Renewable+Energy+Interests

Sustainability-(f)

Independence-(f)

Mandates-(f)

Incentives-(f)

Electric Generation Using Natural Gas”, __naturalgas.org__, 2004 [|www.naturalgas.org/overview/uses_eletrical.asp]

Natural gas has become preferred over coal because coal is more harmful to the environment when it is burned. Natural gas and coal have been used to power electrical plants, and natural gas use to power electrical plants is expected to increase dramatically over the next 20 years. Regulations concerning the emission of pollutants have forced electrical plants to move away from coal. The mechanics and efficiency of natural gas use in power plants is examined. Fuel cell use is also presented.-M. Garmon

__Todd Roberson__ Kenworthy, Tom. “Oil Shale Enthusiasm Resurfaces in the West.” __USA__ __Today.__ 2 June 2006. 14 June 2007. 

(Independence, Mandates) Pushed by the Bush administration and legislation from Congress last year, and spurred by oil prices above $70 a barrel, the energy industry is mobilizing to unlock the secret of oil shale. As it has before, oil shale holds out the hope of a USA no longer dependent on foreign oil.

Rand Corporation Research Brief. “Gauging the Prospects of a U.S. Oil Shale Industry.” 2005. 14 June 2007. 

(Independence) Developing the nation’s massive oil shale resources would have significant benefits. Higher world oil prices and recent technological achievements are generating renewed interest in oil shale. Based on technical design needs, initial commercial operations are likely more than a decade away. There are many technological, economic, and environmental uncertainties. To support permitting and land management decisions, government planning and preparatory efforts should begin as soon as there are clear indications of major private-sector investments toward commercialization.

Sterzinger, George. “Testimony to the House Government Reform Committee Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs Energy: Maximizing Resources; Meeting Our Needs; Retaining Jobs.” __Renewable Energy Policy Project__. 17 June 2002. 16 June 2007. 

(Sustainability, mandates, independence) Renewable sources of energy can be an important part of the nation’s future supply infrastructure but are unlikely to do so without intervention to remove several barriers that currently block market acceptance. Delivering the benefits of renewable development to the people and localities that need jobs will build the understanding and support that can remove further blocks to renewable development. There are several important market barriers that will hinder or stop renewable development unless they are removed. Relying on deregulated wholesale markets and project development through so-called merchant financing will severely hinder renewable development. Sporadic, unpredictable commitment to production tax credits for renewables prevents an orderly development of the industry. And several regulatory barriers unjustly penalize many renewable technologies which produce energy on an intermittent or sporadic basis.