Summary: On March 10, 2009, I personally interviewed Greg Bothun, a University of Oregon Physics professor. In the interview, he provided information pertaining to renewable portfolio standards, including his individual opinion of both state and national RPSs.
Topic: Renewable Electricity Policy
Category: Citizen (Expert)
What is it? An interview with a University of Oregon Physics professor
Title: Interview with Greg Bothun
Publication Information: N/A
Location: N/A
Date of Interview: March 10, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Support:
1.) Al Gore 2008 Speech on Renewable Energy
2.) Academic RPS papers written for the State of Oregon, about 5 years ago
3.) Taught various courses on alternative energy
Since was only an interview, the sources provided are naturally different than a regular news article for instance. In the interview Greg Bothun referred to only one specific source, Al Gore’s July 17, 2008 Speech: A Generational Challenge to Repower America. Other sources Professor Bothun refered to include: academic papers concerning RPSs, and various renewable energy classes he has taught at the University of Oregon.
Audience and Agenda: Greg Bothun has been a Physics professor at the University of Oregon since 1990. In 1981, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington. Since 2000, Greg Bothun has been a Professor of Environmental Studies, as well. Professor Bothun is a member of the American Astronomical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His field of specialization is Observational Astrophysics, but his research interests also include topics such as Sustainable Energy Implementation and Policy. According to uoregon.edu, some of his research is funded through federal grants.
Usefulness: This interview was useful in its own way, and certainly connected to my should question – considering that the entire interview centered around RPSs and, in particular, a national RPS. Professor Greg Bothun provided some good information concerning RPSs. He argued that individual state RPSs make little to zero sense. He argued that Dr. Bothun left out some information about RPSs; however, he was fairly thorough in outlining his opinions on RPSs. He argued for regional RPSs, instead of state RPSs, arguing that regional RPSs will be able to meet their goals. Furthermore, Dr. Bothun argued that almost all states will ultimately fail to reach their goals. He said a phased RPS is the best solution to converting to renewable energy. On the other hand he said that a national RPS of 25% by 2025 is “wimpy” and we should impliment a more ambitious RPS. Overall, Greg Bothun left out some information pertaining to a national RPS, but for the most part, he was thorough.
Works Cited:
http://physics.uoregon.edu/physics/faculty/bothun.html
http://edwin360.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/source-notes-al-gore-urges-fast-energy-makeover/
[...] most scientists and experts agree (including the three experts I interviewed; Eric Hiaasen, Greg Bothun, and Frank Vignola) that a national RPS of 25% by 2025 is realistic and achievable. Greg Bothun, a [...]