressive support for raising the C.A.F.E. Standards...because the battery technology exists to achieve 100 m.p.g. in a plug in Prius, so the technology to get higher gas mileage is here and emerging...so Government support needs to be focused on accelerating and incentivizing its adoption. When can we all get together and develop a strategy, and a program to counter the effort that the CTL crowd are going to make? I urge you all to see this as a major crisis requiring bold and immediate action.
There are National organizations in addition to the Sierra Club that may have resources to help us. We need a ground swell of opposition to thwart this CTL crowd. And proposing alternatives will bring a positive focus to our efforts, and show that we are not opposed to jobs and economic development, quite the contrary, there are just as well paying jobs in renewable energy that are safer, (Sago, Utah Miners) , do not pollute or use our precious water and air.
We all have a lot on our plates right now, I am sure. I am quite immersed in starting anew manufacturing business, that ironically, will save jet fuel in commercial airlines when brought to fruition.
But stopping this CTL effort, and educating the citizens of this State that the ere are alternatives energy policies and technologies that will be better for almost everyone except the Blankenship CEO types and politicians he and his ilk have bought and paid for.
I for one am ready, with my available slides and training from the Gore Climate Project, to get on the road and get "our side" of this case out there. But I cannot do it alone....
Let me hear from you all...am I just a ranting old man, (I turned 75 today), or are you with me?
Timing is NOW...bring me your commitment so we can together move this effort forward...and it will be the best birthday present that I could ever want...
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Janet
Well, I know Al Gore from being with him for 2 1/2 days in Nashville as I went through his team training. He and I talked about his coming to West Virginia, and he was receptive.
If we could put together an event that is broad enough and large enough, I think I could talk him into coming. But can we?
WVEI had a positive upbeat conference with several speakers who praised the economic benefits of renewable energy and being good stewards of the earth, and had a lousy turnout this year. The environmental community didn't even support it!
But we need to reach beyond our community...we need a groundswell of the general public...and to do that we are have to educate them that the future is "Beyond Coal" and is promising in renewable energy. We need to get beyond preaching to the choir.
WE have just as tough an education challenge as the CTL guys do, and they have stated in the article that there needs to be a ground swell of the population for them to succeed
I'd love to get Gore and Kathy Mattea back for an evening concert and lecture. I believe that would bring a large audience.
My thoughts
Allan ----- Original Message ----- From: Janet Keatingmailto:ohvec@ohvec.org To: 'James Kotcon'mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu ; 'Allan Tweddle'mailto:allantweddle@msn.com ; 'Sierra Club Environmental Comm.'mailto:ec@osenergy.org Cc: 'Don GARVIN'mailto:dsgjr@aol.com ; 'Julian Martin'mailto:martinjul@aol.com ; 'Kathryn Stone'mailto:Palmermethod@aol.com ; 'Judy BONDS'mailto:judycrmw@charter.net ; 'Janet Keating'mailto:ohvec@ezwv.com ; 'Karen Grubb'mailto:kgrubb@fairmontstate.edu ; 'Judy Rodd'mailto:roddj@hotmail.com ; 'Frank YOUNG'mailto:fyoung@mountain.net ; 'Larry Gibson'mailto:larry.gibson@mountainkeeper.org ; 'Paul Wilson'mailto:pjpaulgrunt@netscape.net ; 'Vivian Stockman'mailto:vivian@ohvec.org ; 'CAG'mailto:garyz@wvcag.org ; 'Heather Connolly'mailto:hconnolly@wvdep.org ; 'Taylor Barnhill'mailto:taylor@southwings.org Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 4:08 PM Subject: RE: CTL
I'm wondering if all of us could sponsor a major forum on renewable energy (the sooner the better) which includes what is wrong with going in the direction of MORE coal via, CTL, etc. By major forum, I'm thinking trying to get Al Gore here or even candidate Edwards. When I heard "Manhattan Project" from Rockefeller, I nearly flipped; we all know what the end result of that was! After reading that Al Gore is suggesting that students us non-violent direct action to keep new coal-fired power plants from being built, we might be able to get his attention and cooperation.
Who knows him well enough to ask and get a YES? Janet
Janet Keating, Co-Director Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition P.O. Box 6753 Huntington, WV 25773-6753 304-522-0246 phone 304-522-4079 fax www.ohvec.orghttp://www.ohvec.org/
-----Original Message----- From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu] Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:19 PM To: Allan Tweddle; Sierra Club Environmental Comm. Cc: Don GARVIN; Julian Martin; Kathryn Stone; Judy BONDS; Janet Keating; Karen Grubb; Judy Rodd; Frank YOUNG; Larry Gibson; Paul Wilson; Vivian Stockman; CAG; Heather Connolly; James Kotcon Subject: Re: CTL
I did not see the story in the on-line version, so there is still something to be said for the old-fashioned paper newspaper.
I attended the rally opposing the CTL Conference in Beckley yesterday, and Bill Price talked me into going inside. Jay Rockefeller was scheduled to be the lunch speaker, so I stayed around for that. Unfortunately, Rockefeller was late, did not start his speech till 2 PM, and spent a lot of time talking about health insurance, veterans, and budget issues. He did make a strong pitch for climate change and the need for carbon sequestration as part of a CTL program, (but I suspect that if a CTL subsidy bill passed without sequestration, the industry would probably accept the handouts). Then, he presented his 4-point plan for CTL which he wants to put into a bill. He claims that there are 60 votes in the Senate for some type of CTL subsidy, but the parties can not agree on a version, and the supporters need to present a united front. (That means evidence of continued divisiveness would be an effective delaying tactic. His 4 points include: 1) Build military uses of CTL fuels. (Air Force is very interested and were featured speakers, but the Pentagon would need authorization for long-term contracts, which would require a change military procurement rules.). 2) Keep everyone on the same page. He claims there are 60 votes for CTL if it includes "some environmental standards". 3) A substantial federal R&D effort on carbon sequestration, a program similar to the Manhattan Project. 4) Expand the pipeline infrastructure, both to ship liquid fuels, and to ship CO2 to sites for geologic sequestration.
Afterward I tried to talk to a couple reporters, but no one seemed interested so I doubt I got much air time. So I wrote a letter to the editor of the Beckley paper this morning.
All in all, it was a waste of time. The main impression I had was that this was a gathering of corporate honchos, all grabbing for subsidies and federal handouts of pork. There certainly was no opposition inside the meeting, and I did not see any press coverage of the protest outside.
But I did learn from Bill Raney, as he introduced the speaker, that in the coal industry "We practice aggressive stewardship and real environmental protection every day. Our people protect the streams they fish and the mountains they hunt". (The funny/sad thing is that no one laughed when he delivered that line).
JBK
"Allan Tweddle" <allantweddle@msn.commailto:allantweddle@msn.com> 8/16/2007 10:56 AM >>>
Colleagues
A couple of days ago, there was an article reporting how Governor Manchin has "finally" gat the attention of former President Bill Clinton about the need for coal to be the solution to our energy crisis."
In today's Gazette, there is a report by Tim Huber of Associated Press with the headline "Support Needed for Coal To Liquid" in section A...(I clipped it...so did not get the page number).
It outlines our challenge.
Supporters of seeking Federal Government subsidies for funding CTL, because Wall Street won't without the Government guarantees, Congressmen Rahall and Murtha and sadly, Senator Rockefeller.
Here's Rockefeller's statement, which is unbelievably wrong...but probably politically correct:. "Coal-clean coal-must be the solution for our energy needs"....It is the only solution to our energy needs. That is what is so ridiculous about all of it. It is what we have got. God gave it to us"
There is total disregard for Global warming, and the economic opportunities that reversing it present. We must mount a massive two part public education effort. I have tried to outline the issues below, and bear with me, as I know all of you know the issues and alternatives.
First we need to refute, and educate, with independent studies and evidence, Rockefeller's arguments: 1.. There is no clean coal technology yet developed that is commercially viable. 2.. CTL is NOT the only solution to our energy needs...by a long shot. To start with, Energy conservation and efficiency is very low hanging fruit that can dramatically cut our imported oil addiction. 3.. The widespread independent opinions about the horrors of CTL, 4.. The truth that carbon sequestration technology on the scale that will be required is not proven or viable...as the Australians have already concluded 5.. God delivers more energy every single day in sunlight than we would need, or could consume in 20+ years. We need to start with Rockefeller and the rest of the WV Delegation, (well maybe excluding Capito) and educate them that 1.. Solar energy is coming down in cost at such a rate that it will be competitive with coal by 2015. 2.. The Renewable energy industry, whether it be solar, wind or biomass and alternative fuels, but particularly the solar manufacturing industry is growing so rapidly that West Virginia is going to be in worse economic shape if it does not participate NOW 3.. Several States have already embraced the inevitable switch to renewable energy, including Murtha's Pennsylvania. 4.. There needs to be aggressive support for raising the C.A.F.E. Standards...because the battery technology exists to achieve 100 m.p.g. in a plug in Prius, so the technology to get higher gas mileage is here and emerging...so Government support needs to be focused on accelerating and incentivizing its adoption. When can we all get together and develop a strategy, and a program to counter the effort that the CTL crowd are going to make? I urge you all to see this as a major crisis requiring bold and immediate action.
There are National organizations in addition to the Sierra Club that may have resources to help us. We need a ground swell of opposition to thwart this CTL crowd. And proposing alternatives will bring a positive focus to our efforts, and show that we are not opposed to jobs and economic development, quite the contrary, there are just as well paying jobs in renewable energy that are safer, (Sago, Utah Miners) , do not pollute or use our precious water and air.
We all have a lot on our plates right now, I am sure. I am quite immersed in starting anew manufacturing business, that ironically, will save jet fuel in commercial airlines when brought to fruition.
But stopping this CTL effort, and educating the citizens of this State that the ere are alternatives energy policies and technologies that will be better for almost everyone except the Blankenship CEO types and politicians he and his ilk have bought and paid for.
I for one am ready, with my available slides and training from the Gore Climate Project, to get on the road and get "our side" of this case out there. But I cannot do it alone....
Let me hear from you all...am I just a ranting old man, (I turned 75 today), or are you with me?
Timing is NOW...bring me your commitment so we can together move this effort forward...and it will be the best birthday present that I could ever want...
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
If you want to do a REAL forum you need about 6-8 months of publicity and organizing work, plus fundraising (venue costs, speaker costs, food/break costs, perhaps a scholarship program for the more financially strapped). The E-council event did not come close to that kind of effort. thus you get poor participation. EG. you have to find a date and venue (first) that does not conflict with other organizational meetings, like Sierra Club's national meeting which happens every September. Even well supported events can go awry like the 2000 (?) Coal Summit. that event had poor publicity -eg the SC Chapter did not know about it until 6 weeks before the event so it was NEVER in the Chapter newsletter. Thus attendees barely numbered over 100 (I think ~ 120), and I think you want to get 400-600 for something of this magnitude. my 2 cents, paul w.
On 8/16/07, Allan Tweddle allantweddle@msn.com wrote:
Janet
Well, I know Al Gore from being with him for 2 1/2 days in Nashville as I went through his team training. He and I talked about his coming to West Virginia, and he was receptive.
If we could put together* an event that is broad enough and large enough*, I think I could talk him into coming. But can we?
WVEI had a positive upbeat conference with several speakers who praised the economic benefits of renewable energy and being good stewards of the earth, and had a lousy turnout this year. The environmental community didn't even support it!
But we need to reach beyond our community...we need a groundswell of the general public...and to do that we are have to educate them that the future is "Beyond Coal" and is promising in renewable energy. We need to get beyond preaching to the choir.
WE have just as tough an education challenge as the CTL guys do, and they have stated in the article that there needs to be a ground swell of the population for them to succeed
I'd love to get Gore and Kathy Mattea back for an evening concert and lecture. I believe that would bring a large audience.
My thoughts
Allan
----- Original Message ----- *From:* Janet Keating ohvec@ohvec.org *To:* 'James Kotcon' jkotcon@wvu.edu ; 'Allan Tweddle'allantweddle@msn.com; 'Sierra Club Environmental Comm.' ec@osenergy.org *Cc:* 'Don GARVIN' dsgjr@aol.com ; 'Julian Martin' martinjul@aol.com ; 'Kathryn Stone' Palmermethod@aol.com ; 'Judy BONDS'judycrmw@charter.net; 'Janet Keating' ohvec@ezwv.com ; 'Karen Grubb' kgrubb@fairmontstate.edu ; 'Judy Rodd' roddj@hotmail.com ; 'Frank YOUNG' fyoung@mountain.net ; 'Larry Gibson' larry.gibson@mountainkeeper.org ; 'Paul Wilson'pjpaulgrunt@netscape.net; 'Vivian Stockman' vivian@ohvec.org ; 'CAG' garyz@wvcag.org ; 'Heather Connolly' hconnolly@wvdep.org ; 'Taylor Barnhill'taylor@southwings.org *Sent:* Thursday, August 16, 2007 4:08 PM *Subject:* RE: CTL
I'm wondering if all of us could sponsor a major forum on renewable energy (the sooner the better) which includes what is wrong with going in the direction of MORE coal via, CTL, etc. By major forum, I'm thinking trying to get Al Gore here or even candidate Edwards. When I heard "Manhattan Project" from Rockefeller, I nearly flipped; we all know what the end result of that was! After reading that Al Gore is suggesting that students us non-violent direct action to keep new coal-fired power plants from being built, we might be able to get his attention and cooperation.
Who knows him well enough to ask and get a YES? Janet
Janet Keating, Co-Director Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition P.O. Box 6753 Huntington, WV 25773-6753 304-522-0246 phone 304-522-4079 fax www.ohvec.org
-----Original Message----- From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu] Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:19 PM To: Allan Tweddle; Sierra Club Environmental Comm. Cc: Don GARVIN; Julian Martin; Kathryn Stone; Judy BONDS; Janet Keating; Karen Grubb; Judy Rodd; Frank YOUNG; Larry Gibson; Paul Wilson; Vivian Stockman; CAG; Heather Connolly; James Kotcon Subject: Re: CTL
I did not see the story in the on-line version, so there is still something to be said for the old-fashioned paper newspaper.
I attended the rally opposing the CTL Conference in Beckley yesterday, and Bill Price talked me into going inside. Jay Rockefeller was scheduled to be the lunch speaker, so I stayed around for that. Unfortunately, Rockefeller was late, did not start his speech till 2 PM, and spent a lot of time talking about health insurance, veterans, and budget issues. He did make a strong pitch for climate change and the need for carbon sequestration as part of a CTL program, (but I suspect that if a CTL subsidy bill passed without sequestration, the industry would probably accept the handouts). Then, he presented his 4-point plan for CTL which he wants to put into a bill. He claims that there are 60 votes in the Senate for some type of CTL subsidy, but the parties can not agree on a version, and the supporters need to present a united front. (That means evidence of continued divisiveness would be an effective delaying tactic. His 4 points include:
- Build military uses of CTL fuels. (Air Force is very interested and
were featured speakers, but the Pentagon would need authorization for long-term contracts, which would require a change military procurement rules.). 2) Keep everyone on the same page. He claims there are 60 votes for CTL if it includes "some environmental standards". 3) A substantial federal R&D effort on carbon sequestration, a program similar to the Manhattan Project. 4) Expand the pipeline infrastructure, both to ship liquid fuels, and to ship CO2 to sites for geologic sequestration.
Afterward I tried to talk to a couple reporters, but no one seemed interested so I doubt I got much air time. So I wrote a letter to the editor of the Beckley paper this morning.
All in all, it was a waste of time. The main impression I had was that this was a gathering of corporate honchos, all grabbing for subsidies and federal handouts of pork. There certainly was no opposition inside the meeting, and I did not see any press coverage of the protest outside.
But I did learn from Bill Raney, as he introduced the speaker, that in the coal industry "We practice aggressive stewardship and real environmental protection every day. Our people protect the streams they fish and the mountains they hunt". (The funny/sad thing is that no one laughed when he delivered that line).
JBK
"Allan Tweddle" allantweddle@msn.com 8/16/2007 10:56 AM >>>
Colleagues
A couple of days ago, there was an article reporting how Governor Manchin has "finally" gat the attention of former President Bill Clinton about the need for coal to be the solution to our energy crisis."
In today's Gazette, there is a report by Tim Huber of Associated Press with the headline "Support Needed for Coal To Liquid" in section A...(I clipped it...so did not get the page number).
It outlines our challenge.
Supporters of seeking Federal Government subsidies for funding CTL, because Wall Street won't without the Government guarantees, Congressmen Rahall and Murtha and sadly, Senator Rockefeller.
Here's Rockefeller's statement, which is unbelievably wrong...but probably politically correct:. "Coal-clean coal-must be the solution for our energy needs"....It is the only solution to our energy needs. That is what is so ridiculous about all of it. It is what we have got. God gave it to us"
There is total disregard for Global warming, and the economic opportunities that reversing it present. We must mount a massive two part public education effort. I have tried to outline the issues below, and bear with me, as I know all of you know the issues and alternatives.
First we need to refute, and educate, with independent studies and evidence, Rockefeller's arguments: 1.. There is no clean coal technology yet developed that is commercially viable. 2.. CTL is NOT the only solution to our energy needs...by a long shot. To start with, Energy conservation and efficiency is very low hanging fruit that can dramatically cut our imported oil addiction. 3.. The widespread independent opinions about the horrors of CTL, 4.. The truth that carbon sequestration technology on the scale that will be required is not proven or viable...as the Australians have already concluded 5.. God delivers more energy every single day in sunlight than we would need, or could consume in 20+ years. We need to start with Rockefeller and the rest of the WV Delegation, (well maybe excluding Capito) and educate them that 1.. Solar energy is coming down in cost at such a rate that it will be competitive with coal by 2015. 2.. The Renewable energy industry, whether it be solar, wind or biomass and alternative fuels, but particularly the solar manufacturing industry is growing so rapidly that West Virginia is going to be in worse economic shape if it does not participate NOW 3.. Several States have already embraced the inevitable switch to renewable energy, including Murtha's Pennsylvania. 4.. There needs to be aggressive support for raising the C.A.F.E. Standards...because the battery technology exists to achieve 100 m.p.g. in a plug in Prius, so the technology to get higher gas mileage is here and emerging...so Government support needs to be focused on accelerating and incentivizing its adoption. When can we all get together and develop a strategy, and a program to counter the effort that the CTL crowd are going to make? I urge you all to see this as a major crisis requiring bold and immediate action.
There are National organizations in addition to the Sierra Club that may have resources to help us. We need a ground swell of opposition to thwart this CTL crowd. And proposing alternatives will bring a positive focus to our efforts, and show that we are not opposed to jobs and economic development, quite the contrary, there are just as well paying jobs in renewable energy that are safer, (Sago, Utah Miners) , do not pollute or use our precious water and air.
We all have a lot on our plates right now, I am sure. I am quite immersed in starting anew manufacturing business, that ironically, will save jet fuel in commercial airlines when brought to fruition.
But stopping this CTL effort, and educating the citizens of this State that the ere are alternatives energy policies and technologies that will be better for almost everyone except the Blankenship CEO types and politicians he and his ilk have bought and paid for.
I for one am ready, with my available slides and training from the Gore Climate Project, to get on the road and get "our side" of this case out there. But I cannot do it alone....
Let me hear from you all...am I just a ranting old man, (I turned 75 today), or are you with me?
Timing is NOW...bring me your commitment so we can together move this effort forward...and it will be the best birthday present that I could ever want...
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
EC mailing list EC@osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
Thanks for you input, Paul. I would imagine that Gore's schedule would require that we plan something way in advance of it happening. I agree with all the rest that you've said. Since national Sierra Club is stepping up its work on mountaintop removal, I wonder if there would be any interest there in helping with such an event.
I responded to Allan Tweedle and suggested that any event like this should be connected to a University--which generally assures a decent turnout. Plus more and more students are waking up to the fact that their future really is at stake. Both University of Charleston and WV State at Institute seem like possible venues. I'm willing to explore this more. What ARE the dates of Sierra Club's 2008 meeting? It would be wonderful to have such an event prior to the 2008 elections.
Janet
Quoting Paul Wilson pjgrunt@gmail.com:
If you want to do a REAL forum you need about 6-8 months of publicity and organizing work, plus fundraising (venue costs, speaker costs, food/break costs, perhaps a scholarship program for the more financially strapped). The E-council event did not come close to that kind of effort. thus you get poor participation. EG. you have to find a date and venue (first) that does not conflict with other organizational meetings, like Sierra Club's national meeting which happens every September. Even well supported events can go awry like the 2000 (?) Coal Summit. that event had poor publicity -eg the SC Chapter did not know about it until 6 weeks before the event so it was NEVER in the Chapter newsletter. Thus attendees barely numbered over 100 (I think ~ 120), and I think you want to get 400-600 for something of this magnitude. my 2 cents, paul w.
On 8/16/07, Allan Tweddle allantweddle@msn.com wrote:
Janet
Well, I know Al Gore from being with him for 2 1/2 days in Nashville as I went through his team training. He and I talked about his coming to West Virginia, and he was receptive.
If we could put together* an event that is broad enough and large enough*, I think I could talk him into coming. But can we?
WVEI had a positive upbeat conference with several speakers who praised the economic benefits of renewable energy and being good stewards of the earth, and had a lousy turnout this year. The environmental community didn't even support it!
But we need to reach beyond our community...we need a groundswell of the general public...and to do that we are have to educate them that the future is "Beyond Coal" and is promising in renewable energy. We need to get beyond preaching to the choir.
WE have just as tough an education challenge as the CTL guys do, and they have stated in the article that there needs to be a ground swell of the population for them to succeed
I'd love to get Gore and Kathy Mattea back for an evening concert and lecture. I believe that would bring a large audience.
My thoughts
Allan
----- Original Message ----- *From:* Janet Keating ohvec@ohvec.org *To:* 'James Kotcon' jkotcon@wvu.edu ; 'Allan Tweddle'allantweddle@msn.com; 'Sierra Club Environmental Comm.' ec@osenergy.org *Cc:* 'Don GARVIN' dsgjr@aol.com ; 'Julian Martin' martinjul@aol.com ; 'Kathryn Stone' Palmermethod@aol.com ; 'Judy BONDS'judycrmw@charter.net; 'Janet Keating' ohvec@ezwv.com ; 'Karen Grubb' kgrubb@fairmontstate.edu ; 'Judy Rodd' roddj@hotmail.com ; 'Frank YOUNG' fyoung@mountain.net ; 'Larry Gibson' larry.gibson@mountainkeeper.org ; 'Paul Wilson'pjpaulgrunt@netscape.net; 'Vivian Stockman' vivian@ohvec.org ; 'CAG' garyz@wvcag.org ; 'Heather Connolly' hconnolly@wvdep.org ; 'Taylor Barnhill'taylor@southwings.org *Sent:* Thursday, August 16, 2007 4:08 PM *Subject:* RE: CTL
I'm wondering if all of us could sponsor a major forum on renewable energy (the sooner the better) which includes what is wrong with going in the direction of MORE coal via, CTL, etc. By major forum, I'm thinking trying to get Al Gore here or even candidate Edwards. When I heard "Manhattan Project" from Rockefeller, I nearly flipped; we all know what the end result of that was! After reading that Al Gore is suggesting that students us non-violent direct action to keep new coal-fired power plants from being built, we might be able to get his attention and cooperation.
Who knows him well enough to ask and get a YES? Janet
Janet Keating, Co-Director Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition P.O. Box 6753 Huntington, WV 25773-6753 304-522-0246 phone 304-522-4079 fax www.ohvec.org
-----Original Message----- From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu] Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:19 PM To: Allan Tweddle; Sierra Club Environmental Comm. Cc: Don GARVIN; Julian Martin; Kathryn Stone; Judy BONDS; Janet Keating; Karen Grubb; Judy Rodd; Frank YOUNG; Larry Gibson; Paul Wilson; Vivian Stockman; CAG; Heather Connolly; James Kotcon Subject: Re: CTL
I did not see the story in the on-line version, so there is still something to be said for the old-fashioned paper newspaper.
I attended the rally opposing the CTL Conference in Beckley yesterday, and Bill Price talked me into going inside. Jay Rockefeller was scheduled to be the lunch speaker, so I stayed around for that. Unfortunately, Rockefeller was late, did not start his speech till 2 PM, and spent a lot of time talking about health insurance, veterans, and budget issues. He did make a strong pitch for climate change and the need for carbon sequestration as part of a CTL program, (but I suspect that if a CTL subsidy bill passed without sequestration, the industry would probably accept the handouts). Then, he presented his 4-point plan for CTL which he wants to put into a bill. He claims that there are 60 votes in the Senate for some type of CTL subsidy, but the parties can not agree on a version, and the supporters need to present a united front. (That means evidence of continued divisiveness would be an effective delaying tactic. His 4 points include:
- Build military uses of CTL fuels. (Air Force is very interested and
were featured speakers, but the Pentagon would need authorization for long-term contracts, which would require a change military procurement rules.). 2) Keep everyone on the same page. He claims there are 60 votes for CTL if it includes "some environmental standards". 3) A substantial federal R&D effort on carbon sequestration, a program similar to the Manhattan Project. 4) Expand the pipeline infrastructure, both to ship liquid fuels, and to ship CO2 to sites for geologic sequestration.
Afterward I tried to talk to a couple reporters, but no one seemed interested so I doubt I got much air time. So I wrote a letter to the editor of the Beckley paper this morning.
All in all, it was a waste of time. The main impression I had was that this was a gathering of corporate honchos, all grabbing for subsidies and federal handouts of pork. There certainly was no opposition inside the meeting, and I did not see any press coverage of the protest outside.
But I did learn from Bill Raney, as he introduced the speaker, that in the coal industry "We practice aggressive stewardship and real environmental protection every day. Our people protect the streams they fish and the mountains they hunt". (The funny/sad thing is that no one laughed when he delivered that line).
JBK
"Allan Tweddle" allantweddle@msn.com 8/16/2007 10:56 AM >>>
Colleagues
A couple of days ago, there was an article reporting how Governor Manchin has "finally" gat the attention of former President Bill Clinton about the need for coal to be the solution to our energy crisis."
In today's Gazette, there is a report by Tim Huber of Associated Press with the headline "Support Needed for Coal To Liquid" in section A...(I clipped it...so did not get the page number).
It outlines our challenge.
Supporters of seeking Federal Government subsidies for funding CTL, because Wall Street won't without the Government guarantees, Congressmen Rahall and Murtha and sadly, Senator Rockefeller.
Here's Rockefeller's statement, which is unbelievably wrong...but probably politically correct:. "Coal-clean coal-must be the solution for our energy needs"....It is the only solution to our energy needs. That is what is so ridiculous about all of it. It is what we have got. God gave it to us"
There is total disregard for Global warming, and the economic opportunities that reversing it present. We must mount a massive two part public education effort. I have tried to outline the issues below, and bear with me, as I know all of you know the issues and alternatives.
First we need to refute, and educate, with independent studies and evidence, Rockefeller's arguments: 1.. There is no clean coal technology yet developed that is commercially viable. 2.. CTL is NOT the only solution to our energy needs...by a long shot. To start with, Energy conservation and efficiency is very low hanging fruit that can dramatically cut our imported oil addiction. 3.. The widespread independent opinions about the horrors of CTL, 4.. The truth that carbon sequestration technology on the scale that will be required is not proven or viable...as the Australians have already concluded 5.. God delivers more energy every single day in sunlight than we would need, or could consume in 20+ years. We need to start with Rockefeller and the rest of the WV Delegation, (well maybe excluding Capito) and educate them that 1.. Solar energy is coming down in cost at such a rate that it will be competitive with coal by 2015. 2.. The Renewable energy industry, whether it be solar, wind or biomass and alternative fuels, but particularly the solar manufacturing industry is growing so rapidly that West Virginia is going to be in worse economic shape if it does not participate NOW 3.. Several States have already embraced the inevitable switch to renewable energy, including Murtha's Pennsylvania. 4.. There needs to be aggressive support for raising the C.A.F.E. Standards...because the battery technology exists to achieve 100 m.p.g. in a plug in Prius, so the technology to get higher gas mileage is here and emerging...so Government support needs to be focused on accelerating and incentivizing its adoption. When can we all get together and develop a strategy, and a program to counter the effort that the CTL crowd are going to make? I urge you all to see this as a major crisis requiring bold and immediate action.
There are National organizations in addition to the Sierra Club that may have resources to help us. We need a ground swell of opposition to thwart this CTL crowd. And proposing alternatives will bring a positive focus to our efforts, and show that we are not opposed to jobs and economic development, quite the contrary, there are just as well paying jobs in renewable energy that are safer, (Sago, Utah Miners) , do not pollute or use our precious water and air.
We all have a lot on our plates right now, I am sure. I am quite immersed in starting anew manufacturing business, that ironically, will save jet fuel in commercial airlines when brought to fruition.
But stopping this CTL effort, and educating the citizens of this State that the ere are alternatives energy policies and technologies that will be better for almost everyone except the Blankenship CEO types and politicians he and his ilk have bought and paid for.
I for one am ready, with my available slides and training from the Gore Climate Project, to get on the road and get "our side" of this case out there. But I cannot do it alone....
Let me hear from you all...am I just a ranting old man, (I turned 75 today), or are you with me?
Timing is NOW...bring me your commitment so we can together move this effort forward...and it will be the best birthday present that I could ever want...
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
EC mailing list EC@osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
-- Paul Wilson Sierra Club Wildlife & Endangered Species Comm. 504 Jefferson Ave Charles Town, WV 25414-1130 Phone: 304-725-4360 Cell: 304-279-6975
---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.
A very good review of CTL is on the Club's web page at:
http://www.sierraclub.org/coal/liquidcoal/
Even with carbon capture and sequestration, CTL would emit even more greenhouse gases than the gasoline we user today. Hence, even with the most optimistic technology, it is still a loser.
JBK
"Paul Wilson" pjgrunt@gmail.com 8/17/2007 9:54 AM >>>
If you want to do a REAL forum you need about 6-8 months of publicity and organizing work, plus fundraising (venue costs, speaker costs, food/break costs, perhaps a scholarship program for the more financially strapped). The E-council event did not come close to that kind of effort. thus you get poor participation. EG. you have to find a date and venue (first) that does not conflict with other organizational meetings, like Sierra Club's national meeting which happens every September. Even well supported events can go awry like the 2000 (?) Coal Summit. that event had poor publicity -eg the SC Chapter did not know about it until 6 weeks before the event so it was NEVER in the Chapter newsletter. Thus attendees barely numbered over 100 (I think ~ 120), and I think you want to get 400-600 for something of this magnitude. my 2 cents, paul w.
On 8/16/07, Allan Tweddle allantweddle@msn.com wrote:
Janet
Well, I know Al Gore from being with him for 2 1/2 days in Nashville as I went through his team training. He and I talked about his coming to West Virginia, and he was receptive.
If we could put together* an event that is broad enough and large enough*, I think I could talk him into coming. But can we?
WVEI had a positive upbeat conference with several speakers who praised the economic benefits of renewable energy and being good stewards of the earth, and had a lousy turnout this year. The environmental community didn't even support it!
But we need to reach beyond our community...we need a groundswell of the general public...and to do that we are have to educate them that the future is "Beyond Coal" and is promising in renewable energy. We need to get beyond preaching to the choir.
WE have just as tough an education challenge as the CTL guys do, and they have stated in the article that there needs to be a ground swell of the population for them to succeed
I'd love to get Gore and Kathy Mattea back for an evening concert and lecture. I believe that would bring a large audience.
My thoughts
Allan
----- Original Message ----- *From:* Janet Keating ohvec@ohvec.org *To:* 'James Kotcon' jkotcon@wvu.edu ; 'Allan Tweddle'allantweddle@msn.com; 'Sierra Club Environmental Comm.' ec@osenergy.org *Cc:* 'Don GARVIN' dsgjr@aol.com ; 'Julian Martin' martinjul@aol.com ; 'Kathryn Stone' Palmermethod@aol.com ; 'Judy BONDS'judycrmw@charter.net; 'Janet Keating' ohvec@ezwv.com ; 'Karen Grubb' kgrubb@fairmontstate.edu ; 'Judy Rodd' roddj@hotmail.com ; 'Frank YOUNG' fyoung@mountain.net ; 'Larry Gibson' larry.gibson@mountainkeeper.org ; 'Paul Wilson'pjpaulgrunt@netscape.net; 'Vivian Stockman' vivian@ohvec.org ; 'CAG' garyz@wvcag.org ; 'Heather Connolly' hconnolly@wvdep.org ; 'Taylor Barnhill'taylor@southwings.org *Sent:* Thursday, August 16, 2007 4:08 PM *Subject:* RE: CTL
I'm wondering if all of us could sponsor a major forum on renewable energy (the sooner the better) which includes what is wrong with going in the direction of MORE coal via, CTL, etc. By major forum, I'm thinking trying to get Al Gore here or even candidate Edwards. When I heard "Manhattan Project" from Rockefeller, I nearly flipped; we all know what the end result of that was! After reading that Al Gore is suggesting that students us non-violent direct action to keep new coal-fired power plants from being built, we might be able to get his attention and cooperation.
Who knows him well enough to ask and get a YES? Janet
Janet Keating, Co-Director Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition P.O. Box 6753 Huntington, WV 25773-6753 304-522-0246 phone 304-522-4079 fax www.ohvec.org
-----Original Message----- From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu] Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:19 PM To: Allan Tweddle; Sierra Club Environmental Comm. Cc: Don GARVIN; Julian Martin; Kathryn Stone; Judy BONDS; Janet Keating; Karen Grubb; Judy Rodd; Frank YOUNG; Larry Gibson; Paul Wilson; Vivian Stockman; CAG; Heather Connolly; James Kotcon Subject: Re: CTL
I did not see the story in the on-line version, so there is still something to be said for the old-fashioned paper newspaper.
I attended the rally opposing the CTL Conference in Beckley yesterday, and Bill Price talked me into going inside. Jay Rockefeller was scheduled to be the lunch speaker, so I stayed around for that. Unfortunately, Rockefeller was late, did not start his speech till 2 PM, and spent a lot of time talking about health insurance, veterans, and budget issues. He did make a strong pitch for climate change and the need for carbon sequestration as part of a CTL program, (but I suspect that if a CTL subsidy bill passed without sequestration, the industry would probably accept the handouts). Then, he presented his 4-point plan for CTL which he wants to put into a bill. He claims that there are 60 votes in the Senate for some type of CTL subsidy, but the parties can not agree on a version, and the supporters need to present a united front. (That means evidence of continued divisiveness would be an effective delaying tactic. His 4 points include:
- Build military uses of CTL fuels. (Air Force is very interested and
were featured speakers, but the Pentagon would need authorization for long-term contracts, which would require a change military procurement rules.). 2) Keep everyone on the same page. He claims there are 60 votes for CTL if it includes "some environmental standards". 3) A substantial federal R&D effort on carbon sequestration, a program similar to the Manhattan Project. 4) Expand the pipeline infrastructure, both to ship liquid fuels, and to ship CO2 to sites for geologic sequestration.
Afterward I tried to talk to a couple reporters, but no one seemed interested so I doubt I got much air time. So I wrote a letter to the editor of the Beckley paper this morning.
All in all, it was a waste of time. The main impression I had was that this was a gathering of corporate honchos, all grabbing for subsidies and federal handouts of pork. There certainly was no opposition inside the meeting, and I did not see any press coverage of the protest outside.
But I did learn from Bill Raney, as he introduced the speaker, that in the coal industry "We practice aggressive stewardship and real environmental protection every day. Our people protect the streams they fish and the mountains they hunt". (The funny/sad thing is that no one laughed when he delivered that line).
JBK
"Allan Tweddle" allantweddle@msn.com 8/16/2007 10:56 AM >>>
Colleagues
A couple of days ago, there was an article reporting how Governor Manchin has "finally" gat the attention of former President Bill Clinton about the need for coal to be the solution to our energy crisis."
In today's Gazette, there is a report by Tim Huber of Associated Press with the headline "Support Needed for Coal To Liquid" in section A...(I clipped it...so did not get the page number).
It outlines our challenge.
Supporters of seeking Federal Government subsidies for funding CTL, because Wall Street won't without the Government guarantees, Congressmen Rahall and Murtha and sadly, Senator Rockefeller.
Here's Rockefeller's statement, which is unbelievably wrong...but probably politically correct:. "Coal-clean coal-must be the solution for our energy needs"....It is the only solution to our energy needs. That is what is so ridiculous about all of it. It is what we have got. God gave it to us"
There is total disregard for Global warming, and the economic opportunities that reversing it present. We must mount a massive two part public education effort. I have tried to outline the issues below, and bear with me, as I know all of you know the issues and alternatives.
First we need to refute, and educate, with independent studies and evidence, Rockefeller's arguments: 1.. There is no clean coal technology yet developed that is commercially viable. 2.. CTL is NOT the only solution to our energy needs...by a long shot. To start with, Energy conservation and efficiency is very low hanging fruit that can dramatically cut our imported oil addiction. 3.. The widespread independent opinions about the horrors of CTL, 4.. The truth that carbon sequestration technology on the scale that will be required is not proven or viable...as the Australians have already concluded 5.. God delivers more energy every single day in sunlight than we would need, or could consume in 20+ years. We need to start with Rockefeller and the rest of the WV Delegation, (well maybe excluding Capito) and educate them that 1.. Solar energy is coming down in cost at such a rate that it will be competitive with coal by 2015. 2.. The Renewable energy industry, whether it be solar, wind or biomass and alternative fuels, but particularly the solar manufacturing industry is growing so rapidly that West Virginia is going to be in worse economic shape if it does not participate NOW 3.. Several States have already embraced the inevitable switch to renewable energy, including Murtha's Pennsylvania. 4.. There needs to be aggressive support for raising the C.A.F.E. Standards...because the battery technology exists to achieve 100 m.p.g. in a plug in Prius, so the technology to get higher gas mileage is here and emerging...so Government support needs to be focused on accelerating and incentivizing its adoption. When can we all get together and develop a strategy, and a program to counter the effort that the CTL crowd are going to make? I urge you all to see this as a major crisis requiring bold and immediate action.
There are National organizations in addition to the Sierra Club that may have resources to help us. We need a ground swell of opposition to thwart this CTL crowd. And proposing alternatives will bring a positive focus to our efforts, and show that we are not opposed to jobs and economic development, quite the contrary, there are just as well paying jobs in renewable energy that are safer, (Sago, Utah Miners) , do not pollute or use our precious water and air.
We all have a lot on our plates right now, I am sure. I am quite immersed in starting anew manufacturing business, that ironically, will save jet fuel in commercial airlines when brought to fruition.
But stopping this CTL effort, and educating the citizens of this State that the ere are alternatives energy policies and technologies that will be better for almost everyone except the Blankenship CEO types and politicians he and his ilk have bought and paid for.
I for one am ready, with my available slides and training from the Gore Climate Project, to get on the road and get "our side" of this case out there. But I cannot do it alone....
Let me hear from you all...am I just a ranting old man, (I turned 75 today), or are you with me?
Timing is NOW...bring me your commitment so we can together move this effort forward...and it will be the best birthday present that I could ever want...
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
EC mailing list EC@osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
Thanks, Allan. Man. Having both Gore and Mattea together could be amazing. I wonder if we could interest WV State or the University of Charleston in serving as a venue? I think having a university as a backdrop would help beef up attendance; and actually, more and more students are getting concerned about their future under the cloud of global warming.
I think that the attendance at the WVEI is typical--I've only been to one myself; I know that we need to know what industry is thinking/doing/posing as solutions, but a lot of my colleagues consider it a waste of time, I'm sorry to say. Someone said, "hold your friends close and your enemies closer." So it really serves us to know both sides of an issue.
Maybe Mari-Lynn Evans could get Kathy Mattea's ear.
I understand that national Sierra Club is stepping up more on mountaintop removal. Maybe they or some other national group, like Earthjustice would be willing to help.
Janet
Quoting Allan Tweddle allantweddle@msn.com:
Janet
Well, I know Al Gore from being with him for 2 1/2 days in Nashville as I went through his team training. He and I talked about his coming to West Virginia, and he was receptive.
If we could put together an event that is broad enough and large enough, I think I could talk him into coming. But can we?
WVEI had a positive upbeat conference with several speakers who praised the economic benefits of renewable energy and being good stewards of the earth, and had a lousy turnout this year. The environmental community didn't even support it!
But we need to reach beyond our community...we need a groundswell of the general public...and to do that we are have to educate them that the future is "Beyond Coal" and is promising in renewable energy. We need to get beyond preaching to the choir.
WE have just as tough an education challenge as the CTL guys do, and they have stated in the article that there needs to be a ground swell of the population for them to succeed
I'd love to get Gore and Kathy Mattea back for an evening concert and lecture. I believe that would bring a large audience.
My thoughts
Allan ----- Original Message ----- From: Janet Keatingmailto:ohvec@ohvec.org To: 'James Kotcon'mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu ; 'Allan Tweddle'mailto:allantweddle@msn.com ; 'Sierra Club Environmental Comm.'mailto:ec@osenergy.org Cc: 'Don GARVIN'mailto:dsgjr@aol.com ; 'Julian Martin'mailto:martinjul@aol.com ; 'Kathryn Stone'mailto:Palmermethod@aol.com ; 'Judy BONDS'mailto:judycrmw@charter.net ; 'Janet Keating'mailto:ohvec@ezwv.com ; 'Karen Grubb'mailto:kgrubb@fairmontstate.edu ; 'Judy Rodd'mailto:roddj@hotmail.com ; 'Frank YOUNG'mailto:fyoung@mountain.net ; 'Larry Gibson'mailto:larry.gibson@mountainkeeper.org ; 'Paul Wilson'mailto:pjpaulgrunt@netscape.net ; 'Vivian Stockman'mailto:vivian@ohvec.org ; 'CAG'mailto:garyz@wvcag.org ; 'Heather Connolly'mailto:hconnolly@wvdep.org ; 'Taylor Barnhill'mailto:taylor@southwings.org Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 4:08 PM Subject: RE: CTL
I'm wondering if all of us could sponsor a major forum on renewable energy (the sooner the better) which includes what is wrong with going in the direction of MORE coal via, CTL, etc. By major forum, I'm thinking trying to get Al Gore here or even candidate Edwards. When I heard "Manhattan Project" from Rockefeller, I nearly flipped; we all know what the end result of that was! After reading that Al Gore is suggesting that students us non-violent direct action to keep new coal-fired power plants from being built, we might be able to get his attention and cooperation.
Who knows him well enough to ask and get a YES? Janet
Janet Keating, Co-Director Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition P.O. Box 6753 Huntington, WV 25773-6753 304-522-0246 phone 304-522-4079 fax www.ohvec.orghttp://www.ohvec.org/
-----Original Message----- From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu] Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:19 PM To: Allan Tweddle; Sierra Club Environmental Comm. Cc: Don GARVIN; Julian Martin; Kathryn Stone; Judy BONDS; Janet Keating; Karen Grubb; Judy Rodd; Frank YOUNG; Larry Gibson; Paul Wilson; Vivian Stockman; CAG; Heather Connolly; James Kotcon Subject: Re: CTL
I did not see the story in the on-line version, so there is still something to be said for the old-fashioned paper newspaper.
I attended the rally opposing the CTL Conference in Beckley yesterday, and Bill Price talked me into going inside. Jay Rockefeller was scheduled to be the lunch speaker, so I stayed around for that. Unfortunately, Rockefeller was late, did not start his speech till 2 PM, and spent a lot of time talking about health insurance, veterans, and budget issues. He did make a strong pitch for climate change and the need for carbon sequestration as part of a CTL program, (but I suspect that if a CTL subsidy bill passed without sequestration, the industry would probably accept the handouts). Then, he presented his 4-point plan for CTL which he wants to put into a bill. He claims that there are 60 votes in the Senate for some type of CTL subsidy, but the parties can not agree on a version, and the supporters need to present a united front. (That means evidence of continued divisiveness would be an effective delaying tactic. His 4 points include:
- Build military uses of CTL fuels. (Air Force is very interested and
were featured speakers, but the Pentagon would need authorization for long-term contracts, which would require a change military procurement rules.). 2) Keep everyone on the same page. He claims there are 60 votes for CTL if it includes "some environmental standards". 3) A substantial federal R&D effort on carbon sequestration, a program similar to the Manhattan Project. 4) Expand the pipeline infrastructure, both to ship liquid fuels, and to ship CO2 to sites for geologic sequestration.
Afterward I tried to talk to a couple reporters, but no one seemed interested so I doubt I got much air time. So I wrote a letter to the editor of the Beckley paper this morning.
All in all, it was a waste of time. The main impression I had was that this was a gathering of corporate honchos, all grabbing for subsidies and federal handouts of pork. There certainly was no opposition inside the meeting, and I did not see any press coverage of the protest outside.
But I did learn from Bill Raney, as he introduced the speaker, that in the coal industry "We practice aggressive stewardship and real environmental protection every day. Our people protect the streams they fish and the mountains they hunt". (The funny/sad thing is that no one laughed when he delivered that line).
JBK
"Allan Tweddle"
<allantweddle@msn.commailto:allantweddle@msn.com> 8/16/2007 10:56 AM >>> Colleagues
A couple of days ago, there was an article reporting how Governor Manchin has "finally" gat the attention of former President Bill Clinton about the need for coal to be the solution to our energy crisis."
In today's Gazette, there is a report by Tim Huber of Associated Press with the headline "Support Needed for Coal To Liquid" in section A...(I clipped it...so did not get the page number).
It outlines our challenge.
Supporters of seeking Federal Government subsidies for funding CTL, because Wall Street won't without the Government guarantees, Congressmen Rahall and Murtha and sadly, Senator Rockefeller.
Here's Rockefeller's statement, which is unbelievably wrong...but probably politically correct:. "Coal-clean coal-must be the solution for our energy needs"....It is the only solution to our energy needs. That is what is so ridiculous about all of it. It is what we have got. God gave it to us"
There is total disregard for Global warming, and the economic opportunities that reversing it present. We must mount a massive two part public education effort. I have tried to outline the issues below, and bear with me, as I know all of you know the issues and alternatives.
First we need to refute, and educate, with independent studies and evidence, Rockefeller's arguments: 1.. There is no clean coal technology yet developed that is commercially viable. 2.. CTL is NOT the only solution to our energy needs...by a long shot. To start with, Energy conservation and efficiency is very low hanging fruit that can dramatically cut our imported oil addiction. 3.. The widespread independent opinions about the horrors of CTL, 4.. The truth that carbon sequestration technology on the scale that will be required is not proven or viable...as the Australians have already concluded 5.. God delivers more energy every single day in sunlight than we would need, or could consume in 20+ years. We need to start with Rockefeller and the rest of the WV Delegation, (well maybe excluding Capito) and educate them that 1.. Solar energy is coming down in cost at such a rate that it will be competitive with coal by 2015. 2.. The Renewable energy industry, whether it be solar, wind or biomass and alternative fuels, but particularly the solar manufacturing industry is growing so rapidly that West Virginia is going to be in worse economic shape if it does not participate NOW 3.. Several States have already embraced the inevitable switch to renewable energy, including Murtha's Pennsylvania. 4.. There needs to be aggressive support for raising the C.A.F.E. Standards...because the battery technology exists to achieve 100 m.p.g. in a plug in Prius, so the technology to get higher gas mileage is here and emerging...so Government support needs to be focused on accelerating and incentivizing its adoption. When can we all get together and develop a strategy, and a program to counter the effort that the CTL crowd are going to make? I urge you all to see this as a major crisis requiring bold and immediate action.
There are National organizations in addition to the Sierra Club that may have resources to help us. We need a ground swell of opposition to thwart this CTL crowd. And proposing alternatives will bring a positive focus to our efforts, and show that we are not opposed to jobs and economic development, quite the contrary, there are just as well paying jobs in renewable energy that are safer, (Sago, Utah Miners) , do not pollute or use our precious water and air.
We all have a lot on our plates right now, I am sure. I am quite immersed in starting anew manufacturing business, that ironically, will save jet fuel in commercial airlines when brought to fruition.
But stopping this CTL effort, and educating the citizens of this State that the ere are alternatives energy policies and technologies that will be better for almost everyone except the Blankenship CEO types and politicians he and his ilk have bought and paid for.
I for one am ready, with my available slides and training from the Gore Climate Project, to get on the road and get "our side" of this case out there. But I cannot do it alone....
Let me hear from you all...am I just a ranting old man, (I turned 75 today), or are you with me?
Timing is NOW...bring me your commitment so we can together move this effort forward...and it will be the best birthday present that I could ever want...
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
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And then there's the fact that the current methods of mining coal is destroying Appalachia. Rockefeller doesn't live in a coal county and would undoubtedly avoid it at all costs.
We should also be conserving every drop of our water resources instead of burying them, because water is going to be a scarce resource before long too, and WV could be supplying it to others.
Rockefeller makes me sick.
-----Original Message----- From: ec-bounces@osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org]On Behalf Of Allan Tweddle Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 10:56 AM To: Sierra Club Environmental Comm. Cc: Don GARVIN; Julian Martin; Paul Wilson; Janet Keating; Vivian Stockman; Frank YOUNG; CAG; Judy BONDS; Kathryn Stone; Judy Rodd; Heather Connolly; Larry Gibson Subject: [EC] (no subject)
Colleagues
A couple of days ago, there was an article reporting how Governor Manchin has "finally" gat the attention of former President Bill Clinton about the need for coal to be the solution to our energy crisis."
In today's Gazette, there is a report by Tim Huber of Associated Press with the headline "Support Needed for Coal To Liquid" in section A...(I clipped it...so did not get the page number).
It outlines our challenge.
Supporters of seeking Federal Government subsidies for funding CTL, because Wall Street won't without the Government guarantees, Congressmen Rahall and Murtha and sadly, Senator Rockefeller.
Here's Rockefeller's statement, which is unbelievably wrong...but probably politically correct:. "Coal-clean coal-must be the solution for our energy needs"....It is the only solution to our energy needs. That is what is so ridiculous about all of it. It is what we have got. God gave it to us"
There is total disregard for Global warming, and the economic opportunities that reversing it present. We must mount a massive two part public education effort. I have tried to outline the issues below, and bear with me, as I know all of you know the issues and alternatives.
First we need to refute, and educate, with independent studies and evidence, Rockefeller's arguments: 1.. There is no clean coal technology yet developed that is commercially viable. 2.. CTL is NOT the only solution to our energy needs...by a long shot. To start with, Energy conservation and efficiency is very low hanging fruit that can dramatically cut our imported oil addiction. 3.. The widespread independent opinions about the horrors of CTL, 4.. The truth that carbon sequestration technology on the scale that will be required is not proven or viable...as the Australians have already concluded 5.. God delivers more energy every single day in sunlight than we would need, or could consume in 20+ years. We need to start with Rockefeller and the rest of the WV Delegation, (well maybe excluding Capito) and educate them that 1.. Solar energy is coming down in cost at such a rate that it will be competitive with coal by 2015. 2.. The Renewable energy industry, whether it be solar, wind or biomass and alternative fuels, but particularly the solar manufacturing industry is growing so rapidly that West Virginia is going to be in worse economic shape if it does not participate NOW 3.. Several States have already embraced the inevitable switch to renewable energy, including Murtha's Pennsylvania. 4.. There needs to be aggressive support for raising the C.A.F.E. Standards...because the battery technology exists to achieve 100 m.p.g. in a plug in Prius, so the technology to get higher gas mileage is here and emerging...so Government support needs to be focused on accelerating and incentivizing its adoption. When can we all get together and develop a strategy, and a program to counter the effort that the CTL crowd are going to make? I urge you all to see this as a major crisis requiring bold and immediate action.
There are National organizations in addition to the Sierra Club that may have resources to help us. We need a ground swell of opposition to thwart this CTL crowd. And proposing alternatives will bring a positive focus to our efforts, and show that we are not opposed to jobs and economic development, quite the contrary, there are just as well paying jobs in renewable energy that are safer, (Sago, Utah Miners) , do not pollute or use our precious water and air.
We all have a lot on our plates right now, I am sure. I am quite immersed in starting anew manufacturing business, that ironically, will save jet fuel in commercial airlines when brought to fruition.
But stopping this CTL effort, and educating the citizens of this State that the ere are alternatives energy policies and technologies that will be better for almost everyone except the Blankenship CEO types and politicians he and his ilk have bought and paid for.
I for one am ready, with my available slides and training from the Gore Climate Project, to get on the road and get "our side" of this case out there. But I cannot do it alone....
Let me hear from you all...am I just a ranting old man, (I turned 75 today), or are you with me?
Timing is NOW...bring me your commitment so we can together move this effort forward...and it will be the best birthday present that I could ever want...
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924
Allan
Allan Tweddle
Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum Sir Henry Royce, 1924 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.19/953 - Release Date: 8/14/2007 5:19 PM
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