Noon: Rushing Headlong Over a Cliff

Marita Noon

Townhall - Apparently, no one learned any lessons from the Solyndra scandal. Shoveling $4.5 billion in stimulus funds to 4 solar projects is a big issue being covered by the national media. In two little states, the lemming analogy is still relevant, though under reported. Both Delaware and Rhode Island are a part of the floundering Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and both have a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requiring cuts in carbon emissions and increases in renewable energy. Both raise energy costs to consumers. In Delaware they are pushing forward with two projects that they believe will put them at the forefront of the “Green Revolution.” (Considering the state of the green revolution, I am not sure why any state would want to be in the forefront.) Delaware’s projects require surcharges, subsidies, grants, and guarantees—but give the government officials bragging rights! Delaware’s projects include a solar park—touted as the second largest east of the Mississippi, and an experimental fuel cell facility that will allow Delaware to be cutting edge when it comes to energy. The Bloom Energy project to be built on the site of a defunct Chrysler factory and the Dover Sun Park both use viable technology to produce electricity—but both will cost businesses and consumers more for electricity. The fuel cells, called Bloom Boxes, use natural gas to generate electricity. It does work. But it only comes close to being cost effective if it qualifies for the states renewable energy credits that are designed to move the state away from fossil fuels. Read full column here: News New Mexico

Noon: Rushing Headlong Over a Cliff