EPA Accepting Applications for Environmental Education Grant Funding

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting grant applications for a total of $3.4 million in funding for environmental education projects and programs. EPA expects to award approximately 100 grants ranging from $5,000 to $200,000 and will accept applications until December 31, 2009.

The purpose of the Environmental Education Grant Program is to promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers and citizens. The grants provide financial support for innovative projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques. Projects should involve environmental education activities that go beyond disseminating information.

The Environmental Education Grant Program provides funding to local education agencies, state education or environmental agencies, colleges or universities, not-for-profit organizations, or noncommercial educational broadcasting entities. Tribal education agencies, which are controlled by an Indian tribe, band or nation, may also apply, including a school or community college.

Since the program began, EPA has provided more than $45 million in funding to more than 3,000 agencies and organizations.

More information on eligibility and application materials: http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html

Biofuels from Diapers

Biofuels from Diapers:

As I was listening to the radio the other day, I heard a very interesting report on diaper recycling/fuel production. Yes, you read correctly. This company in the UK is recycling soiled diapers and producing green fuel. As part of the recycling process, the materials are sterilized, separated into individual components which include organic residue, plastic and super absorbent polymers. These components are then recycled into plastic wood, plastic roofing tiles, absorption materials, recycled paper products, among others. What really caught my attention was the production of green energy! If I heard correctly, six megawatts of green energy were produced in the recycling process. One was used by the company to operate the plant and the other five megawatts were sold to the local grid. Go green! That’s a great way to reduce even further the amount and toxicity of our garbage.

Personally, when my children were babies, we didn’t consider which was the most environmentally friendly option when choosing diapers. we just selected the most convenient method for our family: disposable diapers. It’s interesting that several months ago, in one of our Questions of the Week on diaper selection, we had a very interesting green conversation going with well over 170 people weighing in on which is the best option for the environment, disposable or cloth diapers. There are many articulate arguments in favor of both options. At least, companies like this one are finding creative ways to reduce waste while having the added bonus of producing green energy.

As I was reading up on the issue for this blog, I learned that it can take 450 years for a disposable diaper to disintegrate in the ocean, and over 500 years in landfills. While we all should make an effort to adopt more environmentally practices to reduce waste, it gives me hope that at least in the case of disposable diapers there is some hope to go green. So, will we be talking about baby power at a recycling center near you? That might be the way of the future.

Credits: Lina Younes of the EPA since 2002 and chairs EPA’s Multilingual Communications Task Force. Prior to joining EPA, she was the Washington bureau chief for two Puerto Rican newspapers and she has worked for several government agencies.

J. Sam Sadler
elleven consulting group

Chloregy Group Invitation

A friend of mine, Ann Panagushin is a Program Manager for Content and Events for Chloregy. She does an excellent job posting and keeping things up to date. I would highly recommend going to the web site http://events.chloregy.com and signing up to be a free member so as to keep in the know on the latest green events. I joined when I visited the site for the first time and you will too.

Biomass-to-Energy Projects

Anyone involved with current or potential biomass-to-energy projects in the State of Indiana should be sure to attend the Indiana Biomass Business Conference. The conference will be at the Omni Severin Hotel in Indianapolis on February 9 & 10, 2010.

Learn more and register on the website - http://www.biomassindiana.com/index.html

Start Something Green Expo

We are proud to announce the "Start Something Green Expo". Saturday September 26th from 10AM to 3:00PM at The Denton Civic Center on 215 E. McKinney St. There will be no charge for admission.

Learn how you can start something green! The expo includes information about composting, xeriscaping, solar energy and a lot more. The family friendly atmosphere includes music, food, demonstrations and children's activities. Don't miss the fun!Look for elleven consulting group for a complimentary home energy guide to get the most bang for your buck in going green.

International Green Money Conference 2009

The inaugural International Green Money Conference 2009 has been announced by the Founder Michael L. Padurano. The event is being held November 12 through 15, 2009 in Moura, Portugal. The event is being organized by Environmental Networking, Lda. and The International Green Summit, Inc. who are trusted friends of elleven consulting goup and have been fundamental in aligning environmental projects with funding around the world.

The inaugural event is being held in Moura, Portugal. Moura is one of the most environmental and sustainable regions in the world. Portugal is home to the largest hydroelectric dam in Europe and the largest Photovoltaic solar field in the world. Moura is a leader in implementing ecologically minded economic infrastructure and we are pleased to highlight these technologies to countries around the globe going as to how to make change happen.

This is a unique opportunity for green energy manufacturers to showcase their technologies or projects in front of environmental investors and decision/policy makers from around the world. They will have a chance to sit down after their presentation on a one on one basis to make deals happen. The International Green Money Conference will bring together all sides of ecologically minded businesses to stimulate funding opportunities, implementation and education.

Attendees should be green investors such as Hedge Funds, Mutual Funds, investment companies, CEOs, Sustainability Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Business Development Professionals, Marketing & Public Relations Professionals, Academics, Policy & Government Officials, and individuals that are interested in investing in the Green Movement.

All participants will also have access to the International Green Summit 2010 VIP red carpet launch party which will be on top of Castle de Moura, November 14, 2009. In April 2010, the International Green Summit will also be held in Moura, in order to create awareness and educate the populations, to influence the political processes and to develop an earth friendly eco-system.

“Awareness creates Knowledge, Knowledge creates Change”.

For more information on the International Green Money Conference 2009 please visit their websites.

www.internationalgreensummit.com www.igmc.environmentalnetworking.pt

Content for this article provided by: Michael L. Padurano
The International Green Summit
CEO/Founder
Cell. 1-561-809-1671
eFax. 1-561-258-8185
mpadurano@igsonline2009.com

New Petition Link

We created a new link for the Dallas/ Fort Worth Petition for More Renewable Energy. Please visit it and sign the petition at:

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/greenenergy

DOE Webinar July 30

DOE Webinar July 30: Funding Opportunity for a Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program invites you to join a 1 hour webinar on July 30, 2009 at 11:00 am EDT/8:00 am PDT to discuss the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled "Recovery Act: Large Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility," which is currently open. The full announcement, DE-FOA-0000112, can be found on the FedConnect Web site.

During the webinar, the program will provide a brief overview of the FOA, followed by a question and answer session using questions provided in advance. The program is required to adhere to DOE procurement guidelines during the webinar; therefore, please submit questions in advance by 2:00 pm EDT on July 27, 2009 by email to WindDynamometer@go.doe.gov. Questions submitted after this deadline will be answered at a later date via the FedConnect Web site.

The objective of this FOA is for the design and construction of a large dynamometer facility for testing 5 to 15 MW rated drivetrains, with supporting systems, and the operation and maintenance of these facilities for the benefit of wind stakeholders nationwide. The proposed facility can be new construction or involve the design and modification of an existing building suitable for electrical, mechanical, and other physical needs associated with a dynamometer test stand. Overhead cranes, access doors, and other facility infrastructure suitable for accommodating associated components and equipment will be required. It is envisioned that the facility will include sufficient office space for permanent staff and visiting users as well as conference rooms, lunch room, restrooms, computer stations, etc. Applicants will be required to submit detailed multi-phase plans including concept designs, preliminary designs, engineering procurement and construction contract management, and a plan for achieving long term sustainable operation, maintenance, and funding without future DOE assistance.

To join the webinar, registration is required in advance. Please visit the webinar's registration page to register. Participants will be provided with the webinar URL and conference call-in number once registration is complete.

Letters of Intent for the FOA are due at 07/22/2009, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications for the FOA are due at 08/13/2009, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

The webinar registration page can be found at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/775897096

elleven CONSULTING GROUP

I wanted to give a special "thank you" to everyone behind the elleven CONSULTING GROUP. I cannot thank you enough. Thank you to Edward Earle, Stan and Ryan for all they have done to help in our branding process. You have made all the difference in the world. You are truly my "Agency of Record".

Sam Sadler Answers Questions on Smart Grid

I have two new video posts. You can view them at the following links:

Sam Sadler Answers Questions on Smart Grid After Presentation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc7RqF-uowQ&feature=channel_page

Sam Sadler on Renewable Energy Petition He Is Leading
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMeUaCYGmsw&feature=channel

EPA Makes Efforts to Minimize Harmful Affects of Coal Mining

(Washington, D.C. – March 24, 2009) The United States Environmental Protection Agency has sent two letters to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expressing serious concerns about the need to reduce the potential harmful impacts on water quality caused by certain types of coal mining practices, such as mountaintop mining. The letters specifically addressed two new surface coal mining operations in West Virginia and Kentucky. EPA also intends to review other requests for mining permits.

“The two letters reflect EPA’s considerable concern regarding the environmental impact these projects would have on fragile habitats and streams,” said Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “I have directed the agency to review other mining permit requests. EPA will use the best science and follow the letter of the law in ensuring we are protecting our environment.” EPA’s letters, sent to the Corps office in Huntington, W.Va., stated that the coal mines would likely cause water quality problems in streams below the mines, would cause significant degradation to streams buried by mining activities, and that proposed steps to offset these impacts are inadequate. EPA has recommended specific actions be taken to further avoid and reduce these harmful impacts and to improve mitigation. The letters were sent to the Corps by EPA senior officials in the agency’s Atlanta and Philadelphia offices. Permit applications for such projects are required by the Clean Water Act.

EPA also requested the opportunity to meet with the Corps and the mining companies seeking the new permits to discuss alternatives that would better protect streams, wetlands and rivers. The Corps is responsible for issuing Clean Water Act permits for proposed surface coal mining operations that impact streams, wetlands, and other waters. EPA is required by the act to review proposed permits and provides comments to the Corps where necessary to ensure that proposed permits fully protect water quality. Because of active litigation in the 4th Circuit challenging the issuance of Corps permits for coal mining, the Corps has been issuing far fewer permits in West Virginia since the litigation began in 2007. As a result, there is a significant backlog of permits under review by the Corps. EPA expects to be actively involved in the review of these permits following issuance of the 4th Circuit decision last month. EPA is coordinating its action with the White House Council on Environmental Quality and with other agencies including the Corps.

For more information on wetlands and the letters: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/

Philadelphia Group Gets Funding For Environmental Work

PHILADELPHIA (March 25, 2009) -- Neighborhood Interfaith Movement, a non-profit in Philadelphia, is one of 40 organizations across the country to get federal funding for community-based environmental work. NIM will use a $20,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to train people who will teach families how to create healthy homes.

"I commend the Neighborhood Interfaith Movement for its commitment to these communities and for demonstrating the kind of local leadership that is vital to building strong public health protections for all Americans," said William T. Wisniewski, acting regional administrator for EPA's mid-Atlantic region.

NIM’s environmental project will provide training to people who will advocate for healthy homes. Educational workshops and outreach will target residents in Germantown, Tioga, and Nicetown neighborhoods to reduce childhood lead poisoning and lessen exposure to pesticides and pests. Also, the project will aim to reduce the high rate of asthma in these neighborhoods.

EPA’s funding to NIM is part of the agency’s effort to assist communities dealing with environmental justice challenges. Since initiating the environmental justice small grants program 15 years ago, EPA has awarded $20 million in funding assisting 1,130 community-based organizations and local and tribal governments.

For more information on the grants program see: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/index.html

SmartGrid Q and A

We had a question/answer segment in the Renewable Energies seminar I recently spoke at. After having been asked for the information enough times, I am posting it as closely to what was actually said. This portion of the presentation will be posted on video form next week.

Q: What is Smart Grid?
A: SmartGrid is a term used to incorporate a number of technologies, not just one technology
It could include technology to make certain home appliances operate at times of the day when more desirable energy sources are producing.
· The term also represents digital upgrades of technologies for transmission and distribution and the new utilization of newer alternative energy sources. An incorporating of new technologies if you will.

Q: What is different about it than what we have in place right now?
A: Our grids today are not an incredible amount different than they were 120 years ago.
· Use of improved distance two-way communications,sensors, and computing technology will improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of power delivery and use. Smart Meters for instance, can communicate power usage in real time allowing for better coordinated usage and source creation. Austin started it’s smart Grid construction in 2003 when it replaced 1/3 of it’s meters with Smart Meters and now has about 500,000 in service today.
· Smart grids can also coordinate the production of power from large numbers of small power producers such as owners of rooftop solar panels — an arrangement that would otherwise prove problematic for power systems operators at local utilities.
· The US Dept of Energy said a modern Smart Grid must:
Be able to heal itself
Motivate consumers to actively participate in operations of the grid
Resist attack
Provide higher quality power that will save money wasted from outages
Accommodate all generation and storage options
Enable electricity markets to flourish
Run more efficiently

Q. What kind of effect would Smart Grid have on us?
A. One United States Department of Energy study calculated that internal modernization of US grids with smart grid capabilities would save between 46 and 117 billion dollars over the next 20 years
· If we make the US grid 5% more efficient, same impact on C02 emissions as taking 53 million cars off the road:

Q. What kind of support is it getting from the government?
A. President, Barack Obama asked the United States Congress "to act without delay" to pass legislation that included doubling alternative energy production in the next three years and building a new electricity "smart grid".

Q. Do you support it?
A. Absolutely

Q. How could this save the consumer money?
A. With a standard grid if someone generates their own power and it feeds back into the grid it can create issues involving safety and inconsistency because it is designed to flow one way. Smart Grid allows for Decentralized Power Generation: as it allows individual consumers to generate their own power in whatever quantities they so desire gaining a type of independence from many grid-related problems and reaping the financial benefit of self-generated power.
· There are a number of power companies in many countries, especially in Europe that have installed double tariff electricity meters in homes to help people use power in the nights and weekends for off-peek power which can be much less expensive than peek hour electricity. This way consumers can save money using appliances such as water heaters, washing machines…

Portions of the data presented was in reference to data provided by GE and Wikipedia

New Green Jobs on the Horizon

New green jobs on the horizon in Cellulosic Ethanol:

BP held a press release naming a joint venture with Verenium Corp. for the production of cellulosic ethanol derived from grasses and other non-human consumable vegitation.

The joint venture will invest $300MM for development, market preparation and distribution of the biofuel including a production plant located in Highlands County, Florida. The plant will be 25 times larger than the other smaller plant they operate. Kelly Lindenboom, Vice President, Corporate Communications with Verenium Corp. commented, "This collaboration is intended to progress the development of one of the nation's first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanolfacilities...and to create future opportunities for leveraging cellulosic ethanol technologies." The joint venture company itself will initially be based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The two companies forecast breaking ground on the plant in 2010 and expect production in 2012. They plan to produce 36 million gallons per year at this facility. With plans of expansion possibly on the gulf coast already in the works.

More information is available on the press release link below:

http://finance.boston.com/boston?GUID=8025729&Page=MediaViewer&Ticker=VRNM

Artwork compliments of:

BP Corporation

Verenium Corporation

Green for Green

It's time we talk about the facts. From the the time of it's conception wind energy has limped along on financial crutches such as grants, donations, fund-raisers, etc. Return on investment has been negligible. It's time we examine within and look at a more realistic picture. With an average price tag around $2MM per wind turbine. On average that turbine would generate 1.5MW. Enough for about Let's say that electricity goes to market in Nevada at around $60 per MW. Without accounting for maintenance or any other residual cost it would take 2.6 years to pay for the investment. Is that enough incentive to attract someone to not only invest in that, but in the research to improve it?

Here's the reality. Money drives progress. Let's quit pretending we don't want money. The "we can do this without them" mentality is not progressing our cause at an acceptable rate. With the inefficiency of the wind turbines previously mentioned, our planet will be cluttered with wind turbines that don't even turn until around 11 mph depending on the design.

I have caught a lot of flack over this. Money is not evil. Private funding is necessary for progression. It improves the world we live in every day in every aspect. In the next 2 years our company needs to supply 1,323.2MW and that's per hour of course. With the wind turbines previously metioned we would need to build 883 units at a cost of $1,766,000,000.00. Does anyone out there want to loan me the money? I didn't think so. We are left with a plan of two generalized options: First, going after private money. Secondly, increase efficiency.

My point here is that it's not about the money. It's what comes as a result of the money... improvement and efficiency! And improvement is what revolutionizes the industry and silences all those that claim "...wind energy is not a viable source of power".

Sam Sadler

Energy Petition-DFW

We the people of the Dallas/Fort Worth area....

I have been hearing, "We are creating far too much pollution, I can't stand this city smog." I have also heard, "We are too dependant on fossil fuels and foreign oil." My neighbor states, "Energy prices fluctuate too much..." Everyone is looking for someone to do something about it. Well, I am doing something about it.

I have organized and put into circulation a petition for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The purpose of the petition is to voice our opinion to those who are greatly in control of our future that the local population is very much interested in reducing their carbon footprint and lowering their energy bills through alternative energy. We as the "the people" have a strong voice. We will be heard.

If you by chance come upon a copy, please sign it. If you would like to sign-up as a volunteer to aid in our cause, simply notify me by email and I will get you the information you need. Thank you so much for your contribution to the cause. If you would like to sign it via email, simply send me an email voicing your concern being concluded with you name and optional address and it will be combined with the others who are voicing their opinion.

We can get rid of the cloud that hangs over our metroplex. Please realize that as individuals we can all make a difference!

Sam Sadler
greenwatt2002@hotmail.com

Wind-Generated Energy is Under Attack

I am sure that I will get someone's blood boiling with this but that is nothing new. I welcome the debate as it helps us find solutions. This issue is something that needs to be talked about and looked squarely in the eye.

Across the world wind-generated energy is under attack. From video footage of disintegrating wind turbines to inconsistent energy output, it seems to be the brunt of all conversational slander around the electric water cooler.

Recently I was asked the question, "Is wind a viable power source?". There is no wondering why someone would raise that question. The controversy rages on about the ever so popular tri-bladed propeller turbines. Their antiquated 1944 design leaves a lot to be desired.

• Their mammoth size averaging over 300' in height combined with the possibility of disintegration in heavy winds offers the land owners little comfort in placing habitable structures nearby.
• Their need for routine maintenance is costly and unsafe.
• With an inability to produce power in less than 11mph winds or in winds in excess of 17-20mph due to a braking system keeping them from disintegration in winds exceeding 20mph.
• Lower return on investment dampering technological funding.

Each of these issues is a factor in the lethargic development of an industry so under-explored. Let's face it. Money moves technology. If we were seeing higher returns on investment this industry would be moving at light speed. Not to say that some entities have not taken notice of it's potential as they grasp for something to sever their dependence on fossil fuels. The United States doubled their number of wind turbines in 2008 and China was not far behind.

There is certainly a need and a desire to make something work. GE is making efforts to increase efficiency in the grids to offer alternative energy in areas where it is not presently available with their "Smart Grid" technology. They noted that the grid accounts for 40% of US CO2 emissions. Almost double that of cars in the US.

As we work together , and identify weaknesses, we can make them strenths. For instance, most of the power generated from a wind turbine comes as a result of contact with moving air at the circumfrance of the blade rotation. The tri-bladed designs have very little contact with this air. I am presently working with an inventor who has amplified this contact and thus gained efficiency.

These are a few charactoristics of this new design that have impressed me:

• 50% of the height of it's predecessors
• closed propeller ring technology allows wind harvesting in wind speeds up to 250 mph to take advantage of Mother Nature's gifts over 20 mph.
• Increased circumfrance surface area to generate electricity in as little as 1 mph and be 3100% more efficient than it's predecessor.
• Extremely low maintenance.

What does all this add up to? Much better ROI. And that equates to greater funding for alternative energy. This quickly becomes a snowball effect and before you know it, the industry has been revolutionized. Don't get me wrong, I praise those that have worked so hard in pioneering the industry with the tri-blade technology. None of us could ever say anything that would take away from their great accomplishment. They have created the opportunity for the introduction of this technology. And I hope they join us in watching this technology with great anticipation, knowing that it too will be improved upon in some way.

Feel free to join me and my colleagues at http://www.linkedin.com/. I can be found in the following groups:

Credits and Links:

Disintgrating wind turbine footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nSB1SdVHqQ

GE Smart Grid http://www.gepower.com/prod_serv/plants_td/en/td_network.htm