Climate and energy

Lovely fall morning up here in the hills of Jefferson County. Working at home today, in an unheated former sun porch, looking out over a beautiful view, huddled in blankets and guzzling coffee to stay warm, nursing a sick husband who brought home yucky germs off the ambulance, and without very good internet access. But the sun is finally coming up and it’s beautiful.

Now, to the real news.

Gossip about T. Boone Pickens. Is he selling off his wind turbines? Read David Sassoon’s Solve Climate piece on the possibility thereof. It’s a long entry, so I’ll boil it down for you – whether T. Boo (as Ben our intern dubbed him) is selling his turbines or not, the real story is that the establishment’s interest in renewable energies is as yet young and fickle. We’re the mistress, not the wife (the wife with an iron-clad prenup – ie, fossil fuels).

FYI, for the K-State Collegian take on the Pickens Plan, click here. It contains an interesting student poll about wind energy, too.

If you think the economic crisis is bad, wait till climate change kicks into high gear (Reuters). Renowned economist Nicholas Stern, whom people respect because he seems able to predict just about anything, has a warning. He called for “new fiscal spending tailored to low carbon growth,” and said that the “risk consequences of ignoring climate change will be very much bigger than the consequences of ignoring risks in the financial system.” “‘That’s a very important lesson, tackle risk early,’ Stern told a climate and carbon conference in Hong Kong.”

Bailout, tax credits, the markets, we’re getting mixed messages on renewables (KCBusiness Journal). (Of course, the good news is that in this economy, we are getting any good news at all.) Utility wind (and small wind, for that matter) now have tax credits. However, the credit crunch is affecting financing for wind farms. Hmm.

I would like to add – just from what I hear on the grapevine, while wind farm financing might be temporarily holding its breath, by no means are developers holding back on signing leases. CEP says this until our faces turn blue, and I am sure everyone is tired of hearing it, too – but before signing any wind lease, find a good natural resources lawyer!!!!

Ag scientist Jerry Hatfield’s recent talk at K-State on ag and climate change was EXTREMELY cool (Oznet). I had the good fortune to be in the audience, and took copious notes. One of the things I especially liked is that he talked about ranching and livestock concerns re climate change. Effects on crops is what usually dominates most ag/ climate discussions.

Everyone knows the election is coming up. All I have to say is – get out and vote!

Also remember, CEP offers voter resources on energy and environmental issues - check out this guide to state and national voter guides, and also take a look at how to research special interest $$$ (especially energy dollars) in Kansas elections.

— Maril Hazlett, www.climateandenergy.org