PV Gap

Rhonda Said:

If McCain cares about the environment, why does he oppose renewable energy?

We Answered:

I don't buy into McCain's claim at all, McCain has absolutely no solid history of supporting truly clean energy sources. I agree with all of the sources that you have selected pointing to the fact that John S. McCain does not really care about the environment except to get votes. It is clearly the trend for politicians to say that they care about the environment in order to win, if any politician runs on a policy that completely ignores the environment they will surely lose. McCain's positions are for show and are only because this is an election year.

There is one thing that I disagree with that you said, it is that bio-energy is a clean energy source. Bio energy is only a clean energy source when it comes from our waste products, such as vegetable oil from restaurants or biological waste generated from food or other sources. If we go and take corn and turn that into fuel, we are reducing the amount of food available to the world as well was creating more pollutants such as fertilizer and pesticides in order to grow enough corn to feed our fuel needs as well as the world. If you make the calculation for the conversion of all of the corn we produce in the United States into ethanol, we would only be able to cover 1/5 of our needs for transportation, this does not even cover for our needs in electricity generation.

The calculation:
13000000000 bushels of corn produced every year
2.85gal ethanol per bushel
37050000000 gallons of ethanol a year
210435275000 motor gasoline used in the United states each year
37050000000/210435275000 = .17 -> 17% of transportation needs met
this is under the false assumption that ethanol is just as efficient or even more efficient than gasoline.

Tommy Said:

income from renewable energy?

We Answered:

You would be better off investing in geothermal.

Alberto Said:

Why are the house republicans so furious. Democrats took away tax credits from their masters.?

We Answered:

It's about time. I've had enough of corporate freedoms and advantages. It's time we put those credits to good use.


Plus, this goes to show that the Democrats are doing what they promised. They promised change, and that's what they're doing; changing things.

Marjorie Said:

Why isn't our government doing more to promote and subsidize renewable energy?

We Answered:

Some states have these tax breaks but not on a federal level because good ol' oil boys Bush n' Cheney are still in power.

Meanwhile, in reality-land, individuals can do alot to help conserve energy.

When you buy your next car, look for the one with the best fuel economy in its class.

In some states, you can switch to electricity companies that provide 50 percent to 100 percent renewable energy. In other states, utilities offer "green power" choices. Ask your electric company to provide you with "Green-e" certified renewable power.

When it comes time to replace appliances, look for the Energy Star label on new appliances. (Refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters use the most energy.) These items may cost a bit more initially, but the energy savings will pay back the extra investment within a couple years.

AND finally the simplest solution: RECYCLE!

Edward Said:

I need to prepare report on carbon credits. Can anyone recommend me to a study/link that I can access online?

We Answered:

This website might help

http://www.bestfootforward.com/carbonacc.html

Gerald Said:

Renewable energy. Why isn't our government doing more to subsidize and encourage industry growth?

We Answered:

Well, the government is run by a lot of people with ties to the oil industry. They have to protect their own interests.

Also, the oil industry has a lot of money, so it can influence the views of people without ties to the oil industry, because they all have to worry about getting re-elected.

If the renewable energy industry grew a lot, what do you think would happen to the profits of the oil industry?