Sunday, March 31, 2013

Anti-Energy Ideology: Where Eco-Imperialism Meets Vulture Environmentalism

Gina McCarthy, President Obama’s choice to replace Lisa Jackson at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has been chastised for having lied to Congress, in claiming that EPA did not use “dangerous manmade climate change” to justify new 54.5 mpg standards for cars and light trucks. She’s also been implicated in the agency’s practice of using fake emails to hide questionable dealings and activities.

These issues highlight attitudes toward ethics, law and public policy that prevail at EPA and too many other government agencies. However, that attention should not distract from other important matters.

Ms. McCarthy may be the worst of the new nominees. In addition to her dishonesty, she helped devise onerous mercury and soot rules that employed junk science to shutter coal-fired power plants and kill thousands of jobs – and those vehicle mileage standards, which will force people to drive less safe cars that will cause millions more serious injuries and thousands more needless deaths every year.

However, she, Ernest Moniz for Energy, and Sally Jewell for Interior are all team players for the Obama White House; they all share ideologies and agendas that bode ill for America’s and the world’s energy, economic, health and environmental future. They represent a rapidly expanding, increasingly powerful government class that is determined to control what we eat, say, do and buy.

In the environmental arena, these would-be czars and czarinas want to regulate what kinds of energy we can produce and use, cars we can drive, and jobs and living standards we can have. They are the vanguard of a dangerous alliance of eco-imperialism and vulture environmentalism.

Deep Ecology vs. Energy

Driven by utopian, Deep Ecology and global governance ideologies, elected and unelected ruling elites pass laws, promulgate regulations and issue edicts, based on faulty to fraudulent science and unsupported proclamations about dangerous manmade global warming, resource depletion and sustainable development. They seek to radically and fundamentally transform the energy, economic and social fabric of our nation and world – in the name of “social justice” and “saving the planet.”

They operate with little or no transparency or debate, often with vague or minimal legislative or constitutional authority, and with virtually no accountability for the false pretexts they use to justify their intrusive actions, or the harm they cause to people and wildlife. Their attitudes and actions often reflect a callous disregard for environmental values and people’s property, civil rights, jobs, health and even lives.

Our courts give them almost limitless discretion to impose laws and regulations, select pseudo-scientific “facts” to justify them, and ignore both the imaginary benefits and substantive harm they cause. They allow and encourage sweetheart “sue and settle” legal actions between regulatory agencies and activist groups, capricious agency inaction on mineral leases and permits, and arbitrary bureaucratic waivers of endangered species and other environmental laws for gigantic wind and solar projects.

Nameless, unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats effectively control the lands and resources of federal lands that constitute 30-86% of the acreage in Alaska and our eleven westernmost states. America’s federal, state and private lands are rich in energy, mineral, timber and other resources that offer vast job and revenue opportunities. We could easily have drilling, mining, forestry and ranching, along with recreation, wildlife, parks and wilderness – and for decades government regulators emphasized this “multiple use” approach. But today, environmentalists and bureaucrats block these uses and vigorously promote preservation.

A Costly Agenda

Today their motto seems to be: If it creates real energy, jobs and revenues – pillory, ban, delay and regulate it out of existence. If it can be labeled “renewable” – mandate it, subsidize it, waive endangered species laws, and ignore the policies’ impacts on wildlife and on people’s health and well-being. Instead of ensuring that resource development activities are conducted properly, don’t permit them at all.

Under their agenda, U.S. domestic oil and gas production climbed during Mr. Obama’s tenure – but the increase was all on state and private lands, mostly because of fracking and despite Team Obama, which is trying to limit and control this game-changing technology even there. On federal lands, oil production fell 23% and gas production plummeted 33% from fiscal-2010 to FY-2012 – dragging jobs, living standards, and federal bonus, royalty and tax revenues downward with them.

The eco-imperialists profess concern for human health and lives, wildlife and environmental quality. They demand pristine air quality to reduce risks that exist only in EPA computer models. But then they issue lethal vehicle mileage regulations, corn ethanol standards that increase global food prices and harm nutrition, and myriad rules that kill jobs and cause foreclosures, stress, and more heart attacks and strokes.

They blame deadly wildfires on global warming, instead of on Deep Ecology policies that prohibit forest thinning, prevent treating insect infestations, and require substandard fire suppressants.

Nearly 700 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa rarely or never have electricity. As a result, pollution from open fires causes asthma and other lung infections that kill a million African women and children annually; countless more die from intestinal diseases due to eating spoiled, unrefrigerated food.

And yet, during a speech in Ghana, President Obama said hungry Africa should rely on its “bountiful” wind, solar and biofuel energy, while his administration refused to provide or support loans for gas or coal-fired generating plants, because he believes Earth is “threatened” by global warming.

Double Standards

Eco-imperialist politicians, regulators and environmentalists demand heavy penalties for birds and other wildlife killed by petroleum-related accidents. They delay or ban drilling, fracking and mining because these activities might “disturb” sage grouse. But when millions of birds and bats are exterminated year after year by wind turbines, they turn a blind eye and actively help hide the horrific slaughter, while ignoring evidence that turbines impair the health of people living near them.

Vulture environmentalists hijack environmental laws to further the venal interests of eco-activists, bureaucrats and wealthy elites, who covet private property but don’t want to pay fair prices. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has joined celebrity fracking opponents, green pressure groups and blueblood vultures that are salivating over beautiful Catskill farmlands. Overtaxed, over-regulated owners could save their family farms through careful natural gas production – but the hovering vultures prefer to force them into foreclosure, and grab the prime properties at fire-sale prices.

Radical greens used imagined threats to the western spotted owl to eliminate logging jobs and a way of life in western states, to create playgrounds for the green 1 percent. Now the feds plan to shoot formerly eastern barred owls, to keep them from breeding their spotted cousins out of existence – before their habitats are incinerated in fiery conflagrations brought on by other ignorant eco-imperialist policies.

In states and communities all over the USA, the Endangered Species Act, Agenda 21, critical habitat areas and buffer zones, endless regulation and litigation, advisory panels stacked with eco-activists but nearly devoid of private property owners, lowball appraisals of lands and water rights, climate change scare stories and other tactics are used repeatedly to seize title or control over property, without payment of just (or any) compensation. The abuses are endless, and are occurring over the planet.

In just one example, over 20,000 Ugandans were evicted, impoverished and left homeless by the New Forest Company and government authorities, to make way for foreign investors promoting “clean development mechanisms” and carbon-trading credits, as solutions to “runaway global warming.”

Conclusion

We went to war with England over far less than this, back in 1776. It’s high time that our environmental laws were again used to address real air, water and wildlife problems – instead advancing what Greenpeace cofounder Patrick Moore has called the “anti-science, anti-technology, anti-human” agenda of eco-imperialists and vulture environmentalists.

Source: http://www.masterresource.org/2013/03/eco-imperialism-meets-vulture-environmentalism/

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Palm Beach electricians can prevent Fire Accidents at Home

West Palm Beach Electrician

West Palm Beach ElectricianTo avoid endangering your family and home, let the Palm Beach electricians take care of the repairs and installations of your wires, lights and plugs. We at Southern Coast Electrical Services West Palm Beach, Florida can help you with your electrical needs.

Before leaving the house, make sure you turn off all electrical appliances such as oven toasters, television sets and air conditioners. It is even better if you unplug them from the sockets.  Apart from preventing fire accidents, it can also save electricity.

Overused electrical appliances may explode at any time. Let these items rest and cool down. You should also take preventative measures and have an  done by a Miami electrician to see if there are any damages.

Don’t leave lighted scented candles, incense or cigarettes unattended. Curtains might blow towards it which can catch the flame or the ashes might drop on the couch or carpet.

Spray cans, bottled chemicals and other flammables should be kept away from heat-producing items such as oven, stove and candles. These can easily catch fire and burn down your house to ashes.

Faulty wiring can also be a cause of house fires. Have someone from an air conditioning service in West Palm Beach like Southern Coast Electrical Services do a regular maintenance check of your electrical wires and outlets. Having your home checked regularly can decrease the risk of fire incidences.

To know more about Southern Coast Electrical Services, you can visit us at http://www.sflaelectrician.com/south-florida-electricians-can-make-repairs-installations-inspections.

Source: http://www.sflaelectrician.com/palm-beach-electricians-can-prevent-fire-accidents-at-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=palm-beach-electricians-can-prevent-fire-accidents-at-home

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Three Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing An Electrical Contractor

Finding the right electrical contractor for a specific job can easily become a very tedious process. But, just visiting a doctor for an illness, a mechanic for car trouble or a dentist for a toothache, taking the time to find the right electrical contractor for the job will pay off.

Key things to keep in mind are professionalism, reliability, safety, material quality and cost. Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the best of the best when it comes to electrical contractors working in your home.

Check for licenses and insurance

This is easily one of the most important things when it comes to choosing the right electrical contractor. Making sure you contractor is properly licensed to provide electrical contracting services to you is nothing to overlook. Upon asking, most electrical contractors will provide you with the appropriate license and insurance documentation. If your contractor refuses to hand over the documents, you better think twice about doing business with them!

Ask for references and check experience

Always, always, ALWAYS ask for references. Just like a employer asks and checks a potential employees references for a job well done, make sure you ask and check a potential contractor’s references. Most contractors will happily provide a solid list of customers who have agreed to provide feedback. It’s definitely a red flag if a contractor refuses to give you references or doesn’t have any to provide– which can mean a lack of experience. You wouldn’t blindly receive medical care, not knowing anything about the doctor– would you? Take the same amount of caution when it comes to choosing the right electrical contractor. You safety depends on it.

Know who will be doing the work

Upon meeting a potential electrical contractor, make sure you’re meeting the contractor that will actually be performing the work on your home. If a contractor plans to use a subcontractor for the job, make sure you’re aware of who they will be using; check references, experience, licenses and insurance.

Questions?

Feel free to contact us for more information, advice or to see if PGI is right for your job.

Source: http://powergenerationinc.com/three-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-choosing-an-electrical-contractor/

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How To Choose The Best Laminate Flooring For A Great Effect

After deciding to replace the current flooring with laminate flooring it is a good idea to do research on the different types of laminate and their associated costs. The more flashy the design and the better the features, the higher the cost will become. With enough searching around though anyone can find a great price on the type of laminate flooring that is wanted, whether it be in a store or through a retail outlet.

Choosing the right type of laminate can be a tricky decision. There are many different types and each are categorized by the textures they replicate and how thick the flooring is. The higher end flooring also comes with non slip and non scratch surfaces. Though these are nice they do come with a higher price tag.

After the decision is made to replace the flooring, it is always good to ensure that the quantity you require is correct. This is to assure that the amount of cutting and returning of products is lessened. Whenever cutting is necessary though, creating a floor plan is a great idea as it can show just where specific cuts will need to be made. If cutting is necessary, it will benefit all involved to have the appropriate tools.

If trimming is necessary the right tools can be very useful. The most important tools are the coping saw and rubber mallets since they allow the laminate to be placed as it is needed. Another important instrument is the measuring tape as it allows whoever is installing the flooring to get the best fit possible.

After choosing the extra features that are wanted for the flooring the next step is to choose the finish of the laminate. There are many different types of finish including all of those that are made to resemble hardwoods such as mahogany, cedar and cherry. There are also specialty finishes but these may run higher on the pay scale than normally bought finishes.

The last major item that will affect the price is the durability of the product. The higher the quality of the laminate, the more money that will ultimately be paid for the product. The more money that is paid for the laminate will also ultimately show more durability over time than the lesser-priced flooring.

With the major topics of laminate flooring covered, it goes to show that placing laminate flooring is a very good choice. With its especially low price, it is a good all around substitute for hardwood floors. Laminate is not only good on its looks it is great for its durability and style choices that can brighten any room.

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About the Author:
Installing laminate flooring is relatively easy. There are many choices including well-known brands such as Empire flooring and Mannington flooring. For free information about how to do it yourself visit, our website now.
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Source: http://reschelectrical.com/how-to-choose-the-best-laminate-flooring-for-a-great-effect/

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Time of Use Electric Meters

Our family has taken advantage of “time of use” electric meters since they were first introduce by SRP many years ago. These meters track when electricity is used and charge a higher rate during “peak time” and a lower rate during “off-peak time”. Since a utility company has to build a system to deliver enough [...]

Source: http://blog.atselectricinc.com/2013/02/time-of-use-electric-meters-17/

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How Electrical Things Go Wrong?

When thinking about an electrical system that has been in place in your home since it was built, the first thing that comes to mind is, why is this happening now? What changed between when the builder put the electrical system in place, and now?

There are other things in life, like our vehicles, which the concept of use and life cycle are easier to understand. You get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. You put gas in your car weekly to keep it fueled up to be able to operate. You check the air in your tires. You change the wiper blades. These things are very apparent to maintain because most of us drive our vehicles every day. We understand that over the course of time, with owning a vehicle that maintenance issues will come up. Things wear out over time during the duration of their life cycles.

When thinking about electrical systems in your home, it's not as easily understood. The average person does not know OHMs law, nor understand the effects that take place when OHMs law is in place, in say... a loose connection in your electrical system.

Homeowners wonder, if this was installed when my home was built, what is causing it to malfunction now? There are 4 reasons for electrical hazards to pop up over the course of a life cycle of a home, and what precipitates the call to an electrician to fix the problem.

1. Workmanship. Unfortunately, the number one reason electrical components malfunction over time, is because the person who installed it originally might have made a mistake. Maybe they did not torque the screw down to specifications. Maybe the breaker wasn't sized properly for the load. Maybe the wire was undersized. Maybe they ran one circuit where the demand should have called for multiple circuits. The bottom line is that the workmanship of the installer, could have compromised the installation from the beginning. And over time, through improperly installed electrical work, problems show themselves because of electricity flowing through.

2. Corrosion/Water intrusion. A common problem that is completely bizarre to homeowners is water, literally spilling out of your electrical panel. People call in astonishment that water has infiltrated their electrical panel. And rightfully so. Water and electricity don't mix. How the water gets in? It travels along the Service Entrance cable, that is coming from the meter on the outside of the house. Herein, the workmanship discussed in number one, has a major role. How did the installer drill the hole? Did he caulk the opening? Is the cable's protective jacket cracked, and letting water in? This is actually a very common problem. Once the water is gone however, the damage left behind from corrosion, still persists, it will continue to worsen.

3. Load. Today's homes have more loads being pulled through them then ever before. Poor workmanship, plus corrosion on an aging electrical systems, will lead to more problems.

4. Wear and Tear. Your kid unplugging the vacuum cleaner from around the corner? Not good, over time it will disturb the wiring and screws on the inside of the box and device. How many times have you flipped that switch that's not working right? How often do you think the jiggling of a switch can take before it becomes bad? Before it loosen connections in the box the switch is in or on the screws? The wear and tear on these things adds up to problems.



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Copyright © Cooper Electric [How Electrical Things Go Wrong?], All Right Reserved. 2013.

Source: http://cooper-electric.net/how-electrical-things-go-wrong/

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Top 6 Electrical Testers

Electricians use these electrical testers every day to see if a circuit or device is energized. They are crucial safety tools that keep electricians out of harms way and tell them if there is trouble on a circuit or device. There are several different types of testers on the market, some with specific purposes only and some with multiple testing features. Here are the top 6 electrical testers used by professional electricians.

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Source: http://electrical.about.com/b/2013/03/17/top-6-electrical-testers.htm

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Poly Tarpaulins And Their Many Uses

Poly tarpaulins are made from a multi-mesh fabric that is coated with polyethylene sheets and comes in a variety of mil and mesh counts. They come in a choice of sizes and are used for many difference purposes. They are waterproof and rot resistant making them a handy item to have around.

The thickness of the tarp is what is referred to as mils. A mil is equal to . 001 or 1/1000 of an inch. The larger the number the thicker the tarp. Most tarps are 6 mils but they can come in as many as 12 to 23 mils thick if using for a canopy. Mesh count is the number of threads per inch. A 10 by 10 mesh count would have 10 threads per inch in both directions.

Sold in either precut sizes or by the roll the poly tarpaulin will come with either brass, aluminum or metal grommets. These are used to attach the tarp to a whatever it is that you are covering. The spacing can vary from 18 to 36 inches. The shorter spacing will add strength and minimize movement and tearing.

On each corner of the tarp is a reinforcing triangular plastic cover to prevent the grommets from tearing through the fabric. Corners are more prone to tension especially in high winds. A rope is sewn into the hem of the tarp to add further strength.

Used in a variety of ways the poly tarpaulin is used to cover roofs in remodels or when a leak is discovered. They are great in hurricane weather conditions to protect structures and belongings. They make great canopies to provide shelter or shade. Many different types of materials are covered with them like hay, lumber and gym floors.

Commonly treated to provide UV protection from the sun, they resist mildew and rot. They perform well in freezing temperature conditions. The silver or grey color tarps contain an additional sun blocking layer. These colors also provide total shade and protection from the elements.

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About the Author:
Michael Stein is the President of Tarps Plus – www.tarpsplus.com Tarps Plus has been distributing tarps since 1954.
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Saturday, March 30, 2013

A Guide To Choosing Ceiling Lights For Your Bathroom

Have you ever heard the saying ‘a change is as good as a holiday’? There is plenty of truth to this statement; take, for example, changing the ceiling lights in your bathroom – this small act alone could make it feel like a whole new space. There is more to this decision, however, than just walking into a showroom, pointing at a fixture you like and saying ‘that one’. Use this guide to ensure that you are making the right choices for your bathroom in regards to San Gabriel Valley lighting.

Our bathrooms need to be functional above everything else, and the ceiling lights that you ultimately choose for your space will help to determine with this is the case. There is no point in installing a fixture that looks stunning if it prevents you from completing all of the tasks that you would normally undertake in the space, such as shaving and applying make up. This is not to say, however, that homeowners should forget about the aesthetics of their lighting fixtures – instead, it is about finding a balance.

One way to achieve this is by choosing ceiling fixtures that you can easily adjust in both direction and levels of illumination.

  • Illumination: the best way to control the level of illumination in your bathroom is by installing dimmer switchers in conjunction with your ceiling lights. You could also opt for the traditional fixture that includes both heat and normal lights. Whilst this only gives you the choice of two levels of brightness, it may be sufficient for your needs.
  • Direction: the best way to control the direction of lighting in your bathroom is by installing ceiling lights that are mounted into moveable supports. Halogen and LED lights are often mounted in this way, and their fixtures allow you to point the lights in the direction that you need the most illumination (such as over the vanity or the shower stall).

 

Thankfully, there is plenty of aesthetically pleasing ceiling lights out there that also achieves adequate illumination that can be dimmed or brightened and directed to a certain area. Recessed lights and downlights sit flush with the ceiling and appear as if they’re not even there during the day, whilst a chandelier will make a luxurious and elegant statement. If going for a ‘wow-factor’ fixture, such as a pendant or chandelier, it is recommended that you do the rest of your bathroom as minimalist as possible to avoid overpowering the space.

 

Source: http://www.accurateelectricalservices.com/CA-Electrician/lighting/guide-choosing-ceiling-lights-bathroom

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What’s Gonna Change with the Advent of LEDs

Yeah, I know — Easter is here, and here we are talking about Advent.

But you need to read this — from a Pike (Navigant) Research report on a recent LED conference. It’s very good, and I’ve thought (and maybe even written) on this subject before:

Beyond the focus on parity and replacement, however, are opportunities that are potentially much more transformative. Although the transistor radios of my youth seemed a major innovation compared with the vacuum-tube radios of a decade earlier, the real power of transistors came in the form of integrated circuits that unleashed a much larger information and communications revolution.

In a presentation titled “The Next Evolution of Lighting,” Brad Koerner, director of experience design at Philips Lighting, showed how LEDs are ushering in a new paradigm for lighting design, controllability, and occupant experience.

LED lighting form factors that mimic fluorescent tubes might make sense for today’s lamp replacement market, but they’ll probably look silly in retrospect when lighting is integrated into the very surfaces of next-generation buildings.

Today’s lighting programmability essentially means on, off, or dim – but what happens when lighting color temperature is also programmable, allowing sunlight’s subtle differences by time of day, season, or geographic location to be carried indoors to our work and living spaces?

We are only at the cusp of these revolutions today.

Bottom line: Ban the tube. Let’s move on into the future of Lighting!

Source: http://electricalcontractor.com/?p=8982

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Sierra Club: Thy Name is Hypocrisy (natural gas for and against)

What’s the Sierra Club’s position on the development and use of natural gas from shale? Depends on whom you ask . . . within the actual organization.

By now, of course, we’re all well aware of the Sierra Club’s newly staked-out position in opposition to natural gas, notwithstanding the fact that the Club used to support it.

With its “Beyond Natural Gascampaign, the Sierra Club now proclaims (without even a shred of irony) that natural gas is “environmentally damaging and harms public health.” Yet empirical evidence–even studies commissioned by none other than the Sierra Club itself–shows the opposite is true (also see here, here, and here).

But no one ever accused the Sierra Club of being constrained by novelties such as consistency, accuracy, or metaphysics.

The shift toward ideological opposition to an energy source they once pragmatically supported was in some ways predictable. The Club couldn’t sit on the sidelines as American oil and natural gas production soared to record highs due to the development of shale and other tight resources. The activist uprising around “fracking” posed too great a fundraising opportunity for them to ignore.

But that rapid 180-degree turn on natural gas has also put the Sierra Club in an uncomfortable position. With the near-daily news stories explaining the air quality and climate benefits of natural gas, the Sierra Club’s opposition to natural gas undermines its stated goal of protecting the environment.

In response, the Sierra Club has come up with a bold and fascinating strategy: Say whatever the heck they want, regardless of whether it contradicts their statements elsewhere.

Don’t believe us? Here are but a couple of examples from around the country.

Tennessee

The Sierra Club’s official position on natural gas (and, by extension, hydraulic fracturing) is this:

If drillers can’t extract natural gas without destroying landscapes and endangering the health of families, then we should not drill for natural gas.

The obvious takeaway is that the Sierra Club believes current natural gas extraction is harming the environment, and thus we need additional study to determine if we can do it safely. Otherwise, why wouldn’t the Club simply declare, unequivocally, that natural gas drilling is inherently unsafe and must be banned? (For the sake of argument, let’s ignore the fact that state and federal regulators have been nearly unanimous in saying natural gas development is safe.)

Enter the University of Tennessee, which announced recently that it would be studying hydraulic fracturing and its impacts on the environment. From the Knoxville News Sentinel:

The University of Tennessee is undertaking a fracking research project, with plans to partner with an industry company to drill a well on land owned by the university across Morgan and Scott counties in the Cumberland Forest. The university will study how water, ecosystems, air quality are affected by the drilling, and what best practices should be used.

The study would be managed by UT’s Institute of Agriculture, and would clearly yield important answers to the general public’s questions and concerns. As reported by The Tennessean:

“We feel like, based on the news that everyone has been receiving relative to natural gas use and natural gas extraction, that there are a lot of unanswered questions out there,” said Bill Brown, dean of UT AgResearch.

“We feel like the University of Tennessee is in a position to be able to provide answers.

So a prestigious university is ready to address the question head-on about whether natural gas development – particularly hydraulic fracturing – can be done safely in Tennessee. Let’s see where the Sierra Club stands on studying the process:

The Sierra Club also opposes the proposal.

“UT was given this property to advance our knowledge of techniques to heal the land, not to exploit it for mineral resources utilizing a process that is known to threaten water quality,” the Sierra Club’s Scott Banbury said in a prepared statement.

Amazing – though perhaps not unsurprising: The Sierra Club wants assurances that hydraulic fracturing can be done safely, but opposes efforts to actually study and develop the processes that can provide those assurances.

For those keeping score at home: that’s not a principled stand for the environment. It’s a cynical attempt to manufacture a particular outcome (no drilling) without having to be forced into arguing that that’s actually what you’re trying to do. It’s craven.

Wisconsin

One of the key arguments the Sierra Club makes against shale is that natural gas is a threat to public health, due primarily to air emissions. As stated on the Sierra Club’s Beyond Natural Gas webpage:

Natural gas production is environmentally damaging and harms public health.

Apparently, the Sierra Club hopes the public is too distracted by stuff like this (we admit, it’s cute) to recognize that natural gas actually provides significant health benefits (see this report by The Breakthrough Institute for more details).

The Club also believes the public is too stupid to follow what representatives from the Sierra Club actually tell the press about natural gas. Like this story from Wisconsin:

The state reached an agreement with the Sierra Club that requires it to evaluate all of its heating and cooling plants at UW campuses, correctional and health facilities for compliance with clean-air standards, said Jennifer Feyerherm, of the club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. Already, Feyerherm said, the Charter plant and the Capitol Heating Plant in Downtown Madison converted from coal to natural gas as a result of the agreement.

The boiler replacements at Waupun and Winnebago “should’ve been done years ago,” she said.

The Building Commission approved $15.6 million to replace three, 64-year-old coal-burning boilers at the Waupun Central Generating Plant, which provides steam to the Waupun, Dodge, and John C. Burke correctional institutions and a private creamery.

The commission also approved $8.6 million for the plant at the Winnebago mental health center north of Oshkosh. The project will replace three coal-fired boilers, two of them 63 years old and the other 49 years old.

Because of the upgrades, Feyerherm said, “The emissions and human health impacts should be greatly reduced.” (bold added)

Now let’s juxtapose the above story, in which the Sierra Club supports a shift to natural gas, with this story from National Journal last summer:

“As we push to retire coal plants, we’re going to work to make sure we’re not simultaneously switching to natural-gas infrastructure,” Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune told National Journal in an interview on Wednesday. “And we’re going to be preventing new gas plants from being built wherever we can.”

To recap: The Sierra Club says natural gas “harms public health,” but also that emissions and negative health impacts will be “greatly reduced” from using natural gas. And even as they publicly support a switch to natural gas, they want everyone to know that they will NOT be supporting a switch to more natural gas.

To be fair, the Sierra Club probably wouldn’t have been able to score a media hit on this news in Wisconsin had it not blatantly contradicted itself on natural gas. And after all, that’s really what’s important here, right?

Conclusion

For other organizations, issuing contradictory statements about the safety and health benefits of natural gas would result in self-reflection and a major course correction to facilitate consistency. For the Sierra Club, it’s just another day at the office. And it’s all about the green — and we’re not talking about the environment, either.

Source: http://www.masterresource.org/2013/03/sierra-club-hypocrisy/

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What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution?

What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution?

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared this fact sheet to answer some of the most common questions about reducing emissions from private vehicles.

 

This is an important concern, as cars are a major source of air pollution in the United States. Vehicle emissions contribute to health and environmental problems such as urban smog, air toxics, and global warming. Yet individual driving habits make a big difference in the amount of pollution a car produces.

 

Three easy things you can do to help keep emissions as low as possible are:

 

• Avoid unnecessary driving

• Maintain your car properly

• Drive your car wisely

 

By combining these strategies, you can very effectively reduce the amount your car pollutes. And there are additional benefits — your car will last longer and you will save money.

 

Avoid Unnecessary Driving

The most effective way to reduce emissions from your vehicle is to use it less.

Vehicle travel in this country is doubling every 20 years. Traffic trends that see

more and more cars driving more and more miles will soon begin to outpace

technological progress in vehicle emission control.

 

Several options are available to help you reduce the amount you drive. These

include consolidating trips, telecommuting, carpooling, using public transit, and choosing clean transportation alternatives such as biking or walking.

By planning errands, you will get the most out of time you do spend behind the wheel. For example, call ahead to confirm that the product you need is in stock before you drive to the store. Plan to do several tasks when you go somewhere.

 

Drive to a central location and park. Then walk between nearby destinations.

Ridesharing can be an ideal way to reduce your personal contribution to pollution.

 

Every time you share a ride and eliminate a trip, you help the environment. Try pairing up for trips to work or to social events — even an occasional carpool or ride on public transportation will make a difference.

 

Biking or walking to your destination creates no pollution at all. And you’ll

increase your fitness level at the same time.

-
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Source: http://reschelectrical.com/what-you-can-do-to-reduce-pollution/

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Freezers & Dedicated Circuits

I have heard many a horror story of someone who went off for vacation and came home to a freezer full of some very spoiled meat in their freezer in the garage. Nearly everyone I know has a secondary freezer or refrigerator in their garage. The code requires that receptacles in garages have GFCI protection. [...]

Source: http://blog.atselectricinc.com/2012/08/freezers-dedicated-circuits-7/

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Check Your GFCI

GFCI receptacles (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) are typically found in homes built or remodeled after 1978 and can most often found in the bathroom, garage or exterior outlets. One GFCI may control multiple outlets. It is not uncommon, especially in homes built before 1997, to find the GFCI in the bathroom or garage controlling the [...]

Source: http://blog.atselectricinc.com/2012/08/check-your-gfci-10/

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Burbank Electrician Explains Top Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill

In today’s tough economic landscape, the idea of saving money on your electric bill is especially appealing. By following a few simple tips you will find that your monthly bill will shrink—giving you additional money to do the things you want to do. Here are a few tips to help you get started: Use Fans [...]

Source: http://www.theelectricconnection.com/burbank-electrician-top-ways-save-electric-bill/

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How to Cut Your Electric Bill in NJ

Electric Bill

One of the major concerns in the world today is depletion of energy. As concerned citizens all of us must make a concerted effort to be conscious citizens and save on our electric bill in NJ. Electricity has become integral to life but imagine having to live without power.

Conservation of electricity benefits you personally as you will cut your electric bill. Consider:

1.    Doing an energy audit. This will tell you how and when you use energy and where the wastage lies. You will be able to make an “energy savings plan” by pinpointing exactly how you can cut back on energy consumption. Some ideas may be as simple as don’t leave the coffee machine on at all times.

2.    Think about resetting the thermostat ten degrees lower during the night. If you can do this for say approximately eight hours a day you will save 10% on electricity without sacrificing comfort. Insulate the home in winter by drawing shut the drapes.

3.    Check all insulation in the house. If you increase attic insulation to around 12 inches the electricity consumption will reduce by 20 percent.

4.    Plant more trees around the house these will cool the house in summer and insulate the house in winter. Studies show that a green cover benefits in many ways.

5.    Have all electricity wires and outlets checked for leakage. Check all fuses and appliances.

6.    Fluorescent light bulbs are energy efficient. They use 75% less energy than ordinary light bulbs, this will definitely help cut your electric bill.  These have a longer life and contribute to great savings.

7.    Use energy efficient appliances. These use less energy and believe it or not a high efficiency refrigerator uses less electricity than a light bulb.

8.    When you are away even for a few hours or days you should turn off and unplug   all electrical appliances and turn settings on the thermostat, water heater, and refrigerator to the lowest setting.

9.    Ensure that you use a water-saving shower head. Water heating costs for a family can be lowered by at least US$ 250 a year.

10.    Weatherize your home. This helps reduce heating bills by 20% and cooling by at least 10 percent. Even when building a home or decorating it use weather friendly materials—those that are not good conductors of heat and cold. Install windows and glass panes in the roof in such away that you use sunlight to light up the rooms during day light hours. Make an effort to switch off lights and fans when leaving a room. Ensure that the filters in air conditioners and heaters are always cleaned and free of clog and dust.

If you live an energy efficient lifestyle you will see the numbers on the energy bill actually reducing. The power to cut energy costs is well within your control. It is as simple as only washing full loads and that to in cold water. Use the hot wash option only for very dirty clothes.  Cook food only just before you are ready to eat that way you can save reheating costs as well as refrigerating costs of storing the food. Turn the thermostat of the refrigerator to minimum in cold or cool weather. Switch off freezers if they are not in use. Small contributions can all add up to significant amounts of power saved. And, power saved means money in the bank.

Electric Bill

share save 171 16 How to Cut Your Electric Bill in NJ

Source: http://reschelectrical.com/how-to-cut-your-electric-bill-in-nj/

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Friday, March 29, 2013

The Benefits Of Energy Efficiency

These days, when it comes to our electrical habits, it seems as though the words “energy” and “efficiency” go hand in hand. Energy efficiency is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to increase the amount of energy available for use. But why is efficiency important and how does it affect you?

Simply put: Energy efficiency and the measures you take to save energy in your home add up to dollars saved. More money in your wallet!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program, Americans saved up to $7 billion on residential energy bills in 2004 from energy saving measures and by building energy efficient homes.

In addition to the monetary savings associated with going green, several psychological benefits have been associated with choosing to be energy efficient in your home. For example, using natural lighting sources can make a home or office more comfortable, increasing worker productivity and/or making a retail space more appealing to customers. Better-ventilated buildings and quiet motors also make for a healthier, happier atmosphere.

According to a study by the Rocky Mountain Institute, efficient buildings have been linked to a rise in labor productivity between six and 16 percent; this can be attributed to a quiet, comfortable office with cleaner air and natural lighting.

Seems like a win-win, right?

Source: http://powergenerationinc.com/the-benefits-of-energy-efficiency/

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“Doctor Copper” — Recent Update/Opinion

From a 3/22 post from Dr. Mark Perry (a new addition to the EleBlog’s reading):

The price direction of copper has, in turn, historically had a high correlation with that of the stock market.

Since the beginning of the current stock market rally, however, the price of copper has begun to de-link from equities. The chart below shows the price history of copper (red curve) and the S&P500 (yellow) since the start of 2008. Although these 2 economic barometers have tracked each other closely in this time period, since the recent market bottom in mid-2012, equities are up close to 29% whereas copper has remained unchanged.

Thus far in 2013, prices have in fact diverged, with copper down 6% year-to-date whilst the S&P is up 9%.

2013-03-22-dr-copper

Source: http://electricalcontractor.com/?p=8961

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Obama 2013–or Jimmy Carter 1977?

“Industrial development would have been greatly retarded if sixty or eighty years ago the warning of the [coal]conservationists had been heeded. . . . [T]he internal combustion engine would never have revolutionized transport if its use had been limited to the then known supplies of oil. . . . Though it is important that on all these matters the opinion of the experts about the physical facts should be heard, the result in most instances would have been very detrimental if they had had the power to enforce their views on policy.”

- F. A. Hayek, The Constitution of Liberty (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1960), pp. 369-70.

Government energy planning is a long tried, long failed exercise. The inner Obama in his Argonne speech last week surely channeled Jimmy Carter; and Carter circa 1977 foreshadowed the 44th president of the United States. And President Carter did not introduce the idea of federal energy planning either.

To make these points, consider the following ten quotations, four from Carter, four from Obama, and two from the U.S. Department of Interior in 1939. Can you tell which is which? (Answers at the end)

—————————-

“Our energy crisis is an invisible crisis.”

“After years of talking about it, we’re finally poised to take control of our energy future…. [F]ew pieces of business are more important for us than getting our energy future right.”

“Unless the U.S. makes a timely adjustment before world oil becomes very scarce and very expensive …  the nation’s economic security and the American way of life will be gravely endangered.”

“[Federal] scientists are working on getting us where we need to get 10 years from now, 20 years from now [to overcome high gasoline] prices…. Let’s set up an energy security trust that helps us free our families and our businesses from painful spikes in gas once and for all.”

“[T]he price of all energy is going up, both because of its increasing scarcity and because the price of oil is not set in a free and competitive market…. Our biggest problem, however, is that we simply use too much and waste too much energy.”

“I am absolutely confident that America is poised to succeed in the same way, as long as we don’t lose that spirit of innovation and recognize that we can only do it together. And I’m going to work as hard as I can every single day to make sure that we do….”

[My] energy plan is a good insurance policy-for the future, in which relatively small premiums that we pay today will protect us in the years ahead. But if we fail to act boldly today, then we will surely face a greater series of crises tomorrow–energy shortages, environmental damage, ever more massive Government bureaucracy and regulations, and ill considered, last-minute crash programs.”

“… the private sector on its own will not invest in this research because it’s too expensive. It’s too risky. They can’t afford it in terms of their bottom lines. So we’ve got to support it. And we’ll all benefit from it, and our kids will benefit from it, and our grand kids will benefit from it. That’s who we are. That’s been the American story.”

“I hope that, perhaps a hundred years from now, the change to inexhaustible energy sources will have been made, and our Nation’s concern about energy will be over. But we can make that transition smoothly–for our country and for our children and for our grandchildren-only if we take careful steps now to prepare ourselves for the future.”

“The question is whether the nation shall permit [oil development] without adequate regard for waste, for social objectives, and for future welfare….”

“The present and proposed regulatory measures … are designed to promote the development of the energy resources industries along lines that will be consistent with the broad national interest.”

—————-

Answers: Carter-Obama-Carter-Obama-Carter-Obama-Carter-Obama-1939-1939

Source: http://www.masterresource.org/2013/03/obama-2013-carter-1977/

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Grounding Precautions from an Electrician in Beverly Hills

We almost all work with electricity on a day to day basis, but do you really think about the precautions that are in place to assure your safety? One of these precautionary measures is electrical grounding. Years ago, grounding was discovered as a way to protect individuals from becoming electrocuted in using normal electrical appliance. [...]

Source: http://www.theelectricconnection.com/grounding-precautions-electrician-beverly-hills/

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Licensed Electrical Contractor Hiring Check List

Starting that new electrical project?  Here’s a good check list put out by Hawaii’s Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA) that is helpful when looking for an electrician, or any other trade person. Hiring a Contractor Checklist Are you planning to remodel your home? This checklist will help you make sure you’ve done everything you need [...]

Source: http://www.blueskyelectric.net/blog/licensed-electrical-contractor-hiring-check-list/

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Contemporary Modern Lighting Illuminates Any Home

Decorating your home can be quite a challenge if you are not up to the task. You need to decide on the color that you want for your walls. You need to consider the tiles you will put on the floor. You also have to give some thought to the lighting fixtures you will have installed. Given that every decision you make is vital in giving you the design of your home that you desire, the number of contemporary modern lighting fixtures available is enough to confuse anyone in their quest to make the right decision.

Of course, you will find that your tastes and personal preferences will naturally come into play. Then there is also the issue of the current design or style of your home. In short, zeroing on the exact style that you want for your interiors is difficult enough. How much more could finding the right contemporary modern lighting fixture be? It sure does not help that today’s contemporary modern lighting fixtures comes in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Nevertheless, putting all that difficulty aside, you just need to read this article so that you can get a few ideas that will enlighten you (pun intended) regarding all the ways you can light up your home.

So, how do you pick the right contemporary modern lighting fixture for your home? the following are some helpful hints which you can use.

- Floor lamps 
Modern homes can benefit from contemporary floor lamps. These floor lamps are made from different materials – wood, metal and combinations of both. If you want something interesting, you can go for those with unusual yet attractive designs. Just be sure to pick floor lamps that go well with the other pieces that are present in the room. Dare to be creative? Pick floor lamps with bold colors. They will surely provide illumination as well as liven up your room.

- Side lamps 
For lamps to adorn side tables, you can opt for contemporary side lamps. These lighting solutions can give an otherwise drab room a dash of color. Of course, when you want some vibrancy in the room, you have to choose acrylic side lamps that come in different shades – blue, red, pink, orange, purple, and loads more! Then there are chrome side lamps that go well with chrome furniture. If you are not one to experiment, you can pick side lamps with wooden designs. These go well with wooden furnishings.

- Chandeliers and ceiling lights 
There are now more options to choose from when it comes to chandeliers and ceiling lights. You can take your pick from different designs to complement the room you intend to install a chandelier in. Plus, your room can get a whole new look when you pick interesting ceiling lights to give you the illumination you need.

Source: http://www.accurateelectricalservices.com/CA-Electrician/lighting/contemporary-modern-lighting-illuminates-home

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Sierra Club: Thy Name is Hypocrisy (natural gas for and against)

What’s the Sierra Club’s position on the development and use of natural gas from shale? Depends on whom you ask . . . within the actual organization.

By now, of course, we’re all well aware of the Sierra Club’s newly staked-out position in opposition to natural gas, notwithstanding the fact that the Club used to support it.

With its “Beyond Natural Gascampaign, the Sierra Club now proclaims (without even a shred of irony) that natural gas is “environmentally damaging and harms public health.” Yet empirical evidence–even studies commissioned by none other than the Sierra Club itself–shows the opposite is true (also see here, here, and here).

But no one ever accused the Sierra Club of being constrained by novelties such as consistency, accuracy, or metaphysics.

The shift toward ideological opposition to an energy source they once pragmatically supported was in some ways predictable. The Club couldn’t sit on the sidelines as American oil and natural gas production soared to record highs due to the development of shale and other tight resources. The activist uprising around “fracking” posed too great a fundraising opportunity for them to ignore.

But that rapid 180-degree turn on natural gas has also put the Sierra Club in an uncomfortable position. With the near-daily news stories explaining the air quality and climate benefits of natural gas, the Sierra Club’s opposition to natural gas undermines its stated goal of protecting the environment.

In response, the Sierra Club has come up with a bold and fascinating strategy: Say whatever the heck they want, regardless of whether it contradicts their statements elsewhere.

Don’t believe us? Here are but a couple of examples from around the country.

Tennessee

The Sierra Club’s official position on natural gas (and, by extension, hydraulic fracturing) is this:

If drillers can’t extract natural gas without destroying landscapes and endangering the health of families, then we should not drill for natural gas.

The obvious takeaway is that the Sierra Club believes current natural gas extraction is harming the environment, and thus we need additional study to determine if we can do it safely. Otherwise, why wouldn’t the Club simply declare, unequivocally, that natural gas drilling is inherently unsafe and must be banned? (For the sake of argument, let’s ignore the fact that state and federal regulators have been nearly unanimous in saying natural gas development is safe.)

Enter the University of Tennessee, which announced recently that it would be studying hydraulic fracturing and its impacts on the environment. From the Knoxville News Sentinel:

The University of Tennessee is undertaking a fracking research project, with plans to partner with an industry company to drill a well on land owned by the university across Morgan and Scott counties in the Cumberland Forest. The university will study how water, ecosystems, air quality are affected by the drilling, and what best practices should be used.

The study would be managed by UT’s Institute of Agriculture, and would clearly yield important answers to the general public’s questions and concerns. As reported by The Tennessean:

“We feel like, based on the news that everyone has been receiving relative to natural gas use and natural gas extraction, that there are a lot of unanswered questions out there,” said Bill Brown, dean of UT AgResearch.

“We feel like the University of Tennessee is in a position to be able to provide answers.

So a prestigious university is ready to address the question head-on about whether natural gas development – particularly hydraulic fracturing – can be done safely in Tennessee. Let’s see where the Sierra Club stands on studying the process:

The Sierra Club also opposes the proposal.

“UT was given this property to advance our knowledge of techniques to heal the land, not to exploit it for mineral resources utilizing a process that is known to threaten water quality,” the Sierra Club’s Scott Banbury said in a prepared statement.

Amazing – though perhaps not unsurprising: The Sierra Club wants assurances that hydraulic fracturing can be done safely, but opposes efforts to actually study and develop the processes that can provide those assurances.

For those keeping score at home: that’s not a principled stand for the environment. It’s a cynical attempt to manufacture a particular outcome (no drilling) without having to be forced into arguing that that’s actually what you’re trying to do. It’s craven.

Wisconsin

One of the key arguments the Sierra Club makes against shale is that natural gas is a threat to public health, due primarily to air emissions. As stated on the Sierra Club’s Beyond Natural Gas webpage:

Natural gas production is environmentally damaging and harms public health.

Apparently, the Sierra Club hopes the public is too distracted by stuff like this (we admit, it’s cute) to recognize that natural gas actually provides significant health benefits (see this report by The Breakthrough Institute for more details).

The Club also believes the public is too stupid to follow what representatives from the Sierra Club actually tell the press about natural gas. Like this story from Wisconsin:

The state reached an agreement with the Sierra Club that requires it to evaluate all of its heating and cooling plants at UW campuses, correctional and health facilities for compliance with clean-air standards, said Jennifer Feyerherm, of the club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. Already, Feyerherm said, the Charter plant and the Capitol Heating Plant in Downtown Madison converted from coal to natural gas as a result of the agreement.

The boiler replacements at Waupun and Winnebago “should’ve been done years ago,” she said.

The Building Commission approved $15.6 million to replace three, 64-year-old coal-burning boilers at the Waupun Central Generating Plant, which provides steam to the Waupun, Dodge, and John C. Burke correctional institutions and a private creamery.

The commission also approved $8.6 million for the plant at the Winnebago mental health center north of Oshkosh. The project will replace three coal-fired boilers, two of them 63 years old and the other 49 years old.

Because of the upgrades, Feyerherm said, “The emissions and human health impacts should be greatly reduced.” (bold added)

Now let’s juxtapose the above story, in which the Sierra Club supports a shift to natural gas, with this story from National Journal last summer:

“As we push to retire coal plants, we’re going to work to make sure we’re not simultaneously switching to natural-gas infrastructure,” Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune told National Journal in an interview on Wednesday. “And we’re going to be preventing new gas plants from being built wherever we can.”

To recap: The Sierra Club says natural gas “harms public health,” but also that emissions and negative health impacts will be “greatly reduced” from using natural gas. And even as they publicly support a switch to natural gas, they want everyone to know that they will NOT be supporting a switch to more natural gas.

To be fair, the Sierra Club probably wouldn’t have been able to score a media hit on this news in Wisconsin had it not blatantly contradicted itself on natural gas. And after all, that’s really what’s important here, right?

Conclusion

For other organizations, issuing contradictory statements about the safety and health benefits of natural gas would result in self-reflection and a major course correction to facilitate consistency. For the Sierra Club, it’s just another day at the office. And it’s all about the green — and we’re not talking about the environment, either.

Source: http://www.masterresource.org/2013/03/sierra-club-hypocrisy/

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