Add comment December 31st, 2007
I noticed a great ZDNet post this morning from Heather Clancy, about the California Edison “Change a Light, You’re the Star!” user submitted videos campaign. Seeing kids involved in these homemade CFL promotional videos is a heartwarming way to finish 2007. I encourage you to have a look.
More steps toward a smaller footprint. Happy New Year!
1 comment December 23rd, 2007
The photo on the cover of Neil Young’s latest album, Chrome Dreams II, is the hood of his “baby”, a 1959 Lincoln Continental Mark IV. That car, a 19′ long 2 1/2 ton cruiser is currently in Wichita KS being converted to a hybrid electric vehicle. The gas guzzling engine is being replaced by a combination of electric motor and a biodiesel powered diesel engine. 100 MPG highway is expected after the conversion, at which time, Neil will head for Detroit, where “Linc Volt” will visit its original factory.
Linc Volt, “Re-Powering the American Dream” is a documentary currently in production at Neil’s “Shakey Pictures” studios. The documentary will include footage of his Fall 2007 drive from San Francisco to H-Line Conversions in Wichita and all the gas stops along the way, including interviews and reaction from folks he met en route.
There’s a bit of CNN video here.
Pre-trip, Neil stopped by google to check out the RechargeIT charging station.
He’s no stranger to biodiesel. During his 2003 “greendale” tour, I photographed his buses being refueled with biodeisel in Moline, IL. The entire tour fleet, buses and tractor trailers alike, were biodiesel powered. He also drives a biodiesel powered Hummer. Linc Volt will be different, incorporating an electric motor with instant torque. The setup, with the fuel engine capable of generating power for the electric motor, is not unlike a modern train engine.
Not everyone can drop an estimated $40k converting their car to a hybrid but it’s nice to know that those who can, to raise awareness, will.
But I have to admit, part of me thinks Neil also wants a mini-biodiesel-locomotive he can drive every day.
Long may you run, Linc Volt.
Add comment December 22nd, 2007
On Dec. 19, the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 was signed into law. Among other things, the bill raised fuel economy standards for the first time in 32 years and set a Renewable Fuel Standard that will mandate the use of renewable biofuels by energy producers.
The bill also requires that by 2012 to 2014, all light bulbs must use 25 to 30 percent less energy than they do today. Traditional incandescent light bulbs use almost 90 percent of the energy they use to produce heat, not light. The phase-in will start with 100-watt bulbs in 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in 2014. By 2020, bulbs must be 70 percent more efficient. Compact fluorescent bulbs already meet that efficiency standard. Learn about CFL bulbs at CFLbulbs.com
Why wait? Hit the iron while it’s hot. Make some changes now toward a smaller footprint. Switch to more energy efficient light bulbs. Don’t waste energy. Educate yourself on the use of biofuels.
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