Final Source Notes Arguement

   My Gateway to Media I final project addresses the issue of a national renewable portfolio standard. More specifically, my ‘should question’ is: Should the U.S. federal government create a national renewable portfolio standard ensuring that at least 25-percent of U.S. electricity comes from renewable sources by 2025? 

   A renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is basically a mandate requiring that electricity utilities receive a certain percent of their total electricity from renewable sources, and sell a certain amount of such energy, by a certain date. As part of a RPS, electricity utility companies could trade renewable energy credits (RECs) with other companies. Thus, if a utility produced over the required percentage of renewable electricity, they could sell their extra RECs earned to utility companies who have not meet their requirements. The RPS is essentially a flexible, market-driven, quantity-based policy. Renewable sources that count towards RPS percentages include: wind, solar, bioenergy, geothermal and hydroelectric power. As of right now, renewable energy accounts for about 3% of total U.S. energy output. Furthermore, only twenty-seven U.S. States have mandatory RPSs. The states of Texas and Pennsylvania are two of the leaders in implementing and meeting their individual RPS goals. North Dakota, South Dakota, Virgina, Utah, and Florida have non-mandatory energy goals. Several other countries, besides just the United States, have experienced sucess implementing RPSs. For instance, many countries belonging to the EU have lead the way with RPSs.    

   The U.S. energy portfolio has seen little change since 1973. In 1973, 93% of the nation’s energy came from fossil fuels, compared to 85% in 2006. In 1983, Iowa became the first state to enact an RPS goal. In the Senate, the first RPS bill was introduced by Sen. Dale Bumpers (D.-Ark.) during 1997. Since 1997, this issue of a national RPS has been up for debate in the U.S. Congress multiple times. Several times a national RPS goal has been proposed and time and again it has been shot down. Perhaps the current administration will be the first to sign into law legislation enacting a national RPS.

   Only a handful of national renewable portfolio standard alternatives exist. The U.S. government could stick with the current plan and leave the matter of RPSs in the hands of individual states. However, this would allow states that do not have RPSs to continue avoiding energy mandates. Essentially, there would be no incentive for states that do not have RPSs to pass legislation requiring RPSs. As a second option, State RPSs could also be broken down into smaller, regional RPSs. Energy efficiency policy could be pursued instead of RPS policy. Another alternative would be the implementation of a carbon tax, or perhaps a feed-in-tariff. However, none of the above options would create equal or greater benefits than a national RPS would provide.  

   Therefore, the my answer to the ‘should question’ is yes. Yes indeed, the U.S. federal government should instate a national RPS of 25% by the year 2025. There are a number of benefits associated with a national RPS. Numerous reports indicate a national RPS of 25% by 2025 would:

• Shift the U.S. away from its dependence on fossil fuels, and cut greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve natural resources.
• Drive down energy costs for consumers.
• Provide incentives for new renewable investment.
• Create twice as many jobs, compared to fossil fuels production.
• Stimulate the U.S. materials and manufacturing sectors.
• Level the playing field for all U.S. states.
• Increase environmental health.
• Provide uniform rules for trading RECs

   In addition to the reasons listed above, various EIA and USC analyses indicate that a national RPS would “diversify the electricity system, promote local economic development, (and) improve the nation’s energy security and reliability.” Another report stated that a national RPS would “expand investment opportunities, discourage profiteering from state inconsistencies, (and) reduce free riding.” Also, a federal RPS would be more efficient than the current patchwork of individual state RPSs. However, a national RPS is only one policy; other policies are needed to make a national RPS of 25% by 2025 as beneficial and efficient as possible. A multi-tiered approach is needed to shift the U.S. over to more reliance on renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. For instance, a national RPS coupled with energy efficiency policy or more renewable tax credits could serve to more effectively meet U.S. goals. All in all, a national RPS of 25% by 2025 should be created.  

    Of course, plenty of other possible percentages and target years besides 25% by 2025 exist. However, 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 Professor at the University of Oregon, even went so far as to chide a national RPS of 25% by 2025 as “wimpy,” suggesting even more aggressive policy. On the other hand, some individuals support a fantastically unfeasible RPS goal. In a July 17, 2008 Speech, Al Gore said that the U.S. electricity utilities could convert to 100% clean energy in 10 years. Most experts agree that this is wishful thinking. Furthermore, various studies by the EIA and USC conclude that a national RPS of 20% by 2020 is achievable. An RPS goal should be somewhat challenging to meet, yet still reasonable.  

    Despite support from a majority of states and lawmakers, there is still some opposition to a national RPS. Those in opposition falsely suggest that a national RPS would increase electricity costs for consumers. They also argue that a national RPS is unpractical because of high transmission costs. The American Wind Energy Association asserts that $60 billion would have to be invested in new renewable energy transmission lines. Other naysayers argue creating that a national RPS is merely a risk-free policy choice; they assert that ultimately, failure to meet mandates rests with utility companies instead of policy-makers and politicians.

    No solution to the problem of fixing America’s reliance on fossil fuels will be perfect. Naturally, there are several flaws with a national RPS system. However, despite its imperfection, a national RPS of 25% by 2025 (preferably coupled with other energy policy) is the best bet for the United States of America. Hopefully the federal government will soon move to pass a bill requiring a national RPS, for time is running out.  

 

(My source notes list can be found here)

Citizen Source Note: Interview with Eric Hiaasen

Summary: On March 12, 2009, I interviewed Eric Hiaasen, Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) Senior Energy Analyst. He provided important information about national RPSs and how Oregon’s RPS effects EWEB.    

Topic: Renewable Electricity Policy

Category: Citizen (Stakeholder)

What is it? An interview with an EWEB Senior Energy Analyst

Title: Interview with Eric Hiaasen

Publication Information: N/A

Location: N/A

Date of Interview: March 12, 2009 at 4:45 PM

Support:

1.)  A Generational Challenge to Repower America, a July 17, 2008 speech by Al Gore

2.)  An Oregon Department of Energy report

3.)  Western Climate Initiative

4.)  Eugene Electricity & Water Board (EWEB)

These sources cited by Eric Hiaasen work together to back up the facts and arguments he presented during the interview. Since this source was only a short interview, naturally fewer sources were cited.

Audience and Agenda: Eric Hiaasen is currently a Senior Energy Analyst at EWEB. Previously he had worked in Long-Term Planning, and then switched over to Midterm Trader for about ten years before recently switching over to his current job title. Mr. Hiaasen is responsible for putting together EWEB’s long-term integrated resource plan, and managing the company’s renewable energy credits (RECS), among other duties.  

Usefulness:  This interview was closely tied to a national RPS topic. Indeed, most of the interview centered around national RPSs, including state vs. national RPSs, and more specifically - Oregon’s RPS. The interview was targeted towards me, the interviewer. In the interview, Mr. Hiaasen said that EWEB is actually exceeding their goals and has an excess of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). He argued that a national RPS would be preferable to individual state RPSs, specifically concerning a cap & trade program.  According to Mr. Hiaasen, EWEB is pursing mostly renewable electricity anyways, so a national RPS would change little of EWEB’s structure. He further stated that a national RPS of 25% by 2025 is certainly achievable. During the interview, Eric Hiaasen was very thorough, leaving out little pertinent information.     

Works Cited:

http://www.eweb.org/

http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/

http://edwin360.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/source-notes-al-gore-urges-fast-energy-makeover/

Citizen Source Note: Interview with Greg Bothun

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:

www.uoregon.edu

http://physics.uoregon.edu/physics/faculty/bothun.html

http://zebu.uoregon.edu/
 

http://edwin360.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/source-notes-al-gore-urges-fast-energy-makeover/

http://www.oregon.gov/

Academic Source Note: Encyclopedia of Energy RPS Article

Renewable Portfolio Standard (Encyclopedia of Energy, March 2004)

Summary: This 2004 Encyclopedia of Energy article outlines a renewable portfolio standard, including: rationale, design considerations, early adopters, and a preliminary assessment of RPSs.

Topic: Renewable Electricity Policy

Category: Academic Research

What is it? An academic article published in the Encyclopedia of Energy article

Title: Renewable Portfolio Standard

Author: Mark Jaccard, of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia

Publication Information: The Encyclopedia of Energy, March 2004

Location:
http://www.emrg.sfu.ca/EMRGweb/pubarticles/2004/RPSEncyclopedia.pdf

Accessed: March 1, 2009 at 10:30 PM

Support:

1.  Advocates of renewable energy

2.  U.S. Clean Air Act

3.  Various U.S. state RPSs

4.  Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act of 1978 

5.  The Renewable Portfolio Standard: Design considerations and an implementation survey, Energy Policy

6.  Technology policy and renewable energy: Public roles in the development of new energy technologies, Energy Policy

These are only several of the sources used for this academic article. Some of the above sources were cited in the article itself and others were listed afterwards for further reading. However, the consortium of sources cited still manages to work together to express the arguments presented in the article.

Audience and Agenda: The Encyclopedia of Energy is partially funded by selling copies of the Encyclopedia itself. A complete copy of the six-volume set of the Encyclopedia of Energy would cost $2,495. The Encyclopedia of Energy can be found online at both sciencedirect.com and it’s parent website, elsevier.com. Both websites publish scientific work online. Per Month, 1.2 million and 1.8 million people visit www.sciencedirect.com and www.elsevier.com, respectively.   

Usefulness: This academic research article is useful and helpful, despite being published in 2004. It is directly linked to the issue of a national RPS, for the report is wholly concerned with addressing the issue of RPSs, and national RPSs in general. According to www.sciencedirect.com, where the Encyclopedia of Energy can be found online, the target audience includes: “academics, researchers, professionals and students working/studying in energy and its related fields; policy makers, energy and environmental consultants; all those working in business corporations and non-governmental organisations whose activities relate to energy and the environment.” This article was originally created as an academic article, but it managed to find its way into the prestigious Encyclopedia of Energy. This report examines RPSs in a fair and opinionated manner. The article itself argues that “the RPS provides a strong incentive for new  renewable investment,” and creates a flexibility mechanism with such concepts as tradeable credits. It also argues that a RPS is inherently flawed for it forces a shift to reliance on new forms of energy, even though “these are but indirect means to an end.” The article leaves out some information pertaining to a national RPS. For example, the article does not directly assess whether a national RPS would, in fact, be more productive than individual state RPSs.  

Works Cited:

http://www1.elsevier.com/homepage/sai/encycofenergy/

http://www.emrg.sfu.ca/EMRGweb/pubarticles/2004/RPSEncyclopedia.pdf

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/referenceworks/012176480x

www.quantcast.com

Institutional Source: Artist Rendering of Future Masdar City

An artist’s rendering of Foster + Partners project: Masdar City

Masdar City Developement (Foster + Partners, May 2007)

Summary: This image shows an artist’s rendering of a portion of future Masdar City, located in the United Arab Emirates. 

Topic: Renewable Electricity Policy

Category: Institutional (Business)

What is it?  An image of a renewable energy city

Title: N/A

Artist:  N/A

Publication Information: Foster + Partners, fosterandpartners.com, May 2007

Location: 
http://www.hypnopotamus.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/masdar-city.jpg

Accessed: March 5, 2009 at 10:30 PM

Support:

1.)  Norman Foster, founder of Fosters + Partners and current chairman

2.)  Masdar-Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company

3.)  Mubadala Development Company

The support provided for this image is different than that of a written document. It is a bit of a stretch to say that the founder is support for the image. But if he had not founded Foster+ Partners, the image would not exist. Furthermore, Norman Foster serves as support because the picture’s artist is not given. Also, the other support for the image comes from the clients of the Masdar City project. The support reinforces the validity of the image. Without support the image would be just a nice picture, but with the added support it becomes a concrete idea.  

Audience and Agenda: Foster + Partners was founded by Norman Foster, in London, England during 1967. Throughout the years, the firm has expanded to become one of the leading architectural firms in the UK, and has branched out to 20 different countries. The website for Foster + Partners is targeted towards potential clients interested in contracting the firm. Foster + Partners is an architectural business firm; the business is funded through payment from their clients.

Usefulness:  This picture is moderately useful. It was created as a conceptual image of what part of Masdar City might look like. The image was most-likely created with the use of an architectural computer program. The target audience would probably include other architectural firms, potential clients (including cities), and the general public. The artistic picture is related to a national RPS because it demonstrates a Utopian vision of what U.S. renewable energy could look like. If the United Arab Emirates can do it, why can’t the United States of America? According to the Foster + Partners website, Masdar City is, ”a new 6 million square meter sustainable development that uses the traditional planning principals of a walled city, together with existing technologies, to achieve a carbon neutral and zero waste community. It will be a centre for the development of new ideas for energy.” The picture does not make a direct argument, but instead perhaps it implies that a city run on entirely renewable energy will be breath-taking and perfect. Since it is only an image, the conceptual picture of Masdar City leaves out a wealth of information concerning a national RPS of 25% by 2025.    

Works Cited:

http://www.fosterandpartners.com/Projects/1515/Default.aspx

http://www.outnext.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/05/21/masdarcity21050701.jpg

www.fosterandpartners.com

http://www.hypnopotamus.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/masdar-city.jpg

Citizen Source Note: Interview with Frank Vignola

Summary:  I personally interviewed Frank Vignola, a University of Oregon Physics professor and the Director of the UO Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory. He provided a wealth of information in response to my questions about a national RPS. 

Topic: Renewable Electricity Policy

Category: Citizen (Expert)

What is it? An interview with the Director of the University of Oregon Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory

Title:  Interview with Frank Vignola

Publication Information: N/A

Location:  N/A

Date of Interview: March 3, 2009 at 3:00 PM

Support:  N/A

Audience and Agenda: Frank Vignola has been a UO faculty member since 1977. He is currently a Senior Research Associate at the UO. Vignola is also Director of the University of Oregon Solar Radiation Laboratory. Furthermore, he is the founder and a current editor of Solar Spectrum, a publication of the Resource Assessment Division of ASES. Thus, Frank Vignola has a wealth of knowledge concerning solar energy policy, including renewable portfolio standards and energy mandates. 

Usefulness:  This interview was extraordinarily helpful and useful. Frank Vignola provided a great deal of information concerning national RPSs. He said that a national RPS of 20 to 25 is certainly achievable. But he also said that both a national RPS and individual state RPSs are needed.  

Works Cited:

www.uoregon.edu

http://solardat.uoregon.edu/FV.html

Journalistic Source Note: Daily Show Interview with Thomas Friedman

Novemeber 11, 2008: Thomas Friedman ( The Daily Show, November 11, 2008 )

Summary:  Jon Stewart interviews Thomas Friedman about his new book, Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution and How it Can Renew America. Friedman argues that energy technology (ET) will be the next big global industry, and America must rise to the front and heavily invest in ET. 

Topic: Renewable Electricity Policy

Category: Journalistic (Mainstream)

What is it? A Daily Show interview 

Title: November 11, 2008: Thomas Friedman

Director: Chuck O’Neil

Publication Information: The Daily Show, thedailyshow.com, Novemeber 11, 2008

Location:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=210159&title=Thomas-Friedman

Accessed: February 24, 2009 at 7:55 PM

Support:

1.  Hot, Flat and Crowded, by Thomas Friedman

2.  The New York Times Newspaper 

3.  President George W. Bush, 43 president of the United States

4.  Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Co.   

This hodge-podge of assorted sources, mentioned by Jon Stewart and Thomas Friedman, serve to provide some backing to the argument presented by Friedman. Not all of the sources work together, but those that do, do so nicely.

Audience and Agenda:The Daily Show began on July 21, 1996. The Daily Show is produced by Comedy Central. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is essentially a fake news program, centered around current politics and the news media. The Daily Show receives around 1.45 to 1.6 million viewers nightly. Per month, an average of 287,000 people visit the website.              

Usefulness: This video is somewhat useful. It does not directly address the issue of a federal RPS, but it provides much information contributing to the argument for a federal RPS. Friedman argues that the U.S. must impose a cap and trade system if we want to be energy leaders. Furthermore he argues that renewable energy will always be competing against cheap, dirty energy; that is, until the government levels the playing field. Finally, Friedman argues that America needs a green bubble followed by a bust, which will drive down the cost of renewable energy and create a viable energy infrastructure. The  video itself is only a short interview, lasting about 6-1/2 minutes, hardly enough time to deeply delve into the issue of a federal RPS. Thus, the video leaves out much information pertaining to a national renewable portfolio standard of 25% by 2025.     

Works Cited:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=210159&title=Thomas-Friedman

www.thedailyshow.com

www.quantcast.com

Academic Source Note: Projected Impact of National RPS

The Projected Impacts of a National Renewable Portfolio Standard (Electricity Journal, May 2007)

Summary: This Electricity Journal article proposes that a 20% national RPS is not only achievable, but would cut electricity costs for consumers, and improve America’s energy security, among other benefits. Studies by USC and EIA indicate that a national RPS is effective and feasible.

Topic: Renewable Electricity Policy

Category: Academic Research

What is it? An academic article published in the Electricity Journal

Title: The Projected Impacts of a National Renewable Portfolio Standard

Authors: Alan Nogee, Jeff Deyette and Steve Clemmer

Publication Information: The Electricity Journal, May 2007

Location:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VSS-4NJP9CG-2&_user=2148430&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000056308&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=2148430&md5=9c5a6ad44e3ed8aad4bc662683830e25

Accessed: March 1, 2009 at 7:14 PM

Support:

1.  U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman

2.  Experts Agree: Renewable Electricity Standards Are a Key Driver of New Renewable Energy Development, by the Union of Concerned Scientists

3.  The Renewables Portfolio Standard: A Practical Guide, Prepared for National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners

4. Renewable Electricity Standards at Work in the States, Union of Concerned Scientists, 2007.

5. Analysis of a 10-Percent Renewable Portfolio Standard, prepared by the EIA

6. Analysis of Strategies for Reducing Multiple Emissions, EIA

These are only a small handful of the various sources cited in this document. The Electricity Journal article cites a grand total of 33 sources. The EIA and USC sources combine to reinforce the argument presented in this report. They serve to back up the authors’ assertions, and support the main argument.

Audience and Agenda: The Electricity Journal began in 1988, and was founded by Robert Marritz. Currently, the Journal is the top-most journal for electricity policy. According to www.elsevier.com, the journal “is now the principal print venue for those who are, with their ideas, forging the new shape and design of the electricity/energy industry.” Monthly, 1.8M individuals visit the website. About 70% of visitors to elsevier.com are college graduates and post-graduates. The journal itself is funded through various sources like academia.

Usefulness: This report is very useful and helpful. The report is directly linked to the issue of a national RPS of 25% by 2025, for it demonstrates that a national RPS is achievable and has many benefits. It was created to bring its finding to the knowledge of its target audience, including the general public. The Electricity Journal article argues that a national RPS is will put America back on track to become more energy independent, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also argues that analyses by the EIA and USC indicate that a national RPS would “diversify the electricity system, promote local economic development, (and) improve the nation’s energy security and reliability.” The article is very cohesive and in-depth, and leaves out little information pertaining to national RPSs.

Works Cited:

www.sciencedirect.com

http://bingaman.senate.gov/

http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600875/description#description

http://www.ucsusa.org/

www.quantcast.com

Institutional Source: Map of U.S. State RPSs

 

 

States with Renewable Portfolio Standards (Pew Center on Global Climate Change, August 2007)

Summary:This simple map shows the status of current state RPSs, as of August 2007. The map shows U.S. states that have mandatory RPSs, those that have voluntary standards, and those that have none altogether.   

Topic: Renewable Electricity Policy

Category: Institutional (Non-Profit) 

What is it?A map of U.S. State RPSs

Title:  States with Renewable Portfolio Standards

Author: N/A

Publication Information: Pew Center on Global Climate Change, August 2007

Location: 
http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/images/RPS%209%205%2007.JPG

Accessed: March 1, 2009 at 12:11 AM

Support:  The various state documents outlining their individual state RPSs serve as support for this image. They work together to demonstrate the overall picture of the current status of U.S. state RPSs.   

Audience and Agenda: The Pew Center on Global Climate Change is a non-profit advocacy institution started in 1998. Monthly, an average of 14,300 people visit the Pew Center website. The Pew Center is funded through a variety of means, including private and corporate contributions.   

Usefulness:  This RPS map is quite useful, in its own right. The map was created to visually demonstrate the current status of U.S. State renewable energy mandates. As such, the map works perfectly. According to the Pew Center website, their target audience include: “business leaders, government officials, academics, students, and the general public.” The map is not making a specific arguement persay, since it is just an image. However, perhaps the map implies that states without RPSs should get one. It also serves to illistrate the current, fragmented, patch-work quilt system of state RPSs. The map begs the question: how much more efficient could a federal RPS be? Since it is just a simple map, the State RPS map leaves out a great deal of information concerning a federal RPS of 25% by 2025.    

Works Cited:

http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/images/RPS%209%205%2007.JPG

http://www.pewclimate.org/node/1303

http://www.quantcast.com/pewclimate.org

Citizen Source Note: It’s Time for a National RPS

It’s time for a national renewable portfolio standard (grist.org, August 2, 2007)

Summary:  This August 2007 blog argues that now is the time for a federal renewable energy mandate. It also summarizes a report by the Network for New Energy Choices, by putting the report into simpler terms.    

Topic: Renewable Electricity Policy

Category: Citizen (Witness)

What is it?  A blog

Title:  It’s time for a national renewable portfolio standard: The energy policy that kicks ass and gets too little support

Author:  David Roberts

Publication Information:  Gristmill: the environment news blog, grist.org, August 2, 2007

Location:
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/8/2/02618/43788

Accessed: February 28, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Support:

1.)  A Washington Post article by Steve Mufson

2.)  A FAQ about renewable electricity standards, prepared by the Union for Concerned Scientists

3.)  Renewing America: The Case for Federal Leadership on a National RPS, by the Network for New Energy Choices

This document cites 3 excellent sources, which work together to build the credulity of the document itself. These few sources are strong enough to back up the whole blog post.

Audience and Agenda:  Grist.org  is a non-profit environmental blog based in Seattle, Washington. Grist spices up gloomy, doom-ridden environmental news with a touch of humor. Monthly, 192,000 individuals visit the site. More females than males visit Grist.org. And 67% of visitors are graduates or post-graduates. The website is funded through federal grants, reader contributions and advertising.        

Usefulness:  Although published in mid 2007, this blog post is still quite useful. It is useful because it summarizes a 150-page RPS report that might otherwise be overlooked by the general public. It is also useful and pertinent because Congress still hasn’t passed a national RPS. This blog post was created to provide environmental information to the general public. The specific target audience encompasses U.S. citizens that care about the environment, yet still have a sense of humor. The blog post argues that a national RPS is far preferable to individual state RPSs; a federal RPS would cut energy costs for consumers, would create 80% more jobs than comparable investment in fossil fuel, and would jump-start the stalled alternative energy industry. Furthermore, the blog argues that a national RPS is the most effective course of action to get away from U.S. fossil fuels dependence. The document leaves out some information pertaining to renewable portfolio standards, yet it provides a link to an RPS FAQ. The FAQ provides much of the information not included in the blog post itself.           

Works Cited:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/31/AR2007073101998.html

http://www.newenergychoices.org/dev/uploads/RPS%20Report_Cooper_Sovacool_FINAL_HILL.pdf

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/solutions/renewable_energy_solutions/renewable-electricity.html

http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/8/2/02618/43788