I agree with Duane Peterson and
Tom Severson.
A major problem in improving the
environment is that some so-called solutions are based more on individual
and regional economic advantage than on potential success in reducing
pollution. Ethanol is a good example. It seems that only those legislators
(Democrats and Republicans) on the coasts have the courage (admittedly easier to
have when your state has little or no corn production, but still noteworthy) to
call for far more research on alternative production means before we continue
the adoption of ethanol or go into it more heavily. It takes half a gallon of
fossil fuel to produce a bushel of corn. Ethanol is not the only problem. The
use of nitrogen for all uses of corn (including cattle feeding) has an impact on
the environment that may be worse than that of carbon-based fuels�look at the
dead zone in the Gulf and the �baby blue alerts� in Des Moines, in which mothers
are told not to let their children drink water because of the nitrates in it.
Nevertheless, in Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty, with an approving chorus of
Democrats, Republicans, corn growers and agri-business, will move ahead on
his 20 percent ethanol increase plan.
Another comment. The title of the
lecture ties the solution of carbon pollution to freedom from Middle Eastern
involvement. This is a common and facile connection. In inveighing against
corn�s use as fuel and livestock feeding, Michael Pullen, former editor of
Harper�s Magazine, has sarcastically remarked that our engagement in Iraq
is in large part in is a defense of �the cornfields and the Big Mac.� But in
reality it is only wild optimism that would lead to the belief that even
relative freedom from dependence on Middle Eastern oil would mean no U. S.
involvement. Until (unless?) the Palestinian problem can be solved
satisfactorily for Palestinians and Israel, we can expect some U. S. involvement
in armed conflict in the Middle East for many years to come, oil or no oil.
Roy
Nasstrom
April 18, 2005.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 12:31
PM
Subject: RE: [Winona] Sustainability
Series
[Winona Online Democracy]
To
Tom Severson: I agree - - - A source of energy that is only produced by
the use of a similar amount of existing energy gains us nothing. The
only true renewable sources are Wind power and Solar power. Touting
sources of energy that can only be produced by expending a similar amount of
existing energy wastes our resources. Research needs to be directed
toward true renewables.
I
will be out of town, but I believe we should do whatever we can in the
renewable area. Governor
Pawlenty has a strong initiative to make Minnesota a center for renewable
energy 20% ethanol also a Bio Diesel mandate is
coming.
We
need to support any reasonable measure, but the challenge is that some of
these produce less energy than they use and others cost more than oil unless
they are subsidized. We need to
make sure they will eventually cost less, but with oil at the current levels
many types of alternatives become economically feasible.
Thanks Tom
Tom Severson
Box 736
Winona, Mn. 55987
507 452 3402 ext 214
-----Original
Message-----
From:
[EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Randy Schenkat
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 2:58
PM
To:
[email protected]
Subject:
[Winona] Sustainability Series
WOD
subscribers---
There will be
a great opportunity next Wednesday Jan 19th to participate or view a
discussion on energy use. There's a wealth of background at the
web site for Winning the Oil
Endgame---http://www.oilendgame.org/.
What do folks
think of Lovins plan which,by the way, was developed in collaboration
with the Pentagon ?
Press Release
sent out---
Amory
Lovins outlines energy independence in video event
Sustain Winona, a
local environmental group, will be hosting a video visit from Amory Lovins
on Wednesday, January 19th. Physicist Lovins, the legendary co-founder
and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Institute, is one of the most important
figures in the history of "alternative energy". Sustain Winona will be
presenting a video of Lovins' recent keynote address at the 2004 National
Bioneers workshop. In this talk, Lovins offers a realistic outline of
how to achieve a prosperous post-petroleum economy through cutting edge
design innovations, radically enhanced resource efficiency, and use of
biofuels and hydrogen. Lovins' most recent book on the subject is called
Winning the Oil Endgame.
The Lovins' talk will be presented at
7:00 pm at the Winona County Board room, 177 Main Street in downtown
Winona. The program will simultaneously be broadcast on HBC channel 19
and Charter's channel 19 (government access channels). The half hour
talk will be followed by a facilitated hour-long conversation, in which
local citizens brainstorm ways Lovins' ideas could be explored in the Winona
area. One of the most interesting points made by Lovins is that we can
substantially reduce our dependence on foreign oil by designing cars that
make greater use of composites. These lighter, stronger and safer cars
will have the capacity to travel farther and consume less fuel. Winona is
well known for its vital composites industry. Implementation of
Lovins' ideas in the national arena could reap economic dividends in this
area.
The Lovins video event is free and open to the
public. It is the first in a series of free video events featuring
speakers from the 2004 Bioneers Conference. The Bioneers is a national
nonprofit organization that focuses on visionary and practical solutions for
restoring the earth. Sustain Winona is a group of local citizens who
are also involved in planning for Winona's Earth Day celebration, April
23-24.
Future screenings are scheduled for February 15th, on
Sustainability and Agriculture; March 15th on Sustainability and Health; and
April 19th, Sustainability and Community. All events are at 7:00 pm in
the County Board Room.
Randy
Schenkat
--
|
