Choosing Our Future
A coalition with a vision to dynamically transform the way Vancouver Islanders live, work and play in their communities. We envision Vancouver Island being a safe, progressive, environmentally sensitive, energy self sufficient and life‐sustaining place for all its inhabitants.
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Energy News
BC Minister of Energy Mines & Resources
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Obama's Pitch on Energy -
NYTimes OPINION | March 29, 2012
Editorial: New Rules for New Power Plants
The Obama administration proposed limits on carbon dioxide emissions for new power plants that will combat climate change and enhance public health.
NYTimes OPINION | February 15, 2012
The proposals in the president's new budget are essential for addressing global warming, reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and creating clean energy jobs. We can ask our MPs to strive for nothing less!
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Oil executive son's testimony at Prince Rupert Northern Gateway pipeline joint review panel
Carrie Saxifrage, Posted: Feb 20th, 2012
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Canadian oil for Canadians
By Hanne Quillevere, Times Colonist January 18, 2012
"In view of the realities revealed in geologist David Hughes' 30-page report, The Northern Gateway Pipeline, I strongly feel that Enbridge's pipeline project, now vigorously pushed by Big Oil interests, is an unrealistic and irresponsible energy initiative highly dangerous to Canada."
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Germany shows a greener way
By Spencer Baird, Times Colonist January 18, 2012
"...they have created a quarter of a million jobs, and this has given rise to a $50-billion renewable energy business in Germany. And they have exceeded the greenhouse gas emissions target in the Kyoto protocol by 50 per cent."
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A Gold Rush of Subsidies in the Search for Clean Energy
By Eric Lipton and Clifford Krauss - NYTimes, Business Day , November 12, 2011
Renewable energy has received exceptional help from the US government, mostly as part of the 2009 stimulus bill. (A lesson for Canada?)
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Electric vehicles become reality in BC.
BCHydro News, 4 Nov 2011
An excellent newsletter from BC Hydro. After browsing the EV plans for BC, have a look at the options for energy rebates on new or renovated housing, including solar incentives.
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There's no need to fear clean-energy policies
We should support BC leadership that tackles climate-change issues.
By Andrew Weaver, Times Colonist October 28, 2011
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New York Times
| October 21, 2011
Texas
Lines Go Up to Ferry Wind Energy to Cities
By KATE GALBRAITH
Thousands of miles of transmission lines are being strung across the
state to ferry wind energy from remote areas to major cities, at an
estimated cost of $6.8 billion.
NB by ITO: Note the role of private enterprise; will that work in Canada? Let's get started !!
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NYTimes OPINION
| September 25, 2011
Editorial:
The Solyndra 'Panic'
One solar company's failure should not deter robust public investments in clean energy.
There is a lesson here for Canadian governance and industry.
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How do we handle the infastructure for the EV world?
EverGREEN solutions for E-vehicles
an excerpt:
In the U.S., Washington State is planning to offer the first interstate charging network, stretching 580 miles from Oregon to Canada. The units, installed and managed by the California-based AeroVironment, will be strategically spaced 40 to 60 miles along the I-5 corridor to cover a majority of EV ranges. Similar to the UK model, these stations will offer a rapid-charge of 30 minutes for compatible vehicles and a standard option taking four to six hours.
As with any new technology, this is just the beginning. Next generation fast-chargers are said to power batteries to 50 percent capacity in as little as three minutes—with full charges capable in 10 to 13 minutes. Companies are also working on automated “battery swap” stations that would get motorists back on the road in under one minute; considerably faster than today’s conventional gas stations.
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Our most urgent topic for the BC and Canadian Governments !
"Our" World is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller !
Jeff Rubin tells us that will be our fate in his latest book which has been reviewed for the Globe & Mail . The reviewer summarizes his critique of this energy alert as follows:
Thursday Aug 20, 2009, 7:25 PM - By Seth Borenstein, The Associated Press
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And the following report now places Canada as world's third worst polluter!Hawaii has set out to become a living laboratory for the rest of the country, hoping it can slash its dependence on fossil fuels while keeping the lights on.
BC Hydro Smart Grid Plan - 1 Jan 2011 and Colwood Announcement - 24 Jan 11
and now, 25 Jan 2011, the project has been contracted:Feasability of replacing Fossil Fuels
Clean Coal, or Diesel?
Most of us have heard of the "clean coal" terminology, especially during the presidential debates between Obama and McCain, but is there even such a thing as clean coal? Well, the answer is no. Although the Alberta government says otherwise! Please read the following two NYTime references: "Clean Coal" and "No Clean Coal"
Diesel Engines and Public Health
Diesel engines power most of the nation's trucks, buses, trains, ships, and off-road equipment. But each diesel engine can produce tons of air pollutants over its lifetime. With mounting evidence that diesel exhaust poses major health hazards, reducing diesel pollution has become a public priority.
What are the Green Alternatives?
Wind Generator Systems
There are a variety of wind generator options ranging from towers on land as shown for regional distribution, towers beside buildings or industrial sites for self sufficiency, to roof top installations on homes.
Solar Energy Systems
Solar panels likewise can be mounted individually as shown or in great arrays or farms not unlike the wind farms. The variety of options, limitations and costs will be found on the following linked pages.
Wave and Tidal Generation Systems
Mother nature provides yet another natural source of renewable energy with each wave of tidal movement that can be captured from constricted areas or on shorelines.
DIGG News Links (after reading - page back)
- 55Introducing the Google Knowledge Graph
- 107Thousands of video gamers furious as they are unable to play Diablo III after huge demand brings down servers
- 141FCC to Verizon: what’s wrong with that spectrum you never built out?
- 99Spammers Invade Pinterest-Era Social Media, Avoid E-Mail
- 98What Are the Most Amazon-Proof Businesses?
Miscellaneous Energy Sources
The myth that Independent electricity costs more to produce (video)
Click here to open the News and Discussion of Misc Energy Options
Click here to see how your hybrid car can power your home in an emergency.
Click here for the latest news of the BC Sustainable Energy Association.
Click here for Affordable Warmth BC - a program of City Green Solutions.
Clean Energy is Needed

Facebook Record
Environmental Challenges
Oil Spill Threats to BC Just Got Bigger
By: By Rafe Mair, 14 November 2011, TheTyee.ca
"Enbridge and Kinder Morgan each aim to pump more tar sands gunk to our coast."
"Given the fatal environmental damage these international corporations will inflict, we surely must spare no opportunity to fight these pipelines and tankers with everything we can, short of violence."
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