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earth, the final frontier

Clean Energy, Clean Environment

We are at a cross roads in human history, we can choose to continue on as we have been, or we can make a change to improve our future and quite possibly the future for several generations to come. We are here to promote energy independence, a better environment with a higher return on investment for your hard earned money. It is what I believe in, it is why I am in the solar business.

Enviro-phoneys

06 Sep 07 | Commentary

I read a very interesting article in the Providence Journal (Providence, RI) about the Nantucket sound wind project. It starts out:

There are two sets of environmental policies in the United states today: one for the very rich and one for the yahoos. Once you understand this, a lot of things fall into place. You know how developers and mining magnates get away with turning your local landscape into a hideous mess, while they live in perfect, super zoned enclaves.

That is an excellent point. I once heard Jim Hightower, the semi-famous radio talk show host, say we should do away with all zoning and environmental laws, in fact, these corporations should be allowed to do what ever they want, so long as they do it within two hundred feet of the CEO’s house.

About the Cape Wind Project; it seems some of the more influential (read rich) residents formed a group opposed to the project called “The Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound.” That sound great, until you start to peel back the layers and find out who is behind this group. The groups first president, Doug Yearly, was the CEO of Phelps-Dodge. Under Yearly, Phelps Dodge earned first place in the US EPA’s toxic release inventory for both Arizona and New Mexico. It seems Mr. Yearly either has a double standard or suffers from amnesia. Most of the members of the “Alliance” are fabulously wealthy, and in fact, the headquarters is located at an exclusive Wianno Yacht Club. Naturally, nothing is mentioned of the gas guzzling behemoths sailing in and out of the marina and their effect on the sound. Nor is anything said about the 10,000 square foot energy inefficient mansions most member’s own. Where does the power come from to keep those mansions running? Inland generating plants, near the homes and back yards of middle class working people like you and me.

Hypocrites.

Here is a very funny bit from Comedy Central that sums it up nicely:

 

 

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This is of course, but one example of the double standards that the wealthy power brokers force on the rest of us. I for one, think than any renewable energy project is worth the investment. Solar, wind, hydro, can all make small reductions in our fossil fuel usage.Fortunately, this country is still nominally a democracy. If you care to , and you should, look up the voting record of your elected officials in all levels of government. Fortunately for us, there is a website out there called “Project Vote Smart,” where you can look up the voting record of any elected official. If you don’t know who your elected representatives are, that’s okay, just type in your zip code.

If they do not meet with your approval, voice your opinion in a letter or e-mail. If you choose to do this, it is important that you are registered to vote. I know first hand, any letter or e-mail received by a congressman or senator, the first question asked is “Is this person registered.” If the answer is no, it goes right into the round file. That is just the way it works. Once you are registered to vote, then do it. Voter apathy is what has gotten us into this situation, the idea that nobody really cares and the wealthy can do what ever they choose. It has got to stop.

The only way is if we all stand together. We have to ask questions, scrutinize agendas and hold our publicly elected officials accountable because they are supposed to represent our needs, not their own.

Related posts:

  1. It’s about energy, Stupid.
  2. Slowly, the ship is turning

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06 Sep 07 | Commentary
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Reader's Comments

  1. enviro-phoneys | Homeowner's Blog | September 6th, 2007 at 8:56 pm

    [...] What was said two years ago, still hold true today. You can read the rest of the post and watch a funny little Comedy Central Video here [...]



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