CEA’s Brydon Ross joined Dom Giordano on Philadelphia’s 1210 WPHT to talk about the human impact of the cancellation of pipelines and how our consumer gains from domestic independence in energy is at risk.
Listen here – 1210 WPHT
How Much Energy Do You Have for Valentine’s Day This Year?
Can you feel what’s in the air? No – not the clean air we’re enjoying from lower emissions across the U.S. We’re referring to all the LOVE! That’s because Valentine’s Day is here. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, there are still ways you can share the love with your significant other, friends, and family. And if you’re anything like this author, then there is always me time too!
New Valentine’s Trends for Outdoor Dining
With restrictions on dining across the U.S., many restaurants have moved their dining outside to accommodate their patrons. Even though cooler temperatures are expected across the U.S. this Valentine’s Day, many people are still looking to get outdoors and support local businesses. To ensure people still have an enjoyable experience outdoors even as temperatures are lower, restaurants have turned to propane heaters, overhead gas and electric heaters, as well as fire pits. Axios reported that while one retailer in New York said demand was up 200%, a big-box retailer said sales soared over 1,200%.
If you’ve passed any restaurant struggling to stay open, you’ve probably seen these different warmers in an outdoor dining area or coffee shops near you. These propane heaters are great because they can help keep you warm at your table even in winter, but you can still cozy up to your Valentine while enjoying the heat! Win-win.
Another hot pandemic trend has been igloos, pods, and tents, most with some form of opening or air purifier that helps keep the heat in with large and small heaters. According to the National Restaurant Association, these options have risen in popularity since the fall as numbers for outdoor dining dropped from 74% in early September to 52% in late November. While they’re not as abundant, food websites like Eater help you to find restaurants in your city where you can find them to make reservations. Like the propane industry and retailers that sell heaters and propane, the makers of these igloos have seen a massive demand in recent months – making them a hot item for Valentine’s dinners and dates this winter! And with most cities limiting to a single household, this can still be an excellent option to keep you safe.
No matter how you like to celebrate, one thing is for sure, Valentine’s Day is about love! Even if you don’t decide to go out, there are other ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. If staying in is your bag, then we want to share some sexy energy-saving tips so you can rest assured this adored holiday goes smoothly.
Going out can be fun, but so is staying in.
Regardless of how COVID-19 cases may be in your town, the option to stay in can be just as romantic as eating out. According to some estimates, more than 80% of the increased energy use between 1997 and 2002 in the United States was food-related. Increased focus on convenience, often through the sale of prepared food, has required massive amounts of energy. Methods for processing, storing, and cooking food have also become more energy-intensive. Even in individual home kitchens, high-tech gadgets that must be plugged into the wall are becoming more common.
Plus, staying in means you can set the mood with the right lighting – ooh, sexy.
By lighting, we’re talking LED lighting. LED bulbs were designed as a more energy-efficient light source, using a semiconductor to convert electricity into light. LED lights use their energy much more efficiently than other types of bulbs — producing light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs and 80% more efficient than CFLs. This is due in part to the fact that LED bulbs require much less wattage than incandescent or CFL bulbs. Fluorescent lights waste 95% of their energy as heat and only use 5% to generate light. LEDs are the complete opposite—using an astonishing 95% of their energy as light.
Pro-tip for singles
You could use Valentine’s as just another night to make plans with friends or family. Though many people still don’t feel safe or, quite frankly, don’t want to be around all of those couples. Not feeling it? No problem, just stay in! This is an excellent excuse to treat-yo-self with DoorDash or Grubhub if you don’t feel like cooking. These meal delivery services have more than doubled their business since the beginning of the pandemic. Though they use a lot of gas driving around. So if it is energy you are trying to save, then grab your favorite beverage and snack, turn off all the lights and bask in the glow from the light coming off the TV. Netflix latest hit show Bridgerton, perhaps?
Avoid distractions. Be sure to turn off those devices!
Focus on you or your Valentine by turning off your phone and devices. Not only will it save energy, but it will also be easier to really connect without all those distractions.
Remember that electronics that are plugged in still use energy when they are turned off. But you can use a power strip to make it easier to unplug and ultimately turn them off with one flick of a switch.
Staying in also means your appliances should be energy efficient, too.
Up to 65% of your home’s energy goes into heating and cooling. Like a smart thermostat, energy-efficient upgrades can help you cut costs, making sure that your wallet is just as happy as you are. With these upgrades, you’re likely to save up to $180 per year.
If you decide to go out anyway, make sure you have the programmable thermostat, so the house isn’t overheating, wasting money you could have spent on your Valentine.
Couldn’t care less about Valentine’s Day but still want to get out of the house?
If you feel a little stir crazy from this COVID winter, get outside without using any gas in your car –take a walk around your neighborhood before or after dinner. Or take a bike ride to a local trail or scenic spot nearby and show some love for the great outdoors.
NH Legislature Considers Two Bills That Would Affect Electric Utilities, Consumers
CEA Northeast’s Marc Brown discusses New Hampshire’s House Bill 106 and the importance of ensuring access to affordable solar energy without placing additional burdens on those who can least afford it.
“Retail net metering policies like those proposed in HB 106, always increases costs to other consumers,” he said, “especially those who can least afford higher energy costs such as low-income consumers, those on fixed incomes, small businesses trying to recover from the pandemic and people living paycheck-to-paycheck.”
Read more – DailyEnergyInsider
CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – February 5
As the U.S. Senate approved a budget resolution for President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, oil prices hit their highest level in a year on Friday, closing in on $60 a barrel – attributed to the anticipation of economic revival and supply curbs by OPEC+. In fact, this week the Energy Information Administration announced that it expects US crude oil production to break its 2019 record of 12.25 million barrels per day in 2023 and reach its highest point in 2034.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden’s Inaugural Day decision to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline has been reported in the media this week from the oil and gas workers’ perspective, as well as the hotel, restaurant and small businesses in the area that were relying on the economic activity for them and their communities.
The Biden Administration also acted this week to resume the Vineyard Wind review process, which industry was hoping would indicate that they intend to move forward on a number of projects that have been waiting for their reviews to commence. These new approvals are part of a trend many are seeing where offshore wind turbines are receiving political support globally as nations look at reducing carbon emissions, as well as new competition.
With this busy energy news week behind us, be sure to check out our five favorite stories and stay current on all things energy this weekend!
5See-through wood could replace glass windows
Researchers have discovered a new method of making transparent wood that is more sustainable than a previous, more chemically based process, and 50% stronger, too. Fast Company reports the material could be used as windows, as wood buildings take less energy to heat and cool.
4A battery that never needs to be changed could be in our future
A company claims to have created a battery that never needs to be charged. FOX 2 Now reports that the technology uses nuclear waste material covered with manmade diamonds to generate and capture energetic particles as the nuclear material decays.
3Storing hydrogen energy in grey goop?
Researchers have presented a new way to store hydrogen by using a magnesium-based “powerpaste” which stores it at 10 times the density of a lithium battery and can be stored at atmospheric pressure. New Atlas reports the grey goop can be stored in cartridges, making refueling as quick and easy as replacing the cartridge with a full one at a service station.
2New concept proposes using “inverted skyscrapers” to mine for combustible ice deep within our oceans
Designers are have finished a conceptual design of a water-scraper that could mine for combustible ice deep within our oceans, and also pick up plastic waste on the ocean’s surface and convert it to 3D printing materials. Yanko Design explains that the tower would store energy that would then be collected by cargo ships and brought back to cities.
1Learning about the world’s first solar-made aluminum
Two companies have teamed up to produce the world’s first aluminum produced using solar-power. Bloomberg Green reports that the aluminum maker will supply 42,000 metric tons per year of the aluminum to BMW, almost half of the needs of BMW’s Munich plant.
Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate Applauds Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for Resumption of Vineyard Wind Review Process
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following today’s announcement by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on the resumption of the Vineyard Wind offshore wind project’s environmental review process, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) Federal Affairs Advisor Michael Zehr issued the following statement:
“We appreciate and applaud BOEM’s decision to resume the environmental review of the Vineyard Wind project. We hope this action indicates that the Department intends to move forward on a number of projects that have been waiting for their reviews to commence. Having a predictable, timely and effective review process is essential for moving all of these projects forward. With states committing to add over 20 GW of offshore wind over the next decade, this industry is poised to create a tremendous number of American jobs at a time when we really need them.”
“The permitting and construction of modern energy infrastructure for both traditional and renewable sources of power creates and sustains high-paying jobs and improves our environment. We are pleased to see the Vineyard Wind project moving forward. We are confident that it will help advance the promise offshore wind holds in terms of emissions reductions, environmental stewardship and affordable energy for families and small businesses across the country. Today’s action is a positive step in moving our nation towards a cleaner, more environmentally responsible energy future.”
Consumer Energy and Environmental Group Testifies in Support of Kentucky Energy Consumer Protection Legislation; Applauds House Committee for Passage
Louisville, KY – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, testified at a Kentucky House Natural Resources and Energy Committee hearing on HB 207, which would protect the rights of consumers to keep their existing services that are allowed and regulated by the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Following the committee hearing, CEA Vice President of State Affairs Brydon Ross released the following statement:
“CEA is pleased to support HB 207 and thanks Chairman Jim Gooch and the committee for passing this important legislation that will protect our hard-working families, seniors and small businesses from ill-conceived and irresponsible prohibitions on the use of reliable, safe and clean fuels like natural gas in homes or communities.”
“Unfortunately, dozens of irresponsible local restrictions have been passed across the country that would deny homeowners and businesses from keeping the energy service they need and want to power their lives, heat their homes and run their operations. These all-or-nothing bans sabotage sound policies that are designed to ensure consumers can have energy that is affordable, reliable and meets ever-improving environmental standards.”
“Here in Kentucky, where over 40% of households use natural gas or propane for home heating needs, an energy ban could require the replacement of major appliances and the installation of a heat pump. Along with the equipment and other wiring and labor costs, that change could top out at more than $10,300 for an average Kentucky household. With Kentucky having one of the highest poverty rates in the country, a reckless energy prohibition could have a ruinous effect on the Commonwealth, and especially on those struggling to get by during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery.”
“It should be up to consumers to decide what types of appliances they want, not fringe activists. We urge Kentucky House members to consider this commonsense consumer protection measure to help get our Commonwealth to a cleaner future, and protect our families, seniors and businesses’ right to make their own energy choices, free from obtrusive dictates.”
Nation’s Leading Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate Applauds Supreme Court’s Decision to Review PennEast Case
Top Court’s Judgment Crucial to Delineate the Extent of State, Federal Power over Energy Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading voice for responsible energy and environmental policies for families and businesses, today applauded the U.S. Supreme Court for its decision to hear arguments on the PennEast Pipeline’s right-of-way case, which follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s recommendation to overturn a decision made by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
CEA previously submitted a “friend of the court” amicus brief on behalf of PennEast project, expressing concern that a Third Circuit decision would create confusion about the process of approving much-needed energy infrastructure projects and threaten the future of America’s energy reliability, supply and environmental progress. CEA is also concerned this action could increase costs of energy for consumers across the Northeast and create significant economic hardship – causing disproportionate harm to those on low and fixed incomes, as well as individuals, families and businesses who are living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Following today’s action, CEA President David Holt said:
“This is a major step toward settling whether states can arbitrarily override settled and established federal laws that govern energy infrastructure and more importantly, interstate commerce. That principle has served our nation well in easing the constant tension between states and the federal government, and ensuring that no single state can put its interests above those of its neighbors or the country.”
“The PennEast case is a prime example of how overtly ideological decisions at the state level can hurt the needs of families, small businesses and seniors. People across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast have for too long been hit with high energy prices in large part because of state-level obstructionism, driven by activist agendas instead of common sense, science and concern over energy cost for ordinary people and businesses.”
“We are very encouraged the Supreme Court will settle this matter once and for all, with due process that ensures there is a full hearing on the importance of this project for consumers not just in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but across our country.”
“The clarity this decision will bring can help create more opportunities for environmentally responsible infrastructure projects like PennEast to revive our post-COVID economy, put our skilled union tradespeople to work, and reduce costs for communities faced with mounting bills, rising unemployment and economic hardship.”
Leading Consumer Energy Advocate Congratulates Biden Nominee Pete Buttigieg on Confirmation to Serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for families and businesses, issued the following statement today following the confirmation of President Biden’s nominee, Pete Buttigieg, to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“We congratulate Secretary Buttigieg on his confirmation. As the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor and former presidential candidate, he will be a good leader to focus on infrastructure and transportation safety at the agency,” CEA President David Holt said.
“The Secretary of Transportation plays a critically important role in ensuring the safety and reliability of our transportation systems. With the transportation sector serving as the largest energy-consuming segment in the U.S., we look forward to working closely with Secretary Buttigieg to develop America’s environmentally sustainable energy and transportation future, while also balancing the impact of energy costs on America’s families, farmers, truckers and small businesses.”
Natural Gas Service Ban Would be Irresponsible for Consumers, Workers and Families Across NYC
Albany, NY – Following New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio’s announcement to ban natural gas hookups in new buildings in the city by 2030 and restrict the energy choices of families and businesses, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) New York Executive Director Wendy Hijos issued the following statement:
“Mayor De Blasio’s natural gas service ban in last week’s State of the City address is nothing short of ill-conceived, irresponsible and will be acutely felt by the poor and those on fixed incomes who disproportionately struggle with higher energy bills and disruptions. Further, this ban – which has no scientific basis – will add even more hardship and uncertainty on the city’s small businesses and restaurants, which are struggling to survive and require natural gas to cook food and operate. New Yorkers need our help to get back on their feet, not impractical energy bans that will only harm those that can least afford it.”
“Further, the Mayor’s call for a natural gas service ban for new hookups is in addition to his mandates to remove all fossil fuels from commercial and residential buildings by 2040. These impractical and seemingly haphazard decrees fly in the face of the energy realities facing New York. With the closure of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, which de Blasio and other fringe activists pushed for, the city lost its largest source of emissions-free power. As a result, New York will be nearly entirely dependent on natural gas for power generation in just a few short years – and yet, according to Mayor de Blasio’s edict, now facing a ban on new gas service by 2030. It defies reality, science, and it will ultimately hurt reliability with no appreciable environmental benefit.”
“CEA has always strongly supported bringing more large-scale hydro, offshore wind and other renewable energy sources to help meet the city and the state’s ambitious climate goals. But the reality is that we’re going to need it all – including natural gas – to reasonably get to a net-zero future. It simply can’t be done with a one-size-fits-all approach. New Yorkers need balanced and realistic energy and environmental policies, rather than reckless, social-media based energy bans that will leave our most vulnerable out in the cold and in the dark.”
CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – January 29
Energy dominated the news this week with President Biden suspending new oil and gas drilling permits on federal lands and cutting traditional fossil fuel subsidies via executive order on Wednesday, effective immediately. Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded to the move by vowing to fight President Biden by launching legal challenges to the orders; citing claims that they will undercut Texas energy production, the largest U.S. oil and gas producing state in the country.
The Biden Administration also announced a push for electric vehicles this week, including unveiling plans to replace the government’s vehicle fleet with electric vehicles assembled in the U.S.
Amid all of the political chaos, oil edged up today but remained rangebound as demand concerns persist. Although a new Reuters poll showed that oil is set for a slow recovery, predicting that prices will hover around current levels for most of this year and recover towards the end of 2021, as COVID-19 vaccines help demand improve.
With another busy energy week behind us, be sure to check out our five favorite stories and stay current on all things energy.
5Coming soon! A new supercomputer that can study climate, weather, wildfires and solar flares
A new supercomputer is set to be installed this year that will rank among the world’s 25 fastest. E&E News reports that the machine, commissioned by the National Center for Atmospheric Research, will help study phenomena including climate, weather, wildfires and solar flares.
4Energy kite concept to generate wind energy soon
A German company recently announced it will begin generating wind energy via its energy kite concept as soon as this year. Greentech Media reports that beginning in 2021, a large kite will be taking to the skies on the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius to generate electricity from high-altitude winds.
3Solar powered smartphones?
South Korean scientists have discovered a way to make working transparent solar panels, as opposed to the near-transparent solar cells that are currently available. Mashable reports that the advancement of totally transparent solar panels opens a world of new applications for the technology, including powering our smartphones.
2Abandoned offshore rigs create remarkable ecosystems beneath the surface
It’s no surprise that offshore oil and gas platforms eventually become defunct once they’ve drained the reservoir of fossil fuels from below their surface. But what may come as a surprise to many is that these defunct rigs provide an ideal skeleton for coral reefs, and many are swarming with life beneath the surface. The BBC explains how converting oil rigs into reefs have benefitted our marine ecosystems.
1Solar Energy launches into space with satellite reflectors
Space-based solar power could become a reality with mirror-life solar reflectors installed onto satellites. Power Technology reports that these satellites, once in orbit, could concentrate energy from the sun onto solar panels, which in turn will convert the energy into electromagnetic radiation and beam it back to Earth with an antenna.
