I just took action on improving fuel economy standards that I consider very important. I urge you to take action yourself and spread the word!
To take action on this issue, click on the link below:
https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?s_oo=Z3Gig2aVi1u-ilwjg1dWVw…
If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.
ALL
BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR THREE WEEKS, AND WANTED TO BE SURE I HADN'T
MISSED A FILING, I EARLIER TODAY CALLED PHIL MELICK, THE LEAD ATTY AT
JACKSON KELLY IN THE TRAIL CASE AT THE PSC, TO ASK IF THEY EITHER HAD FILED,
OR INTENDED TO FILE, AN OPPOSITION TO THE SIERRA CLUB'S PETITION TO
INTERVENE.
PHIL CALLED BACK A MOMENT AGO TO SAY THAT THEY DID NOT PLAN TO OPPOSE THE
SIERRA CLUB'S INTERVENTION, BASED IN LARGE PART ON THEIR RESPECT FOR THE
CLUB AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION.
…
[View More]GIVEN THE FACT THAT THEY'VE OPPOSED VIRTUALLY ALL PETITIONS, INCLUDING (I
THINK) THE PETITION TO INTERVENE OF THE CONSUMER ADVOCATE, I GUESS I AM
SURPRISED.
IN ANY EVENT, IT'S A PLUS.
SEE YOU ON AUG 11
BILL
--
William V. DePaulo, Esq.
179 Summers Street, Suite 232
Charleston, WV 25301-2163
Tel: 304-342-5588
Fax: 304-342-5505
william.depaulo(a)gmail.com
www.passeggiata.com
[View Less]
Editorial
Climate: Game Over
Donald Kennedy, editor, Science (AAAS)
With respect to climate change, we have abruptly passed the tipping point in
what until recently has been a tense political controversy. Why? Industry
leaders, nongovernmental organizations, Al Gore, and public attention have all
played a role. At the core, however, it's about the relentless progress of
science. As data accumulate, denialists retreat to the safety of the Wall
Street Journal op-ed page or seek …
[View More]social relaxation with old pals from the tobacco
lobby from whom they first learned to "teach the controversy." Meanwhile,
political judgments are in, and the game is over. Indeed, on this page last
week, a member of Parliament described how the European Union and his British
colleagues are moving toward setting hard targets for greenhouse gas
reductions.
Science, 27 July 2007
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"City welcomes TrAIL blazers", Fairmont Times West Virginian, front page
headlines
Regional office for the power line will be in Vets' Plaza.
Kenny Construction Co. President John Kenny, Jr, Allegheny Power President
Dave Filtman and state Sen. Brooks McCabe announce the construction company
will open an office in Fairmont to build AE's new transmission line.
The TrAIL project will create an estimated 700 construction jobs for the
next
five years. Fairmont Mayor Scott Sears officially welcomed Kenny
Construction
to the "family of Fairmont" and declared the city is "open for business".
Kenny Construction is a Chicago-based construction company that has its
focus on honesty, integrity and safety, according to its President.
Friday, July 27, 2007.
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
[View Less]
This is a possibly as the ExCom will have a meeting August 11 in
Lewisburg. I could possibly stay over at my brother's in Renick.
Karen
-----Original Message-----
From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf
Of James Kotcon
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 9:06 AM
To: ec(a)osenergy.org; Glen Besa
Subject: [EC] Fwd: Fw: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
Anybody want to go to Beckley to picket this event? With the right
preparation, we might get a lot of press to …
[View More]help nip this industry in
the bud. At a minimum, they should know that there is opposition, even
in West Virginia.
JBK
>>> "Donald Strimbeck" <dcsoinks(a)comcast.net> 7/25/2007 11:05 AM >>>
Untitled
Donald C. Strimbeck, Secretary
Upper Monongahela River Association Incorporated
109 Broad Street, P.O. Box 519
Granville, WV 26534-0519
304-599-7585 (Fax:4131)
Email: dcsoinks(a)comcast.net
http://www.uppermon.orghttp://www.monriversummit.org
----- Original Message -----
From: info futurecoalfuels
To: dcsoinks(a)comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:15 AM
Subject: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
FutureCoalFuels.org Update
July 25, 2007
In this update:
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West
Virginia
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House
energy bill
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee
House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies
Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky
Become a CTL grassroots supporter
------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition will host a major conference Aug. 14-15 in
Beckley, W.Va., that will highlight the significant energy security,
economic and environmental benefits America stands to gain by
jumpstarting production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL)
transportation fuels.
The conference will feature the latest information on the outlook for
domestically produced CTL fuels by U.S. House of Representatives Natural
Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), House Defense
Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-Pa.) U.S. Air Force
Undersecretary Dr. Ronald M. Sega, Assistant Air Force Secretary William
Anderson, as well as presentations from leading industry, financial and
labor experts. Among the speakers scheduled to participate in the
conference are United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts,
Pat Esposito, energy advisor to West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) and
Peabody Energy Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Fred Palmer.
The conference will also include a luncheon presentation by Lt. Col.
Daniel Millman, who conducted B-52 testing of Fischer-Tropsch fuels for
the Air Force in 2006. Col. Millman will detail his experience flying
aircraft powered by fuels made using the same process that will be used
to produce domestic CTL fuels.
"The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is proud to host this conference that
will spotlight how CTL fuels can play a vital role in creating a new
energy future for America," said National Mining Association President
and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "On behalf of the coalition, I urge those
interested in learning how CTL fuels can put America on a path to energy
independence to attend and learn more from leading military, industry,
labor and government representatives on the many benefits offered by
domestic CTL fuels."
To register and learn more about the conference, please visit:
www.ctlconference2007.org or contact Corey Henry at
chenry(a)futurecoalfuels.org.
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill
House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-Texas)
recently expressed dismay that the House of Representatives may soon
consider energy legislation that does not contain incentives meant to
jumpstart the production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL)
transportation fuels.
Speaking at an energy forum hosted by Congressional Quarterly, Barton
stressed that coal is "our most abundant natural resource.and we ought
to use it." Barton lamented that energy legislation the House could
consider in the next two weeks as currently drafted is an "energy bill
that has no energy in it."
Barton said that the abundance of coal in the U.S. is what makes CTL
fuels "so attractive," saying "politically [CTL] has to be in the mix"
if the House stands any chance of advancing comprehensive energy
legislation.
John Ward, vice president of marketing and government affairs for
Headwaters Inc., participated in a panel discussion with representatives
from leading energy producing and using organizations and detailed how
congressional support for CTL fuels is needed to begin reducing
America's growing reliance on oil imported from unstable parts of the
world.
Headwaters Inc. is a member of the Coal-to-Liquids Coalition (CTLC) and
is actively engaged in efforts to construct the first fleet of CTL
facilities in the United States.
Ward also noted that the construction and operation of domestic CTL
facilities will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs across the
nation. He stressed that domestically made CTL fuels will help reduce
the flow of billions of dollars American consumers send to hostile and
unstable nations.
In addition, Ward stressed that federal studies have demonstrated that
in comparison to the fuels they will replace, CTL fuels will be as
clean, or cleaner, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, while
substantially reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter
"On behalf of the CTLC, I want to thank John Ward and Rep. Barton for so
clearly making the case for federal support of incentives that would
accelerate domestic CTL production and help put America on the road to
energy independence," said National Mining Association President and CEO
Kraig R. Naasz. "America's future economic prosperity and national
security hinge on allowing domestic CTL fuels to lead the way toward
breaking our addiction to foreign oil."
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee
A senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) official earlier this month
emphasized the urgent need to begin production of clean, domestic
coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels, citing the energy security
and environmental gains America can realize through production and use
of domestic CTL fuels.
"Energy security means having reliable, affordable and environmentally
sound sources of energy available largely from domestic sources," wrote
Lowell Miller, director of DOE's Office of Sequestration, Hydrogen and
Clean Coal Fuels in a July 13 Sacramento Bee opinion piece. "Coal fits
the bill."
As crude oil prices appear likely to remain in the $50-60 range for the
foreseeable future, "coal-derived fuels can provide a highly competitive
and clean supplement to oil-derived fuels, substantially reducing the
need for imported oil and thereby increasing energy security," said
Miller.
"The chemical-industrial process for extracting ultra-clean diesel fuel,
jet fuel and other products from coal has been around for decades, but
only in recent years have advances in technology and the steep increase
in the price of oil combined to make "coal-to-liquids" an attractive
part of the solution to our pressing energy security and environmental
concerns," wrote Miller.
Miller noted that a recent report from the National Coal Council
estimates that America's coal supply could produce 2.6 million barrels
per day of coal-derived fuels and highlighted that the Air Force has
already "successfully tested blends of coal-derived jet fuel in its
planes."
Miller emphasized that technological innovations are helping to make
coal use increasingly clean. "Carbon sequestration and other
emissions-reduction technologies can be applied to coal-to-liquids
plants, and the primary product, ultra-clean diesel fuel, is far cleaner
than any diesel fuel or gasoline in use today," Miller wrote.
As various legislative proposals have been and will continue to be
considered on Capitol Hill, Miller said efforts are under across the
country to begin constructing the first fleet of CTL plants. "While the
legislative wheels grind, developers are working on coal-to-liquids
plans with the governors and governments of Alaska, Montana, Indiana,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Louisiana."
Miller also noted that America's economic competitors are racing ahead
with plans to produce CTL fuels. "China.expects to be producing 20,000
barrels of fuel daily from its first coal-to-liquids plant before the
year is out," said Miller. "When planned expansion is complete, the
plant will produce 200,000 barrels of fuel a day. This is only the
first shot in a massive, $127 billion coal liquefaction campaign by the
Chinese." Miller also pointed to CTL production plans in Australia,
Indonesia and New Zealand and noted that India's government is actively
studying CTL fuel production.
A complete copy of Miller's opinion piece is available here.
House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies
The U.S. House of Representatives last week approved a fiscal year 2008
appropriations bill that contains $2.25 million to study the
technologies that could be used by a CTL plant Baard Energy plans on
constructing in southeast Ohio.
A total of $1 million has been set aside to support a carbon
sequestration scoping study meant to identify major geologic sites in
Ohio suitable for underground carbon dioxide storage, while another
$250,000 would be used to study the carbon life cycle of coal-based
transportation fuel. The remaining $1 million would finance a
northeastern Ohio pipeline study.
Construction of the Baard facility is expected to result in 4,000 jobs
over the four years of expected construction and generate $31 million in
income southeast Ohio.
Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky
Platts Coal Trader reported on July 6 that a CTL project under
consideration by Peabody Energy for construction in Union County, Ky.,
is in the "very preliminary" stages, with its future likely to be
decided by the results of a soon-to-be completed feasibility study.
Platts reported that the $3 billion plant would produce about 30,000
barrels of transportation fuels daily, with operations beginning in 2012
or 2013.
Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of Northwest Kentucky Forward, told
Platts that the office of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has given
Peabody $400,000 for the feasibility study, with Peabody expected to
contribute another $1 million. For now, no completion date for the
study has been set.
The Peabody CTL plant is one of seven clean-coal projects proposed for
the region, according to Sheilley, most of which would produce
transportation fuels or synthetic natural gas.
Become a CTL grassroots supporter
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is working to build a strong network of
grassroots supporters willing to contact federal and state lawmakers to
voice their support for measures meant to spur the domestic production
of affordable, clean-burning CTL fuels. CTL grassroots supporters can
include company employees, union members, retirees, their families,
friends and others spread across the country who share a personal stake
in the successful launch of a domestic CTL industry.
The coming months are likely to see continued congressional CTL
activity; a time in which a robust CTL grassroots network can be an
invaluable tool in helping to increase the bipartisan support for
legislation designed to jumpstart the production of ultra-clean CTL
fuels.
To become a grassroots supporter visit:
http://www.capitolconnect.com/futurecoalfuels/.
As CTL fuel developments transpire in 2007, be sure to regularly visit
FutureCoalFuels.org for the latest news and information and learn how
you can help strengthen America's energy future.
If you wish to unsubscribe from the CTL update e-mail service, please
click here.
_______________________________________________
EC mailing list
EC(a)osenergy.org
http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
[View Less]
Let's have a phone conference Friday, July 27 at 7:00 p.m. to start the
plan for intervention. If you cannot make this time please let me know
beforehand.
Karen
1 (866) 501-6174
Conference Code: 1005700
________________________________
From: Stephen M. Walker [mailto:stephenwalkeresq@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 11:02 PM
To: Grubb, Karen
Cc: James Kotcon; Barbara Fallon; Jonathan Rosenbaum
Subject: Re: two emails from National concerning Intervention
I'm available …
[View More]pretty much any time this week.
Steve
On 7/23/07, Grubb, Karen <kgrubb(a)fairmontstate.edu > wrote:
I am leaving this weekend and will be gone for a week. Who wants to
have a phone conference this week to get started on the plan?
I spoke with David Herring last Friday and just sent that form, too.
Below are the two emails from Erin Chalmers.
Karen
-----------------------------------------------------
From: Erin.Chalmers(a)sierraclub.org [mailto: Erin.Chalmers(a)sierraclub.org
<mailto:Erin.Chalmers@sierraclub.org> ]
Sent: Wed 6/27/2007 8:09 PM
To: william.depaulo(a)gmail.com; pjgrunt(a)gmail.com; Grubb, Karen;
jkotcon(a)wvu.edu
Subject: Allegheny Transmission Line intervention
Hi Bill and all,
On behalf of the national Sierra Club, the WV chapter has authorization
to intervene in the PSC hearing in the Allegheny transmission line case.
It looks like a great issue and I'm glad the chapter is taking it on!
I think this case presents many opportunities and also some difficult
issues. You all are obviously already working with other chapters and
groups on the larger issue, but to the extent I can be of assistance in
getting resources, please let me know. For instance, I may be able to
find testimony from other PSC hearings that addresses the true costs of
coal or potential rate savings from efficiency. In terms of issues, my
concern on this case is mostly financial - as you well know, the chapter
will have to decide how much it can put into the case and plan
accordingly. Bill has generously offered to carry out this case on a
reduced fee basis. My understanding from talking with Bill today is
that he expects the chapter to make good faith efforts to raise funds to
pay for part of his time but that there is no specific fee cap or
arrangement. Because you are a chapter member, Bill, I'm sure you'll
work closely with Karen and others to make sure they understand how much
time you are putting in and how much payment you expect.
I bring this up just because I have seen similarly lax fee arrangements
go awry in other cases, and I don't want any surprises for the chapter
or for Bill down the road. So I strongly encourage Karen and the
chapter to work very closely with Bill and to make sure he is
comfortable with what the chapter is raising for funds for him. The new
matter form I received noted that $5000 would be allotted to legal
expenses - I don't believe this was expected to be a fee cap of any
sort, but rather just an estimate of possible and reasonable costs that
the chapter would fund as needed. Again, I expect that Karen and Bill,
and others, will work out their expectations as to paying for Bill's
time. An little work now in terms of figuring out your funding
expectations is worth it to avoid big headaches later. I have seen big
fights in chapters over fee issues and just want to make sure that
doesn't happen here.
As another reminder, any settlement (which doesn't seem likely at this
point) would require separate national authorization. Also, please keep
me informed of any major developments in the case and feel free to ask
if you have any questions I might be able to help with.
Best of luck and thanks for your hard work on this issue!
thanks,
Erin
Erin Chalmers
Environmental Law Fellow
Sierra Club Environmental Law Program
85 Second St., 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 977-5765 phone
(415) 977-5793 fax
-----------------------------------------------------
From: James Kotcon [mailto: jkotcon(a)wvu.edu <mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu> ]
Sent: Tue 6/26/2007 10:00 AM
To: Grubb, Karen; Erin.Chalmers(a)sierraclub.org
Cc: Fallon, Barbara; Paul Wilson; 'Dave Muhly'; Glen Besa;
Peter.Martin(a)sierraclub.org; 'James Kotcon'
Subject: RE: Allegheny Transmission line deadline - WVPSC Intervention
Thanks for the leads. We (I) have already contacted Synapse, as they
worked with us on the Longview case. Unfortunately, they have already
been retained by other state parties, and due to the potential conflict
of interest, are unable to assist us. I will follow up with the other
leads.
JBK
>>> <Erin.Chalmers(a)sierraclub.org> 6/25/2007 8:49 PM >>>
Hi Jim, Karen and all,
Thanks for the detailed new matter form that Paul just sent. I wanted
to
get back to you with some potential financial and expert resources for
this case.
First, it looks like the national law program is interested in
contributing up to about $3000 toward the case. This case fits well
with
our ongoing energy work, so we'd love to support it. Also, you may
have
already tried, but if not, it might be worth your while to ask the
Club's
national Global Warming and Smart Energy Committee - Joan Saxe is chair.
I
have no idea if they have money, but they might have either money or
interest in helping in other ways (finding other resources, helping with
media, etc). Ditto with the Sustainable Planet Strategy Team. I'll
also
alert our media dept that this is happening, and they might be able to
offer some assistance as well in the form of advising, writing press
releases or looking over ones you have.
Second, I have a couple potential leads for expert witness/analysis
help.
1) Synapse Energy Consultants. We have used them before in other cases,
including in Florida. We have worked with David Schlissel (tell him
Kristin Henry referred you) before, who was very good. Their website
is:
http://www.synapse-energy.com/aboutus/
2) ACEEE: http://www.aceee.org/ We don't have a specific contact
there,
but they may be able to help
3) HP Energy Associates, in Massachusetts - Hale Powell is the
contact,
who we have worked with before.
hpenergy(a)aol.com
978-392-8442
Folks in our office also recommended that you might be able to get more
bang for your buck if you were able to partner with a local university
who
could then work with one or more of the experts. The hired expert could
do some big picture research and could potentially assign some discrete
tasks to university researchers, thus stretching your money as well as
getting more local buy-in and support.
Lastly, I attached a memo one of our interns recently compiled - it
lists
existing research and papers addressing costs and other issues of
demand-side management and energy efficiency. Some of those reports
could
be helpful.
thanks, and I'll work with Jim DePaulo to get national authorization in
time for him to file on the chapter's behalf,
Erin
(this is a report mentioned in the other attachment that
can't be easily found online)
Erin Chalmers
Environmental Law Fellow
Sierra Club Environmental Law Program
85 Second St., 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 977-5765 phone
(415) 977-5793 fax
[View Less]
You may find the attached interesting. I did a quick scan of the siting standards, and they appear to be useful, but are still pretty vague, and they have almost no wildlife (bird or bat) impact requirements, which is one of our major issues in WV. I am not sure they will resolve the controversy, and I would like some more specifics in the standards, as these seem more oriented toward a "process' for siting, rather than specific technical requirements that need to be met. Still it is a …
[View More]step forward and a useful tool if we get into other wind farm debates.
JBK
>>> Paula Carrell <Paula.Carrell(a)sierraclub.org> 7/19/2007 3:43 PM >>>
2. Wind Power Siting
The Kansas Eneryg Council in April 2005 established guidelines for county
use in siting wind power generators. The Sierra Club Kansas Chapter's
Energy Chair, Bill Griffith, says, "Overall the standards avoid politics
and stick with science and with those values a particular community holds
dear. We have reviewed the Kansas guidelines and support them as a fairly
decent siting handbook."
The Kansas guidelines can be accessed at
http://www.kansasenergy.org/KEC/documents/wind_siting_handbook.pdf
If any other state has adopted wind siting guidance that you would
recommend, please let Paula know.
[View Less]
Anybody want to go to Beckley to picket this event? With the right preparation, we might get a lot of press to help nip this industry in the bud. At a minimum, they should know that there is opposition, even in West Virginia.
JBK
>>> "Donald Strimbeck" <dcsoinks(a)comcast.net> 7/25/2007 11:05 AM >>>
Untitled
Donald C. Strimbeck, Secretary
Upper Monongahela River Association Incorporated
109 Broad Street, P.O. Box 519
Granville, WV 26534-0519
304-599-7585 (Fax:4131)
…
[View More]Email: dcsoinks(a)comcast.net
http://www.uppermon.orghttp://www.monriversummit.org
----- Original Message -----
From: info futurecoalfuels
To: dcsoinks(a)comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:15 AM
Subject: July 25 FutureCoalFuels.org Update
FutureCoalFuels.org Update
July 25, 2007
In this update:
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee
House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies
Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky
Become a CTL grassroots supporter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coal-to-Liquids Coalition to host major CTL conference in West Virginia
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition will host a major conference Aug. 14-15 in Beckley, W.Va., that will highlight the significant energy security, economic and environmental benefits America stands to gain by jumpstarting production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels.
The conference will feature the latest information on the outlook for domestically produced CTL fuels by U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-Pa.) U.S. Air Force Undersecretary Dr. Ronald M. Sega, Assistant Air Force Secretary William Anderson, as well as presentations from leading industry, financial and labor experts. Among the speakers scheduled to participate in the conference are United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts, Pat Esposito, energy advisor to West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) and Peabody Energy Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Fred Palmer.
The conference will also include a luncheon presentation by Lt. Col. Daniel Millman, who conducted B-52 testing of Fischer-Tropsch fuels for the Air Force in 2006. Col. Millman will detail his experience flying aircraft powered by fuels made using the same process that will be used to produce domestic CTL fuels.
"The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is proud to host this conference that will spotlight how CTL fuels can play a vital role in creating a new energy future for America," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "On behalf of the coalition, I urge those interested in learning how CTL fuels can put America on a path to energy independence to attend and learn more from leading military, industry, labor and government representatives on the many benefits offered by domestic CTL fuels."
To register and learn more about the conference, please visit: www.ctlconference2007.org or contact Corey Henry at chenry(a)futurecoalfuels.org.
Rep. Barton emphasizes need for domestic CTL fuels in House energy bill
House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-Texas) recently expressed dismay that the House of Representatives may soon consider energy legislation that does not contain incentives meant to jumpstart the production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels.
Speaking at an energy forum hosted by Congressional Quarterly, Barton stressed that coal is "our most abundant natural resource.and we ought to use it." Barton lamented that energy legislation the House could consider in the next two weeks as currently drafted is an "energy bill that has no energy in it."
Barton said that the abundance of coal in the U.S. is what makes CTL fuels "so attractive," saying "politically [CTL] has to be in the mix" if the House stands any chance of advancing comprehensive energy legislation.
John Ward, vice president of marketing and government affairs for Headwaters Inc., participated in a panel discussion with representatives from leading energy producing and using organizations and detailed how congressional support for CTL fuels is needed to begin reducing America's growing reliance on oil imported from unstable parts of the world.
Headwaters Inc. is a member of the Coal-to-Liquids Coalition (CTLC) and is actively engaged in efforts to construct the first fleet of CTL facilities in the United States.
Ward also noted that the construction and operation of domestic CTL facilities will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs across the nation. He stressed that domestically made CTL fuels will help reduce the flow of billions of dollars American consumers send to hostile and unstable nations.
In addition, Ward stressed that federal studies have demonstrated that in comparison to the fuels they will replace, CTL fuels will be as clean, or cleaner, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, while substantially reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter
"On behalf of the CTLC, I want to thank John Ward and Rep. Barton for so clearly making the case for federal support of incentives that would accelerate domestic CTL production and help put America on the road to energy independence," said National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. "America's future economic prosperity and national security hinge on allowing domestic CTL fuels to lead the way toward breaking our addiction to foreign oil."
DOE highlights need for domestic CTL fuels in Sacramento Bee
A senior U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) official earlier this month emphasized the urgent need to begin production of clean, domestic coal-to-liquid (CTL) transportation fuels, citing the energy security and environmental gains America can realize through production and use of domestic CTL fuels.
"Energy security means having reliable, affordable and environmentally sound sources of energy available largely from domestic sources," wrote Lowell Miller, director of DOE's Office of Sequestration, Hydrogen and Clean Coal Fuels in a July 13 Sacramento Bee opinion piece. "Coal fits the bill."
As crude oil prices appear likely to remain in the $50-60 range for the foreseeable future, "coal-derived fuels can provide a highly competitive and clean supplement to oil-derived fuels, substantially reducing the need for imported oil and thereby increasing energy security," said Miller.
"The chemical-industrial process for extracting ultra-clean diesel fuel, jet fuel and other products from coal has been around for decades, but only in recent years have advances in technology and the steep increase in the price of oil combined to make "coal-to-liquids" an attractive part of the solution to our pressing energy security and environmental concerns," wrote Miller.
Miller noted that a recent report from the National Coal Council estimates that America's coal supply could produce 2.6 million barrels per day of coal-derived fuels and highlighted that the Air Force has already "successfully tested blends of coal-derived jet fuel in its planes."
Miller emphasized that technological innovations are helping to make coal use increasingly clean. "Carbon sequestration and other emissions-reduction technologies can be applied to coal-to-liquids plants, and the primary product, ultra-clean diesel fuel, is far cleaner than any diesel fuel or gasoline in use today," Miller wrote.
As various legislative proposals have been and will continue to be considered on Capitol Hill, Miller said efforts are under across the country to begin constructing the first fleet of CTL plants. "While the legislative wheels grind, developers are working on coal-to-liquids plans with the governors and governments of Alaska, Montana, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Louisiana."
Miller also noted that America's economic competitors are racing ahead with plans to produce CTL fuels. "China.expects to be producing 20,000 barrels of fuel daily from its first coal-to-liquids plant before the year is out," said Miller. "When planned expansion is complete, the plant will produce 200,000 barrels of fuel a day. This is only the first shot in a massive, $127 billion coal liquefaction campaign by the Chinese." Miller also pointed to CTL production plans in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and noted that India's government is actively studying CTL fuel production.
A complete copy of Miller's opinion piece is available here.
House approves bill funding Ohio CTL studies
The U.S. House of Representatives last week approved a fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill that contains $2.25 million to study the technologies that could be used by a CTL plant Baard Energy plans on constructing in southeast Ohio.
A total of $1 million has been set aside to support a carbon sequestration scoping study meant to identify major geologic sites in Ohio suitable for underground carbon dioxide storage, while another $250,000 would be used to study the carbon life cycle of coal-based transportation fuel. The remaining $1 million would finance a northeastern Ohio pipeline study.
Construction of the Baard facility is expected to result in 4,000 jobs over the four years of expected construction and generate $31 million in income southeast Ohio.
Peabody Energy considering CTL plant in western Kentucky
Platts Coal Trader reported on July 6 that a CTL project under consideration by Peabody Energy for construction in Union County, Ky., is in the "very preliminary" stages, with its future likely to be decided by the results of a soon-to-be completed feasibility study.
Platts reported that the $3 billion plant would produce about 30,000 barrels of transportation fuels daily, with operations beginning in 2012 or 2013.
Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of Northwest Kentucky Forward, told Platts that the office of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has given Peabody $400,000 for the feasibility study, with Peabody expected to contribute another $1 million. For now, no completion date for the study has been set.
The Peabody CTL plant is one of seven clean-coal projects proposed for the region, according to Sheilley, most of which would produce transportation fuels or synthetic natural gas.
Become a CTL grassroots supporter
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is working to build a strong network of grassroots supporters willing to contact federal and state lawmakers to voice their support for measures meant to spur the domestic production of affordable, clean-burning CTL fuels. CTL grassroots supporters can include company employees, union members, retirees, their families, friends and others spread across the country who share a personal stake in the successful launch of a domestic CTL industry.
The coming months are likely to see continued congressional CTL activity; a time in which a robust CTL grassroots network can be an invaluable tool in helping to increase the bipartisan support for legislation designed to jumpstart the production of ultra-clean CTL fuels.
To become a grassroots supporter visit: http://www.capitolconnect.com/futurecoalfuels/.
As CTL fuel developments transpire in 2007, be sure to regularly visit FutureCoalFuels.org for the latest news and information and learn how you can help strengthen America's energy future.
If you wish to unsubscribe from the CTL update e-mail service, please click here.
[View Less]
I HAVE PUT A FILTER ON MY EMAIL TO AUTOMATE THE FORWARDING TO
ec(a)osenergy.org OF ALL EMAIL UPDATES I RECEIVE FROM THE PSC BY VIRTUE OF
BEING ON THE SERVICE LIST FOR THE TRAIL PROCEEDING. AS YOU CAN SEE, THIS IS
LIKELY TO GENERATE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF EMAIL. THERE WERE 16 MESSAGES IN
MY EMAIL BOX AT THE TIME I CREATED THE FILTER.
I DON'T KNOW IF ALL OF YOU WILL WANT TO RECEIVE THE UPDATES, OR NOT. IF YOU
DON'T PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL TAKE SOME STEPS TO CREATE A NEW LIST.
THE …
[View More]LIST AT ec(a)osenergy.org IS THE DISTRIBUTION ON THIS FORWARDING.
ALSO COULD SOMEBODY PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHO ALL IS ON THE LIST AT
ec(a)osenergy.org ?
THANKS.
BILL
--
William V. DePaulo, Esq.
179 Summers Street, Suite 232
Charleston, WV 25301-2163
Tel: 304-342-5588
Fax: 304-342-5505
william.depaulo(a)gmail.com
www.passeggiata.com
[View Less]
here's something on the Rahall Energy bill, which the Club is supporting.
best, paul
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Athan Manuel <Athan.Manuel(a)sierraclub.org>
Date: Jul 18, 2007 10:56 AM
Subject: [WPST-WILD] Rahall energy bill
To: CONS-WPST-WILD-FORUM(a)lists.sierraclub.org
Folks - I want to give you a quick update on the Rahall energy, which will
probably come up for a vote on the House floor next week. This is the bill
that we discussed on Wildlands (and other calls)…
[View More] last month regarding making
sure the wind energy folks comply with existing laws such as the ESA,
Migratory Bird Treaty and other conservation laws. Anyway, as you know we
settled that and like the bill, which has some very good language on western
lands oil drilling and protecting species and habitat.
As part of our effort to pass the Rahall bill we have signed on to the
attached community letter. And we are also organizing a community lobby
day on Thursday - targeting Blue Dogs and moderate Rs - to protected the
western lands drilling language. Apparently the Blue Dogs don't like the
language Rahall has in the bill, and may offer an amendment to strip that
part out. We're fairly confident that Rahall will hold the caucus
together, but as usual we are not taking anything for granted.
I'll let you know how the lobby day goes, but if you're from a Blue Dog
district call your member of Congress and urge them to support the Rahall
bill and oppose any weakening amendments.
If you have any questions, etc. please contact me or Myke Bybee. Thanks. -
Athan
*********************************************************
Athan Manuel
Director of Lands Protection
Sierra Club
408 C St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-548-4580 / fax 547-6009
cell: 202-716-0006
athan.manuel(a)sierraclub.org
--
Paul Wilson
Sierra Club
Wildlife & Endangered Species Comm.
504 Jefferson Ave
Charles Town, WV 25414-1130
Phone: 304-725-4360
Cell: 304-279-6975
[View Less]
This is why you cannot give carte blanche on all deep well mines. The Mayor
is a retired coal miner, BTW.
best, paul
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Public News Service <wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org>
Date: Jul 17, 2007 9:52 AM
Subject: WVNS story for July 17, 2007. WV Mayor: Proposed Mine Threatens
Only Source of W
To: pjgrunt(a)gmail.com
West Virginia News Service
A statewide news service for West Virginia
5312 MacCorkle Avenue, SW, #315, South Charleston, WV 25309
…
[View More]Phone: 800.317.6705 Fax: 540-301-0801 E-mail: wvns(a)publicnewsservice.org
July 17, 2007
WV Mayor: Proposed Mine Threatens Only Source of Water
Bayard, WV - A proposed coal mine would cut through the watershed that
supplies all the drinking water for two Grant County towns. The mining
company says the water won't be affected - but Bayard (BAIRD) mayor Steven
Durst says he wants an independent survey before the mining starts, to make
sure the town's drinking water will stay clean.
Suggested Script: A West Virginia mayor is sending out an S-O-S for his
town's only supply of drinking water. A proposed coal mine in Grant County
would dig into a watershed that supplies two towns in the area. The Wolf
Run Mining Company has said it can get the coal without hurting the water.
Steven Durst is mayor of Bayard and a retired coal miner - he says he and
most area residents aren't taking the company's word that their drinking
water is safe.
Actuality Cut 30777 (:07) "The problem is that if they're wrong about what
they say, they're going to destroy a water system for nine hundred
families."
Suggested Tag: He's calling for an independent geological survey before
mining starts - he'd like that to come from a third party, not affiliated
with mining interests or with the state's Department of Environmental
Protection. The mine is waiting for a permit from Environmental Protection;
they're expected to rule in the next two months.
****
Second Cut: Durst says when it comes to small towns like his that don't
have a lot of political clout, the state government tends to put business
interests ahead of protecting the quality of life of local citizens.
Actuality Cut 31777 (:10) "Our concerns, of course, are that the Department
of Environmental Protection will not protect us, they're not gonna be
concerned as to whether or not our water system is endangered." (ends)
OPTIONAL REPORTER WRAP - uses first soundbite:
LEAD: A West Virginia mayor is sending out an S-O-S for his town's only
supply of drinking water. Rob Ferrett has more.
Actuality Cut 32 777 TRT: 35 Q...in the next two months.
Editor's Note: Durst is at 304 693 7300.
Still available: scripts and sound on the web page, or call toll-free # and
use the cut # listed below followed by the 3-digits in the web ID above.
Cuts 45-47: Few Treatment Options in WV for "Signature Wound" of Iraq War -
Comments from Hilda Heady, associate vice president for rural health at West
Virginia University.
---
To be removed from this list please send an e-mail to
remove(a)publicnewsservice.org and put the word "remove" in the subject line.
--
Paul Wilson
Sierra Club
Wildlife & Endangered Species Comm.
504 Jefferson Ave
Charles Town, WV 25414-1130
Phone: 304-725-4360
Cell: 304-279-6975
[View Less]
________________________________
From: Glen Besa [mailto:glen.besa@sierraclub.org]
Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 4:01 PM
Cc: Allison.Forbes(a)sierraclub.org
Subject: FW: [energy activists] Activist resources for House action
Folks,
Many of you were on our Appalachian Regional call last Thursday to
discuss congressional actions related to energy. Allison Forbes with
our National Energy Team, who gave us an update on the Congress, hosts
calls each Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM and she …
[View More]maintains an energy
activist list to which she send updates like the one below with
attachments. Note that there will be no call this Tuesday because of
Congressional recess over the July 4 holiday.
Allison has attached a number word documents for you. Sample LTEs,
Electronic alerts you can forward and lists of the bills co-sponsors.
Many other documents including fact sheets on bills are posted on the
web in two locations:
1. The public website:
http://www.sierraclub.org/energy/grassroots/
2. On Clubhouse at:
http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/go/committees/energyhq/grassroots/
which is password protected
Additionally, on the call we discussed accessing the text of the bills
and their status which can be viewed on www.thomas.gov
<http://www.thomas.gov/>
Glen Besa, Regional Director
Sierra Club Appalachian Region
(DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302
Richmond, VA 23219
O-804-225-9113 x 104
F-804-225-9114
C-804-387-6001
glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org
________________________________
From: Allison.Forbes(a)sierraclub.org
[mailto:Allison.Forbes@sierraclub.org]
Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 12:45 PM
To: Allison.Forbes(a)sierraclub.org
Subject: [energy activists] Activist resources for House action
Before the House energy bill hits the floor, we need to show that
renewable energy and clean car legislation has broad support from our
Representatives. The Sierra Club is working hard to ensure that a
Renewable Energy Standard (RES) and an increase in fuel economy (CAFE)
standards will be included in the energy package Speaker Pelosi brings
to the floor in July.
Please find activist materials for constituent calls, emails and media
work below.
Next Call
We will resume regular weekly calls on Tuesday, July 10.
Join the Global Warming and Energy team to discuss the challenges ahead.
Tuesday, July 10, 8:30pm Eastern
1-866-501-6174
2239223#
House Update
Attached is a House energy update from Debbie Sease.
On Thursday, Representatives Baron Hill and Lee Terry introduced a bad
CAFE bill (H.R. 2927) with John Barrow, Henry Brown, Mike Ross, Paul
Ryan and Edolphus Towns as co-sponsors. According to a United Auto
Workers union action alert supporting the bill, it sets a target of 32
mpg by 2022 (and might prohibit NHTSA from going above 35 mpg in that
year), while maintaining the light truck loophole in current law. This
bill lets automakers off the hook and will not secure the oil savings
and greenhouse gas reductions we need to reduce our oil dependence and
curb global warming.
Activists:
Is your Representative a co-sponsor of the Markey-Platts fuel economy
bill (H.R. 1506) and Udall-Platts RES bill (H.R. 969)? Check out
www.thomas.gov for the latest updates. If they are, send your thanks!
If your Rep is not already a co-sponsor, please schedule an in-district
meeting with the member (or staff) this week and distribute the
following materials to fellow activists in your district:
1) A sample call script
2) A sample email alert that you can forward to your local lists
3) Sample Letters to the Editor (LTEs) to generate media buzz around the
House energy bill
More materials, factsheets and background information are available at
clubhouse.sierraclub.org/energy/grassroots
Activist Materials - Please forward!
Scientists tell us we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent
by 2050, or an average of two percent a year. We believe that in order
to reach this goal we must begin by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
from our vehicles and electric utilities. Raising miles-per-gallon
standards for cars and light trucks is the biggest single step we can
take to curb global warming pollution, reduce our dependence on oil and
save consumers money at the pump. Requiring electric utilities to invest
in renewable energy resources will slash greenhouse gas emissions while
creating thousands of new jobs across the U.S. and boosting our clean
energy economy.
Ask your Representative to cosponsor legislation that establishes a
Renewable Energy Standard (RES) of at least 20 percent by 2020
(Udall-Platts bill H.R. 969) and legislation that mandates a four
percent annual increase in fuel economy (CAFE) standards (Markey-Platts
bill H.R. 1506).
Call Your Representative today!
E-mail alert for local lists - please distribute!
Sample Letters to the Editor: LTEs printed in local and state newspapers
help generate media buzz are raise the profile of our issues. Send your
own today.
Allison Forbes
National Conservation Organizer
Sierra Club Global Warming and Energy Program
(202) 548-6583
[View Less]
All,
Letty is from Preston County and is opposing the TrAILCo line. I have been hearing similar rumors from other sources. So if Mollohan starts telling us that he voted against the appropriations amendment, but is co-sponsoring this bill, we need to make it clear that people in Mon County think that is not good enough and he has some more "splaining" to do.
JBK
>>> Letty Butcher <multiflora123(a)yahoo.com> 7/10/2007 10:33 PM >>>
I guess you heard that the bill is …
[View More]as dead as a door nail. Even Hinchey, Wolf and Murtha won't take the lead.
---------------------------------
Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase.
[View Less]
We are scheduled to meet in Mollohan's Morgantown office with Anna
Rittenhouse Thursday July 12 at 4:00. Her office is in the PO Building
on High Street, 2nd floor. She wants information on your group's
letterhead to fax to Mollohan.
We should try to gather by 3:30 (I may be late as I have a doctor's
appointment in Morgantown before that) to arrange who will say what.
I am planning to give her the Markey-Platts and Udall-Platts fact sheets
I attached, but it would be good to have …
[View More]something on coal to liquids
and AP Trail also, perhaps a revision of the TrAILCO fact sheets.
Thanks,
Karen
[View Less]
Thursday, July 12, 6:00 - 9:00pm
at the Western Greenbrier Middle School in Crawley
Please come.
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.2/893 - Release Date: 7/9/2007
5:22 PM
Josh, Karen, Barbara, et al.:
Paul Wilson and I were on a conference call last week to talk about the Energy bills in Congress. As you may recall, the Senate passed an increase in the CAFE standard, and action now turns to the House. The Club is making an all out effort to pass the bill there, with the strongest possible CAFE standard and a renewable energy portfolio standard. In addition, we must oppose coal-to-liquid subsidies in any form, as America must not start down that path if we …
[View More]are to avoid a dramatic surge in greenhouse gas emissions. Over the next couple weeks, we will be targeting Molohan and Rahall to ask their support. This will be more difficult than it seems, as both have sponsored coal-to-liquids bills, and both have raised objections to wind farms in their districts. Nevertheless, an increase in CAFE standards has been a Club goal for many years, and the Senate bill is a good start. We are unlikely to see a better bill in this Congress, so we must do our part to get them on board.
We should discuss at least three efforts, 1) getting calls to the Congressmen; 2) letters to the editor (guest op/ed pieces would be even better); and 3) setting up a meeting with Mollohan, preferably while he is on the July 4th recess during the next two weeks. (Suvch a meeting might also be a good time to talk about Allegheny's TrAILCo powerline).
JBK
>>> "Glen Besa" <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org> 6/30/2007 5:21 PM >>>
ACT: Please call your Congress member's office to set up a meeting in the
district before July 16. See details below:
Folks,
One of the most important actions you can take is to set up a meeting with
your Congress member or his staff in their district. If you can set up a
meeting in the next two weeks, before July 16 when we anticipate the House
to take action that would be outstanding
TIPS:
1) please check in with staff to coordinate setting up in-district meetings
so we don't have multiple asks. Here are your staff contacts:
DE - Ezra Temko EzraJT(a)gmail.com
GA -- Anna Cherry anna.cherry(a)sierraclub.org
MD -- Glen Besa glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org
NC - Chatham Olive chatham.olive(a)sierraclub.org
SC - Dave Muhly vafw(a)naxs.net
TN -- Dave Muhly vafw(a)naxs.net
VA - Glen Besa glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org
WV - Dave Muhly vafw(a)naxs.net
2) coordinate with other Sierra Club volunteers in the district in setting
up the meeting date and time.
3) Invite other groups to accompany you. Make sure they support our
position. Other groups might be reps from the faith community, other enviro
groups, Trout Unlimited, etc.
4) You'll probably meet a staffer rather than your congress member -ask them
to relay your position to the Congress member.
5) Be courteous! Be Prepared! Use the fact sheets as talking points. If
there are several of you, assign roles and rehearse what you want to say.
See goals below:
6) Report the outcome of your meeting on the attached form above and return
it to your staff contacts.
GOAL OF IN-DISTRICT MEETINGS: To secure action by Congress that addresses
global warming and oil dependence, we will ask Representatives in the House
to support legislation to accomplish the following three goals:
1) Establish a national Renewable Energy Standard (RES) of at
least 20% by 2020; See Udall-Platts Factsheet
2) Mandate a 4% annual improvement in fuel economy (CAFE)
standards; See Markey-Platts Factsheet
3) Prevent environmental damage from motor fuels with a particular
focus on blocking any provisions that would jumpstart a new liquid
coal industry. See Coal Energy Bill factsheet.
Our Priority Targets:
State
House
DE
AL (Castle)
GA
GA8 (Marshall); GA12 (Barrow); GA13 (Scott)
MD
MD2 (Ruppersberger); MD5 (Hoyer); MD6 (Bartlett); MD7 (Cummings)
NC
NC1 (Butterfield); NC2 (Etheridge); NC4 (Price); NC7 (McIntyre); NC11
(Shuler); NC12 (Watt); NC13 (Miller)
SC
SC4 (Inglis); SC5 (Spratt); SC6 (Clyburn)
TN
TN4 (Davis); TN5 (Cooper); TN6 (Gordon)
VA
VA3 (Scott); VA10 (Wolf); VA11 (Davis)
WV
WV1 (Mollohan); WV3 (Rahall)
RESOURCES:
Many other documents including fact sheets on bills are posted on the web in
two locations:
1. The public website: http://www.sierraclub.org/energy/grassroots/
2. On Clubhouse at:
http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/go/committees/energyhq/grassroots/ which is
password protected
Additionally, you can access the text of the bills and their status on
www.thomas.gov <http://www.thomas.gov/>
Glen Besa, Regional Director
Sierra Club Appalachian Region
(DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302
Richmond, VA 23219
O-804-225-9113 x 104
F-804-225-9114
C-804-387-6001
glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org
[View Less]
Any takers?
-----Original Message-----
From: William Deegans [mailto:deegans@mac.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 9:31 AM
To: Beth Little
Subject: Vacancy on the Greenbrier County Planning Commission
Hi Beth:
The Greenbrier County Commission is soliciting applications for a 3-year
position on the County Planning Commission. I think it would be a good
opportunity to push someone from the Cleanbrier Group if you want to spread
the word. At one time in the past, Florian Schleiff indicated he …
[View More]would be
interested, and I have encouraged him to consider it (not sure if you have
to be a USA citizen).
The deadline is MONDAY, JULY 9 at 4:30.
Thanks,
Skip
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.2/891 - Release Date: 7/8/2007
6:32 PM
No virus found in this outgoing message.
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Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.2/891 - Release Date: 7/8/2007
6:32 PM
[View Less]
Tomorrow, July 6th is the last day to leave comments with the DOE
concerning NIETC at http://nietc.anl.gov/involve/comments/index.cfm .
How important is this? If the National Interest Electric Transmission
Congestion Corridors becomes a reality, then even if WVPSC rejects TrAIL
we will still have to contend with the fact that FERC may implement
TrAIL. TrAIL won't be the last transmission line we end up fighting due
to the fact that every large power utility in the United States has
signed up …
[View More]for an early inclusion in Section 1221(a) of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005.
How can you comment?:
Many feel the comment period should have been extended, so at the very
least send in a comment saying NO to the question " Would designation
of one or more National Corridors in these areas be appropriate and in
the public interest?," and request that the comment period be extended
for the public.
I used these guidelines provided by DOE in their Congestion Study
document to provide comments to questions they have for the public:
1. Would designation of one or more National Corridors in these areas be
appropriate and in the public interest?
A. Does a major transmission congestion problem exist?
B. Are key transmission constraints creating the transmission congestion?
C. What is the magnitude of the problem?
D. What are the relevant transmission or non-transmission solutions?
2. How and where should DOE establish the geographic boundaries for a
National Corridor?
3. How would the costs of a proposed transmission facility be allocated?
It's a lot of fun answering these questions, but I must admit I haven't
had enough time to perform adequate research, however I'm giving it my
best try. Keep in mind that the deregulation of the electricity market
in 1996 is a key factor in today's congestion, due to shoddy practices
by Power Utilities like Enron. It's not clear to me as a Citizen of the
United States of America that we actually have a congestion problem, but
what we do have are businesses very interested in making money under the
guise that the National Security of America is under threat. In that
case, the DOE should be interested in creating a decentralized
electricity solution, and should recognize that Global Warming is a much
greater threat to National Security than the energy economics of
congestion. Here's how I answered 1(C).
C. What is the magnitude of the problem?
It's an insignificant problem compared to Global Warming. This is a
perfect time for the DOE to become a significant part of the Global
Warming solution. In the process of applying practices that reduce
Global Warming, the transmission congestion problem will dissipate and
eventually disappear.
Jonathan
[View Less]
Karen, josh and the committee.
I'm on vacation is Delaware until Sunday, April 22nd.
I'll join in the meeting with Mollohan, if after the 22nd,
but, please move forward as quickly as you can.
Thanks, Duane
************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.
Jim and Karen,
Glen, et al.
Thanks for the assistance.
JBK
>>>
Below is the link to the op ed in today's Gazette.
Thanks.
http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Opinion/Op-Ed+Commentaries/200707028
Bill Price
Sierra Club
Central Appalachia Environmental Justice Program
922 Quarrier Street, Suite 304
Charleston, WV 25311
Phone 304-342-3182
Fax 304-342-3183
Cell 304-389-8822
>>> "Glen Besa" <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org> 6/30/2007 5:35 PM >>>
…
[View More]Folks,
With the 4th of July Holiday approaching, consider submitting a letter to
the editor about energy independence. Better yet call the editor of your
local paper about submitting the OpEd below that you will need to localize.
Thanks, Glen Besa
From: Odette.Mucha(a)sierraclub.org [mailto:Odette.Mucha@sierraclub.org]
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 5:58 PM
To: glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org; chris.carney(a)sierraclub.org;
jessica.hodge(a)sierraclub.org; bob.bingaman(a)sierraclub.org;
leigh.fifelski(a)sierraclub.org; joshua.low(a)sierraclub.org;
allison.forbes(a)sierraclub.org; dave.hamilton(a)sierraclub.org
Cc: chris.wilhite(a)sierraclub.org
Subject: Energy Independence Day op-ed
see below and attached. To be localized.
thanks,
odette
i'll be in DC through July 6th. please email or call me on my cell
607-279-6338. :)
Two Percent for Energy Independence
As the Fourth of July approaches and we gather to watch fireworks and
celebrate our country?s political independence, it is time to struggle for a
new kind of independence: energy independence from what has become a tyranny
of fossil fuels.
World scientists agree that global warming is here and that it is happening
at an alarming rate, largely due to the world?s reliance on the carbon
emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels Fortunately, however,
scientists also tell us that we can curb global warming if we take bold,
comprehensive steps to cut global warming pollution by 80% by the year 2050.
Though this may seem daunting, it equates to a doable two percent every year
for the next forty years!
Change needs to start now. America is an energy importer, relying on foreign
fuels both for the gasoline we use in our cars and for much of the coal and
natural gas that we burn for our electricity. Not only do these dirty energy
sources contribute to global warming and asthma-causing smog, they also cost
American citizens billions of dollars every year in money sent overseas and
intrinsically link our economy and way of life to foreign powers. There is,
however, a better way.
[Insert state] has already started along a new, cleaner path. For [insert
state] energy Independence means investing in renewable energy, like [insert
best renewable energy practice] as well as in money saving solutions that
reduce the amount of energy we use and therefore the need to import.
By becoming more energy efficient, like using the super-efficient LED lights
in buildings and for traffic lighting, [insert state citizen name] can
significantly cut their energy use. As solutions that use less dirty,
imported energy sources keep more and more [insert state] dollars at home,
we can begin investing more and more of that money in creating our own clean
energy alternatives right here at home.
[Insert paragraph about effort?s already taken by your state]. Efforts like
these are to be applauded, but they must continue to grow and expand.
Government can do a lot to protect the environment. The fight against global
warming, however, can start right at home. To reach our goal, to build a
cleaner, smarter and safer energy future and stronger economy, to meet and
overcome the most urgent problem facing us, to protect our children and
theirs, we must all be part of the 2 percent solution. Change a light-bulb.
Turn the air-conditioning down. Carpool. Write to your elected officials
asking them to fight for our energy independence. Citizens, businesses and
governments all have a role to play and we must begin to act now. That?s
why, this Fourth of July, before I watch the fireworks from [insert
location], I?ll honor the legacy of American independence and replace a few
light-bulbs with energy-saving fluorescents!
Odette Mucha
Field Media Coordinator
Sierra Club
San Francisco, CA
415-977-5761
cell: 607-279-6338
[View Less]
We asked for a public hearing on Water Quality Certification and we are
getting it -
Thursday, July 12, 6:00 - 9:00pm
at the Western Greenbrier Middle School in Crawley
(same place as the public hearing on the Draft EIS).
It is vital that we have a good attendance and let the WV DEP know how much
we care about water quality. I cannot stress how important turnout is, so
mark your calendars and bring friends and neighbors.
Below are talking points for what to say, but if you aren't good …
[View More]at public
speaking and your voice shakes as much as your knees, just say (after
introducing your self and where you live), "I came because I want the
Department of Environmental Protection to protect the Meadow River." Or, if
you live in or near Rainelle, "I came because I want the Department of
Environmental Protection to protect my supply of drinking water."
If you fish, raft, kayak, swim, or otherwise enjoy the Meadow River, mention
that.
Keep watch for more information about this between now and the hearing.
Talking points:
The Legislative Rules for the Department of Environmental Protection Office
of Water Resources states, "It is declared to be the public policy of the
State of West Virginia to maintain reasonable standards of purity and
quality of the water of the State consistent with (1) public health and
public enjoyment thereof; (2) the propagation and protection of animal,
bird, fish, and other aquatic and plant life; and (3) the expansion of
employment opportunities, maintenance and expansion of agriculture and the
provision of a permanent foundation for healthy industrial development."
Under Antidegradation Policy, the Legislative Rules make it clear that
existing uses shall be maintained and protected.
The quality of the water of the Meadow River would suffer if the flow is
significantly reduced, so the DEP should not grant 401 Water Quality
Certification without conclusive scientific data that the Meadow River will
be okay.
So far, to date, there has been no official information assuring that there
will be enough water for the WGC plant. At the public hearing on the Draft
EIS, DOE representatives admitted that studies were ongoing. We have not
heard any results from those studies.
The Draft EIS did not specify a final plan for where the water would come
from, just that they need 1200 gallons/min, that 500 gallons/min would come
from the Rainelle Sewage Treatment Plant, and the rest would come from the
Meadow River and/or local wells or maybe some additional source.
The problem is that both the Meadow River and the aquifer are at their
lowest levels at the same time of the year. Furthermore, the effluent from
the Rainelle Sewage Treatment Plant that used to go back into the river will
now be completely subtracted from the Meadow River.
The information about the Meadow River was based on old data about flow with
no studies about impacts on recreation or fish or other biota in the river.
The pump tests on the aquifer were so inconclusive that the consultant hired
to evaluate groundwater pumping recommended further longer tests and stated
that these further tests might indicate that long term pumping is not
sustainable.
Following are the comments I filed about the water supply on the Draft EIS.
If you would like to see the comments from the Appalachian Center, let me
know and I will forward them.
The incompleteness of the Draft EIS regarding sufficient water supply is
admitted on page 2 - 39, where it is stated, "Additional and ongoing
groundwater studies are planned to better characterize the local aquifer and
the effects of long-term pumping. These studies were not completed in time
to be incorporated into the Draft EIS, but they are expected to be available
for incorporation into the Final EIS." Conversations with Mark McKoy,
geologist with DOE, at the January 4, 2007 public hearing confirmed that
studies are ongoing and a sufficient water supply has not been confirmed.
Mr. McKoy attempted to characterize this as an insignificant factor by
saying that they did not feel they needed to be 100% certain of the water
supply, but I submit that the following information demonstrates that they
are a long way from 100%.
* Page 2 - 37, 2.4.6 Water Supply, states that water supply
requirements range from 900 to 1200 gallons per minute depending on seasonal
fluctuations (with peak demand in the summer months). (Emphasis added)
* Then on page 2 - 38, Figure 2.4-5 illustrates that it is
during the summer months of peak demand that the primary water source, the
RSTP, is lowest.
* Page 2 - 39 goes on to admit, "Because there is some
uncertainty regarding whether sufficient water would be available from
either the Meadow River or groundwater sources under extended low recharge
conditions, WGC has considered two options for supplemental process water
supply for the power plant." These options are to use both the Meadow River
and the groundwater aquifer; the options differ in which is to be the
secondary and which the tertiary source.
The problem is that both the Meadow River and the aquifer are at their
lowest levels at the same time of the year.
* In fact, on page 4.4-12, Figure 4.4-5 illustrates that for
over two months in August, September and October the Meadow River flow is
below both 60% of the annual average flow and 60% of the average seasonal
flow, yielding the sole conclusion that no water at all could be drawn from
the river during this time.
* In addition, in Appendix D, Groundwater Pump Test, the last
statement on page 6, Model Predictions, is that 12 feet could be considered
the additional drawdown to reflect short-term drought conditions.
Since short-term drought conditions occur during August, September and
October, it is when no water can be drawn from the Meadow River, and the
aquifer may already be down 12 feet from the summer drought, that the most
water (at least 800 gallons per minute in addition to the RSTP) will be
required to operate the plant.
The first paragraph on page 4.4-14 says it all, "Because of limited
hydrologic data on the relationship between the aquifer and the Meadow
River, there is an ongoing study on the local aquifer that would provide
more insight on the aquifer's characteristics and to a better judge its
availability and impacts during use. Also, a gage would be located on
Meadow River near the intake structure (under either water supply option) as
part of a daily check to monitor and record stream levels. Ongoing
collection of river data would allow for a better understanding of the
Meadow River's characteristics and along with the ongoing aquifer study,
provide WGC more data for better water use decisions. Furthermore, the
state would review the issues and provide recommendations to WGC. The
forthcoming results from the aquifer tests, continuous monitoring of the
river's behavior and correspondence with state agencies would help WGC
decide on the best approach to supplying water for the project and minimize
adverse impacts to water sources." The actions listed in this paragraph
should be completed before a Draft EIS is published for comment.
Several other factors further enforce my conclusion that the Draft EIS is
incomplete and inadequate:
* All these figures are averages and/or estimates, so the
reality at a given time could be even worse.
* The data regarding Meadow River flow is from 25 years ago.
* The choice is left open as to whether the Meadow River will
be maintained at 60% of its annual average or 60% of its seasonal average
flow.
* In most instances where the 60% threshold for reducing the
Meadow River flow is mentioned there is an added clause, "or another
comparable withdrawal limitation measure determined in consultation with the
state." This is an open-ended factor meaning the actual drawdown of the
Meadow River may be an unidentified amount.
* There is no resolution of the WGC alternatives identifying
which source of water supply is to be secondary and which tertiary.
The absurdity of the water supply situation is illustrated on page 2 - 39,
where it is stated that, "WGC is also investigating alternate groundwater
sources outside the drawdown area for the WGC production wells for use as a
potential third source of water." Here we have another potential area of
environmental impacts that is not identified, not studied, and for which the
public will have no opportunity to comment. Incidentally, since the Meadow
River is one of three sources of water, the statement should have read "a
potential fourth source of water."
Additional questions that should be answered by a Draft EIS follow.
Why were the following issues raised on page 1 - 7, Table 1 - 1 Issues
Identified for Consideration in the EIS, not addressed?
* Impacts from elevated stream temperatures from disposal of
waste heat.
* Impacts from acid rain and mercury deposition in streams.
* Impacts from disturbance of the Anjean gob pile (at that
time, the only gob pile identified as part of the project).
Appendix F, Stream Studies, contains Aquatic Biota Habitat Surveys of Two
Streams in Rainelle, WV. Why was no such study conducted on the Meadow
River?
How is the 60% threshold of the Meadow River flow justified? The Draft EIS
refers to the Tennant Method, but this is a technique, not a study. The
pertinent statement in the Draft EIS is, "A general rule of thumb is that
serious degradation of habitat occurs beyond 30 percent of the annual
average." Figure 4.4-4 on page 4.4-11 demonstrates that the monthly
variability of flow in the Meadow River makes a "general rule of thumb"
invalid in determining how much can be withdrawn from the river without
affecting river health; and as noted above regarding Appendix F, no study
was conducted of aquatic biota in the Meadow River.
Since the unsubstantiated 60% drawdown of the Meadow River is further
qualified by the open-ended statement, "or another comparable withdrawal
limitation measure determined in consultation with the state," how is the
public to make substantive comments on the environmental impacts of an
unknown amount?
There was scant mention of the monitoring needed to ascertain that the flow
of the Meadow River is sufficient (supposing a sufficient flow is
determined). Who will perform this monitoring? Who will have access to the
monitoring data? What will be the procedure for alerting WGC plant
operators when the Meadow River is below the required level of flow?
In conclusion, this Draft EIS should be withdrawn and redone, or a
supplemental EIS should be issued when the above studies have been completed
and the alternatives selected. Barring this, the no action alternative
should be selected on the basis that no additional negative environmental
impacts will occur.
Regarding the existing drainage from the Anjean and other gob piles, there
are other alternatives for dealing with those impacts that, by its own
admission, are beyond the scope of this document. Besides, the gob piles
are currently being treated; and the environmental impacts of disturbing the
gob piles and then having the project halted because it becomes financially
unfeasible, lacks a sufficient water supply, or other result of the
incomplete planning that characterizes the project so far, would be much
worse than the no action alternative.
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.9.10/876 - Release Date: 6/28/2007
10:56 AM
[View Less]
EC'ers
ATTACHED IS A COPY OF THE SIERRA CLUB PETITION TO INTERVENE IN THE TRAIL
PROCEEDING AT THE PSC. I WILL FORWARD A NUMBER OF OTHER DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING A LIST OF THE DOCKETED PLEADINGS TOMORROW. FYI, THERE HAVE BEEN
FOUR INTERIM STAFF REPORTS TO THE COMMISSION, AND THE PSC ISSUED A FAIRLY
BROAD PROCEDURAL ORDER ON 6-11 WHICH I'LL ALSO FORWARD.
I PLAN TO USE THE "EC(a)osenergy.org" EMAIL ADDRESS TO COPY EVERYBODY ON
FILINGS. IF THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE COPIED WHO WILL NOT RECEIVE …
[View More]VIA
THIS ADDRESS, PLEASE ADVISE.
PLEASE CALL IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS.
BILL
--
William V. DePaulo, Esq.
179 Summers Street, Suite 232
Charleston, WV 25301-2163
Tel: 304-342-5588
Fax: 304-342-5505
william.depaulo(a)gmail.com
www.passeggiata.com
[View Less]
Hi,
Did anyone contact Robert L. McConnell? He had a guest commentary in
yesterday's June 24th Dominion Post. He has the right characteristics;
he's a retired associate professor emeritus of electrical engineering
from WVU. He explained, "I have not worked with the load-flow analysis
programs, however, I have done a lot of modeling and simulation." He
prefers small independent systems over large inter-dependent systems,
and he also opposes the construction of the transmission lines on the
…
[View More]basis of global warming.
If nobody has contacted him, I'll try to locate him and find out if he'd
be interested. He's in Independence, WV.
Also, this Saturday I talked to Edie Jett, she sent us a NIETC Update
back on May 22. She'd be very interested in working with us.
Jonathan
[View Less]
Jim says this is ready to send to national. Let me know if anything
else is needed.
________________________________
From: Grubb, Karen
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 12:54 PM
To: 'Paul Wilson'
Subject: RE: Subcommittee on TrAIL
This is very helpful. Thank you. I am preparing the new matter form
and will be sending it to you by tomorrow. Will you take care of
getting our legal chair's signature, if needed?
Karen
________________________________
From: Barbara Fallon [mailto:…
[View More]brbr_fallon@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 9:48 AM
To: Grubb, Karen; James Kotcon; William V. DePaulo, Esq.;
wjreilly99(a)yahoo.com; Jonathan Rosenbaum
Subject: Re: Subcommittee on TrAIL
For the budget write up the language that Paul provided.
The Chapter is providing $2500 toward the TrAIL campaign. The SES
recently awarded a $5000 grant (pending CGC approval.) The cost for
expert witnesses should be minimized because the intention of the energy
committee is to share this cost with neighboring environmental groups.
The fundraising committee will appeal to donors for contributions
through out the campaign. Grant writing will be pursued.
Budget
Legal Fees....
$5000
Expert Witnesses....
5000
Publicity expenses....
1000
Travel, phone and copying costs to committee members.... 1000
Total:
$12,000
-----Original Message-----
From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf
Of James Kotcon
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007 8:16 PM
To: ec(a)osenergy.org; Barbara Fallon
Subject: [EC] Energy Committee Motion and notes
Attached are the notes I wrote down of the call tonight.
On the call were Barbara Fallon, Jim Kotcon, Duane Nichols , Jonathon
Rosenbaum, Will Reilly, Pat Reilly, and Karen Grubb
1. Jim Kotcon moved, Duane Nichols seconded, that the Energy Committee
recommend the following to the Chapter ExCom:
A. That the Chapter seek approval to intervene in the Allegheny
Transmission line case (PSC Case No 07-0508-E-CN) in order to preserve
rights for additional participation in the case to the extent funds are
available.
B. That the Energy Committee allocate $2500 from the 2007 budget for
expenses on the case, with additional fundraising to be conducted
including grant-writing (Barb Fallon) and direct appeals to donors (Jim
Kotcon).
C. That the Chapter ExCom authorize use of the Chapter Foundation
account, or establish a new Foundation account for purposes of receiving
donations for this campaign and related Energy Committee activities.
Motion carried.
2. Bill DePaulo will contact Aaron Isherwood, Will Burns in PA (Energy
Conservation Coalition of PA), and Rob Marmet in Virginia (Piedmont
Environmental Council) to explore opportunities to share expert
witnesses.
3. Jim Kotcon will contact additional potential experts to solicit bids
for evaluation by the Energy Committee.
4. Karen Grubb will head a subcommittee to draft a more detailed
campaign plan. Jim Kotcon, Will Reilly and Jonathon Rosenbaum indicated
they would serve, and Barbara will circulate a call for additional
volunteers via e-mail. (A date for this subcommittee to meet should be
set soon.)
5. Bill says other groups that intervene can decide later to file a
joint brief and sponsor testimony with SC. Also, Bill DePaulo will be
out of the country from July 1 until after the deadline, so intervention
needs to be submitted very soon.
JBK
P.S. If anyone has any suggestions for names of potential expert
witnesses, please send them to me. It is useful for a limited number of
people on the Energy Committee (not more than two) to make these initial
calls so we do not end up with different experts negotiating with
different members of the same committee.
_______________________________________________
EC mailing list
EC(a)osenergy.org
http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
[View Less]
I am leaving for Seattle and won't be back until July 2. Keep up the very good work
Barbara
____________________________________________________________________________________
Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7
I will be on the intervention sub-committee. I will be the fundraiser person.
----- Original Message ----
From: "Grubb, Karen" <kgrubb(a)fairmontstate.edu>
To: ec(a)osenergy.org
Cc: mdavis(a)hsc.wvu.edu
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 2:33:03 PM
Subject: Re: [EC] Fw: WV grant - SES meeting outcome
That’s wonderful Barbara!
Now, who wants to be on the intervention subcommittee and when and where can we meet? Subcommittee members please see http://nyri.info/info.htm for inspiration, …
[View More]sent to me by Jonathan.
Paul said he wanted the completed New Matter Form to submit by Friday. I assume he meant June 22. That is two days from now. I am pretty much free this week, but planned to go to DC this weekend.
We need a budget, expert witnesses, co-plaintiffs, and what cooperation we can expect from VA and PA attorneys. Am I right in thinking these all need to be accomplished this week?
I am attaching my new matter form document with updates from tonight’s call in bold.
Thanks, Karen
From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org ] On Behalf Of Barbara Fallon
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 9:26 AM
To: ec(a)osenergy.org
Cc: mdavis(a)hsc.wvu.edu
Subject: [EC] Fw: WV grant - SES meeting outcome
Well, well, well.....
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Jason Marsden <jcmarsden(a)gmail.com>
To: Barbara Fallon <brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com>
Cc: Stephen Crowley <scrow(a)sover.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 6:58:28 PM
Subject: WV grant - SES meeting outcome
Hello Barbara,
The Smart Energy Solutions CIC just completed its monthly meeting and we did approve the $5,000 grant to the West Virginia chapter toward expert witnesses as proposed.
This grant will also require the CGC's approval, and they may or may not concur with our recommendation, but in either case you should be hearing from them soon, as they are scheduled to meet June 28.
I have copied Steve Crowley, SES-CIC chair, on this message since I will be out of the country for the next 29 days and unable to stay abreast of CGC's decision.
Best of luck and a pleasure getting acquainted this past week!
Best wishes,
Jason
--
Jason Marsden
Executive Director
Wyoming Conservation Voters
www.wyovoters.org
(307) 265-0870
PO Box 2664
Casper , Wyo. 82602-2664
_______________________________________________
EC mailing list
EC(a)osenergy.org
http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
____________________________________________________________________________________
Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.
http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow
[View Less]
An estimated budget for the TrAIL Allegheny campaing is $12,000. Depending on how the campaign goes this expense can and will escalate. So far we have $7500. The Chapter budget affords us $2500 and we recently received a $5000 grant from National SES sources (pending CGC approval.)
I am the chair of the energy committee, but I am also forming a fundraising sub-committee. Now that we have gotten approval from the Chapter to intervene before the PSC we have to make haste and raise funds to …
[View More]meet the financial challenges ahead.
Currently Karen Grubb and Jim Kotcon are completing the New Matters Form. This document will be sent to National for their approval of our intervention. We have a deadline of July 11 to file for intervention, but our councel, Bill DePaulo needs to have the paperwork completed and signed by him by June 29.
We cannot begin our fundraising until we have been given approval to intervene by National. The is fothcoming. Now I am looking for a few people to serve on the fundraising committee with me. We will primarily be soliciting funds from doners, writing grants, having bake sales! and anything else the committee agrees to do. National provides fundraising training. I will look into this training. Perhaps a few people can attend. With fundraising there are lots of rules. Right now I need a few volunteers.
I am not a fundraiser. I am a grant writer. I know that the campaign needs funds, so this is why I heading the fundraising committee. You do not have to be an experienced fundraiser to be on this committee. You will however, be an experienced fundraiser when we are done.
best Regards,
Barbara
____________________________________________________________________________________
Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.
http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/
[View Less]
Well, well,well.....
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Jason Marsden <jcmarsden(a)gmail.com>
To: Barbara Fallon <brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com>
Cc: Stephen Crowley <scrow(a)sover.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 6:58:28 PM
Subject: WV grant - SES meeting outcome
Hello Barbara,
The Smart Energy Solutions CIC just completed its monthly meeting and we did approve the $5,000 grant to the West Virginia chapter toward expert witnesses as proposed.
This grant will also require the …
[View More]CGC's approval, and they may or may not concur with our recommendation, but in either case you should be hearing from them soon, as they are scheduled to meet June 28.
I have copied Steve Crowley, SES-CIC chair, on this message since I will be out of the country for the next 29 days and unable to stay abreast of CGC's decision.
Best of luck and a pleasure getting acquainted this past week!
Best wishes,
Jason
--
Jason Marsden
Executive Director
Wyoming Conservation Voters
www.wyovoters.org
(307) 265-0870
PO Box 2664
Casper, Wyo. 82602-2664
____________________________________________________________________________________
Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.
http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/
[View Less]
Just this:
Bill says other groups that intervene can decide later to file a joint
brief and sponsor testimony with SC. Also, Bill DePaulo will be out of
the country from July 1 until after the deadline, so intervention needs
to be submitted very soon.
I attached the latest version of my notes. I didn't know I volunteered
to head the subcommittee, but I guess I can.
Karen
-----Original Message-----
From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf
Of James Kotcon
…
[View More]Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007 8:16 PM
To: ec(a)osenergy.org; Barbara Fallon
Subject: [EC] Energy Committee Motion and notes
Attached are the notes I wrote down of the call tonight.
On the call were Barbara Fallon, Jim Kotcon, Duane Nichols, Jonathon
Rosenbaum, Will Reilly, Pat Reilly, and Karen Grubb
1. Jim Kotcon moved, Duane Nichols seconded, that the Energy Committee
recommend the following to the Chapter ExCom:
A. That the Chapter seek approval to intervene in the Allegheny
Transmission line case (PSC Case No 07-0508-E-CN) in order to preserve
rights for additional participation in the case to the extent funds are
available.
B. That the Energy Committee allocate $2500 from the 2007 budget for
expenses on the case, with additional fundraising to be conducted
including grant-writing (Barb Fallon) and direct appeals to donors (Jim
Kotcon).
C. That the Chapter ExCom authorize use of the Chapter Foundation
account, or establish a new Foundation account for purposes of receiving
donations for this campaign and related Energy Committee activities.
Motion carried.
2. Bill DePaulo will contact Aaron Isherwood, Will Burns in PA (Energy
Conservation Coalition of PA), and Rob Marmet in Virginia (Piedmont
Environmental Council) to explore opportunities to share expert
witnesses.
3. Jim Kotcon will contact additional potential experts to solicit bids
for evaluation by the Energy Committee.
4. Karen Grubb will head a subcommittee to draft a more detailed
campaign plan. Jim Kotcon, Will Reilly and Jonathon Rosenbaum indicated
they would serve, and Barbara will circulate a call for additional
volunteers via e-mail. (A date for this subcommittee to meet should be
set soon.)
JBK
P.S. If anyone has any suggestions for names of potential expert
witnesses, please send them to me. It is useful for a limited number of
people on the Energy Committee (not more than two) to make these initial
calls so we do not end up with different experts negotiating with
different members of the same committee.
P.P.S. Please let me know if I missed anything, or if anyone has other
recollections of our actions tonight.
_______________________________________________
EC mailing list
EC(a)osenergy.org
http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
[View Less]
The items in 5 were not listed in any order, and won't necessarily all
apply. They are some ideas Jim had on the drive back to Fairmont from
DOE, and I don't think will be included on the New Matter Form. Here is
the list amended based on Jonathan's comments. Did I get the gist of
your comments correctly?
Karen
________________________________
From: ec-bounces(a)osenergy.org [mailto:ec-bounces@osenergy.org] On Behalf
Of Jonathan Rosenbaum
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2007 3:49 AM
To: …
[View More]Energy Committee
Subject: Re: [EC] New Matter Form - AP TrAIL
I realize this was thrown together quickly, but, in 5, I would like some
enlightenment about the details of what these minimum conditions imply
in a compromise. Would all these conditions have to apply? "H" should
be at the top of the list of compromises, though maybe that's why it's
at the bottom, however, is "H" really a compromise, or more along the
lines of what we should minimally expect from WV power companies (and
every power company) regardless of whether we are pursuing the Trail Co
case or not? Based on what I heard at the public meeting here in
Morgantown, it sounds very unlikely that buried lines would be an option
in a compromise. If any power line is going to be built as a result of
a compromise using existing routes, conservation is definitely going to
have to be part of the package deal, and I would suggest that the
recipients of this electricity are either going to have to conserve or
pay up for that privilege, i.e. "D" could be amended to reflect that
recipients in congested areas get to pay for the "cheap energy"
infrastructure we've built for them "by them" here in WV if they choose
to use electricity that a carbon tax could be applied to. Just like a
toll road, those who use it, get to pay for its creation and upkeep.
However, if the recipients choose to receive clean "renewable" energy
via these lines, then any extra costs to them would be waived.
Jonathan
Grubb, Karen wrote:
Jim suggested I write these down and send them out as a starting point
for what needs to be accomplished before intervention can be approved.
Karen
_______________________________________________
EC mailing list
EC(a)osenergy.org
http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
[View Less]
Sorry for the short notice. Please call in to a conference call tonight at 7:00. We need to talk about the New Matters Form, Funding, and what our discussion will entail for the ExCom confernece call on Tuesday night. Re: Allegheny
Number 866.501.6174
Conference Code: 1005700
Hope you can join us...
Barbara
____________________________________________________________________________________
Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, …
[View More]photos & more.
http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC
[View Less]
I agree with Jim taht we need a strategy to win this thing. We need a strategy in order to get foundation funding for that matter. In the mean time we need to convice the ExCom that we have money to engage in effective intervention. Right now we don't have that.
Paul, How do I get on to the Sierra Clubhouse? I thought I would look around there for some mini-grants that could show good effort to the ExCom.
It is hard to get foundation money for expert witnesses. Grant making …
[View More]foundations want to give money for educational purposes generally .
Barbara
----- Original Message ----
From: James Kotcon <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu>
To: Glen Besa <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org>; James Kotcon <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu>
Cc: aaron.isherwood(a)sierraclub.org; Mike Town <michael.town(a)cavtel.net>; dave.muhly(a)sierraclub.org; Paul Wilson <pjpaulgrunt(a)gmail.com>; bfallon(a)fairmontstate.edu; Peter.Martin(a)sierraclub.org; ec(a)osenergy.org
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:05:54 PM
Subject: Re: [EC] Allegheny Transmission line deadline
Glen, et al.:
The major players in Virginia are with the Piedmont Environmental Council. Several attended a regional strategy meeting in Cumberland MD last week and we are collaborating on joint letters to Congress regarding the Hinchey-Wolfe bill. But there was no discussion of cost-sharing, other than discussion of the concept that expert witnesses in one state could likely testify in other states at a much lower cost, since much of the analytical work would not need to be repeated.
The main players in PA are the Pennsylvania ECO, as well as a grassroots coalition called "Stop The Towers". They also are participating in what is currently being called the Mid Atlantic Energy Coalition. This entity apparently just was formed in the last month.
As Bill DePaulo stated, it will cost as much as we are willing to spend. We could intervene for a negligible cost, but getting the expert witnesses and spending the time to develop all the legal documents to win could cost $10,000 to $100,000, and if we had $200,000, we could spend all of that too.
I believe that this will require both the legal PSC intervention, as well as a political strategy, and a state legislative strategy, and a federal Congressional strategy to win. So if we are serious about winning, we should be developing a longer-range plan.
JBK
>>> "Glen Besa" <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org> 6/12/2007 8:25 AM >>>
Jim,
Contact Aaron Isherwood on this powerline matter. Also, have any folks in
the VA horse country expressed an interest in supporting a WV challenge to
the power line? Do we have any idea of the cost? It is possible that VA
folks concerned about the power line thru their lands might desire to help
fight it in WV as well. Glen
Glen Besa, Regional Director
Sierra Club Appalachian Region
(DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302
Richmond, VA 23219
O-804-225-9113 x 104
F-804-225-9114
C-804-387-6001
glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org
-----Original Message-----
From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu]
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 9:09 PM
To: duane330(a)aol.com; KenW; BarbaraF; Rodger Dotson; William DePaulo; Mary
Rehmann; Paul Wilson; allantweddle; Nate Parr; James Kotcon; Sally Wilts;
brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com
Cc: JonathonR; Beth Little; Karen Grubb; Stephen M. Walker; Autumn Bryson;
Mary Davis; Bill Price; Dave Muhly; Glen Besa; Regina Hendrix; Jim Kotcon
Subject: Allegheny Transmission line deadline
The scheduling order came out from the WV Public Service Commission today.
It specifies that petitions to intervene must be submitted within 30 days,
hence July 11 is the deadline if the Chapter wants to intervene.
I think we need a detailed plan for how to win this campaign if we are to
move forward. There is an emerging regional coalition (the Mid-Atlantic
Energy Coalition) which has representation from 4 states. Paul and I
attended a meeting last week, and there seems to be a consensus to oppose
the line, but the West Virginia portion of the case will need to be fought
by West Virginians.
JBK
_______________________________________________
EC mailing list
EC(a)osenergy.org
http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec
____________________________________________________________________________________
Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more.
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[View Less]
FYI:
At Aaron's request, I took the liberty of contacting Erin Chalmers to give him a status report on this issue. Erin indicated that we could file a New Matter Form before the Chapter ExCom approves intervention. This way, we could be working with National concurrently to relieve some of the time constraints from doing it sequentially. If the National Litigation Committee approves it, we would still need the Chapter ExCom's approval before proceeding, but we do not need to have these …
[View More]approvals in any specific order.
We do not need approval from other Chapters to intervene in the WV case, but since these cases are proceeding simultaneously in PA and VA, notification and collaboration would be useful and appropriate.
JBK
>>> <aaron.isherwood(a)sierraclub.org> 6/12/2007 1:59 PM >>>
Actually, for efficiency's sake, please call my colleague, attorney Erin
Chalmers **as soon as possible** at 415-977-5765.
Thanks,
Aaron
Aaron Isherwood
Senior Staff Attorney
Sierra Club Environmental Law Program
85 Second Street, 2d Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105-3441
Phone: (415) 977-5680
Fax: (415) 977-5793
CONFIDENTIAL LEGAL COMMUNICATION/WORK PRODUCT
This e-mail may contain privileged and confidential attorney-client
communications and/or attorney work product. If you receive this e-mail
inadvertently, please reply to the sender and delete all versions on your
system.
Thank you.
"Glen Besa"
<glen.besa@sierra
club.org> To
"'James Kotcon'" <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu>
06/12/2007 05:25 cc
AM "Paul Wilson"
<pjpaulgrunt(a)gmail.com>,
<dave.muhly(a)sierraclub.org>,
<aaron.isherwood(a)sierraclub.org>,
<Peter.Martin(a)sierraclub.org>,
<Peter.Martin(a)sierraclub.org>,
"'Mike Town'"
<michael.town(a)cavtel.net>
Subject
RE: Allegheny Transmission line
deadline
Jim,
Contact Aaron Isherwood on this powerline matter. Also, have any folks in
the VA horse country expressed an interest in supporting a WV challenge to
the power line? Do we have any idea of the cost? It is possible that VA
folks concerned about the power line thru their lands might desire to help
fight it in WV as well. Glen
Glen Besa, Regional Director
Sierra Club Appalachian Region
(DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302
Richmond, VA 23219
O-804-225-9113 x 104
F-804-225-9114
C-804-387-6001
glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org
-----Original Message-----
From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu]
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 9:09 PM
To: duane330(a)aol.com; KenW; BarbaraF; Rodger Dotson; William DePaulo; Mary
Rehmann; Paul Wilson; allantweddle; Nate Parr; James Kotcon; Sally Wilts;
brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com
Cc: JonathonR; Beth Little; Karen Grubb; Stephen M. Walker; Autumn Bryson;
Mary Davis; Bill Price; Dave Muhly; Glen Besa; Regina Hendrix; Jim Kotcon
Subject: Allegheny Transmission line deadline
The scheduling order came out from the WV Public Service Commission today.
It specifies that petitions to intervene must be submitted within 30 days,
hence July 11 is the deadline if the Chapter wants to intervene.
I think we need a detailed plan for how to win this campaign if we are to
move forward. There is an emerging regional coalition (the Mid-Atlantic
Energy Coalition) which has representation from 4 states. Paul and I
attended a meeting last week, and there seems to be a consensus to oppose
the line, but the West Virginia portion of the case will need to be fought
by West Virginians.
JBK
[View Less]
Glen, et al.:
The major players in Virginia are with the Piedmont Environmental Council. Several attended a regional strategy meeting in Cumberland MD last week and we are collaborating on joint letters to Congress regarding the Hinchey-Wolfe bill. But there was no discussion of cost-sharing, other than discussion of the concept that expert witnesses in one state could likely testify in other states at a much lower cost, since much of the analytical work would not need to be repeated.
The …
[View More]main players in PA are the Pennsylvania ECO, as well as a grassroots coalition called "Stop The Towers". They also are participating in what is currently being called the Mid Atlantic Energy Coalition. This entity apparently just was formed in the last month.
As Bill DePaulo stated, it will cost as much as we are willing to spend. We could intervene for a negligible cost, but getting the expert witnesses and spending the time to develop all the legal documents to win could cost $10,000 to $100,000, and if we had $200,000, we could spend all of that too.
I believe that this will require both the legal PSC intervention, as well as a political strategy, and a state legislative strategy, and a federal Congressional strategy to win. So if we are serious about winning, we should be developing a longer-range plan.
JBK
>>> "Glen Besa" <glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org> 6/12/2007 8:25 AM >>>
Jim,
Contact Aaron Isherwood on this powerline matter. Also, have any folks in
the VA horse country expressed an interest in supporting a WV challenge to
the power line? Do we have any idea of the cost? It is possible that VA
folks concerned about the power line thru their lands might desire to help
fight it in WV as well. Glen
Glen Besa, Regional Director
Sierra Club Appalachian Region
(DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
422 East Franklin Street, Suite 302
Richmond, VA 23219
O-804-225-9113 x 104
F-804-225-9114
C-804-387-6001
glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org
-----Original Message-----
From: James Kotcon [mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu]
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 9:09 PM
To: duane330(a)aol.com; KenW; BarbaraF; Rodger Dotson; William DePaulo; Mary
Rehmann; Paul Wilson; allantweddle; Nate Parr; James Kotcon; Sally Wilts;
brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com
Cc: JonathonR; Beth Little; Karen Grubb; Stephen M. Walker; Autumn Bryson;
Mary Davis; Bill Price; Dave Muhly; Glen Besa; Regina Hendrix; Jim Kotcon
Subject: Allegheny Transmission line deadline
The scheduling order came out from the WV Public Service Commission today.
It specifies that petitions to intervene must be submitted within 30 days,
hence July 11 is the deadline if the Chapter wants to intervene.
I think we need a detailed plan for how to win this campaign if we are to
move forward. There is an emerging regional coalition (the Mid-Atlantic
Energy Coalition) which has representation from 4 states. Paul and I
attended a meeting last week, and there seems to be a consensus to oppose
the line, but the West Virginia portion of the case will need to be fought
by West Virginians.
JBK
[View Less]
________________________________
From: Allison.Forbes(a)sierraclub.org
[mailto:Allison.Forbes@sierraclub.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 9:31 AM
To: michael.oleary(a)sierraclub.org; jan.oconnell(a)sierraclub.org;
spease4kc(a)everestkc.net; kathyandria(a)gmail.com; nwrpaladin(a)yahoo.com;
glen.besa(a)sierraclub.org; Murphydalzell(a)aol.com; fbdrinkwine(a)msn.com;
jsaxe(a)suscom-maine.net; standish7(a)yahoo.com;
Bob.Bingaman(a)sierraclub.org; robinmann(a)earthlink.net; APickel(a)aol.com;
…
[View More]massen(a)pacbell.net; linda.c.modica(a)mac.com; darrclarke(a)gmail.com;
bdfrank(a)centurytel.net; james.irwin(a)sierraclub.org; Ned.Ford(a)fuse.net;
blossomhoag(a)gmail.com; nancylaplaca(a)yahoo.com; dczamanske(a)hotmail.com;
boba(a)openaccess.org; jlasturner(a)socket.net; alsattler(a)igc.org;
Eadie2Act4Water(a)aol.com; stacey.kawakami(a)gmail.com;
willtoole(a)sbcglobal.net; Zichella(a)sierraclub-sac.org; fleslie(a)fit.edu;
lglustrom(a)gmail.com; bruce(a)chesdata.com; pjwray(a)verizon.net;
rainerd(a)gmail.com; jlindop(a)gmail.com; dennis.winters(a)verizon.net;
FRANKZAS(a)aol.com; BobFusinato(a)tx.rr.com; shirleyf(a)theriver.com;
Nmiller285(a)aol.com; patrea(a)execpc.com; rainmt(a)rochester.rr.com;
jerryhinkle(a)sbcglobal.net; becca.glenn(a)sierraclub.org;
shannon.harps(a)sierraclub.org; scrow(a)sover.net;
Dave.Hamilton(a)sierraclub.org; Jessica.Hodge(a)sierraclub.org;
janefeldman(a)earthlink.net; Jim(a)EarthDayLA.org;
donna.hoffman(a)sierraclub.org; jrclark(a)radiks.net; dmayhue(a)gmail.com;
alanskoalas(a)yahoo.com; ctwiliams(a)yahoo.com; kathyseal(a)gmail.com;
jonibosh(a)fastq.com; tmatteson1(a)mindspring.com;
randy.francisco(a)sierraclub.org; mark.bettinger(a)sierraclub.org;
chris.carney(a)sierraclub.org; DScott1575(a)aol.com; daveol(a)earthlink.net;
karen.woodsum(a)sierraclub.org; Cesia.Kearns(a)sierraclub.org;
rob.smith(a)sierraclub.org; p.morse(a)sbcglobal.net;
bob.muldoon(a)mindspring.com; Energy.Intern(a)sierraclub.org; glc44(a)aol.com;
jim_scon(a)yahoo.com; jim_scon(a)yahoo.com; scott.elkins(a)sierraclub.org;
sharonstephens(a)earthlink.net; ktharder(a)efg.com; worldgarden(a)igc.org;
emmapeel13(a)aol.com; toys(a)ritternet.com;
yvonne.cather(a)kansas.sierraclub.org; craig.lubow(a)kansas.sierraclub.org;
frank.drinkwine(a)kansas.sierraclub.org;
bill.griffith(a)kansas.sierraclub.org; thomas.kneil(a)wichita.edu;
craig.lubow(a)kansas.sierraclub.org; haydenb(a)bloomington.in.us;
peterfritz(a)hoosier.sierraclub.org; workmanjm(a)aol.com;
jerry.sutherland(a)comcast.net; phred(a)sunlightdata.com;
jlasturner(a)socket.net; dardenne(a)charter.net; hrbtsn(a)aol.com;
pjgrunt(a)gmail.com; regina1936(a)verizon.net; Grubb, Karen;
duane330(a)aol.com; roy.hengerson(a)sierraclub.org; Ron McLinden
Cc: scrow(a)sover.net; Dave.Hamilton(a)sierraclub.org
Subject: [energy activists and chapters] URGENT: MN NH AR KS IN OR MO WV
Importance: High
Energy Activists and Chapter staff in MN NH AR KS IN OR MO WV:
BEFORE 2pm TODAY: Ask your Senator to oppose amendments that undermine
Senator Bingaman's Renewable Electricity Standard and derail America's
path to renewable energy.
The Senate begins debate on energy legislation today. We need you to
call your Senator BEFORE 2pm Eastern. Please use the talking points
below to engage grassroots and grasstops. The vote on the amendment will
happen today.
Talking points:
* Hi, my name is XXXX and I'm calling from [city, state].
* I'm calling to ask Senator XXXX to oppose Senator Domenici's
amendment to the national renewable electricity standard.
* The amendment would weaken the deployment of truly clean and
renewable electricity sources like wind, solar, biomass and geothermal.
* The renewable standard is intended to promote our development of
clean, new energy sources, not give more subsidies to the coal and
nuclear industries.
* The renewable standard provides a way to save consumers like me
money on their utility bills by increasing the competition from
renewable energy sources and reducing the demand for natural gas
* Thank you.
MN
Coleman
202.224.5641
NH
Gregg
202.224.3324
AR
Pryor
202.224.2353
Lincoln
202.224.4843
KS
Brownback
202.224.6521
IN
Bayh
202.224.5623
OR
Smith
202.224.3753
MO
McCaskill
202.224.6154
WV
Rockefeller
202.224.6472
America's use of truly clean and renewable energy could get a historic
boost from the Senate today [June 12th], but the bill is threatened by
an amendment allowing nuclear, coal and other so-called "clean" energy
sources. Senator Bingaman's (D-NM) renewable electricity standard would
require utilities to acquire 15 percent of their energy from the wind,
sun, energy crops and the heat of the earth's core by 2020. Please call
your today senator to oppose amendments that undermine Senator
Bingaman's standard and derail American's path to renewable energy.
Please call now as the vote on the amendment will happen today!
Next energy activist call: Tuesday, June 12, 8:30pm Eastern -
1-866-501-6174 - 2239223#
Find resources at: clubhouse.sierraclub.org/energy/grassroots
Allison Forbes
National Conservation Organizer
Sierra Club Global Warming and Energy Program
(202) 548-6583
[View Less]
________________________________
From: Frank Young [mailto:fyoung@mountain.net]
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 10:10 PM
To: Lew; WVHCBOARD(a)yahoogroups.com
Cc: Jim Kotcon; Bill DePaulo; Dave Saville; Grubb, Karen
Subject: Allegheny proposes rate increase for proposed transmission line
Allegheny proposes rate increase for proposed transmission line
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Allegheny Energy wants a rate increase for the
West Virginia piece of a proposed 240-mile interstate transmission line
…
[View More]after all.
The Greensburg, Pa.-based electric company asked the Public Service
Commission for a 4.2 percent rate hike last week because of a Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission decision, Allegheny spokesman Allen
Staggers said. Allegheny did not ask for an increase in March, when it
filed for PSC approval of the West Virginia portion of the transmission
line.
Since then, however, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has
reconsidered the allocation of construction costs for the project,
prompting Allegheny to seek the rate increase, Staggers said.
Construction is expected to cost about $1.3 billion.
Allegheny's 492,000 residential customers in the state would see their
bills increase about 90 cents a month if the rate hike is approved.
Allegheny plans to build the transmission line with Richmond,
Virginia-based Dominion Energy. The line would begin in Washington
County, Pa., move into Greene County, Pa., and cross West Virginia to
Loudoun County, Va.
------
Information from: The Dominion Post, http://www.dominionpost.com
[View Less]
Everyone,
My florida trip took a couple of turns. First I did not have Internet access and so I have to catch up on emails today. Second, I was in Florida longer than expected because I had to rush my mother to the emergency room for atrila fribulation. She is fine now, just a serious scare.
I am back in my office today and I will catch up with all of you.
Barbara
____________________________________________________________________________________
Choose the right car based on …
[View More]your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool.
http://autos.yahoo.com/carfinder/
[View Less]
I am in Florida visiting my mother until June 4th. I am keeping up with the energy committee and working on funding from here in florida. I am wondering if anyone was able to get to the PA meeting?
I can't find the email that circulated re: Virginia Sierra and expert witnesses. Can anyone resend that to me? or was I dreaming again////
My body is poolside, but my thoughts are with you.
REgards,
Barbara
…
[View More]____________________________________________________________________________________
Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.
http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/
[View Less]
I regret that I will not be able to attend, I am hosting a workshop at the WVU Organic Research Farm Saturday, so it would be bad form for me to blow it off.
Attached is the (near) final version of the Fact sheet and reasons to oppose that the WV Chapter Energy Committee complied. I am also attaching a draft of the New Matter Form we prepared for the WV Chapter ExCom to intervene in the WV Public Service Commission case. It is my understanding that the WV ExCom has tabled this pending a …
[View More]more detailed budget and campaign plan, as well as a better listing of allies and affiliations. The PA Chapter may find it useful.
My understanding is that the deadline to intervene in the WV case is at least a month away, I do not know the timeframe for the PA-PUC case.
Jim Kotcon
304-293-8822 (office)
304-594-3322 (home)
>>> Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org> 5/18/2007 11:50 AM >>>
Hi EC,
Attached are directions, and the Agenda for the PA Chapter's meeting
this Saturday at State College. This will be the first time they are
discussing TrAIL, and deciding on a course of action. Jeff Schmidt,
Chair, told me that Will Burns of Stop the Towers, will be making a
power point presentation after Lunch ( http://stopthetowers.org/ ).
This is a great opportunity for us to present the situation, and
establish important alliances.
Jeff would like to know by 4:00 p.m. today whether anyone from out
Committee is planning to attend. Alternatively, we could email him a
written statement. Please email back this list if you decide on any
action. I could ride up with someone, it's about 3 hours away.
You should contact:
To Chair: Jeff Schmidt <jeff.schmidt(a)sierraclub.org>
CC Conservation Chair: Tim Wolper <twolper(a)swanzoco.com>
CC: Energy Committee <ec(a)osenergy.org>
Thanks,
Jonathan
[View Less]
Hi EC,
Attached are directions, and the Agenda for the PA Chapter's meeting
this Saturday at State College. This will be the first time they are
discussing TrAIL, and deciding on a course of action. Jeff Schmidt,
Chair, told me that Will Burns of Stop the Towers, will be making a
power point presentation after Lunch ( http://stopthetowers.org/ ).
This is a great opportunity for us to present the situation, and
establish important alliances.
Jeff would like to know by 4:00 p.m. today …
[View More]whether anyone from out
Committee is planning to attend. Alternatively, we could email him a
written statement. Please email back this list if you decide on any
action. I could ride up with someone, it's about 3 hours away.
You should contact:
To Chair: Jeff Schmidt <jeff.schmidt(a)sierraclub.org>
CC Conservation Chair: Tim Wolper <twolper(a)swanzoco.com>
CC: Energy Committee <ec(a)osenergy.org>
Thanks,
Jonathan
[View Less]
I'll attach the minutes of the conference call. Send
any corrections to Barbara Fallon at brbr_fallon(a)yahoo.com
____________________________________________________________________________________Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7
In the *DESCRIPTIVE MEMO* in the last paragraph of B, "intervenore"
should be "intervenors", and the last paragraph of C needs a period. In
A where it says:
"The alleged purpose of the line is to relieve transmission
congestion and bottlenecks between power plants in the Ohio Valley
and Midwest states and consumers in East Coast markets. However, we
believe that the line's primary purpose is to increase sales of
electricity from underused coal-fired power plants owned by
…
[View More] Allegheny Energy, and displace electricity from more expensive, but
potentially cleaner power plants nearer to those markets."
I'd like to make a comment, and maybe a suggest a rewording, though I'm
leaving that up to you, it's probably good as it is. However, according
to the "Draft National Corridor Designations Key Findings and
Conclusions" at
http://nietc.anl.gov/documents/docs/FindingsAndConclusions.pdf under
the "Principal Findings and Conclusions Concerning the Draft
Mid-Atlantic Areas National Corridor Designation", one finding is that
"high-production-cost generators in eastern PJM are used extensively,
while generating capacity at lower-production-cost generators in western
PJM are inaccessible with additional costs passed on to electricity
consumers." Allegheny Power is definitely taking advantage of that
finding so it's not an issue of us believing that this may be the case.
One of my favorite findings of the DOE Findings is the one that talks
about the Mid-Atlantic Critical Congestion Area, and then goes on to
mention "the large number of military and other facilities in this area
that are extremely important to the national defense and homeland
security" and how "any deterioration of the electric reliability would
constitute a serious risk to the well-being of the Nation." Now explain
to me how building a new transmission line, that is easily vulnerable to
a terrorist attack, is going to accomplish this? The DOE should be
pushing decentralized energy solutions like the one Alan Tweedle talks
about in his previous email. It can be further argued that for the DOE
to encourage increased energy usage via non-renewable energy production
and by establishing Corridors to facilitate this production, would mean
that the DOE, itself, is a threat to the National Security it hopes to
protect. Why? Because Global Warming poses a serious threat to the
stability of the world. Probably everyone has read this -
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/15/warming.military.ap/index.html .
Anyways, what I'm saying here about this finding wouldn't fit into the
Matter Form, however, if you can find a place for it in the handout that
will be passed out Wednesday night, it may turn some heads.
Jonathan
James Kotcon wrote:
> Attached is a draft version of a New Matter Form for the Chapter to intervene before the Public Service Commission in the proposed Allegheny Transmission line case. The initial intervention is relatively low cost, but if expert witnesses are needed, the costs could escalate. There is significant potential to share costs with other citizens/groups along the proposed route, but firm commitments have not yet been made.
>
> No scheduling Order or deadline for intervention has yet been set, but one is expected soon and we would have at most 30 days to get approval to intervene in order to preserve our ability to participate fully in the proceedings.
>
> The Energy Committee approved this (in principle) on Friday night, with the goal of presenting it to the ExCom for approval at the Tuesday night conference call, and then submittal to the National Litigation Committee in San Francisco.
>
> Jim Kotcon
>
> P.S. Any suggestions for additional language or editting would be appreciated.
>
>
[View Less]
Hi all,
To make communication easier for the Energy Committee, I've set-up this
list. To post new email, send it to ec(a)osenergy.org . If you need to
use a different email address to interact with the list, go to
http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec , follow the subscribing
directions, and reply to the confirmation email.
Over the weekend, if the listinfo link isn't working for you, it's
related to the fact that I changed the DNS for osenergy.org. And if the
link isn't working, you …
[View More]won't be able to send email to the list. For
the majority of people this problem shouldn't exist, but if it does, it
should clear up by Monday when the DNS cache is updated all over the
world. [To put it simply, just realize if the list isn't working for
you this weekend, it should be working for you by this Monday].
Enjoy,
Jonathan
[View Less]