CEA July 2009 Newsletter
CEA Newsletter
Issue 28
Message from CEA President David Holt
As summer continues in full-swing, Consumer Energy Alliance is also moving forward with a brand-new initiative – the CEA Journal, an online blog on our website dedicated to exploring current energy issues and effects on American consumers.
Through CEA Journal, we will highlight issues that are vital to all Americans. Some of these issues include the development of a comprehensive Five-Year Program for development of oil and gas resources as well as supporting utilization of Alaska’s vast resources. We need your help with these important concerns.
With the increased page views and reader comments we’ve received, CEA Journal is a hit, providing website visitors with information that they need and want to know about America’s energy situation.
Recent entries include: “Beyond Staycations,” “(Part of) the Answer is Blowing in the Wind,” “Small Businesses Rising to the Challenge” and “For Truckers, It’s Been a Long Haul.” In addition, the blog explores such diverse topics as the rising prices at gasoline pumps nationwide, energy-conscious car-buying and home weatherization. Energy hot points are also discussed, including: the debate over domestic drilling, greenhouse gas emissions and utilization of solar power.
In keeping with Consumer Energy Alliance’s mission of promoting a balanced American energy policy that includes ALL resources, the information provided in the CEA Journal is fair and the scope is wide.
Have an insight or comment that you’d like to contribute? CEA Journal enables readers to post messages about blog entries and issues important to them. We urge you to join in the discussion and make your voice heard. Every person in the country can play an essential role in shaping America’s energy policy and aid in formulating common solutions to stabilize energy prices and secure resources for America.
Take the first step to engaging in the open dialogue on America’s energy issues from the comfort of your home or office by visiting the CEA Journal today. View the CEA Journal online blog at CEA’s website here. Also, feel free to send us an e-mail or post a comment to the blog with suggestions about topics or simply to find out more about a certain piece of the American energy puzzle.
Consumer Energy Alliance’s goal is to achieve an American energy policy that works for Americans. We could not accomplish this without your strong and faithful support as well as your input on the issues that are important to you.
Want to receive timely updates? Follow CEA on Twitter, a free web-based networking site that allows users to receive instant updates of information. If you do not have a Twitter account yet, simply sign up here and begin following CEA.
We hope you enjoy CEA Journal and participate actively. We look forward to introducing many more interesting and useful initiatives, such as the blog, in the months to come.
David Holt
President
Support Development of Alaska’s Offshore Oil & Gas Resources!
At a time when the American public is crying out for more domestic energy, Alaska has enormous untapped oil and gas potential, especially in its offshore areas. The waters off Alaska’s coasts hold about 27 billion barrels of oil and 132 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, estimates MMS.
To begin producing energy from these resource basins, the federal government must take action. Join us in our effort as we build public support for offshore minerals exploration and development in Alaska. Send in your comments today!
Support the Five-Year Draft Proposed Program to Develop Offshore Oil & Gas Resources!
A significant domestic supply of energy can be safely and efficiently found right here off of America’s shores. The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) currently administers the considerable energy resources contained in our offshore waters and wants to hear from you about offshore oil & gas and alternative energy development.
Opposition to offshore energy development is mounting. We need you to let Washington know you support reasonable access to America’s offshore energy resources. Send in your comments today!
Consumer Corner: Efficient Lighting Strategies
Did you know that the electric light bulb was invented just 130 years ago? Thomas Alva Edison invented the carbon-filament lamp in 1879. This invention ushered in an era of inventions and progress that led to our present-day world of technology and electricity dependence.
In the United States, about 15 percent of household electricity is used for lighting – mostly through the use of traditional incandescent bulbs. We use artificial light to meet all types of needs, including: ambient, task and accent lighting.
Using new technologies, you can decrease the electricity used for your lighting needs by 50 to 75 percent. Not only does that save you money, but it is also wise utilization of America’s resources.
Make use of these tips:
- More light is not always better – match your lighting needs to your tasks
- Use a dimmer switch to reduce costs
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs and systems to save energy
- Try “daylighting” – using natural light, when available, through the use of windows and skylights
Find out more about efficient lighting strategies from the U.S. Department of Energy here.
Nuclear Energy Institute: History of Nuclear Power & Industry Standing
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) welcomed CEA into its offices in downtown Washington, D.C. for the July 18 meeting. NEI is the policy organization for the nuclear technologies industry and participates in both the national and global policy-making process. NEI’s objective is to ensure the formation of policies that promote the beneficial uses of nuclear energy and technologies in the United States and around the world. NEI joined CEA’s efforts last year and has developed a strong partnership with the Alliance on several initiatives.
Marshall Cohen, NEI’s Senior Director of State and Local Governmental Affairs, presented to the group of 40+ participants on the history of nuclear power and where the industry currently stands. Given the nation’s projected increase in electricity demands, the need for expanding our energy portfolio has never been more evident. Nuclear energy is a clean, reliable, and safe source of energy that currently provides the nation with almost 20 percent of its electricity. The nuclear power industry is working to re-license the existing fleet of reactors in the United States as well as develop projects to build a number of new reactors.
Mr. Cohen addressed questions regarding the issues surrounding the Nuclear Renaissance including the financial hurdles utility companies are facing, the new plant build preparation coming from the manufacturing community, the on-going “waste” issue, concerns over staffing the wave of new plants and national security issues associated with the fuel cycle.
NEI hopes to bring to CEA’s membership opportunities for economic expansion and support its programs. “NEI recognizes that CEA is a very important organization that represents a variety of groups consumed with the energy crisis throughout the U.S., and NEI is pleased to be working with them on energy policies important to companies, communities, and individuals,” said Marshall Cohen.
U.S. Western Public Lands to be Used for Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development
U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently announced consideration of dozens of areas of western public lands for large-scale generation of solar electricity. Read article…
Multi-Millions in Government Funds to be Used for Expansion of American Hydropower
Modernization of existing hydropower facilities within the United States will be funded with $32 million, recently announced U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu. Read article…
Affiliate Spotlight: American Chemistry Council
Representing leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) truly is the voice of the U.S. Chemical Industry.
“ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer,” says Vice President of Federal Affairs Marty Durbin, noting that the business of chemistry is a $664 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation’s economy.
ACC’s mission is to deliver business value to its members through exceptional advocacy based on enhanced member performance, high quality scientific research, communications, effective participation in the political process, and a commitment to sustainable development through member contributions to economic, environmental and societal progress.
“Every day, we advocate that the chemistry industry is essential to America,” Durbin maintains.
Energy issues are important to ACC, according to Durbin, because the American chemistry industry is energy-intensive. In fact, American chemistry is the largest of the energy-intensive U.S. manufacturing industries engaged in global trade.
“American chemistry uses energy to save energy. A forthcoming study will show that use of chemistry products saves three units of greenhouse gases for every unit emitted during the manufacturing process. From biofuels to hydrogen technologies, chemistry is at the heart of creating new and diverse energy sources.”
To compete effectively in global markets, ACC needs affordable, available, efficient and diverse energy, Durbin emphasizes.
“We use large amounts of oil and natural gas, not just to heat and power our facilities but as raw materials, or ‘feedstocks.’ The products of chemistry go into 96 percent of U.S. manufactured goods. Significantly, our feedstock consumption of energy does not emit greenhouse gases. We’re also a leading producer of clean electricity using combined heat and power systems.”
ACC supports the responsible development of clean and affordable American energy resources.
“That’s because public investments and other policies that support clean energy solutions drive demand for chemistry – speeding economic recovery – while helping us help the nation reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our industry is a major contributor to clean and renewable energy applications that reduce emissions,” explains Durbin.
“Chemistry goes into energy-saving and renewable energy products such as building insulation, solar panels, wind turbines, lightweight vehicle parts, compact fluorescent light bulbs, lithium-ion batteries, automotive and industrial lubricants, energy-efficient appliances, and many more.”
In terms of energy goals, ACC promotes several initiatives, Durbin points out.
“We support the development of a comprehensive energy policy built on energy efficiency and conservation, energy diversity (e.g. alternatives, renewables, carbon capture and sequestration, nuclear, combined heat and power) and expanded domestic oil and natural gas development. The United States will need each of these elements to bring about a more affordable, secure and diverse energy future, a globally competitive manufacturing sector and a lower-emission economy.”
Climate policy is a key issue for the American chemistry industry, particularly because of the energy link to climate solutions.
“A poorly conceived climate policy has the potential to encourage a significant increase in the price of feedstocks, reductions in the supplies available to energy-intensive manufacturers, and a shift of natural gas resources into electricity generation. We need well-conceived and integrated policies on both climate and energy.”
As a member of Consumer Energy Alliance, ACC recognizes that energy consumers are an important voice in the energy policy debate and education is one of the keys to sound policy.
“Working together, we can help educate policymakers and the public about the critical role energy plays in American manufacturing, and the consequences of energy policy for our national economy, security, and standard of living. We believe CEA is a key resource on the most important energy issues and can help encourage the development of a thoughtful, comprehensive national energy policy,” explains Durbin.
For more information on the American Chemistry Council, visit www.americanchemistry.com.
Tags: 5YP, ACC, Alaska, American Chemistry Council, CEA Blog, efficient, hydropower, July 2009, lighting, minerals management, MMS, newsletter, Nuclear Energy Institute, oil and gas, resources, solar
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