**NEW FEATURE** Tuesday Energy Blogging.
Posted by: Donna
I’ve been meaning to get around to this all week, and I finally am and it happens to be Tuesday. So with little fanfare and without further ado I officially decree Tuesday to be the day of weekly blog posts about energy issues.
I’m doing this for two main reasons: 1. It’s the most important thing facing the world, bar none. 2. I met Mark Spitzer last week.
Spitzer is a former AZ state legislator and Corporation Commissioner. In 2006 he was appointed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by President Bush. He’s a painfully smart and decent man, and deeply troubled by the dismissive and disdainful attitude of many of his fellow Republicans toward the science of climate change and the need to develop alternatives to fossil fuel. He knows his stuff and had my attention riveted as he rapid-fired information about the many projects FERC is working on to improve efficiency and eliminate waste in energy delivery while encouraging sustainable energies like solar and wind.
Speaking of solar:
• 92% of Americans think it is important for the nation to develop and use solar energy. This was consistent across all political party affiliations.
• 77% of Americans feel the Federal government should make solar power development a national priority, including the financial support needed.
• Almost half (49%) of all Americans are currently pondering solar power options for their home or business.
• 43% of Americans make solar their top energy source, followed far behind by other sources including their second choice, wind (17%).
It’s a national survey but I’d expect the support in Arizona to be consistent, if not higher. It wasn’t the Coal Team or the Nuclear Team who won two seats on the Commission and damn near a third last year. I’ll be delving into some of the reasons why Arizona hasn’t become the Saudi Arabia of solar energy in future posts. It’s not just that we have nutbar legislators who don’t believe in global warming and think the world is 6000 years old; there are some serious structural impediments to our ability to develop sustainable energy as well, and it’s important that people are aware of them.
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Donna said: “It’s not just that we have nutbar legislators who don’t believe in global warming and think the world is 6000 years old;”
(1) So you have to believe in global warming to want solar panels?
(2) What does 6000 years have to do with solar panels?
1. I TOTALLY want solar panels. Where do I sign up for one?’
2. I believe the Earth is more than 6000 years old. What are your thoughts on that?
@Donna:
(1) The question was “So you have to believe in global warming to want solar panels?” NOT “Does Donna want solar panels?” Please re-answer.
(2) The question was “What does 6000 years have to do with solar panels?” NOT “Donna, how old do you think the Earth is?” Please re-answer.
1. It helps.
2. What is your opinion on the age of the Earth? Do you agree with Sylvia Allen, or not?
@Donna:
(1) The question was “So you have to believe in global warming to want solar panels?” NOT “Do you think it helps to believe in global warming.”
(2) What does the age of the Earth have to do with solar panels? This article is about solar panels and I want to know what the age of the Earth or Sylvia Allen have to do with them? Are you trying to change the subject Donna?
Is Konfusing Kancer another one of your boyfriends, Donna? ;)
I look forward to your coverage of this topic.
I know, italiana, I’m going to keep him around for a while because I find him mildly amusing.
Well looky here. Donna still can’t answer my questions directly.
Energy blogging? What is your particular expertise on this besides the ability to “surf the tubez” and having spoken with a regulator?
In your attempt to belittle at me, Get Real, you touched on the reason I’m doing it. “Regular” people need to educate themselves on energy issues so they can be better informed consumers and citizens. I’ve never pretended to be an expert and I never will, but I can learn and use my forum here to share ideas with others.
No one is forcing you to read this or any other blog and if you want to drop by here to sneer at us it’s your choice to waste your time that way. No sweat off my back. Cheers.