Energy

For Local Biodiesel, Grease is the Word

By Carroll Andrew Morse | November 14, 2008 |

This past weekend, the President of OPEC set a maximum on how high his organization would like to see the price of oil reach…Reasonable prices should range “between $70 and $90 per barrel,” said [Chakib Khelil], who currently holds the rotating presidency of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.Why is there a maximum, you might…

Hassett Calls for Utility Rate Cuts

By Marc Comtois | October 22, 2008 |

Providence City Council member Terry Hassett wants the Public Utilities Commission to revisit this summer’s rate increase (h/t): “If the rationale was to boost the rate for electricity here in Rhode Island because it is directly related to the cost of oil, then the PUC is obligated to summon National Grid before them to reconsider…

Further Reading on Oil-From-Algae

By Carroll Andrew Morse | September 12, 2008 |

For those skeptical about the idea that producing oil and other fuels from algae is viable in the near term, here are a few interesting links on recent developments I came across in putting the Phoenix article together. I was surprised by how far along this field seems to be. Diesel fuel created from algae…

A New Source for Heating Oil — In Pawtucket?

By Carroll Andrew Morse | August 25, 2008 |

How would you like to be able to buy cheap home-heating oil, made from algae in a factory in Pawtucket? According to an item on the KTHV-TV (CBS 11, Little Rock AR) news-blog site attributed to CNN, oil-from-algae could become an option reasonably soon, and New England-based research is leading the way…You see algae collecting…

Democratic Convention Goers Say “We’re For Drilling, Just Don’t Tell Anyone Here!”

By Carroll Andrew Morse | August 25, 2008 |

According to an ABC News “Political Radar” Report from the Democratic National Convention, party opposition to expanded domestic oil-drilling is so staunch, the topic can’t even be brought up in platform discussions on energy policy…Offshore oil drilling is too controversial to be presented as part of the platform. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., co-sponsor of HR…

Will the Ethanol Era End Before It Begins?

By Carroll Andrew Morse | August 21, 2008 |

This would be a cool way to put an end to the ethanol-as-vehicle-fuel debate, with average citizens winning though ethanol loses (h/t Instapundit)… Dr. Kenneth Hall, associate director of TEES and the Jack E. & Frances Brown Chair and professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, and his colleagues,…

Thoughts on Energy

By Justin Katz | August 21, 2008 |

On Matt Allen’s show last night, Andrew summarized his post on the differences in domestic drilling suggestions from the national Democrats and Republicans. Stream by clicking here, or download it.

To Drill or Not to Drill, That is Not the Only Question

By Carroll Andrew Morse | August 20, 2008 |

Most recent coverage of energy policy has focused on the issue of conventional drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and on the continental shelf, but there is much, much more that is in play in our national debate about sensible energy policy. A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, the so-called “Gang-of-10”, have…

A Case for Cuban Ethanol?

By Carroll Andrew Morse | August 7, 2008 |

Commenter “OldTimeLefty” has put forth this interesting energy proposal…We contract with Cuba for its sugar cane then refine the sugar into an ethanol based product. U.S. capital could invest in a refinery (on Guantanamo for example?). This keeps corn for food, employs the resources of Cuba and The United States in a joint venture that…

Hey Hey Ho Ho! Nodrillosi Has Got to Go! Hey Hey Ho Ho …

By Monique Chartier | August 5, 2008 |

UPDATE – RESCHEDULED To next Tuesday, August 12. Same bat time; same bat channel. The RI College Republicans have organized a protest at 1:00 today [edit] next Tuesday against inaction by the US House on several bills to expand domestic oil drilling. It will start at Congressmen Kennedy’s office, 249 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, and move…