Energy

The conversion of the Riverside coal-burning power plant, operated by Xcel Energy, from coal to natural gas will be commemorated tomorrow at a public ceremony on site in Northeast Minneapolis. Riverside is located on the Mississippi River between North and Northeast Minneapolis. The coal plant has been operating since 1911 and was the largest single source of air pollution in Minneapolis.

Changes made to the way the plant operates and the switch from dirty coal to more clean burning natural gas will cut dangerous air pollution substantially:

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)  is a precursor to fine particulates, which can cause people to develop asthma and aggravate existing lung and circulatory problems – cut 99%.
Nitrogen oxide (NOx) or smog will damage lung tissues, causing asthma attacks and other health problems – cut 96%
Particulates or soot, which are linked to lung and circulatory system problems – cut 86%
Mercury, a potent neurotoxin which can lead to developmental problems in kids and the reason every body of water in Minnesota is under a fish consumption advisory – cut 100%

The Elk River Municipal Utility is considering buying into the Big Stone II coal-fired power plant proposed to be built near Milbank, South Dakota. While other utilities and other states across the Midwest and the nation are abandoning plans for building new coal plants, the Big Stone II proposers continue down this path, which critics call "uneconomic and environmentally irresponsible."

I'm reposting this article I wrote for Examiner.com, http://tinyurl.com/c6dao2.

I'm working on a follow-up on the judicial decision to stop drilling in Alaska's northernmost waters, pending a more thorough Enviornmental Impact Statement.

I'm reposting this article I wrote for Examiner.com, http://tinyurl.com/c6dao2.

I'm working on a follow-up on the judicial decision to stop drilling in Alaska's northernmost waters, pending a more thorough Enviornmental Impact Statement.

A measure to lift a ban on new nuclear power plants in Minnesota passed the Minnesota Senate 42-24 today.

Sen. Prettner Solon(DFL, Duluth) presented her energy policy omnibus bill (SF550), and Sen. Dille (R, Dassel) offered an amendment to repeal the ban on the PUC issuing certificates of need for new nuclear power plants.

See attachment for roll call. Yes votes are against the moratorium, No votes would uphold it.

20090402132611470.pdf

Hearings of the Legislative Energy Commission are set for March 25 and 26 to discuss proposals to drop the current moratorium on new nuclear power plants, in place for over a decade. With over a dozen bills introduced in the Minnesota House and Senate by legislators from both major parties, the discussion is clearly open on the future of nuclear power in the state. The first hearing is open to the public, but not public comment. An unreleased list of experts will testify. The hearing on the 26th will accept public comment.

Minnesota has two nuclear power plants, one upstream and one downstream of the Twin Cities on the Mississippi River. The Monticello nuclear plant is older, located in Monticello, MN near St. Cloud. The Prairie Island plant is south of the Cities near Redwing, MN and adjoins the Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota Community.

President elect Obama says he wants to make clean energy a priority
for his administration. But the U.S. needs to eliminate wasteful use
of energy now.

One way for some to eliminate wasteful use of energy now is to take
fewer trips away from home. For example, some may see and appreciate
wildlife in their own neighborhoods or backyards rather than going out of town
to experience nature.

Much time has already been wasted. A 2003 press release states:
"We are already witness to conclusive evidence
that human activities have caused rapid increases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT:
Brenda Kvale
Kvale Good Natured Games, LLC
651.204.6781
FAX 651-204-6966
brenda@kvalegames.com
http://www.KvaleGames.com/?p=VoteHenry08 and http://www.forbes.com/byb

424 Tons of Greenhouse Gases and More in Eco Audit Released by MN Green Toy Semifinalist in 2008 Forbes Contest

Stewart A. Alexander
Nominee for Vice President Socialist Party USA
Candidate for Vice President Peace and Freedom Party

June 9, 2008

A recent report prepared by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization identified 22 nations that are threaten by the global food crisis; riots, due to food shortages are now occurring in most of these poor countries. To prevent the escalation of the present world food crisis, Stewart Alexander, Vice Presidential Nominee for Socialist Party USA, wants a freeze or a roll back on U.S. ethanol production to the levels prior to December 2007.