Oil Vs. Alternative Energy

Advocate, something needing pointing out, companies have some leases on which they wish to drill, but are embroiled in a lengthy permit process, much of which is due to environmentalist and Democrat support, yet the Democrats talking point that has been used is that companies should first drill on existing leases. So, I explained why this is a non-issue, but failed to remember the above point, which an oil company employee pointed out on Rush Limbaugh's show. My thought is, if you are not part of the solution, at least get out of the way, and that applies to Democrats.

Again, my position has been consistent throughout this entire debate from Day 1, it is "all of the above." All of the above can be skewed slightly in favor of things like wind and solar, but the government should not skew the market too much because you end up with unintended consequences when you meddle with the markets, which ultimately hurts the economy and consumers. I am okay with tax incentives and possibly other initiatives, but on a case by case basis that makes sense, and I have always had this position. I do not think I am in favor of the government getting in bed with somebody like Boone Pickens, who is looking to feather his own nest.

If we had followed my preference and common sense, nuclear would now be much larger than it now is, and the situation would be better than now.

I am okay with tax incentives and possibly other initiatives, but on a case by case basis that makes sense, and I have always had this position.

I do not think I am in favor of the government getting in bed with somebody like Boone Pickens, who is looking to feather his own nest.

If we had followed my preference and common sense, nuclear would now be much larger than it now is, and the situation would be better than now.

okie wrote:

I am okay with tax incentives and possibly other initiatives, but on a case by case basis that makes sense, and I have always had this position.

Are you serious? Case by case? And just who would you give the Midas power to that you think wouldn't be bought? That is quite possibly the stupidest position possible. A country of favors rather than laws. Unbelievable.

okie wrote:

I do not think I am in favor of the government getting in bed with somebody like Boone Pickens, who is looking to feather his own nest.

Now you're going to fault the capitalist for being a capitalist? Your hypocrisy is off the charts.

okie wrote:

If we had followed my preference and common sense, nuclear would now be much larger than it now is, and the situation would be better than now.

This bit of coherence is insufficient to offset the utter lunacy above.

I wonder if Okie is aware that the Republicans have done everything they can to block tax incentives and rebates for renewable energy during the 110th congress.

Cycloptichorn

Cycloptichorn wrote:

I wonder if Okie is aware that the Republicans have done everything they can to block tax incentives and rebates for renewable energy during the 110th congress.

Cycloptichorn

The devil may be in the details, cyclops. I would have to know more about the specific legislation, and frankly I haven't taken the time to become more familiar with it. And what is this legislation tied to, in terms of drilling, cyclops. I would be in favor of incentives if they are reasonable, and if we also allow drilling, but it depends upon the details.

Knowing typical Republican thinking, I am guessing there is something in the legislation, the details that may be haywire.

And if McCain supports it, will that change your opinion of him?

Or will you at least admit you were wrong?

okie wrote:

Cycloptichorn wrote:

I wonder if Okie is aware that the Republicans have done everything they can to block tax incentives and rebates for renewable energy during the 110th congress.

Cycloptichorn

The devil may be in the details, cyclops. I would have to know more about the specific legislation, and frankly I haven't taken the time to become more familiar with it. And what is this legislation tied to, in terms of drilling, cyclops. I would be in favor of incentives if they are reasonable, and if we also allow drilling, but it depends upon the details.

Knowing typical Republican thinking, I am guessing there is something in the legislation, the details that may be haywire.

The 'details' in this case are ending tax breaks for oil companies, who, profiting billions of dollars per quarter, don't require tax breaks to run profitable businesses here in America.

I suggest you research the 'gang of 10.' McCain is going to get slaughtered on this issue in the Fall, the Dems have set him up on this one. They will put out a bi-partisan bill which supports renewables and drilling, but ends tax breaks for oil companies; McCain won't support that, and Obama will be the one in the center of the issue.

Cycloptichorn

There’s a small town in Germany called Dardesheim, that relies almost entirely on renewable sources for its energy needs. The town’s goal is to use 100% renewable power, and become known as German’s “Town of Renewable Energies”. Dardesheim already has some huge wind turbines in place, and many solar roofs installed. Last year they installed an amazing 62 megawatts of wind power, including one 6 megawatt turbine, the E112.



Paul Gipe writes in Wind Works:

The E112 alone is expected to produce from 12 to 15 million kWh per year, enough to meet the electrical needs of 4,000 households in this region of Germany. Altogether, the wind turbines will generate from 120 to 130 million kWh annually, enough to meet the needs of nearly all the 80,000 residents of the county. And if the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow they don’t need a large battery storage they fire up a biomass plant to generate the electricity from plant residues, wood pellets and manure.

This isn’t the first that the villages have been exposed to renewable energy. Four pioneering wind turbines were installed in the mid-1990s, collectively producing one million kWh per year. The more extensive project has been in the works since then.

They also installed nine different solar PV plants: five private projects totaling 170 kW, and four projects at the Druiberg wind plant totaling 210 kW. During their first year of operation the combined 380 kW of solar PV generated nearly 250,000 kWh, about one-third of the Dardesheim’s domestic electricity consumption.



The town of Dardesheim also wants to attract tourists who are interested in renewable energy. They’ve built a renewable energy information center (on a former anti-ballistic missile radar station), and this year they also expect to install a large wind turbine fitted out with a observation platform.



For more information on Dardesheim, see this Wind Works article.

Again, cyclops, it is the market driving this innovation and change from the bottom up, not "central planning." And what drives the market? Money, cyclops, prices, $4 gas made an impact, a big one. Now, I see some reversion to old habits as gasoline drops back to $3.50 or thereabouts, but some of the lifestyle change has stuck for good, and then wait for whenever $5 or $6 buck gasoline happens, even more changes will occur, much of it will also be long term or here to stay.