Noble plans to erect 84 more turbines this year in Eagle and the adjacent town of Wethersfield. Combined, the two projects will represent a $450 million investment.”

From: democratandchronicle.com

Why not douse the lights for an hour? You just might find that you don’t need as many burning as you have most evenings. Feel the power. Take steps toward a smaller footprint.

More steps toward a smaller footprint. Happy New Year!

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.

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.

as reported by highrivertimes.com…
ALBERTA, CA– ” Since the beginning of time, man has looked for ways to harness the power of the sun and bend it to his own means. Cayley school takes the species one step closer.
The school has been given approval from the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) to take the next step with its solar and wind power project…

The school will be incorporating the data from the project into the curriculum. Some of the main applications will be in math and the sciences…
“

Smart. Very smart.

The state has offered rebates of up to $43,500 for a $77,500 residential solar system. With a $2,000 federal tax credit introduced this year and other incentives.

Construction has increased from six solar power systems in 2001 to 1,270 today, with 600 more in construction and 1,000 applicants for the next round of funding.

as reported by philly.com…
When solar-power executives toured New Jersey’s Meadowlands last month, checking out a $25 million plan to cover 30 acres of enclosed landfill, roofs and parking lots with panels - touted as the nation’s largest solar farm - Thomas Leyden of PowerLight Corp. called it a “Persian Gulf” of opportunity.

They get it in New Jersey.

as reported by billingsgazette.com…
MONTANA — During a recent helicopter tour of Glacier Park conducted for ABC News, Montana Governor Schweitzer noted, “We had over a hundred glaciers … Now we’re down to a couple dozen, and by 2025, 2035 at the rate that they’ve been declining, there will be no glaciers in Glacier National Park.”

Yes, the ice is melting.

Go to Glacier National Park. See them while you can. Then come home and reduce the ways you waste energy. It’s not so hard to change your own habits and you’ll feel good in the process. Be part of the solution. Don’t give up. It’s not too late.

as reported by onedayvancouver.com…
BEIJING — Global warming is causing Tibet’s glaciers to melt faster than expected at a rate of 7 per cent annually, triggering droughts, expanding desertification and increasing sandstorms in China.

China has collected data from 681 weather stations over four decades. The results? A 2 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature since the 1980’s. And yes, the ice is melting – 7% per year. Deserts are sprawling and sandstorms are becoming problems.

Whether you believe we have caused global warming or not, the ice is melting. There are ways you can help induce global cooling.

Carpool. Use public transportation. Walk. Turn your thermostat down a bit in the winter, and up a bit in the summer. Drive a more efficient vehicle. Use or support energies like wind and solar through direct use, or by purchasing energy tags.

Now, it’s a movie and by some accounts, a terrifying movie.

More info is available at climatecrisis.net where you’ll find global warming background and stats, a carbon footprint calculator, and a request to pledge to see the movie on opening day, May 24. View the movie trailer.

You may also setup an email reminder to see the movie. Which is handy in case you forget to remember the ice is melting.