Illinois PIRG : Help Promote Clean Energy

Last week, as energy prices soared across the country, our state's biggest utility, ComEd, took a big step in the wrong direction, walking away from its agreement to help develop our clean wind power resources in Illinois.

Building clean wind energy in Illinois would reduce pollution, create jobs, help farmers, and stabilize electricity costs. We can't afford to let ComEd destroy progress toward making these goals a reality in Illinois. Please ask your state legislators to keep our clean energy plan on track.

To take action, click on the following link, or paste it into your browser:

http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=493&id4=ES


Background:

Today, more than 99% of the power sold to Illinois customers is generated by fossil fuel-fired or nuclear power plants, both of which produce large amounts of dangerous pollutants. There is no safe disposal option for radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants, which will remain deadly to humans for thousands of years and is currently stored on site at reactors throughout the state. Coal-burning power plants are the largest industrial source of the smog that has caused more than a dozen unhealthy air pollution action days in Chicago this summer. In addition, mercury, which has contaminated the fish in lakes and rivers across the state is a byproduct of burning coal in plants that lack modern pollution control equipment.

On February 14, 2005, Governor Blagojevich released his sustainable energy plan, which included a mandatory renewable energy standard of 2% by 2006, and increasing to 8% by 2012. At that time, ComEd's President, Frank Clark, publicly embraced the program and pledged the support of his company, saying: "We are very supportive of Governor Blagojevich's initiatives, including the use of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency technologies." The plan was transmitted to the ICC for implementation.

On July 19, the Illinois Commerce Commission unanimously passed a resolution adopting a renewable energy standard, but making participation by the utilities voluntary, instead of mandatory as it is in most states. The resolution gave ComEd and the state's other retail electric suppliers 30 days, ending August 18, to develop and file detailed implementation plans, showing how they will purchase and sell increasing amounts of power generated from clean wind, solar, and biomass resources. At that time, ComEd President Frank Clark pledged to implement the plan, stating: "We're committed to following the Governor's timetable and, with Commission approval, supporting the level of investment specified in the Governor's plan." ComEd's Vice President of energy acquisition echoed his remarks, saying: "We're very excited and interested in doing what we can to make it work."

In late August, Governor Blagojevich made public his opposition to ComEd's proposal to change the way captive customers are charged for power. This proposal would allow ComEd to charge market rates to captive customers, in violation of longstanding consumer protections contained in the Public Utilities Act. This would increase electric rates by an estimated 15-20%, to the large benefit of ComEd's parent company, Exelon.

In September, seemingly in retaliation, ComEd wrote to the ICC stating that it would not implement the sustainable energy goals until the legal issues surrounding the company's proposed rate deregulation were resolved.

ComEd's rate proposal should be considered on its own merits, and the company should drop its attempt to extort a rate increase by holding the renewable energy program hostage.

We can't afford to let ComEd destroy progress toward making clean energy a reality in Illinois. Please ask your state legislators to keep our clean energy plan on track.

To take action, click on the following link, or paste it into your browser:

http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=493&id4=ES

Sincerely,

Rebecca D. Stanfield
Illinois PIRG Environmental Attorney
RebeccaS@illinoispirg.org
http://www.IllinoisPIRG.org

P.S.  Thanks again for your support.  Please feel free to share this e-mail with your family and friends.

Pandemic Flu Awareness Week : October 3–9

http://www.fluwikie.com/index.php?n=Main.PFAW

Continuing the public health experiment, Flu Wiki in association with the blogosphere will use October 3–9 as Pandemic Flu Awareness Week.

Blogs, media and other sources of information who choose to participate can use Flu Wiki and its list of Links and Other Sources such as:

• CDC Avian Flu Page
• CIDRAP at the University of Minnesota
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• WHO situation updates

to highlight just a few from the available list, and any of the other flu resources on the internet (here, for example, are the Phases of a Pandemic from the Basic Science section).

The purpose of Pandemic Flu Awareness Week, and the Flu Wiki, is to allow the dissemination of information down to the local level so that everyone can use each others’ experience, planning and ideas so as not to be left unawares should an actual pandemic occur. Like hurricanes, when a pandemic occurs can not be accurately predicted. Nonetheless, that which can be done in advance should be done, because eventually something will happen. Planning can only help, even if at the local level, it can’t prevent.

Illinois Grass hailed as potential source of clean energy

By Patricia Reaney Tue Sep 6,12:50 PM ET

<> DUBLIN (Reuters) - A tall, decorative plant that can be grown in Europe and the United States could provide a significant amount of energy without contributing to global warming, scientists said on Tuesday.

Field trials of the grass called Miscanthus in Illinois showed it could be very effective as an economically and environmentally sustainable energy crop.

Professor Steve Long and his colleagues at the University of Illinois obtained a yield of about 60 tonnes per hectare of the tall willowy grass last year.

"If about 8 percent of the land area (of the state) was given over to this grass, and assuming only half of those yields were obtained, we would obtain enough dry matter to generate the total electricity used by of the state if Illinois, which includes the city of Chicago," he told a science conference.

Full story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050906/sc_nm/environment_energy_dc

Powering a new generation of cars
Don't expect fuel cells. The power under your hood in a few years may come from a new spin on diesel.

Fri Sep 02 11:56:00 PDT 2005 | Read Full Story

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COLLEGE CAMPUSES BREAKING THE CHAINS
Student run farms on college campuses are cropping up at record levels across the U.S. In 27 states and at 60 colleges, these farms are providing an opportunity for students to learn sustainable farming techniques while incorporating healthy and locally grown produce into the college dining programs, area farmers markets and restaurants. Another 200 colleges across the U.S. have joined the farm-to-college program wherein local farmers provide universities with locally grown produce. As students begin preparation for the fall 2005 semester, the record harvest from these quickly expanding programs clearly indicates the "buy local" movement is on the threshold of mainstream fruition. Learn more and get involved http://www.organicconsumers.org/btc.htm

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Warming hits 'tipping point'

Siberia feels the heat It's a frozen peat bog the size of France and Germany combined, contains billions of tonnes of greenhouse gas and, for the first time since the ice age, it is melting

Ian Sample, science correspondent
Thursday August 11, 2005
The Guardian

A vast expanse of western Sibera is undergoing an unprecedented thaw that could dramatically increase the rate of global warming, climate scientists warn today.

Researchers who have recently returned from the region found that an area of permafrost spanning a million square kilometres - the size of France and Germany combined - has started to melt for the first time since it formed 11,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age.

Full story:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1546797,00.html

Big plans for small wind farms

Single turbine approach avoids approval turbulence

By DAN BENSON
dbenson@journalsentinel.com

Posted: Aug. 13, 2005

While large wind farms in Wisconsin face major regulatory and environmental hurdles, Ed Ritger is breezing along one wind turbine at a time.

Full story:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/aug05/348291.asp

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Great Lakes Daily News: 15 August 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Beach combers vs. beach owners
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A lot of lakefront property owners believe that beach strolling amounts to trespassing, a dispute that has wound up in the courts in at least two Great Lakes states. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (8/15)


Lessons learned from wetland rescue?
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Developers often build new ponds when they drain and fill existing wetlands. One group of people is trying something they hope will be more successful: moving a wetland, piece by little tiny piece. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (8/15)


Silt clogging more than just shipping channels
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The Toledo shipping channel requires the most dredging of any Great Lakes port due to sediment from Ohio farms, but there seems to be little agreement on what to do with the resulting material. Source: The Toledo Blade (8/15)


EDITORIAL: Devils Lake deal defeat for Canada
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Some time this week, the state of North Dakota will thumb its nose at Canada and start pumping water out of Devils Lake, sending it north across the international border. Source: The Toronto Star (8/15)


2 hospitals made incinerator deals
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An agreement to shut down the last two hospital incinerators operating in the Chicago area will still allow them to burn trash and emit toxic waste for another five years. Source: Chicago Tribune (8/15)


Report: Wetlands violations on incline
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Wisconsin environmental officials are reporting an increasing number of violations of wetlands protection laws. Source: The Appleton Post-Crescent (8/15)


Not enough fun in sun? Beach cleaning debated
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A city council member and some residents are upset over the Wisconsin DNR's refusal to allow the city of Two Rivers to groom and remove vegeation along its entire Lake Michigan beachfront. Source: Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter (8/15)


The Great Lakes: An endangered legacy
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While much of the damage inflicted on the Great Lakes over the years is beginning to heal, other threats are intensifying: This special report package features multiple stories addressing issues facing the Great Lakes and what is being done to address them. Source: The Detroit News (8/14)


Big plans for small wind farms
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While large wind farms in Wisconsin face major regulatory and environmental hurdles, one group of wind-energy investors is cruising along one turbine at a time. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (8/14)


Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/15/05

CONTACT: Larry Bank, (608) 262-6104, bank@engr.wisc.edu

POLYMER BANDAGES MAY GIVE NEW LIFE TO OLD BRIDGES

MADISON - Long polymer "bandages," designed so that troops could quickly repair or reinforce bridges to bear the weight of 113-ton military tank transport vehicles, now could be used to quickly and inexpensively strengthen aging rural bridges and concrete culverts around the country.

With initial funding from the Army Corps of Engineers, Lawrence Bank, professor of civil and environmental engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his then-student Anthony Lamanna, perfected these bandages, or fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strips. They then patented the strips through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

In wartime, the strips could be key to keeping important transportation routes available, says James Ray, a structural engineer for the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. "The main thing these strips would be used for is if the bridges don't have sufficient capacity to start with," he says. "The military loadings are very heavy compared to what bridges are normally designed for."

Using fiber-reinforced composite strips to bolster concrete structures isn't a new idea. Crews have been gluing them in place for more than a decade.

But transforming the crumbly, cracked and pockmarked underside of a decades-old concrete bridge into a surface suitable for glue takes good weather, a lot of time and more than a little labor.

"You have to sandblast; you have to repair with a mortar," says Bank. "Typically on bridges, you're doing things overhead, which is also unpleasant."

Fastening the strips to the bridge with a tool akin to a power nailer seemed like an obvious alternative. The problem, however, was that existing strips, which contain only longitudinal fibers, wouldn't hold up when the fasteners punctured them. They split, much like a dry board might crack when a nail hits the wrong place.

"When you attach with fasteners, you have to have different properties in the strip," says Bank. "You have to have high bearing strength - which is that you could press on the strip with these fasteners and it's not going to crack and split."

Sort of like duct tape without the stick, Bank and Lamanna's reinforcing strips combine carbon fibers, glass fibers and glass mats. The mats, which are woven in tight crisscrosses, are key to the new strips' success.

"If you make a hole in the strip and you push on the hole, the weave allows it to carry that load," says Bank. "If you just have these longitudinal fibers, if you make a hole and you push on it, it's going to slide."

Bank's strips, which are stiff but not rigid, act like super-strong bandages that workers can quickly and inexpensively attach to the underside of a bridge with powder-actuated concrete fasteners.

To test the strips, county workers installed them on the decaying 1930s Stoughton Road bridge in Edgerton, Wis., in 2002. "It was really bad," says Tom Hartzell, Edgerton public works director. "There were some big cracks that went all the way through."

During the installation, which took three workers less than a day, a thunderstorm whipped up. The bridge was in such poor condition that rainwater and run-off poured through the cracks. "You cannot use a technique where you bond on strips in that environment," says Bank.

Total cost for strengthening the bridge was about $8,000; eventually, Edgerton replaced it at a cost of $196,800, including plan development, state review, old bridge removal and new bridge construction.

In Wisconsin, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) evaluates all of the state's bridges every two years and assigns them a sufficiency rating. If a bridge's rating is below 50, it probably is on the docket for partial federal funding for replacement, says DOT bridge maintenance and inspection engineer Matt Murphy, who monitors the structures in Wisconsin's 10 southwestern counties.

Of the 1,800 small bridges - structures greater than 20 feet long - in those counties, as many as three dozen might have sufficiency ratings below 50. In that case, they're probably load-posted, which means that they're not safe for heavier vehicles like tractors or milk trucks to cross. "It's an inconvenience to the traveling public and the locals," he says.
###
- Renee Meiller, (608) 262-2481, meiller@engr.wisc.edu



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SINO DAILY

China Plans To Have A Quarter Of The Country Forested By 2020

the middle forest

Beijing, China (AFP) Aug 02, 2005
China plans to have a quarter of the country covered by forest within 15 years as it tries to repair the damage loggers have done to fuel the runaway economy, state media said Monday.

The State Forestry Administration said forest coverage will reach 23 percent in the next 10 to 15 years, an increase of five percent.

"The increase in forests will outpace what the country consumed or lost during the growth of its economy," administration director Zhou Shengxian was quoted as saying by the China Daily.

Addressing a conference in Beijing, he said new plans have been made for planting trees throughout China.

Full story:

http://www.sinodaily.com/news/china-05zzzzzk.html

::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Wednesday, July 27, 2005 ::: | Today's News | Commentary | Company News | Non Profit News | ENN Radio | ENN Video | Publish on ENN | ENN Media Services | Interactive | Photo Gallery | ENN Forum | Affiliate Program | Contact us with comments on the Newsletter: Technical Editorial Wednesday, July 27, 2005 Today's News Study Warns California Will Need 40 Percent More Water in 25 Years At current rates, California's thirst for water will jump by 40 percent over the next 25 years, with much of the water used for landscaping, a new study warns. Researcher Trying to Breed Tropical Fish A University of New England researcher is working to breed a tropical aquarium fish in captivity in an effort to take pressure off fragile ecosystems in Southeast Asia that are being damaged by unsustainable harvesting of exotic fish species. Australia, U.S. Plan New Emissions Pact as Alternative to Kyoto Protocol The United States will join India, China and Australia in announcing a new pact to limit greenhouse gases as an alternative to the Kyoto Protocol, Australia's environment minister said Wednesday. Energy Compromise has Billions in Tax Breaks for Energy Companies, Cuts Conservation Support Lawmakers scaled back support for energy conservation and efficiency programs as part of a $11.5 billion tax package expected to be added Wednesday to a sweeping energy bill that Congress hopes to complete this week. Canon Unveils Recycling Program to Consumers Imaging and copy giant Canon has announced a recycling program for its products. The recycling of used and obsolete electronic products is becoming an issue throughout the consumer and office electronics products industry. Witnesses Say Bears Back in Switzerland Bears may have returned to Switzerland, more than 100 years after disappearing from their Alpine habitat, according to eyewitnesses. Coalition of Groups Takes Aim at Sacramento, California Public TV Show A 40-member coalition of food safety groups, environmentalists and anti-biotech organizations is demanding that a Sacramento public television station withdraw its national weekly TV series on American food production scheduled to debut in September. Livestock Not Immune from Heat Stress in Midwest Farmers across the Midwest are using everything from electric fans to cold showers to keep their livestock from wilting in the oppressive heat, which is blamed for killing at least 1,200 head of cattle in Nebraska. Environmental Report Names Top Power Plant Polluters in Northeast Ten power plants in the Northeast last year produced a third of the region's carbon dioxide emissions, considered a major contributor to global warming, according to a report released Tuesday by a coalition of environmental groups. Rare Island Birds Threatened by 'Super Mice' "Monster mice" are eating metre-high albatross chicks alive, threatening rare bird species on a remote south Atlantic island seen as the world's most important seabird colony. More Rare Hummingbirds Spotted in Texas The recent sighting of a rare hummingbird has bird biologists in Texas almost giddy. A white-eared hummingbird spotted in Lubbock earlier this month was the first to be seen in the South Plains and Panhandle regions, according to the Llano Estacado Audubon Society. Police Arrest Greenpeace Activists Protesting at Australian Coal Port Four Greenpeace activists were arrested and a fifth was fined Wednesday after the organization's flagship Rainbow Warrior blocked the entrance to a coal harbor to protest what they called Australia's addiction to fossil fuel, the group and police said. Dry-Cleaning Chemical Spurs Worries about Wells Dry cleaners knew nothing about the risks of perchloroethylene, known as perc, when it came into common use in the 1950s. In those days, chemical manufacturers even suggested that old perc or perc waste products could be tossed on dirt piles behind shops, said Mike Frew, a project manager in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's voluntary dry cleaner cleanup program. Itochu to Create 'MOTTAINAI' Brand for Environment Conservation Outsourcing Forests to India Non Profit News Releases New Study Demonstrates Benefits of Sustainable Forestry Certification: Working Assets Launches FlowersForChange.com with Organic Bouquet Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale Study Says Population in Crisis Hudson, Kissimmee and St. Croix Rivers Short-Listed for Global Riverprize Children's World Summit for the Environment Convenes in Japan Company News Releases Triton Technologies and Internal Hydro Enter Licensing Agreement; Triton Granted Exclusive License and Distribution Rights for IHDR’s Revolutionary Hydropower Technology in North America Birds of the Peruvian Amazon Coffee Pacifica to Acquire a Coffee Roasting Company Conversion of Coal-Fired Power Plants Presents Opportunities for Renewable Energy Industry EarthShell Corporation to Hold Annual Meeting of Stockholders ENN is a Registered Trademark of the Environmental News Network, Inc. Copyright © 2004 Environmental News Network, Inc. P.O. Box 6782 - San Rafael, CA 94903 - (415) 479-5300.

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TELL CONGRESS TO STOP CAFTA
The Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), the expansion of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to Central America and the Dominican Republic, will drive several million small farmers off the land—just as NAFTA has done in Mexico and Canada—as well as encourage U.S. corporations to outsource more jobs to low-wage sweatshops. We need Fair Trade as the global norm, not so-called Free Trade. Call your Congressional Representative toll free 1-800-718-1008. Ask to speak to the person who handles trade issues. Tell the office you want your Representative to vote NO on CAFTA and ask for a response email stating the Rep's position. For more information on CAFTA, please visit Public Citizen's CAFTA page http://www.citizen.org/trade/cafta/

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TV: SHRINKING KIDS' BRAINS
Three new studies reviewed in this month's issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine show that the more time children spend watching television, the poorer they perform academically. One study was conducted at John Hopkins University, another in New Zealand, and a third at the University of Washington, wherein, over the course of a decade, 1,800 children participated in the study. Researchers found television leading to poor cognitive development, while access to a computer at home resulted in increased academic performance. http://www.organicconsumers.org/school/tvstudies070405.cfm

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QUICK TIDBITS
In a rather unexpected way, a team of biologists surveying biodiversity in the forests of Khammouan have "discovered" the first new mammalian species in 31 years. The team stopped in an area village food market and noticed the locals eating an unusual ratlike animal they called "kha-nyou." Upon analyzing the DNA, scientists have concluded the animal represents a species of rodent previously unknown to biologists.
(Source: Science News, Vol.167)

The National Council of Churches USA has launched a new initiative to fight "growing threats to our nation's public lands and associated resources." According to Methodist Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, "We try always to respond to God's call to be stewards of creation." The initiative will mobilize people of faith around the issue of gas and oil development as it relates to land preservation. http://www.organicconsumers.org/Politics/churches071405.cfm

Woodbury County, Iowa, has become the first in the nation to offer tax incentives to organic farmers. County Supervisors approved $50,000 for helping farmers convert from conventional to organic agriculture. "We think domestic (organic) food manufacturers are going to want a reliable domestic supply," said Woodbury rural economic director Rob Marqusee. "We know that people are making money. It might as well be us, too." http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/taxbreak071805.cfm

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ORGANIC BYTES #62
7/27/2005

CHEMICAL EXPOSURE IN UTERO
A new chemical study of umbilical chord samples from the American Red Cross has found that babies have an average of 200 known toxic chemicals in their blood, including mercury, fire retardants, pesticides and a chemical used in the production of Teflon, even before being born. The tests found that hundreds of chemicals, pollutants and pesticides are stored in body fat over a lifetime and then pumped from mother to fetus through umbilical cord blood. Overall, chemical absorption can be reduced by eating organic foods, and by reducing exposure to toxins at home and at work. http://www.organicconsumers.org/school/newborns071505.cfm

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ORGANIC & CONVENTIONAL FARMING FACE-OFF IN 22-YEAR STUDY
The July issue of the journal Bioscience reviewed a 22-year-long field study by the Rodale Institute which compared organic and conventional farming on similar plots of land with similar crops. The study found that in the initial five years of the study, the conventional crops (i.e. crops grown with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers) had slightly better yields than the organic crops. But during that same initial period, the organic farming practices were building up higher levels of soil mass and biodiversity which then allowed the organic land to generate yields equal to or greater than the conventional crops. The conventional crops collapsed during drought years, while the organic crops fluctuated only slightly, due to greater water holding potential in the organic enriched soil. The conventional crop also had pesticides leaching into the water at levels exceeding the EPA's safety limits. Over the 22 year period, the organic crops used 30% less fossil energy inputs than the conventional crops. http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/norm071805.cfm

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** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ** 07/07/2005

WHAT: HEALTH CARE TOWN HALL MEETING - Discussion of alternative health
care administration methods at all levels of the system.

WHEN: 07/17/2005, July 17, Sunday, 2-5pm Central Time

WHERE: College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, SRC 1544, directions and
additional location details available at the web page below.

WEB DETAILS: http://www.illinoisprogressives.org/pdi/healthCareForum.html

SPONSORING GROUPS: Progressive Democrats of Illinois, Illinois
Progressives United, DuPage Peace Through Justice Coalition, College of
DuPage Campus Greens, College of DuPage Community Development Office

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Linda Murray - Chief Medical Officer, Cook County Ambulatory Clinic
System; President of the Board, Health and Medicine Research Policy Group

Dr. Quentin Young - National Coordinator and past President, Physicians
for a National Health Program

Emilie Junge - Director of Community Advocacy, Service Employees'
International Union Hospital Accountability Project

Kara Murphy - Access DuPage

Bob Mueller - University of Chicago

Stephen Challinor - Former Austrailian Resident

COST: Free

POLITICAL CANDIDATE ATTENDEES:

Christine Cegelis, candidate for US Congress, Illinois District 6 (will
attend forum)
Ruben Zamora, candidate for US Congress, Illinois District 14 (may
attend forum)

** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ** 07/07/2005

WHAT: HEALTH CARE TOWN HALL MEETING - Discussion of alternative health care administration methods at all levels of the system.

WHEN: 07/17/2005, July 17, Sunday, 2-5pm Central Time

WHERE: College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, SRC 1544, directions and additional location details available at the web page below.

WEB DETAILS: http://www.illinoisprogressives.org/pdi/healthCareForum.html

SPONSORING GROUPS: Progressive Democrats of Illinois, Illinois Progressives United, DuPage Peace Through Justice Coalition,

College of DuPage Campus Greens, College of DuPage Community Development Office

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Linda Murray - Chief Medical Officer, Cook County Ambulatory Clinic System; President of the Board, Health and Medicine Research Policy Group

Dr. Quentin Young - National Coordinator and past President, Physicians for a National Health Program

Emilie Junge - Director of Community Advocacy, Service Employees' International Union Hospital Accountability Project

Kara Murphy - Access DuPage

Bob Mueller - University of Chicago

Stephen Challinor - Former Austrailian Resident

COST: Free

POLITICAL CANDIDATE ATTENDEES:

Christine Cegelis, candidate for US Congress, Illinois District 6 (will attend forum)
Ruben Zamora, candidate for US Congress, Illinois District 14 (may attend forum)

In This Issue July 5, 2005 Senate Passes Energy Bill Containing Key Biodiesel Provisions Willie Nelson Launches Biodiesel Truck Stops in South, Southeast Cargill to Build Nation’s Largest Biodiesel Plant in Iowa MSHA Rules Biodiesel a PM Control County in Maryland Goes Biodiesel, Fleet Wide Indiana Offers Biodiesel Education Workshops Strong Sales Mark Launch of Jeep Liberty Diesel Biodiesel Fuel Comes To Midcoast Maine J.D. Power and Associates Say Diesel Vehicle Market Share to Grow Minnesota Tractorcade to Run on Biodiesel Senate Passes Energy Bill Containing Key Biodiesel Provisions Last week, the Senate passed an Energy Bill containing important biodiesel provisions. The Senate Energy Bill extends the biodiesel tax incentive through 2010 - which was the biodiesel industry's No. 1 legislative priority - thanks to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). It also creates a Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) requiring the use of 8 billion gallons of renewable fuels, like biodiesel and ethanol, by 2012. National Biodiesel Board (NBB) calls for support of the provisions as the Senate goes into conference with the House, which passed its version of the Energy Bill in April. “The biodiesel tax incentive passed last year has truly jumpstarted the biodiesel industry,” said NBB Chairman Darryl Brinkmann, a soybean farmer from Carlyle, Ill. “As a result, the demand for biodiesel has reached record levels. The biodiesel tax extension gives biodiesel producers the confidence to expand to meet this growing demand.” Other provisions offer tax incentives for farmers who wish to build biodiesel plants and tax incentives for fueling infrastructure for B20 blends at retail stations. The provisions have received strong bipartisan support from leaders such as Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Representative Kenny Hulshof (R-MO). In May, Senators Jim Talent (R-MO) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) introduced an amendment to the Senate Energy Bill that would require the use of 8 billion gallons of renewable fuels, like biodiesel and ethanol, by 2012, with a phase-in for renewable fuel volumes over 7 years, beginning with 4 billion gallons by 2006 and ending at 8 billion gallons in 2012. It grows proportionately with fuel consumption after that. It is estimated that the RFS will help create more than 230,000 new jobs in every sector of the economy. back to top Willie Nelson Launches Biodiesel Truck Stops in South, Southeast Legendary musician and biodiesel advocate Willie Nelson June 7 announced that a twenty percent blend of biodiesel (B20) is now available along the Eastern Seaboard to truck drivers and other motorists. Nelson made the announcement at a Spinx Co. filling station in Greer, S.C., where a B20 “BioWillie biodiesel” is on offer. To signify greater energy independence, on Independence Day weekend, he also kicked off availability of B20 at Carl’s Corner, Texas, a unique truck stop along Interstate 35. Willie Nelson Biodiesel is the supplier of “BioWillie,” the singer’s unique brand of B20. "Biodiesel is the future,” said Nelson, founder of Willie Nelson Biodiesel, while in South Carolina. “This is a great day for America. All of the major automotive and truck manufacturers are struggling to find new ways to meet fuel emissions standards and biodiesel is the most practical and readily available alternative. We have it here at home. We have the necessary product; the farmers can grow it. “By working with alert and innovative retailers we plan to establish a chain of BioWillie Refueling stations throughout the southeasten U.S.,” said Nelson. Company representatives say future plans include truck stops carrying the B20 along the east coast from Miami up to Rochester. Nelson and Peter Bell, of biodiesel supplier Distribution Drive, and three other partners formed the company in December 2004. Likewise, the Spinx Company plans on introducing B20 at more of its locations in the future. Nelson did not supply the only star power behind biodiesel. Actor Dennis Weaver and South Carolina soybean grower Woody Green attended the June 7 event. “We are thinking about the future, no longer stuck in the past,” said Weaver. “The simple truth is we cannot grow oil. Here today we are changing the way we relate to the earth.” In Texas, Carl’s Corner is not only the name of the city, but also the truck stop of the July 3 biodiesel celebration, which included amusements such as a chili cook-off and concert by Nelson. “The response from my trucker customers so far has been phenomenal,” said Carl Cornelius, co-owner Carl’s Corner. “Almost everybody who’s used it has been totally satisfied. I’m learning from truckers they find better mileage, smoother performance, more power. They’re pretty excited. Everybody ought to get on this bandwagon.” During the Texas event, the National Biodiesel Board presented Cornelius with the Biodiesel Pioneer Award for his commitment to bringing biodiesel to truckers. To find out more about Willie Nelson Biodiesel, visit www.wnbiodiesel.com. back to top Cargill to Build Nation’s Largest Biodiesel Plant in Iowa With the capacity to produce 37.5 million gallons of renewable, clean-burning biodiesel a year, Cargill’s biodiesel plant in Iowa Falls, Iowa is set to be larger than any of the United States’ current biodiesel plants. Cargill also plans to build a 30-million-pounds-per-year glycerin refinery that will be adjacent to its existing soybean crush facility in Iowa Falls. Construction of the new plant is planned to start this summer, with production expected in April 2006. Cargill’s plant will meet BQ-9000 certification requirements. Organizers say the plant will initially produce biodiesel exclusively from soybean oil, but in the future, they hope to add animal fat and waste grease capabilities as well. “I think it’s great that Cargill is entering the biodiesel market. It’s wonderful,” said Roy Arends, a director for the Iowa Soybean Promotion Board and farmer from Alexander, Iowa. “Some might see this as competition for the farmer-owned biodiesel plants, but I see it as a good sign for the future. Cargill obviously thinks it’s going to be profitable long term or they wouldn’t be doing it.” Iowa farmers have invested millions of checkoff dollars in the development, production and promotion of soy biodiesel. There are currently three biodiesel plants operating in Iowa – West Central in Ralston, Soy Solutions in Milford and AGP’s plant in Sergeant Bluff. Iowa produces about 25 million gallons of biodiesel each year, and will increase to more than 50 million gallons when a plant in Wall Lake begins production later this year. There are 52 biodiesel retail-fueling sites and more than 350 biodiesel fuel distributors in the state. back to top MSHA Rules Biodiesel a PM Control The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published a final rule June 6 on diesel particulate matter. Biodiesel was included as a feasible diesel particulate matter control technology. MSHA also vehemently refuted all arguments raised by commenters against biodiesel use, including cost vs. benefits; clogging problems and equipment manufacturers not being supportive of biodiesel use. The MSHA conducted various tests to reach this conclusion on several mines with various types of biodiesel fuel. back to top County in Maryland Goes Biodiesel, Fleet Wide Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, Department of Public Works held a ceremonial announcement, check presentation and “Fuel Fill-up” event last Tuesday on its use of 20 percent soy biodiesel (B20) fuel. Queen Anne’s County will be the first Maryland County to use B20 fleet wide. Queen Anne’s County’s fleet consists of approximately 180 units, including 20 school buses. The use of B20 will significantly reduce the emissions from the 230,000 gallons of diesel fuel the fleet consumes annually. Queen Anne’s County is the largest producer of soybeans in the State of Maryland. The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners and the project team have named this effort “Farmers Fueling our Future - Queen Anne’s County Soy Biodiesel Project.” This project is funded by a $60,000 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). Besides presentations from county and soybean leaders, also featured were county vehicles including buses, heavy and light duty trucks and on and off road equipment. back to top Indiana Offers Biodiesel Education Workshops The Indiana Energy Group, the Indiana Soybean Board and the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance are offering education on the latest on biodiesel-blended fuels by inviting decision makers and potential users to attend a free workshop that brings together state and national biodiesel leaders. At the workshop, attendees will receive practical information from different perspectives with a fast-paced program that has been designed to encourage an exchange of ideas. A take-home binder will be given on the items discussed. Topics and presenters will include Indiana biodiesel success stories; “Biodiesel Technology and Use,” Dr. K. Shaine Tyson, U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory; “Biodiesel Availability and Distribution,” Jon Lantz, Vice President of Indiana petroleum refiner Countrymark Co-op; panel discussion on school, government, farm and commercial applications; and funding opportunities for businesses, non-profit institutions, and units of local government, by the Lt. Governor’s Office. Workshop dates and locations: July 12, 2005 – The Pines Evergreen Room – Seymour, Indiana July 13, 2005 – Holiday Inn Lakeview – Clarksville, Indiana July 14, 2005 – Holiday Inn Conference Center – Evansville, Indiana July 15, 2005 – Holiday Inn – Terre Haute, Indiana To ensure the appropriate number of meal tickets and take-home materials, please reserve seats by calling the Indiana Soybean Board at 800.735.0195 or emailing bmason@indianasoybean.com Will Sing for Biodiesel Indiana has also demonstrated its growth in biodiesel recently with events such as the Indy Jazz Fest. This June marked the first time the event used biodiesel in its generators, thanks to Cummins Mid-States Power Group Vice President Greg Gilmore not only offering generators to the show, but also suggesting the use of biodiesel to power those units, improving the air quality for the 50,000 attendees. back to top Strong Sales Mark Launch of Jeep Liberty Diesel Launch of the 2005 Jeep(R) Liberty CRD, the first diesel-powered mid-sized SUV in the U.S. market, has been met with strong customer response, with vehicles moving quickly out of dealer showrooms and into the hands of new owners. At the end of May more than 6,000 units had been shipped to dealers, and 3,000 of those sold. Vehicles are sitting on the dealer lots an average of 23 days, about one-third the typical time. "The 2005 Jeep Liberty diesel has gotten off to a strong start, demonstrating that there is a latent interest in modern, clean-running diesels -- an interest that we believe can be nurtured and expanded," said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler & Jeep, as he addressed the Motor Press Guild in Los Angeles. Chrysler Group has fueled each new Jeep Liberty common-rail diesel (CRD) leaving the assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio, with B5 fuel -- made with 5 percent biodiesel made from Ohio soybeans. Bell noted that cleaner fuels are needed to make diesel vehicles acceptable to Americans. Low-sulfur diesel fuels that will be phased in beginning in 2006 are critical, he said. DaimlerChrysler launched the Jeep Liberty CRD to test the U.S. consumer response to diesel and to change the image of diesel among U.S. consumers. "The Jeep Liberty CRD is helping to dispel the myths about diesel technology. And that's because, most importantly it is a clean-running, common-rail diesel, with the latest Jeep technologies and benefits," Bell said. Because of an infusion of technology, including CRD, today's diesel engines have 80 percent lower particulate emissions, 70 percent lower NOx emissions, 15 percent improved fuel consumption, 50 percent more power and 30 percent more torque than diesel engines had just a decade ago. They are also much quieter. The 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD, equipped with a 2.8-liter, four-cylinder, turbo CRD engine, has the acceleration of a V-6 and the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. Benefits of the Jeep Liberty CRD include best-in-class torque and towing capacity, best-in-class range - 500 miles highway, and 22 percent higher fuel economy compared with a comparable gasoline-powered Liberty (3.7-liter, V-6 engine). Further, Chrysler Group is extending the warranty on diesel engines in all 2006 model year vehicles; the Diesel Engine Limited Warranty covers engine parts and components up to five years or 100,000 miles. back to top Biodiesel Fuel Comes To Midcoast Maine Biodiesel continues its marine use availability with Maritime Energy announcing in June that the fuel is now available at its Union, Maine, Maritime Farms convenience store. John Ware, Sr., Pres. of Maritime Energy, touted some of the benefits of biodiesel when used in boats: reduced diesel exhaust odor, cleaner boats, and if spilled, B20 biodegrades twice as fast in water as regular diesel fuel. “We’re very proud and excited to introduce this fuel product to Midcoast Maine,” said Ware. “Although we cannot solve the world energy problems alone, we are pleased to do our part by offering an environmentally friendly and renewable energy product.” Maritime Energy is a family owned independent fuel company which services Knox, Waldo and Lincoln Counties. Maritime Energy operates convenience stores, Maritime Farms, which are located throughout midcoast Maine. back to top J.D. Power and Associates Say Diesel Vehicle Market Share to Grow New vehicles powered by clean diesel or hybrid electric engines are expected to garner 11 percent of U.S. sales by 2012—up from 4.8 percent in 2005—according to a report by J.D. Power-LMC Automotive Forecasting Services. The report shows that diesels are expected to grow from 3 percent market share in 2004 to 7.5 percent by 2012. "Higher gas prices are acting as a catalyst for automakers and consumers to find alternatives to the traditional gasoline internal combustions engine," said Anthony Pratt, senior manager of global powertrain forecasting at J.D. Power-LMC. "We anticipate this will lead to dramatic growth, particularly with diesels, over the next several years." While automakers continue to design hybrid vehicles, they also are turning to diesels to help them offer more fuel-efficient alternatives. However, new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, which go into effect in 2007-2008, require cars and light-duty trucks to meet Tier 2 emissions standards of 0.07 grams of NOx per mile. Diesel technology, coupled with low-sulfur fuel that will be available at gas stations next year, will have to meet these standards before these vehicles can be sold in the United States. "Most consumers are already familiar with diesel technology, whereas automakers are still trying to educate consumers about hybrid technology," Pratt said. "Outside of meeting future emission standards, the biggest challenge for automakers concerning diesel technology will be convincing consumers that today’s diesel engines have increased performance and run cleaner and quieter than previous-generation diesels." The number of diesel models is expected to grow from 14 to 26 by 2012. "The bloom of diesel vehicles will be in the pickup truck segment, as well as the luxury car and SUV segments," Pratt said. J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. back to top Minnesota Tractorcade to Run on Biodiesel “Farming…The Backbone of America,” has been chosen as the theme for Minnesota’s second annual Biodiesel Tractorcade. “We are so happy that the Minnesota Soybean Growers have again jumped on board as the major sponsor with biodiesel,” said an organizer. The Biodiesel Tractorcade has expanded to a two-day event. It will begin at the Faribault County Fairgrounds in Blue Earth, Minn., on Mon., Aug. 1, and will travel to St. James. The Biodiesel Tractorcade will then leave the morning of Aug. 2 from St. James and end at Farmfest, just ouside Morgan. Tractors will be on display Monday night in St. James and at Farmfest Tuesday afternoon. Additional cities are included in this year’s route. The route and approximate times at each city will be posted at www.tractorcade.com. back to top Upcoming Events Ecare Fair (E. Coast Alt. Renewable Energy) Aug. 12 Cambria Co. Fairgrounds Ebensburg, PA Ecarefair.com Energy Technology Expo and Conference Aug. 30 Denver, CO energytechexpo.com Renewable Finance 2005 Infocast Sept. 8, 2005 Sheraton Colonial Hotel and Gold Club infocastinc.com BioCycle Conf. on Renewable Energy-Organics Recycling Sept. 12 Madison, Wisconsin jgpress.com/conferences1/conferences1.html Transport and Sustainable Mobility Sept. 19 Brussels, Belgium euconferences.com Energy Independence Days (North Carolina) (Regional Wind Summit, The End of Oil Beginning Now, Summit of Colleges for Sustainability, and Fair) September 19-24, 2005 NC State University and Central Carolina Comm. College Raleigh, NC and Pittsboro, NC National Biodiesel Conference Feb. 5-8, 2005 San Diego biodiesel.org/expo2006 back to top Contact Us Jenna Higgins, Director of Communications jhiggins@biodiesel.org Bev Thessen, Information Coordinator bthessen@biodiesel.org This bulletin is also available in PDF format online at http://www.biodiesel.org/news/bulletin/

Campaign for America's Future | www.ourfuture.org Dear Daniel, Declare Your Energy Independence Where our leaders refuse to lead to help break America's dependence on big oil and gas we, the people must lead. Please share a photograph of yourself -- or a friend or family member -- taking action to promote American energy independence. We'll publish it online and share it with the "leaders" who should follow and support our lead. GO! » On July 4, 1776, our founding fathers declared our independence from an oppressive foreign power. And -- against all odds -- the movement they led won America its freedom. Today, America faces a different form of dependence: an oppressive reliance on a diminishing supply of oil. But instead of declaring our independence, today's Republican-led Congress just passed legislation that will leave us even more dependent and vulnerable. The Apollo Alliance -- a remarkable coalition of labor unions, environmental groups, urban leaders, and citizens of common sense -- has proposed an alternative: a 10 year drive for energy independence that would create 3 million new jobs and set America free from foreign oil. Where our leaders refuse to take up this charge, we, the people can and must lead. Everyday, each of us can act to hasten America's independence from foreign oil. From using energy efficient transportation like trains, buses, and hybrid cars, to employing energy-saving technologies in our homes, to walking, biking and simply turning lights off when we leave a room -- we, the people, can advance American energy independence, even while we indict the failure of our national leaders. Collectively, our actions can make a powerful statement to the President and Congress that we're doing our part to promote American energy dependence, and that we expect them to do theirs. In this spirit, we ask you to share a photograph of yourself -- or a friend or family member -- taking action to promote American energy independence. We'll publish them online and shower them on the President and members of Congress to let them know that we will not forget their failure to lead. http://www.ourfuture.org/our_independence.cfm Help us challenge the failure of the administration and the Congress to stand up. The administration's energy plan was cooked up by big oil lobbyists in secret meetings with Vice President Cheney. In the wake of rising gas prices, the president has changed his rhetoric but not his policy. Led by the corrupt Tom DeLay, the House passed a bill this year that is a shameless giveaway to the big oil companies that are pocketing record profits from high gas prices. The Senate did better, recognizing the reality that rising demand for oil and global warming makes action imperative. But even their bill fails to address the root causes of today's sky-rocketing gas prices. It weds us to importing ever more oil, making our economy literally dependent on the shifting sands of Persian Gulf emirates. It stymies the birth of a new American alternative energy industry and sacrifices millions of new jobs here at home. And, it fails to adequately address the growing threats to our global environment. On this Independence weekend, it is time for America to declare its independence once again. And we have no choice but to lead the way. Please share photographs of actions you've taken to foster American energy independence. We'll publish them to help press the President and Congress to follow our lead. http://www.ourfuture.org/our_independence.cfm Thank you for all that you do, and best to you in celebrating your independence! Sincerely, Robert L. Borosage, Co-Director Campaign for America's Future and Apollo Alliance Steering Committee Member P.S. Please spread the word. When you're celebrating the 4th of July, please take a few minutes share news about the Apollo Alliance's push for energy independence with your friends and family, and encourage them to join the effort. The Apollo Alliance is a joint project of the Campaign for America's Future and the Center on Wisconsin Strategy.