Weekly Conservation Bulletin
01/16/2012
Legislators will consider a tool with the potential to boost renewable energy sales, plus more news, this week in CIB:
Legislative Watch: Third-Party Sales Could Boost Clean Energy
A legislative study committee considering a way to boost development of renewable energy begins meeting January 25. The House Third Party Sale of Electricity Committee will consider whether to allow consumers and businesses to purchase electricity directly from independent clean energy generators. If permitted, that would encourage companies to initiate solar or wind projects by allowing them to contract directly with another company as end-user, instead of having to pass through the general utility grid via sales to the monopoly power companies.
The N.C. Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) is among the advocates for this tool. NCSEA's comments and analysis on the topic can be found at http://energync.org/blog/ncsea-news/2012/01/10/legislative-alert-show-your-support-for-clean-energy-on-jan-25/
The legislative study committee will meet January 25 at 2 p.m. in Raleigh (Legislative Office Building, Room 421). It may report recommendations for consideration by the 2012 legislative short session. Details on the committee and its charge can be found at http://energync.org/assets/files/LRCHouseThirdPartySalesCmte.pdf
Washington Watch: EPA's Toxic Release Inventory Shows Trends to Watch
The annual Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), published this month by the EPA, shows a substantial increase during 2010 in the amount of toxic chemicals disposed of or otherwise released into the water, air, and land. Releases increased by 16 percent nationally, and by almost 4 percent in North Carolina, compared to 2009.
The EPA reports that the national increase was principally due to changes in the metal mining sector, including changes in the chemical composition of the ore being mined. Releases nationally represented an increase in 2010 (the last year for which data was available in this report) over 2009, but the 2010 releases are still lower than the totals in 2007. The increase in North Carolina was also led by changes in the metal mining and chemical manufacturing sectors. Nationally, land releases jumped sharply in 2010, and water releases increased modestly, but air releases continued a downward trend.
North Carolina ranked 19th among the states in 2010 toxic releases. Among North Carolina counties, New Hanover, Person, Columbus, Beaufort, Catawba, Gaston, Bladen, Haywood, Bertie, and Wayne had the top ten highest reported release totals. (Noteworthy sources include mining operations and power plants.)
The TRI is an annual compilation of data from reporting required by federal law. It is designed to give the public access to current, detailed information on the sources of toxic chemicals in their local environment. Online research tools are available to make citizen research easier. For more information on the TRI, including easy research tools, go to http://www.epa.gov/tri
There's even a mobile phone research app available at http://www.epa.gov/tri/myrtk/
Education & Resources: Pollution in Your Backyard
Ozone levels in backyards of several Piedmont counties have been found to be comparable to levels reached around interstates and businesses, according to a study conducted by researchers at Davidson College and Catawba College's Center for the Environment. The study looked at locations in Rowan, Cabarrus, Iredell, Davidson, Mecklenburg and Gaston counties in North Carolina, and York County in South Carolina.
A presentation and panel discussion featuring that study's results and entitled "Air Pollution in Our Backyards" will be held this Thursday, January 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for the Environment facility on the Catawba College campus in Salisbury. This provocative topic drives home the direct relevance of regional air pollution problems to our daily lives.
More information on the program, including registration, can be found at http://www.centerfortheenvironment.org/events.html
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