Agribusiness calls for relief on fuel prices
“The current debate over (reducing) the GST component on fuel prices is not logical†Mr. Crosby said.
“Removing the GST component affects finances at the state level,†he said.
“But federal finances are those most capable of absorbing the reduction in revenue, so it makes sense to cut the excise, not the GST component, to bring immediate relief.
“The Federal Government does not need the revenue from fuel excise and its removal would be anti-inflationary.
Media misses the point with Fuel Watch fiasco
Australian Greens climate change spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, today called on all parties in Parliament and the media to stop focussing on leaks and 2 cent price reductions and get behind a comprehensive strategy to address Australia’s transport crisis.
Senator Milne said, “Australians sitting out there in traffic congestion today will be really frustrated that Canberra is so obsessed with who leaks what to whom and when, rather than addressing what this nation is going to do to fix the transport mess.
“When the Fuel Watch legislation reaches the Senate, we will consider all the evidence and make a judgement based on whether there is a risk that the program might make Australians worse off, since it is so clear that it would barely make anyone better off.
Sacramento proposes solar steam train
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| A 1940 fireless locomotive from Heisler |
From Sacramento Solar Steam TrainÂ
Building on the Solar Steam Train concept, we are raising support for a demonstration project in Sacramento, California. Proposed is to use the existing rail yards to support a fireless locomotive that would be used in rotation on the tourist line in Old Sacramento.
Once again the region will lead the world in developing a system for mass transportation using simple, well proven technology to provide high quality, clean, renewable energy more efficiently than any other by taking the shortest path from the sun to the drive wheels.
Ohio bets on corn based ethanol
Jill Dewert in the Times Bulletin There’s no doubt that many Americans are looking for alternative energy sources in response to the rising cost of fuel. What isn’t clear – at least across the board – is what that answer is. “I think there’s a lot of discussion about using bio energy – whether that’s Continue Reading →
Bats dying in wind turbines across US
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Like this hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), |
In the push to develop new forms of sustainable energy, the wind power industry is at the forefront. Turbines that harness the power of wind already serve as effective power sources across the globe, and this proven effectiveness has led to vast increases in the number of turbines currently under construction.
The general impact of wind turbines on the environment is likely far less than that of conventional power sources. However, recent evidence shows that certain species of bats are particularly susceptible to mortality from wind turbines. Bats are beneficial consumers of harmful insect pests, and migratory species of bats cross international and interstate boundaries.
US aims for 20 percent wind power by 2030
Wind power is capable of becoming a major contributor to America’s electricity supply over the next three decades, according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Energy. The groundbreaking report, 20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy’s Contribution to U.S. Electricity Supply, looks closely at one scenario for reaching 20% wind energy by 2030 and contrasts it to a scenario of no new U.S. wind power capacity.Â