Posts in the category Energy Policy

Special Screening July 17th: GAS HOLE

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:59:31 EDT

I would like to invite you to share information regarding my timely, hot-button film, "GasHole," narrated by Peter Gallagher. We are having a special screening event at The Drexel Grandview Theatre on Thursday, July 17th.

"INFURIATING...HARD HITTING...GAS HOLE STANDS TO RISE IN DIRECT PROPORTION TO GAS COSTS." -- Rob Nelson, Variety

"CHILLING....I'D REQUIRE EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN TO SEE IT." -- Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"GAS HOLE IS CLEARLY A MOVIE WHOSE TIME HAS COME." -- Duane Dudek, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "

GasHole
Coming to The Drexel Grandview in Columbus
July 17th for One Show Only!

GasHole Trailer

My name is Scott D. Roberts and my partner, Jeremy Wagener and I are the writer, producer and directors of the new documentary, "GasHole," narrated by Peter Gallagher. (www.gasholemovie.com) This timely, hot-button film takes an intense look at oil prices and the future of alternative fuels.

The film has a special screening event at The Drexel Grandview on Thursday, July 17th, at 7:30pm with a Q & A session with the filmmakers to follow the screening. Tickets are $10.00 for general & $8.00 for Seniors/Students/Military.

Come see the film that everyone is buzzing about before it hits theaters!

We'd love to talk about the film, tour, and our struggle to get it made.

Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Scott D. Roberts

Ohio and America's problems in the 21st Century

User from Struthers, OH — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:21:50 EDT

Ohio and America's problems in the 21st Century

July 7, 2008

* America is losing jobs. The private sector has lost more than 400,000 jobs in the last six months. Over the past seven years, 3.4 million manufacturing jobs--one out of every five--has been shipped overseas. Today, a smaller percentage of Americans have jobs than at the beginning of the Bush administration.
* Basic costs are skyrocketing. The price of gasoline has increased by more than $2.50 per gallon since George W. Bush took office and the average household will spend $2300 more on gas this year than in 2001. The cost of health insurance has nearly doubled during the Bush Administration. Tuition and fees at public four-year colleges are up 46 percent since 2001. And now food prices have begun to rise.
* American incomes are stagnant. Adjusting for inflation, American workers haven't made any salary gains since Bush took office. In fact, real median household income dropped nearly $1000 from 2000 to 2006. The number of Americans in poverty increased from 31.5 to 36.5 million from 2000 to 2006. Now, one out of every eight Americans is considered poor.
* We're mired in debt. Sixteen percent of mortgaged homes are now "underwater"; that is, the mortgage owed equals or exceeds the value of the house. It is estimated that by June 2009, nearly one in four homes will be underwater. At least two-thirds of college students graduate with some debt and the average debt among graduates exceeds $19,000. More than 850,000 families filed for bankruptcy last year, a 38 percent increase over 2006.
Progressive solutions:
For heaven's sake, let's stop squandering $340 million dollars per day on the war in Iraq; let's put that money to work here in the U.S. instead. For example, to soften the blow of the current recession, state and local governments need federal aid so they can continue providing critical community services. To restore America's economy, we need to invest in ourselves. That means fixing our nation's bridges and roads, expanding mass transit and broadband access, becoming energy independent, developing new "green" technologies, and ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education. To redirect spending to where it's needed, we need to eliminate tax breaks for wealthy corporations, especially those that reward companies for sending jobs overseas.

Dennis Spisak-Independent Green Party Candidate for State Representative-60th District
Campaign Site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com
Visit our links to Progressive Job Programs and Healthcare for All Ohioans Act

Ohio Needs A Green Communities Act

User from Struthers, OH — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:55:52 EDT

Ohio Needs A Green Communities Act

July 4, 2008

Beth Daily of the Boston Globe reported yesterday that Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law the Green Communities Act that will do away with long-standing obstacles to building renewable energy power projects in the state and to make homes and businesses more energy efficient.

The law will provide rebates to homeowners and businesses to install insulating windows and more efficient boilers. Homeowners and businesses will also be able to rent solar panels from utilities to avoid expensive upfront costs as well as wind turbines. They will also be allowed to sell surplus energy back to the utility companies. The new law could help save millions of dollars through energy efficiency and hold down consumers' electric bills. Governor Patrick also has set an aggressive goal to increase solar power in the state by 600 percent in four years.

As the Green Party Candidate for State Representative for the 60th district, I believe we need a state representative who is willing to work with other leaders in the house and senate in Ohio to make the same kind of commitment here in the Buckeye state.

Dennis Spisak Campaign Site; Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Bin Laden's Got a Future in Futures

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:23:38 EDT

''If bin Laden takes over and becomes king of Saudi Arabia, he'd turn off the tap,'' said Roger Diwan, a managing director of the Petroleum Finance Company, a consulting firm in Washington. ''He said at one point that he wants oil to be $144 a barrel'' -- about six times what it sells for now.

-Oct 14, 2001

Oil prices leapt $144 dollars a barrel on Wednesday after data revealed a drop in stockpiles of US crude.

- July 3, 2008

Renewable Energy Pioneers -- Right in Northwest Ohio-Why Not Youngstown?

User from Struthers, OH — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:41:36 EDT

Renewable Energy Pioneers -- Right in Northwest Ohio-Why Not Youngstown?

July 3, 2008

According to an article from James Canterbury from Toledo he reports this week that Ohio is becoming a leader in alternative energy research and development. For example, the Sunlight Corporation in Toledo has been making flexible solar panels for years and is now expanding to become one of the largest manufacturers in the country. But that's not unusual, according to Sunlight's vice president.

"Even though people might think there is not much sunshine in this area, actually there are quite a lot of manufacturing and research efforts in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan," says Liwei Xu, Ph.D. Much of that research, which is done at the University of Toledo, is resulting in some surprising uses for alternative, renewable energy. The technology exists today that could help you recharge your dead cell phone with your own personal solar panel.

While Sunlight Corp. tries to harness the power of the sun, one local school district is roping the wind -- or hopes to in about a year. Archbold Schools District is raising a wind study tower with help from Green Energy Ohio. "Basically, what results we will get from that is what size wind turbine would benefit our school district the most and provide us with the most energy to help offset our electric and utility bills," explains Laura Bickel, science teacher. These alternative energy pioneers are doing what it takes to become future power players.

Again, we see other areas of Ohio jumping on the renewable energy bandwagon, while the Mahoning Valley political leaders stay mum on the subject and refuse to act.

Even the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that the city of Houston, Texas is giving wind power a try. The heart of the U.S. oil patch on Tuesday began using wind-powered electricity for about a fourth of its municipal power needs at a lower price than it is paying for power produced from coal and natural gas, city officials said.

The move shows how renewable energy's prospects are improving at a time of soaring fossil-fuel prices. Long derided as an expensive niche, wind power now is moving closer to the mainstream.

As the Green Party Candidate for State Representative for the 60th District, I again point out the high tech and blue-collar jobs that can be brought to the valley if we turn our attention to renewable energy manufacturing jobs for this area. Why is incumbent Bob Hagan failed to speak up on this subject? Why has Republican candidate Tim Gordon failed to speak up on this issue? Do they not want new jobs and neighborhoods for our poor, working, and middle class of the 60th district?

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for State Representative-60th District

Campaign site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Visit our links to progressive job programs

Finally, US House Introduces Feed-In-Tariffs

User from Struthers, OH — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:30:44 EDT

Finally, US House Introduces Feed-In-Tariffs

July 2, 2008

U.S. Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA), Bill Delahunt (D-MA), Jim McDermott (D-WA), and Mike Honda (D-CA) introduced landmark legislation last Thursday that will provide security for investments in the renewable-energy sector by guaranteeing rates for renewable-energy generation. This policy mechanism, also known as a national feed-in tariff, may be the single most effective tool to expand renewable energy development that we know of.

International Energy Agency, the European Commission and the United Kingdom's Stern Review have determined that feed-in tariff policies in Germany, Spain, France and other European Union countries have achieved larger renewable energy deployment at lower costs, compared with policies in other European Union countries.

The legislation has two principle titles. The first would streamline interconnection standards and the patchwork of policies currently governing interconnection. The second title addresses the actual process of setting of renewable energy tariffs, and what would qualify. This bill would not only apply to the mom and pop backyard wind turbines, and rooftop solar - the tariff extends to projects as large as 20 megawatts!

As it is currently written, the tariff would be revisited no later than one year after it is enacted and every two years thereafter, thus incorporating a ratcheting mechanism that allows the rate-setters to adjust for technological advances, bottlenecks in supply chains, changes in demand, and other unforeseen stimuli that might necessitate a rate revision.

According to a statement released by the bill's co-sponsors:
"Enacting a federal renewable-energy payments policy would streamline what could become a patchwork regulatory structure and an unstable investment climate for the U.S. domestic renewable energy market. It also would complement incentives for renewable-energy deployment, such as existing federal-tax credits as well as proposed plans to cap carbon emissions and set federal renewable-electricity requirements, among others."

Rep. Inslee added:
"With hundreds of billions of dollars in capital slated for investment in the clean-energy sector in coming decades, we'd be fools if we didn't ensure American manufacturers would be on the receiving end of this rapidly growing market."

Rep. Delahunt continued:
"It is time for the United States to take a leadership role in the new 'clean energy' economy. By giving our own consumers access to proven financial incentives and boosting demand for clean energy technology we can position the United States to become a world leader in this emerging sector of the global economy that has the potential to create thousands of new 'green-collar' jobs here at home.

As the Green party Candidate for State Representative for the 60th district, It is about time the US House recognizes that feed-in-tariffs have helped renewable energy grow in Europe. We will also need such tariffs here on a state-wide basis to help renewable energy production to grow here in the 60th District. This is an important piece of legislation needed for the poor, working, and middle class of the valley.

Dennis Spisak-Green party Candidate for State Representative-60th District

Campaign site: [votespisak.tripod.com]

Check out our links to renewable energy and progressive job programs

New Jersey's Solar Success-Why not Ohio?

User from Struthers, OH — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:03:30 EDT

New Jersey's Solar Success-Why not Ohio?
Posted by: Dspisak (IP Logged)
Date: June 30, 2008 09:59PM

New Jersey's Solar Success-Why not Ohio?
July 1, 2008

Last week in the New York Times, Anthony DePalma wrote about New Jersey's booming solar power success.

With oil prices skyrocketing, demand for solar power is booming. And New Jersey, which has used a rebate program to help install more solar panels than any other state but California, is getting burned by its own success.

There is a backlog of more than 700 applications for the rebates, and property owners have to wait months, even years, to get solar panels installed. The program, which is paid for by surcharges on all utility bills, has been shut down several times over the last three years because applications far outpaced rebate money. Some solar installation companies have had to lay off workers while they waited for rebate checks to be sent.

All this has convinced New Jersey regulators that it is time to wean solar energy from public subsidies altogether. The state plans to replace rebates with energy credits that can be bought and sold on the open market.

As it works out the details of the transition, New Jersey -- not the place most people associate with solar innovations -- finds itself at the forefront of a growing national debate about the role of government in helping stimulate this sector of the energy economy.

Under a state energy master plan, solar power should account for 2.12 percent of New Jersey's electricity by 2020. But even though more than 3,100 residential and commercial solar systems have been installed during the six years the state has offered rebates; they generate only 0.07 percent of current energy needs.

The state is planning to turn to a program it started several years ago that issues energy credits. The concept is simple: Solar projects generate energy credits every year, and the state requires utility companies to buy them to offset carbon emissions from their power plants and to help meet renewable-energy targets. By purchasing credits, the utilities do not actually generate solar power, but they offset the cost of installing and operating solar equipment.

New Jersey plans to greatly expand the program by allowing the credits to be bought and sold like commodities, with long-term contracts and prices set by the open market.

Regulators say that will be fairer to ratepayers and help the state reach its renewable-energy goals faster. They also say the plan provides safeguards for small installers and ensures competition by prohibiting any company from capturing more than 20 percent of a utility's yearly credits.

SunEdison, based in Maryland, has already made inroads in New Jersey using a new approach -- called power purchase agreements -- that smaller companies do not have the capital to duplicate.
Under those agreements, which the state first allowed in 2004, property owners do not have to buy or operate their solar projects, or handle the sale of energy credits. Instead, they avoid all up-front costs by contracting with SunEdison or other large companies, and bill property owners at fixed rates that are lower than utility company rates.

SunEdison has put up more than 22 solar systems in New Jersey, along with dozens in others states, mostly for large retail companies like Kohl's.

Experts say these purchase agreements can promote the move to solar power. And regulators hope that a vibrant market for energy credits will speed that growth to the point where solar power can compete with conventionally generated electricity.

Again, we see another state moving ahead of Ohio in providing renewable energy jobs and savings to the poor, working, and middle class.

As the Green Party Candidate for State Representative, I would work to bring Ohio and the 60th district the same type of renewable energy choices other Americans are being offered today.

Dennis Spisak- Campaign web site: [votespisak.tripod.com]

Finally the American People are SACRIFICING for the War Effort!

The Mustang Major — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:35:39 EDT

Having survived the OPEC Oil Crisis of the late 1970s, early 1980s, I sold my gas guzzling Oldsmobile Cutlass that I bought outside Fort Carson, Colorado after playing an extra in the prequel to Iraqnam (Vietnam), I purchased what was then called a 1975 Nissan Datsun 1200.

Along with the attractive appeal for the Japanese car came another trend of the OPEC Oil Embargo on Western nations, everyone and their cousin around the University of Maryland, Baltimore, County, Baltimore City, and of course the University of Maryland, College Park right outside Washington, DC., were being forced to dump their V-8’s and related gas guzzlers onto the used car market. It reached a point where folks who either relied on these larger vehicles or bought them for vanity or even safety and security had no choice but to get rid of them, because they just could not afford THE GAS!

I will not depress you by quoting what the high gas prices were during the hayday of the Japanese car invasion that almost killed the American Auto Industry, but suffice it to say that OPEC, mother nature, and of course the Iraq War or War on Terror in general is making gas prices make the first OPEC Oil embargo look well, CHEAP in comparison.

LESSON NEVER LEARNED: Unless WE THE PEOPLE need a pick-up truck or SUV for work, farmers come to mind, self employed handy men (and women) come to mind, folks making a living hauling firewood or whatever comes to mind, THE REST OF US only need V8 engines and the monstrosities they haul out of vanity and greed.

There is no excuse for this, and who’s fault is it? Ok, I know the American thing to do is seek out scapegoats, but nope, that just ain’t gonna work anymore. The collective we, manipulated by the American Auto Industry with the best paid auto workers on earth bar none. We are to blame.

The reason that I’m not that patient nor caring for those who have to practically give away their gas guzzlers is that at least one American Auto Maker has had a proven track record in producing economical gas efficient cars that could compete with ANY foreign invader, that company was General Motors – Saturn launched in 1990.

With the exception of a short love affair with the Chevy Blazer that proved to be a let down when gas was cheaper, our military family has been a two, then later three Saturn family. We bought our first Saturn in 1990 instead of a Nissan or Toyota.

In the economic downturn, and high gas prices that are with us to STAY, Saturn (and other American auto makers) now need to expand it’s line into gas efficient pick-up trucks and related utility vehicles that are really needed for well, UTILITY or WORK or someone’s livelihood.

This is my long-winded introduction to my posted subject, “Finally the American People are SACRIFICING for the War Effort!” The greatest differences between the first Arab Oil embargo and this one are that the first one was in RETALIATION for our siding with Israel in the early 1970s Arab-Israeli War. We actually did not have boots on the ground in combat anywhere having been still reeling from Vietnam and trying to build a Modern Volunteer Army, etc.

Bush Impersonator Hits Chabot and Schmidt On Ties To Big Oil In New Radio Ad

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:11:05 EDT

"'W' here, wanted to thank you for your support of the big oil energy agenda. 'Preciate you voting to keep giving billions in tax breaks to the big oil companies.

Sure, gasoline is over four bucks a gallon and the oil companies are making record profits, but what's good for big oil is good for America, right?

I guess that's why they call us the Grand Oil Party. Heh, heh, heh."

The ad will run Monday through Friday, according to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, with a total buy of more than $100,000.

Listen in to the ads:

Jean Schmidt

Steve Chabot

Condi Called "Africa's Worst Dictator" a "Good Friend"

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:07:43 EDT

Slate runs down Teodoro Obiang "the ruler of Equatorial Guinea whose life seems a parody of the dictator genre."

Some years after executing his uncle in a bloody coup, Teodoro hit the jackpot:

[S]ince oil was found in the country's waters in the Gulf of Guinea, ExxonMobil, Marathon Oil, Chevron, and other firms have invested more than $10 billion to extract the treasure, transforming Equatorial Guinea into the third-largest energy exporter in sub-Saharan Africa.

Teodoro then promptly sent the first $700 million in revenue to ~~provide help to his country's desperately poor citizens~~ be laundered in his personal bank accounts in DC.

What's the US's response to this brutal dictator who has "permanent contact with the Almighty" and therefore can "kill anyone without being called to account"?

Invite him over for Tea & Crumpets and have our Secretary of State call him a "good friend."

They're right, this is beyond parody.

Flashback: 9/26/04: Oil Hits $50

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:31:50 EDT

Yes, just a month before the last presidential election, the world was aghast as oil hit $50 a barrel.

"We now think that (U.S.) crude oil could reach $61 before a meaningful sell-off occurs," investment bank Morgan Stanley said in a report to its private clients. "Long-term price patterns point to even higher prices," the report added.

Oil closed at $142 Friday and OPEC expects it to hit $170 in the coming months.

Somehow I doubt that's what Morgan Stanley meant.

Cutting Solar Power Costs

User from Struthers, OH — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:05:27 EDT

Cutting Solar Power Costs

June 28, 2008

The costs of generating solar power will be on par with the costs of power made from fossil fuels like natural gas and coal within a decade, according to clean-tech research and publishing firm Clean Edge and green-economy nonprofit Co-op America. The two groups collaborated on a new report, the Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study, to provide a roadmap for utilities, solar companies, and regulators to work together so the nation can derive 10 percent or more of its power from the sun by 2025.

In related news, the Financial Times reported last week that the U.S. is set to overtake Germany as the world's largest wind market in 2009. American wind energy is riding the wave of an investment boom accounting for a 45 percent jump in capacity last year alone.

As the Independent Green Party Candidate for State Representative, I will work in Columbus to help continue to cut renewable energy costs so it can be made more affordable to the poor, working, and middle class. Now is a pivotal moment for renewable energy in the United States. There is a real opportunity here for companies to stake a major claim in the market because there has been a pent-up demand.

Dennis Spisak- Campaign site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Check our links to renewable energy programs

"White House Refused to Open Pollutants E-Mail "

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:55:22 EDT

Bush pulls perhaps the most preposterous gambit in modern governance by refusing to open email from the EPA. No word if he'll squeeze his eyes shut really tight, put his fingers in his ears and hum if someone accidently opens up it.

Only Political Candidates in Ohio willing to put their campaign platforms in writing are two Independents, two from the Green Party, and ironically one Republican.

The Mustang Major — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:36:20 EDT

Don't you seriously think that it is way past time for an organization with Progress in it's logo push Ohio candidates to stand on and by their views BEFORE giving them your VOTE?
Frankly, I believe that part of this is political arrogance by Democratic candidates that they or their campaign staff do not recognized PEACE groups, especially a by-state organized grassroots movement BIG MISTAKE. I would be the first to point fingers at the Republican Party, it is a given they are ARROGANT, except at least one Republican has the humility to fill out and acknowledge these most serious state and national issues.
Given, a few candidates from all parties have already stated their positions on the issues via their online campaign websites. If that be true, at the minimum respond to Voters for Peace and tell us that.
Of note, on the Ohio State page of Voters for Peace, yes WE are a presence here; ProgressOhio is listed as one of our resources. We depend on you to answer this CALL TO ACTION.

Robert L. Hanafin, Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired

All New Mercedes Will Be Gas-free in 7 Years

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:09:08 EDT

Much more so than the discontinuation of the Hummer, this is the best sign that critical mass (no, not that one) is coming soon:

In 2007, Daimler invested EUR 4.1 billion in research and development and EUR 1.8 billion in environmental protection. In the coming years, the company will increase these budgets even further, investing almost EUR 14 billion in research and development in the period up to 2010.

What's That Have to Do With the Price of Corn in Iowa?

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:31:08 EDT

This is not sustainable.

Youngstown Could Get 1.3 Million Dollars From Public Transportation Act of 2008

User from Struthers, OH — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:22:08 EDT

Youngstown Could Get 1.3 Million Dollars From Public Transportation Act of 2008

June 27, 2008

As I have posted information regarding improving mass transportation for the Youngstown area this week, the negative response to mass transit is that only those who use mass transit should pay for it.

Yesterday I attended the WRTA Mass Transit Board of Directors Meeting and it was noted NO mass transit service can operate solely on user fees.

Thus, either local, state, or federal aid must be provided.

The following is information regarding H.R. 6052, which could give the Youngstown area 1.3 million dollars for Public Transportation. The Act reads as follows:

COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
H.R. 6052, THE "SAVING ENERGY THROUGH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2008"
June 12, 2008
BACKGROUND
In 2007, Americans took more than 10.3 billion trips on public transportation, the highest level in 50 years. Public transportation use is up 32 percent since 1995, a figure that is more than double the growth rate of the population and up substantially over the growth rate for vehicle miles traveled on our nation's highways for that same period. Public transportation use saves fuel, reduces emissions, and saves money. Public transportation use saves the United States the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually, or more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day. Public transportation use is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 37 million metric tons annually. A commuter who switches from driving to work alone to public transportation can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 pounds per day, or more than 4,800 pounds in a year. Public transportation use provides an affordable alternative to driving, as households that use public transportation save an average of $6,251 every year. As such, increasing public transportation use is a priority of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
A primary objective of H.R. 6052, the "Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008", is to reduce the United States dependence on foreign oil by encouraging more people to use public transportation. According to a recent study, if Americans used public transit at the same rate as Europeans - for roughly 10 percent of their daily travel needs - the United States could reduce its dependence on imported oil by more than 40 percent, nearly equal to the 550 million barrels of crude oil that we import from Saudi Arabia each year.

H.R. 6052, THE "SAVING ENERGY THROUGH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2008"
To increase public transportation use across the United States, H.R. 6052, the "Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008":

Authorizes $1.7 Billion of Capital and Operating Funds for Transit Agencies to Reduce Fares and Expand Transit Services. This section authorizes $850 million (General Fund) for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to allow public transit agencies to reduce transit fares and expand transit services. These funds will allow transit agencies to provide incentives for commuters to choose transit options, thereby reducing our nation's transportation-related energy consumption and reliance on foreign oil, as well as decreasing its greenhouse gas emissions. These funds will be distributed under current law urban and rural transit formulas (49 U.S.C. 5307 and 49 U.S.C. 5311, respectively). The Federal share for these grants is 100 percent and funds will only be available for a two-year period.

Increases the Federal Share for Clean Fuel and Alternative Fuel Transit Bus, Ferry, or Locomotive-related Equipment and Facilities from 90 percent to 100 percent. Under current law, the Federal share of the portion of transit buses, ferries, or locomotives that is for clean fuel or alternative fuel-related equipment or facilities for compliance with the Clean Air Act is 90 percent. Under the Federal Transit Administration's interpretation of current law, the total Federal share for alternative fuel buses only increases from 80 percent to 83 percent. The bill increases the Federal share for the alternative fuel vehicle-related equipment from 90 percent to 100 percent of the net project cost for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. As a result, the total Federal share for such buses will be more than 90 percent.

Extends Transit Benefits to All Federal Employees. Under current law, all Federal agencies within the National Capital Region are required to establish a transit pass benefits program and offer transit passes to Federal employees. The bill establishes a nationwide Federal transit pass benefits program and requires all Federal agencies in the United States to offer transit passes to Federal employees. The bill also requires that the Department of Transportation ("DOT") to establish specific guidance for implementing the nationwide transit pass benefits program. The guidance will ensure that Federal agencies have the necessary administrative procedures to ensure that Federal employees properly use the program.
The current law requirement originated with Executive Order 13150, signed by President Clinton on April 21, 2000. The Executive Order required that all Federal agencies within the National Capital Region offer transit passes to Federal employees. It also required the Department of Transportation ("DOT"), the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Energy to implement a nationwide three-year pilot transit pass benefit program for all qualified Federal employees of those agencies.
The Department of Transportation has determined that both the National Capital Region program and the nationwide pilot program are a success, and recommends that the transit pass benefits program be extended to all Federal employees nationwide.

Extends Transit Benefits to All Federal Employees. Under current law, all Federal agencies within the National Capital Region are required to establish a transit pass benefits program and offer transit passes to Federal employees. The bill establishes a nationwide Federal transit pass benefits program and requires all Federal agencies in the United States to offer transit passes to Federal employees. The bill also requires that the Department of Transportation ("DOT") to establish specific guidance for implementing the nationwide transit pass benefits program. The guidance will ensure that Federal agencies have the necessary administrative procedures to ensure that Federal employees properly use the program.
The current law requirement originated with Executive Order 13150, signed by President Clinton on April 21, 2000. The Executive Order required that all Federal agencies within the National Capital Region offer transit passes to Federal employees. It also required the Department of Transportation ("DOT"), the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Energy to implement a nationwide three-year pilot transit pass benefit program for all qualified Federal employees of those agencies.
The Department of Transportation has determined that both the National Capital Region program and the nationwide pilot program are a success, and recommends that the transit pass benefits program be extended to all Federal employees nationwide.

Establishes a Vanpool Pilot Program. The bill establishes a two-year pilot program to allow the amount expended by private providers of public transportation by vanpool for the acquisition of vans to be used as the non-Federal share for matching Federal transit funds in five communities. Under current law, only local public funds may be used as local match, and this pilot program allows private funds to be used in limited circumstances. The provision requires the private providers of vanpool services to use revenues they receive in providing public transportation, in excess of its operating costs, for the purpose of acquiring vans, excluding any amounts the providers may have received in Federal, State, or local government assistance for such acquisition. The Department of Transportation will implement and oversee the vanpool pilot projects, and will report back to Congress on the costs, benefits, and efficiencies of the vanpool demonstration projects.

Increases the Federal Share for Additional Parking Facilities at End-Of-Line Fixed Guideway Stations. The bill increases the Federal share for additional parking facilities at end-of-line fixed guideway stations to increase the total number of transit commuters who have access to those stations. The bill increases the Federal share from 80 percent to 100 percent for fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

If local and state funding is not available, it's time for Tim Ryan to step forward and work to see that the Transportation Act of 2008 is passed.

Dennis Spisak-Independent Green Party Candidate for State Representative for the 60th District

Campaign Site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Your Economic Stimulus Check just went to Saudi Arabia and Exxon

User from Struthers, OH — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:22:59 EDT

Your Economic Stimulus Check just went to Saudi Arabia and Exxon

June 26, 2008

The Ohio Public Interest Research Group Education Fund released a report yesterday that showed in just 19 weeks the Economic Stimulus Check that President Bush and Congress gave to you went to pay for the increase in gasoline prices since February 2008. The Ohio PIRG Summary follows:

America's dependence on oil has become increasingly painful. Two thirds of oil in the United States goes to transportation, with the largest share consumed by cars and trucks. As the rising price of gasoline makes driving more expensive, Americans have sought alternatives by driving a little less and riding public transportation more.

Unfortunately, government policy does too little to help Americans drive less. Energy experts generally agree that the era of cheap gas is over. Scientists likewise agree that road-based global warming pollution must be reduced. But lawmakers have not taken enough steps to help Americans consume less at the pump. On the contrary, overall government policies continue to encourage more driving at the expense of alternatives, leaving Americans poorer, stuck in worsening traffic, and emitting dangerous levels of global-warming pollution.

Nothing illustrates how the lack of transportation options hurts consumers and our economy more than the fact that, since approval of the tax rebates in February, Americans on average have already spent the amount of their stimulus checks at the pump. The standard stimulus rebate check for American families with a joint filing couple and a child is $1,500. As of this week, the average family household will have already spent over $1,500 at the gas pump since February 13th when President Bush signed the tax rebate checks into law.

The situation is akin to families signing over their rebate checks to big oil companies like Exxon Mobil or sending them to oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia.

We can reduce our crippling dependence on oil through long-term solutions that will make it easier for Americans to drive less. Modern buses, light rail, commuter rail and other forms of transit more efficiently move passengers with less fuel. Transit also reduces traffic congestion and encourages more compact development patterns that, in turn, further reduce the amount Americans must drive.

Existing public transportation already reduces America's oil dependence. Analysis by Ohio PIRG shows that net oil savings from public transportation totaled 3.4 billion gallons in 2006, the last year for which full data on transit agency and ridership is currently available. These oil savings are enough to fuel 5.8 million cars for an entire year and to save about $13.6 billion in gasoline at today's prices. In metro Columbus, public transit saved 1.6 million gallons, the equivalent of $6.5 million at today's gas prices.

Comparing spending on transportation in neighborhoods with different access to rail and bus routes underscores the gas-saving benefits of public transit, according to newly released analysis by the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) as part of a Brookings Institution project. Based on analysis of 2000 Census data in 52 metro areas, neighborhoods with the best access to transit routes spent an average of $728 monthly on all transportation costs, including gas, insurance, upkeep, and transit fares. Households in communities with the least access to transit, by contrast, spent an average of $925 per month.

America's crippling dependence on oil is a long-term problem that requires long-term solutions. Only a minority of Americans currently has satisfactory access to public transit. The lack of convenient alternatives to driving means that Americans are more vulnerable to high gas prices and that future attempts to jumpstart consumer spending will be diluted.

The tax rebate program will cost the Treasury $168 billion. By contrast, the four-year total of federal spending on new public transportation projects through 2009 is only $6.6 billion. Helping Americans to drive less will require more aggressive investment in public transportation.

Public transit solutions can do far more. At present, under funded transit agencies are struggling to keep up with the record volume of riders. Despite the success of new rail lines and bus routes around the country, a long line of new transit projects remains stuck on the drawing board due to lack of funding. Federal, state, and local governments must invest in solutions to oil dependence through more and better public transportation.

All of these investments will require far-looking commitments by lawmakers. But we cannot afford to continue to squander spending in ways that do not address the long-term problem.

As the Independent Green Party candidate for State Representative for the 60th District, I will work with bringing renewable energy resources to our homes and vehicles, work on improving mass transit, and making the 60th district less dependent on fossil fuels.

Dennis Spisak-Independent Candidate for State Representative-60th district

Campaign web site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Your Daily Moment Of McCain: Battery Prize

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:36:43 EDT

John McCain "recycles" another idea from George Bush.

Bush proposes additional funding for research on car batteries . . . McCain says screw the research let's have a "prize".

Watch It:

The Jed Report

Ohio's Own Harvey Wasserman On The Fuel Crisis

NationOfGandhis — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:48:17 EDT

Harvey Wasserman

Bush/McCain's gas price scam is an Enron re-run
June 23, 2008

The Bush/McCain gas price escalation is an Enron Re-Run. It is Chapter 2 of the scam Bush crony "Kenny Boy" Lay used in 1999-2001 to steal $100 billion from California ratepayers.