----- Original Message -----

From: Andrew McCalla

To: hreg@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 2:52 PM

Subject: Re: [hreg] Fw: Enron's Impact on Renewable Energy and the Environment

Joseph,

Points well taken.

However, I must take issue with your statement:  "Without a deregulated power grid, green power wouldn't even be available."

Aside from those putting in their own systems, it has been available for many for some time, and from utilities even, just not yours.

Andrew H. McCalla

Meridian Energy Systems, Inc.

Solar-Electric System Design, Installation, and Service.

P.O. Box 5810

Austin, TX  78763

Tel: 512-477-3050

Fax: 512-477-3035

www.meridiansolar.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

----- Original Message -----

From: Polly Ledvina

To: hreg@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2002 8:25 PM

Subject: [hreg] US effort to combat global warming

 

At the risk of chasing off more subscribers (or encouraging more dialogue) please consider the following:

 

Soon after President Bush came into office, he broke his campaign promise to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from US power plants. Two weeks
later, he rejected US participation in the Kyoto Protocol. At that time, however, he promised the US would take it's own steps to combat global warming and formed a Cabinet-level group to study the problem and to develop a set of climate-related policies.   Today, we got a look at that plan.

The plan proposes to reduce the "emissions intensity" of the economy - that is, the tons of carbon and other greenhouse gases released per million dollars of GDP - by 18 percent over the next ten years. This is meaningless because, in fact, it's almost exactly the amount by which greenhouse gas "intensity" fell between 1990 and 2000, as a result of ongoing capital stock turnover and structural shifts in the economy. Based on the President's own projections of future economic growth, emissions would increase by 14 percent over the next ten years, which is precisely the rate at which they grew during the last ten years. The only way emissions would be reduced from current levels under this kind of plan is if the US suffered a sustained recession -- a situation that is neither desirable nor likely.

The Administration's use of "intensity" rather than absolute values is a deception - a useful way to appear to be reducing greenhouse gas emissions while doing nothing. The Plan defines "intensity" as tons C emitted per million dollars of GDP (tons C / M$ GDP). If  emissions growth (the top number) is a fraction of GDP growth (the bottom number) then this number "intensity" will always decrease with time, even though emissions are still increasing. This "intensity" approach is a smoke and mirrors attempt to confuse the public into believing that the administration is acting on greenhouse gas emissions while in fact offering nothing more than "business as usual".

Perhaps the biggest farce is that all of the proposed emissions cuts are voluntary. The President has proposed tax credits to encourage companies to cut emissions, but there is nothing binding.

This proposal is very different from requiring an absolute reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas as the Kyoto Protocol requires other industrialized countries to do.   President Bush's climate plan is not consistent with his once-touted goal of stabilizing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.   As a leader of the industrialized world we may hold our heads up high knowing that we have totally shirked our responsibility.

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

----- Original Message -----

From: LaVerne Williams

To: hreg@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, February 18, 2002 7:56 PM

Subject: [hreg] Green Mountain Electricity rate reduction

To all Green Mountain Customers:

 

Green Mountain should only be charging you 8.7 cents/kwh.  They dropped their rate after the 1st of the year.  If your bills do not reflect this rate change reduction, call them @ 1.866.green.tx to get them to do it.  Otherwise it seems they will keep billing you at the old rate.

 

LaVerne A. Williams, AIA
laverne@...
Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants
5828 Langfield Road
Houston, TX 77092-1429
713.528.0000

 

 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

AWEA, the small wind turbine industry, and potential buyers of small
wind
systems need your help this week to support a Senate floor amendment to
the
Senate Energy Bill next week.  Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the
Senate
author of S. 1810, will ask the Senate to amend their new energy bill to

include all of the provisions of S. 1810.  This bill would provide a 30%

federal tax credit for purchases of small wind turbines up to 75 kW.

The Senate is in recess this week and Senators are in their home
states.  You can help by calling the local offices of both of your
Senators.  These telephone numbers will be listed in most phone books.

Ask them to support the Durbin amendment, to the Senate Energy bill, on
small wind energy systems.  Please emphasize that it is for small wind
systems for homes, farms, and businesses, not large wind systems covered
by
the "existing, but expired" Production Tax Credit.

Last week the Senate drafted an Energy Bill that included a 30% tax
credit
for small wind systems for homes.  But, it only covers residential
applications and the credit is capped at $2,000.  We need the cap
removed
and eligibility opened back up to farms and businesses.  The Durbin
amendment will do that.

Please take time in the next few days to place these important phone
calls.  AWEA is working hard to resurrect a federal tax credit for small

wind systems (we have not had one since 1985!), but they could really
use
some grassroots help.  You would be amazed at how effective a few
focused
calls from constituents can be.

Further information on S. 1810 and its House companion, HR 2322, are
available at www.bergey.com (this listing doesn't, however, have up to
date
information on the new Senate Energy Bill or the upcoming Durbin
amendment)

Thank you very much,

Mike Bergey
Chair, AWEA Small Wind Turbine Committee

Senator Hutchinson 713-653-3456
Senator Gramm 713-572-3337
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steven Shepard" <sbtdesigns@...>
To: <hreg@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 10:09 AM
Subject: [hreg] AWEA


> AWEA, the small wind turbine industry, and potential buyers of small
> wind
> systems need your help this week to support a Senate floor amendment to
> the
> Senate Energy Bill next week.  Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the
> Senate
> author of S. 1810, will ask the Senate to amend their new energy bill to
>
> include all of the provisions of S. 1810.  This bill would provide a 30%
>
> federal tax credit for purchases of small wind turbines up to 75 kW.
>
> The Senate is in recess this week and Senators are in their home
> states.  You can help by calling the local offices of both of your
> Senators.  These telephone numbers will be listed in most phone books.
>
> Ask them to support the Durbin amendment, to the Senate Energy bill, on
> small wind energy systems.  Please emphasize that it is for small wind
> systems for homes, farms, and businesses, not large wind systems covered
> by
> the "existing, but expired" Production Tax Credit.
>
> Last week the Senate drafted an Energy Bill that included a 30% tax
> credit
> for small wind systems for homes.  But, it only covers residential
> applications and the credit is capped at $2,000.  We need the cap
> removed
> and eligibility opened back up to farms and businesses.  The Durbin
> amendment will do that.
>
> Please take time in the next few days to place these important phone
> calls.  AWEA is working hard to resurrect a federal tax credit for small
>
> wind systems (we have not had one since 1985!), but they could really
> use
> some grassroots help.  You would be amazed at how effective a few
> focused
> calls from constituents can be.
>
> Further information on S. 1810 and its House companion, HR 2322, are
> available at www.bergey.com (this listing doesn't, however, have up to
> date
> information on the new Senate Energy Bill or the upcoming Durbin
> amendment)
>
> Thank you very much,
>
> Mike Bergey
> Chair, AWEA Small Wind Turbine Committee
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

-----Original Message-----
From: LaVerne Williams [mailto:wa@...]
Sent: Monday, February 18, 2002 7:57 PM
To: hreg@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [hreg] Green Mountain Electricity rate reduction

To all Green Mountain Customers:

 

Green Mountain should only be charging you 8.7 cents/kwh.  They dropped their rate after the 1st of the year.  If your bills do not reflect this rate change reduction, call them @ 1.866.green.tx to get them to do it.  Otherwise it seems they will keep billing you at the old rate.

 

LaVerne A. Williams, AIA
laverne@...
Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants
5828 Langfield Road
Houston, TX 77092-1429
713.528.0000

 

 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Solar Energy International to Host Photovoltaic Design Workshop in
   Austin
   March 25 - 30, 2002

   Opportunity for homeowners, homebuilders and solar enthusiasts to
   gain hands-on experience with PV installation.

   Solar Energy International (SEI), with co-sponsors Meridian Energy
   Systems and the Texas Solar Energy Society, is offering a week-long
   Photovoltaic Design Workshop in Austin, Texas where participants will
learn the
   technology basics necessary to produce electricity from the sun. A
condensed
   workshop of SEI's "PV Design and Installations" offered in Colorado,
this
   one-week format allows for classroom education, laboratory exercises,
tours
   and an actual system installation project.

   *       Topics Include:
           - Basics of Electricity
           - Solar Site Analysis
           - PV System Components
           - Component Specification
           - Electrical Wiring
           - Safety Procedures

    Cost per registrant is $550.

   SEI is a non-profit educational organization whose purpose is to
encourage the practical use of renewable energies and environmental
   building through education and technical assistance.


   WHEN:                   March 25 - 30, 2002
   WHERE:                  Austin, Texas
   REGISTRATION:  Justine Sanchez
                                   Phone: 970-963-8855
                                   Email: sei@...
                                   Solar Energy International
                                   PO Box 715, Carbondale, CO 81623

   CONTACT:          Andrew McCalla
                                   Meridian Energy Systems
                                   512-477-3050
                                   andrew@...

Once at a Houston Renewable Engery Group meeting I heard someone talking
about Sterling Engines.  May I suggest you contact them at:
<hreg@yahoogroups.com>
Kim

rare_wood wrote:

> --- In HealthyHousing@y..., "Donna" <ruthful@p...> wrote:
>  >*snip*  I keep seeing a picture in my mind from the far recesses of
> my past where there was sort of a little wind mill inside a glass
> dome and the blades of the wind mill were painted black and white.
> Every other one, in other words, one black and then one white.  And
> when the sun hit them, it caused the blades to move.  Is the sterling
> engine something like this?
>
> ###  The device you described directly converts solar energy into
> rotational force and movement.  I doubt that such a configuration
> would be suitable for generating a practical amount of power.
>
> ###Here is how the Stirling engine works: When a confined body of gas
> (air, helium, whatever) is heated, its pressure rises.  This
> increased pressure can push on a piston and do work.  The body of gas
> is then cooled, pressure drops, and the piston can return.  The same
> cycle repeats over and over, using the same body of gas.
>  >
>  > And, I really do plan to read up on this, but first, tell me, are
> people already successfully using sterling engines to run houses?
> And how much does a set up cost, like you have described?
>
> ###  The only Stirling engines being produced for sale that I could
> find were tiny demonstrator models that you build from plans or
> kits.  I placed a phone call to the American Hydrogen Association in
> the hopes of finding Irving Jorgenson, the man who about nine years
> ago tested the sun motors I described.  I left a message on their
> machine and I hope to hear back from them .  I'll post an update when
> I learn more.
>
> Ray
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ADVERTISEMENT
>
<http://rd.yahoo.com/M=213858.1879371.3379540.1261774/D=egroupweb/S=1705041688:H\
M/A=763352/R=0/*http://www.classmates.com/index.tf?s=5085>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> HealthyHousing-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
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> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.

Stirling engines are really still in the research stage.
http://www.sunpower.com/products/index.html
Stirling coolers are a little farther along.
http://www.globalcooling.nl/
http://www.globalcooling.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: Kim & Garth Travis [mailto:gartht@...]
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2002 7:50 AM
To: HealthyHousing@yahoogroups.com; hreg@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [hreg] Re: [HealthyHousing] Re: Sterling sun-powered engine


Once at a Houston Renewable Engery Group meeting I heard someone talking
about Sterling Engines.  May I suggest you contact them at:
<hreg@yahoogroups.com>
Kim

rare_wood wrote:

> --- In HealthyHousing@y..., "Donna" <ruthful@p...> wrote:
>  >*snip*  I keep seeing a picture in my mind from the far recesses of
> my past where there was sort of a little wind mill inside a glass
> dome and the blades of the wind mill were painted black and white.
> Every other one, in other words, one black and then one white.  And
> when the sun hit them, it caused the blades to move.  Is the sterling
> engine something like this?
>
> ###  The device you described directly converts solar energy into
> rotational force and movement.  I doubt that such a configuration
> would be suitable for generating a practical amount of power.
>
> ###Here is how the Stirling engine works: When a confined body of gas
> (air, helium, whatever) is heated, its pressure rises.  This
> increased pressure can push on a piston and do work.  The body of gas
> is then cooled, pressure drops, and the piston can return.  The same
> cycle repeats over and over, using the same body of gas.
>  >
>  > And, I really do plan to read up on this, but first, tell me, are
> people already successfully using sterling engines to run houses?
> And how much does a set up cost, like you have described?
>
> ###  The only Stirling engines being produced for sale that I could
> find were tiny demonstrator models that you build from plans or
> kits.  I placed a phone call to the American Hydrogen Association in
> the hopes of finding Irving Jorgenson, the man who about nine years
> ago tested the sun motors I described.  I left a message on their
> machine and I hope to hear back from them .  I'll post an update when
> I learn more.
>
> Ray
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ADVERTISEMENT
>
<http://rd.yahoo.com/M=213858.1879371.3379540.1261774/D=egroupweb/S=17050416
88:HM/A=763352/R=0/*http://www.classmates.com/index.tf?s=5085>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> HealthyHousing-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.





Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Hi, I know from comments at meetings that some one on this list knows
about Sterling engines.  On another list I am on, they are looking for
information on them.  Will someone who knows about them contact me off
list, please?
Thanks, Kim

Any volunteers?  HREG received this request.  Please let me (
mike.ewert@... ) know if you would be willing to do this and I will put
you in touch with the requester.
==========================================
Is there any possibility of locating an engineer who would like to speak
about his/her field on the morning of April 26?  The Academy of Science and
Technology in Oak Ridge near The Woodlands is having an Engineers Day.  All
of the engineers so far that have accepted to speak are from the Oil patch.
I was hoping to have an alternative energy person.  Austin suggested that I
contact your group.  Do you have any suggestions?  These students are not
your regular high school kids.

Please give me some more information.

What time?
How long?
What format?
Purpose?
How many attending?

Claude


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Ewert [SMTP:mike.ewert@...]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2002 8:10 AM
> To: HREG
> Subject: [hreg] speaker needed
>
> Any volunteers?  HREG received this request.  Please let me (
> mike.ewert@... ) know if you would be willing to do this and I will put
> you in touch with the requester.
> ==========================================
> Is there any possibility of locating an engineer who would like to speak
> about his/her field on the morning of April 26?  The Academy of Science and
> Technology in Oak Ridge near The Woodlands is having an Engineers Day.  All
> of the engineers so far that have accepted to speak are from the Oil patch.
> I was hoping to have an alternative energy person.  Austin suggested that I
> contact your group.  Do you have any suggestions?  These students are not
> your regular high school kids.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

Hey Mike!

This is an activity that falls within the mission of HREG and should be
accomplished.  I will be happy to do this.  Currently, there is nothing on
my schedule for April 26, so I will pencil it in.

Oral

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Ewert [mailto:mike.ewert@...]
Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2002 8:10 AM
To: HREG
Subject: [hreg] speaker needed


Any volunteers?  HREG received this request.  Please let me (
mike.ewert@... ) know if you would be willing to do this and I will put
you in touch with the requester.
==========================================
Is there any possibility of locating an engineer who would like to speak
about his/her field on the morning of April 26?  The Academy of Science and
Technology in Oak Ridge near The Woodlands is having an Engineers Day.  All
of the engineers so far that have accepted to speak are from the Oil patch.
I was hoping to have an alternative energy person.  Austin suggested that I
contact your group.  Do you have any suggestions?  These students are not
your regular high school kids.






Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Though this was in the field of this group.
Kim

-------- Original Message --------
Subject:Smoking Vehicle Program: turn 'em in!
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 00:35:40 -0600

from:
Smoking Vehicle Program
1-800-453-SMOG
   http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/ms/smokingvehicles.html#smkform

The Problem

How often have you been caught in traffic behind a car, truck, or bus that
is emitting smoke? You smell the fumes, roll up your window, close the
vents, and look for your first chance to pass. It makes you angry.

Not surprisingly, a large percentage of the air pollution in Texas comes
from the more than 16 million motor vehicles registered in the state. Each
vehicle has the potential to be a source of air pollution. However,
poorly-maintained vehicles are the biggest contributors to the pollution
problem. In fact, the pollution from one poorly-maintained vehicle is equal
to that of 28 properly-functioning cars!

How It Works

You can help the TNRCC get the word to owners of smoking vehicles in Texas.
The next time you see a car, truck, or bus anywhere in Texas with dirty
smoke coming from its exhaust for more than 10 consecutive seconds, write
down the license number, date, time, and location you saw the smoking
vehicle.

Report the smoking vehicle, within 30 days, by submitting the on-line
reporting form or calling 1-800-453-SMOG (7664). You do not have to give
your name, and the report is free.

We will then notify the owner that his or her vehicle may be contributing to
air pollution by smoking excessively. We also provide the owner with
information about how car maintenance will improve the vehicle's
performance.


To Report a Smoking Vehicle

(1) Upon observing a smoking vehicle, please make note of the following
information:

Texas license plate number
Date observed
Time (AM/PM)
City
Location observed (street and closest cross street)

(2) Report the information to the TNRCC, within 30 days, by one of the
following methods:

Use the on-line reporting form
http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/ms/smokingvehicles.html#smkform

Call 1-800-453-SMOG (7664)

Send a fax to 512/239-2050

Mail the information to:
Attention: Smoking Vehicle Program
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 13087
MC - 164
Austin, Texas 78711-3087


Your Report Makes a Difference

Since this program started in 1992, we have sent more than 125,000 letters
to smoking vehicle owners. Thousands have replied saying they fixed their
cars! Repairs have ranged from minor adjustments to major engine repairs.

What Causes Tailpipe Smoke

Tailpipe smoke is a result of incomplete fuel combustion, which is usually
caused from improper engine operation in both gasoline- and diesel-powered
vehicles. When a vehicle and its engine are not properly maintained, the
likelihood of engine problems and smoke increases. Although the smoke, as a
whole, is problematic, its color can be helpful in indicating the potential
source of the vehicle's problems. See "Smoking Vehicles: Types of smoke,
probable causes, and corrective actions (GI-009)."

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TheWitchWithin-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com



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I could pass (and report on) more smoking cars if they'd let me drive 70
mph!

I despise the one-size-fits-all approach to punishing the good and the
bad (polluters) our government has taken on this smog reduction plan.

Robert

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kim & Garth Travis [mailto:gartht@...]
> Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 7:26 AM
> To: hreg@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [hreg] [Fwd:Smoking Vehicle Program: turn 'em in!
>
> Though this was in the field of this group.
> Kim
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject:Smoking Vehicle Program: turn 'em in!
> Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 00:35:40 -0600
>
> from:
> Smoking Vehicle Program
> 1-800-453-SMOG
>   http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/ms/smokingvehicles.html#smkform
>
> The Problem
>
> How often have you been caught in traffic behind a car, truck, or bus
that
> is emitting smoke? You smell the fumes, roll up your window, close the
> vents, and look for your first chance to pass. It makes you angry.
>
> Not surprisingly, a large percentage of the air pollution in Texas
comes
> from the more than 16 million motor vehicles registered in the state.
Each
> vehicle has the potential to be a source of air pollution. However,
> poorly-maintained vehicles are the biggest contributors to the
pollution
> problem. In fact, the pollution from one poorly-maintained vehicle is
> equal
> to that of 28 properly-functioning cars!
>
> How It Works
>
> You can help the TNRCC get the word to owners of smoking vehicles in
> Texas.
> The next time you see a car, truck, or bus anywhere in Texas with
dirty
> smoke coming from its exhaust for more than 10 consecutive seconds,
write
> down the license number, date, time, and location you saw the smoking
> vehicle.
>
> Report the smoking vehicle, within 30 days, by submitting the on-line
> reporting form or calling 1-800-453-SMOG (7664). You do not have to
give
> your name, and the report is free.
>
> We will then notify the owner that his or her vehicle may be
contributing
> to
> air pollution by smoking excessively. We also provide the owner with
> information about how car maintenance will improve the vehicle's
> performance.
>
>
> To Report a Smoking Vehicle
>
> (1) Upon observing a smoking vehicle, please make note of the
following
> information:
>
> Texas license plate number
> Date observed
> Time (AM/PM)
> City
> Location observed (street and closest cross street)
>
> (2) Report the information to the TNRCC, within 30 days, by one of the
> following methods:
>
> Use the on-line reporting form
> http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/ms/smokingvehicles.html#smkform
>
> Call 1-800-453-SMOG (7664)
>
> Send a fax to 512/239-2050
>
> Mail the information to:
> Attention: Smoking Vehicle Program
> Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
> P.O. Box 13087
> MC - 164
> Austin, Texas 78711-3087
>
>
> Your Report Makes a Difference
>
> Since this program started in 1992, we have sent more than 125,000
letters
> to smoking vehicle owners. Thousands have replied saying they fixed
their
> cars! Repairs have ranged from minor adjustments to major engine
repairs.
>
> What Causes Tailpipe Smoke
>
> Tailpipe smoke is a result of incomplete fuel combustion, which is
usually
> caused from improper engine operation in both gasoline- and
diesel-powered
> vehicles. When a vehicle and its engine are not properly maintained,
the
> likelihood of engine problems and smoke increases. Although the smoke,
as
> a
> whole, is problematic, its color can be helpful in indicating the
> potential
> source of the vehicle's problems. See "Smoking Vehicles: Types of
smoke,
> probable causes, and corrective actions (GI-009)."
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> To REPLY: email the person who wrote the email
> (They are the email address directly above the text.)
> To SUBMIT a notice: Moonladynews-owner@yahoogroups.com
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> Do you benefit from Moonlady News? Donations appreciated!
> 381 Casa Linda Plaza, box #228 Dallas, TX 75218-3423
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> * THANKS for NOT sending me forwards or attachments! *
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
>  >>> Send a blank email to the addresses listed below to: <<<
> Get ON the list: MoonladyNews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Get OFF: MoonladyNews-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Switch to DIGEST: MoonladyNews-digest@yahoogroups.com
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> TheWitchWithin-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
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>

What about the schizophrenia of reducing the speed limit, while at the same
time initiating massive highway expansion programs?  How much will the speed
limit need to be reduced to compensate for all the additional cars pouring
into the city when the Katy Freeway is expanded to 24 lanes?

Highway expansion projects never reduce congestion.  Expanded roads only
fill back up by inducing demand.  New highways are disincentive to
alternative means of transportation.  In a very short time the Katy Freeway
will have more cars, more pollution, more heat, more noise, more congestion,
and more communities in grid-lock than ever before. We will be light years
behind where we could be, because we're chosen to spend our transportation
dollars paving over homes, businesses, and greenspaces for more freeway,
rather than providing clean, well-considered, hospitable alternatives.

Polly

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Johnston" <rjohnsto@...>
To: <hreg@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 8:41 AM
Subject: RE: [hreg] [Fwd:Smoking Vehicle Program: turn 'em in!


> I could pass (and report on) more smoking cars if they'd let me drive 70
> mph!
>
> I despise the one-size-fits-all approach to punishing the good and the
> bad (polluters) our government has taken on this smog reduction plan.
>
> Robert
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Kim & Garth Travis [mailto:gartht@...]
> > Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 7:26 AM
> > To: hreg@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [hreg] [Fwd:Smoking Vehicle Program: turn 'em in!
> >
> > Though this was in the field of this group.
> > Kim
> >
> > -------- Original Message --------
> > Subject:Smoking Vehicle Program: turn 'em in!
> > Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 00:35:40 -0600
> >
> > from:
> > Smoking Vehicle Program
> > 1-800-453-SMOG
> >   http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/ms/smokingvehicles.html#smkform
> >
> > The Problem
> >
> > How often have you been caught in traffic behind a car, truck, or bus
> that
> > is emitting smoke? You smell the fumes, roll up your window, close the
> > vents, and look for your first chance to pass. It makes you angry.
> >
> > Not surprisingly, a large percentage of the air pollution in Texas
> comes
> > from the more than 16 million motor vehicles registered in the state.
> Each
> > vehicle has the potential to be a source of air pollution. However,
> > poorly-maintained vehicles are the biggest contributors to the
> pollution
> > problem. In fact, the pollution from one poorly-maintained vehicle is
> > equal
> > to that of 28 properly-functioning cars!
> >
> > How It Works
> >
> > You can help the TNRCC get the word to owners of smoking vehicles in
> > Texas.
> > The next time you see a car, truck, or bus anywhere in Texas with
> dirty
> > smoke coming from its exhaust for more than 10 consecutive seconds,
> write
> > down the license number, date, time, and location you saw the smoking
> > vehicle.
> >
> > Report the smoking vehicle, within 30 days, by submitting the on-line
> > reporting form or calling 1-800-453-SMOG (7664). You do not have to
> give
> > your name, and the report is free.
> >
> > We will then notify the owner that his or her vehicle may be
> contributing
> > to
> > air pollution by smoking excessively. We also provide the owner with
> > information about how car maintenance will improve the vehicle's
> > performance.
> >
> >
> > To Report a Smoking Vehicle
> >
> > (1) Upon observing a smoking vehicle, please make note of the
> following
> > information:
> >
> > Texas license plate number
> > Date observed
> > Time (AM/PM)
> > City
> > Location observed (street and closest cross street)
> >
> > (2) Report the information to the TNRCC, within 30 days, by one of the
> > following methods:
> >
> > Use the on-line reporting form
> > http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/ms/smokingvehicles.html#smkform
> >
> > Call 1-800-453-SMOG (7664)
> >
> > Send a fax to 512/239-2050
> >
> > Mail the information to:
> > Attention: Smoking Vehicle Program
> > Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
> > P.O. Box 13087
> > MC - 164
> > Austin, Texas 78711-3087
> >
> >
> > Your Report Makes a Difference
> >
> > Since this program started in 1992, we have sent more than 125,000
> letters
> > to smoking vehicle owners. Thousands have replied saying they fixed
> their
> > cars! Repairs have ranged from minor adjustments to major engine
> repairs.
> >
> > What Causes Tailpipe Smoke
> >
> > Tailpipe smoke is a result of incomplete fuel combustion, which is
> usually
> > caused from improper engine operation in both gasoline- and
> diesel-powered
> > vehicles. When a vehicle and its engine are not properly maintained,
> the
> > likelihood of engine problems and smoke increases. Although the smoke,
> as
> > a
> > whole, is problematic, its color can be helpful in indicating the
> > potential
> > source of the vehicle's problems. See "Smoking Vehicles: Types of
> smoke,
> > probable causes, and corrective actions (GI-009)."
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------
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> > (They are the email address directly above the text.)
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>

Thanks Oral.
Claude, we will keep you in mind for the next one.

-----Original Message-----
From: Lafleur, Oral [mailto:lafleur_ox@...]
Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2002 9:52 AM
To: 'hreg@yahoogroups.com'
Subject: RE: [hreg] speaker needed


Hey Mike!

This is an activity that falls within the mission of HREG and should be
accomplished.  I will be happy to do this.  Currently, there is nothing on
my schedule for April 26, so I will pencil it in.

Oral

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Ewert [mailto:mike.ewert@...]
Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2002 8:10 AM
To: HREG
Subject: [hreg] speaker needed


Any volunteers?  HREG received this request.  Please let me (
mike.ewert@... ) know if you would be willing to do this and I will put
you in touch with the requester.
==========================================
Is there any possibility of locating an engineer who would like to speak
about his/her field on the morning of April 26?  The Academy of Science and
Technology in Oak Ridge near The Woodlands is having an Engineers Day.  All
of the engineers so far that have accepted to speak are from the Oil patch.
I was hoping to have an alternative energy person.  Austin suggested that I
contact your group.  Do you have any suggestions?  These students are not
your regular high school kids.






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The Katy Freeway expansion to 24 lanes is not a "done deal".  The public has
an opportunity to comment from now until March 25.  Please take the time to
weigh-in on this issue by sending a note to Mr. Rick Beverlin, Sr.
Transportation Planner at HGAC.  All comments will be sent to TxDOT and the
HGAC Transportation Policy Council Members before voting on amendments to
fund the purchase of right-of-way along the IH 10 West Katy Freeway, from IH
610 (West Loop) to Beltway 8.  The vote will occur at the TPC meeting April
26.  It is encouraging to note is that the originally planned vote date of
March 22 has been moved back because of public comments currently being
received. (No comment was anticipated.)  Below is a letter currently being
circulated by Mothers For Clean Air:

SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF THE KATY FREEWAY TO 24 LANES.

When:
Wednesday, March 13, 6:00 PM, Public Meeting
Friday, March 22, 9:30 AM, Transportation Policy Council meeting

Where:
HGAC offices, 3555 Timmons Lane
Map to HGAC offices: http://www.hgac.cog.tx.us/transportation/maphgac.html

Write:
Or send comments to
Mr. Rick Beverlin, Sr. Transportation Planner
HGAC
P.O. Box 22777
Houston, Texas 77227-2777
or via e-mail at rick.beverlin@...
All comments should be received by HGAC no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday
March 25, 2002.

Because federal funds are being used to acquire necessary right-of-way for
the proposed expansion, we have an opportunity (and responsibility) for
public comment.
http://www.hgac.cog.tx.us/transportation/notices/pub031302.html

Thanks to Polly Ledvina for the sample letter below. You may copy it onto a
new page and edit or add additional comments.

Dear Mr. Beverlin,
The Houston area is currently unable to meet federal standards for
ground-level ozone. Our area should be spending transportation dollars on
alternatives that will allow the number of cars on the roads to be reduced,
not increased. Therefore, I oppose the proposed expansion of the Katy
Freeway on the following grounds:
1) no comprehensive study has been conducted into the adverse health effects
of ozone, particulate matter and air toxics, noise, vibration, "the heat
island" effect, etc. that would be anticipated by the construction and
completion of this project
2) no public acknowledgement has been made of the downstream bottlenecks and
pressure to expand I-10 inside the loop, among other roads, that would be a
consequence of this plan;
3) Widening highways and roads induces an increase in demand and, therefore,
never solves congestion.  Widened roads only fill up with more cars and
result in more pollution.
4) the opportunity and benefits for clean, high-capacity, transit serving
all of the communities along the Katy corridor was never appropriately
investigated;
5) expansion of Katy Freeway will threaten the integrity of Memorial Park
and other communities along I-10 inside the loop;
6) mitigation of flood waters has not been appropriately considered;
I oppose Katy Freeway's expansion because twenty-four lanes of highway will
destroy the quality of life of the neighborhoods along the Katy corridor,
increase air pollution and urban sprawl, and undermine on-going efforts to
improve Houston's livability.

Sincerely,
your name

Jane L. Laping, M.S., M.P.H.
Executive Director
Mothers for Clean Air
3015 Richmond, Suite 260
Houston, TX 77098
713/526-0110; 713/526-0550 fax
mfca@...

Dear CEC Member Groups,

The Houston Earth Day committee is looking for children's activities to be
included in a booklet that will be handed out at the event to help teach and
entertain our youngest visitors.  Please see the attached letter for
details.  We appreciate any assistance you can provide!

Sincerely,

Sarah Doss
Office Manager
Citizens' Environmental Coalition
issues@...
713/524-4232 (tel.)
713/524-3311 (fax)

An interesting analysis that came from DOE:


Using EIA # on the amount of combustion based power production and the
number of deaths per year the JAMA article (Pope et.al. Vol. 287, No.9,
March 6 2002) linked with fine particulates from combustion,

To save one U.S. life per year with solar, you could (in round numbers)
deploy 15 MW of large scale CSP with storage, 40 MW of dishes, 50 MW of
PV
in Houston, Phoenix, or LA, or 60 MW of PV in Chicago, DC or NYC.
Therefore using EIA's numbers, solar electricity currently saves about 9

lives per year in the U.S., 12 if you count off grid PV.  Solar water
heating saves about another 8 lives. (using EIA numbers and assuming
electricity displacement)

In total, solar saves about 20 lives per year

Other renewables - Geothermal 150, Wind 50, Hydro 3000 lives saved.
(Biomass may be close to carbon neutral, but it isn't combustion
neutral)

With respect to your question about solar homes and zero energy homes
(assuming energy means energy and not just electricity)  According to
EIA
homes use about 1 Quad per 10 Million households  this equates to 1.9
Quads
of energy produced due to electricity related losses related to
delivery.
This is about 30,000 kWhrs generated and 16,000 used per household which
is
9 peak kW of PV in DC, NY and Chicago or about 7.5 peak kW in Phoenix,
LA
or Houston. Of course much of this would be load reduction via
efficiency
measures.
Using EPA's calculator (state average energy mix emissions) - A Zero
Energy
Home equates to:
|-----+--------+--------+--------+-----------+-----------|
| Stat| NOx(lb)| SO2(lbs| CO2    | Car       | Acres of  |
| e   |        | )      | (tons) | equivalent| trees     |
|-----+--------+--------+--------+-----------+-----------|
| DC  | 99     | 202    | 15     | 3         | 4         |
|-----+--------+--------+--------+-----------+-----------|
| NY  | 23     | 65     | 8      | 1.5       | 2         |
|-----+--------+--------+--------+-----------+-----------|
| IL  | 72     | 189    | 9      | 2         | 3         |
|-----+--------+--------+--------+-----------+-----------|
| TX  | 45     | 72     | 9      | 2         | 3         |
|-----+--------+--------+--------+-----------+-----------|
| CA  | 6      | 0      | 10     | 2         | 3         |
|-----+--------+--------+--------+-----------+-----------|
| AZ  | 36     | 56     | 9      | 2         | 3         |
|-----+--------+--------+--------+-----------+-----------|

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tim Merrigan did an independent analysis and provided the following:
____________
Based on the EPA's "Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy" website (
http://199.223.18.220/epa/rew/rew.nsf/solar/index.html), the carbon
dioxide
emission savings varies by state (due to power plant mix.)  Using
California as an example, the savings for solar water heating and PV
are:

By using 80 gallons of solar water heater capacity, you reduce carbon
dioxide emissions equal to:


The emissions from driving approximately 7,524 miles in an average
passenger car!


By using 1.2 kW of photovoltaic capacity, you reduce carbon dioxide
emissions equal to:


The emissions from driving approximately 3,852 miles in an average
passenger car!


By using 2.4 kW of photovoltaic capacity, you reduce carbon dioxide
emissions equal to:


The emissions from driving approximately 7,703 miles in an average
passenger car!


Since the average car is defined as driving 12,500 miles per year (at
22.5
miles per gallon), the combination of SWH and PV is more than equivalent
to
one car.  And if you add a solar pool heating system, you're beginning
to
push 3 cars!


By using 15,000 gallons of solar heated swimming pool capacity, you
reduce
carbon dioxide emissions equal to:


The emissions from driving approximately 17,990 miles in an average
passenger car!


As far as credibility is concerned, EPA's website says this: The Solar
Power Calculator estimates SO2 and NOX emission reduction benefits using

information from the Emissions and Generation Resource Integrated
Database
(E-GRID), which provides data on actual emissions associated with
electric
power generated by US utilities. Carbon dioxide emission reductions are
based on a model that simulates marginal reductions in electricity use.
In
the calculator, emission factors (expressed in terms of pounds of
pollutant
per kWh of electricity) are multiplied by reduced electricity use.


__________


Lynne Gillette
Office of Solar Energy Technology
U.S. Department of Energy
202-586-1495
lynne.gillette@...

Hello HREG members.

George Well form Rice University is looking for a speaker and panelist to
speak and be on a panel for the topic of solar energy.  Is there any one
available to assist George in his efforts.  Unfortunately, I am committed to
another appointment for April 6.  This is an excellent opportunity for HREG
members and should not be missed, if anyone is available.

The e-mail contact for George is above should anyone be available or need
more information.

Oral

Take care,
Charlie

PS I tried to call Reliant Energy about half a dozen times to turn on the electricity in my new house, and every time got put on hold because "all representatives were busy" so finally called GM to see if they could handle my business directly without going through Reliant. I found that (1) they do not have a Houston office and (2) they require a $150 deposit, which really irritated me and I decided to just stay with Reliant. I finally got through to them and they did not require a deposit. Did anyone else have such an experience? I really wanted to go with GM and maybe I will later on after I get over my irritation.

Hello,

You've been invited to join the About-GreenPlanet group,
an email group hosted by Yahoo! Groups, a free, easy-to-use email
group
service.

JOIN NOW, IT'S EASY:

1) REPLY to this email by clicking "Reply" and then "Send"
in your email program

-OR-

2) Go to the Yahoo! Groups site at

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/About-GreenPlanet/

By joining About-GreenPlanet, you will be able to exchange messages
with other group members. Yahoo! Groups also makes it easy to store
photos and files, coordinate events and more.

Here's an introductory message from the group moderator:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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collective efforts

----------------------------------------------------------------------
--


If you do not wish to join the About-GreenPlanet group, please
ignore this invitation.

Hello all,

I have two great opportunities to get your message out to the community!

I'm forwarding a request for speakers from the Houston Earth Day committee.
We are looking for people to speak briefly on environmental issues between
entertainment sets at Earth Day.  Please review the attached document and
contact Ryan McMullan if you are interested in speaking (mcmullan@...
or 713-348-5272).

Also, a news show on KTRU FM 91.7, the Rice radio station, is hosting an
environmental forum on Thursday, April 11 from 5 to 6pm.  They are looking
for members of the environmental community to participate in an on-air
discussion of environmental issues.  Please reply to this email or call me
at 713-524-4232 if you are interested.

Thank you!

Sarah Doss
Office Manager
Citizens' Environmental Coalition
issues@...
713/524-4232 (tel.)
713/524-3311 (fax)

Hey Mike!

Just got the packet yesterday and it includes 8 wrist bands.  Any idea on
how to get them to the folks that need them? Who needs some?  Let me know.
Also, the time for working at HREG booth is 10am to 7pm.  So far, I have
most of the handout materials ready. Please bring items for display

I will be setting up TSU's booth on Friday and also any thing that needs to
be done for HREG.  I have requested that HREG and TSU booth be together.
Also, please note that no traffic will be allowed at the park on Saturday.
So, if anyone have any materials that you cannot walk with, please bring
them out there on Friday between 9 am and 7 pm.

Oral

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Ewert [mailto:mike.ewert@...]
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2002 9:26 PM
To: Charles Mauch; Oral LaFleur
Subject: Earth Day


Did you locate the HREG Earth Day packet with wrist bands?  We need to
figure out how to get them to the people working ASAP.