Top 5 Energy Stories of 2009
Posted by Sonja Ebron
This year has been a watershed for the U.S. energy industry. The environment and the economy have become linked to energy production and use like never before, and there’s no going back. Here, in no particular order, is my list of biggest energy-related stories this year:
- The EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health, which would negate the need for climate change legislation and give the agency regulatory authority over every aspect of the economy
- New techniques for extracting natural gas found to threaten fresh water supplies
- The failure of U.S. oil companies to win bids on any Iraqi oil contracts, while countries opposed to the U.S. invasion met Iraq on its own terms
- The oil/economy merry-go-round that spun us from recession (due to high oil prices) to relief (lower oil prices due to slowing economy) back to recession (higher oil prices due to rising economy)
- Coal ash stored at the nation’s electric power plants labeled hazardous waste after dams broke at two separate ponds and released toxic sludge into nearby waterways
Next year promises to be even more exciting. See my 2010 energy trends in this month’s Atlanta Tribune, on newsstands now. Happy New Year!
Have an Energy Efficient Christmas
Posted by Wayne X. Young
Its that time of year again for holiday decorations. Have you picked up your Christmas tree yet? Are your X-mas lights and decorations “green”? The Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree in New York City will be energy efficient this year. There will be 720 light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs on the Rockefeller tree’s star alone, each with the light output of a 100-watt bulb!
LEDs are extremely energy efficient and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. LEDs use on average 80% less power than a normal incandescent bulb and last up to 4,000 hours. Most of the energy output goes to light instead of heat thus reducing the chance for fires in your home. The cost of LEDs are about 10% more than standard lighting, but you may be able to find great discounts at local retail stores. Please shop around to find the item that best fits your families’ budget.
In an average home, the cost of using incandescent Christmas lighting decorations will increase your electric bill about $16 - $25/month during the season. In order to save money this holiday season, please consider using LED lighting in Christmas ornaments and outside lighting. Also, set your Christmas lights on a timer that is made to withstand the weather. Normally, people install lights the week after Thanksgiving and take them down after New Year’s Day. Please consider your personal finances to manage the utility costs associated with Christmas.
Happy Holidays!
Wayne Young
