Sunday, September 25, 2011

National Atlas . Gov Renewable Energy Atlas

National Atlas . Gov Renewable Energy Atlas

Dept. of the Interior

Go to the website for detailed information about renewable energy across America.
It has alot of good information.



Link (in new window) at:nationalatlas.gov/articles/people/a_energy.html


Link (in new window) at: nrel.gov

To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Moving Planet Day - A global non-fossil-fueled transportation event set for Saturday, Sept. 24

MOVING PLANET DAY

A global non-fossil-fueled transportation event set for Saturday, Sept. 24

Today is Moving Planet Day, so why not step away from fossil fuels & pump pedals instead? Check out these 7 simple and affordable options for urban bicycling.

Is it possible to ride a bike in the city without upgrading every part, stripping it to nearly nothing, spending $4,000, throwing a courier bag over your shoulder, or sporting a body mass index of 17 or less? Yes, even in this age of hipster couture, it's possible, and we're going to tell you how to begin choosing a practical city bike.

Daunted by the possibilities, many of us urban riders just want to keep it simple, comfortable, utilitarian, affordable, and at least fashion-neutral (never mind all the ways urban biking dovetails with the activist spirit of Moving Planet Day, a global non-fossil-fueled transportation event set for Saturday, Sept. 24). "I wanted one bike, not two, something versatile enough for both road and hike and bike trails," said David Murphy, who rides in Austin, Texas, for fun.

Some of us would prefer to start the search for an urban cycle with basic information, rather than mounting a full-scale research effort. "I spent a lot of time on forums and the Internet," says Anthony LaFauce, who rides from his home in the Van Ness section of Washington, D.C. about four miles to his public-relations job on K Street. "I also talked to bike mechanics, which is not a pleasant experience, because they don't like newbies."

To get started, here are briefs on seven biking options that are well-suited to riding in the city. Shift into first gear and come along for a quick spin (sorry, no fixies here, they're too cool and impractical).



Read more (in new window) at: local.msn.com/bikes-and-the-city?gt1=24000


Read more (in new window) at: www.moving-planet.org/


To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

CAR FREE DAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2011

CAR FREE DAY AROUND THE WORLD

22 SEPTEMBER CAR FREE DAY

Peolpe around the world will be seeking alternative transportation to celebrate this event.

Car-free day urges EU capital residents to get greener

(Reuters) - Brussels will free its streets of cars and heavy traffic this Sunday as it celebrates its 11th annual car-free day, marking a week when cities across Europe promote cycling and other green transport.

The seat of the European Union and home to environmental legislation for its 27 member states wants to encourage efforts to cut vehicle emissions -- and get citizens out on their feet.

While planners recognize that one day will not make much difference to the environment's bill of health, the event is supposed to create awareness that leads to change in the future.

But will it?

Brussels has held a car-free day each year since 2000 -- but was given an F-grade this year for progress in reducing "soot emissions" by the Soot-free for the Climate campaign run by a group of German environmental and consumer associations.

Mirroring Brussels; London, Madrid and Rome were also given failing grades. Berlin did among the best with a B, but none of the 17 cities assessed secured an A grade.

Brussels has also been dubbed the most congested European city by car navigation firm TomTom -- though its blockages are nothing compared to, say, parts of China. In 2010, drivers suffered a 60-mile traffic jam on a highway from Beijing to Mongolia.

Brussels and more than 1,900 other cities will bring "alternative mobility" experts together to discuss cycling infrastructure and behavioral changes during European Mobility Week from September 16-22.

During the week, the Brussels embassy of the Netherlands will be holding Orange Bike Days, which include expos, organized rides and workshops to encourage cycling, long a part of the Dutch national identity.

RESPECT FOR PEOPLE WHO PEDAL

Roelof Wittink, director of the Dutch Cycling Embassy, a network organization, said Brussels had some way to go to improve the lot of its cyclists.

"In Amsterdam we have segregated cycling facilities or we have situations where we have calmed down the car traffic so much that in fact cyclists feel at least equal to car drivers," he said.

Many bike riders in the Belgian capital would agree, but say there are still some things which need improvement.

"There is not enough respect for cyclists," said Mark Grassi, who rides his bicycle to work but said he struggles to find anywhere to park it safely.

Even the European commissioner for climate action, Denmark's Connie Hedegaard, finds cycling a bit stressful in the European capital. When she lived in Copenhagen, she used to cycle 9 km (6 miles) from her home to her ministry.

"Sometimes I do bike, but it is a very different experience. It is not... relaxed," she said. Shortly after she arrived in the Belgian capital in February 2010, her bike was stolen.

"It was where I live in Brussels, it was locked to a tree, but it was gone," she said.

Brussels wants cycling to make up 20 percent of transportation by 2020. But its current share is estimated at only about 4 or 5 percent, said Julian Ferguson of the European Cyclists' Federation.

And EU-wide, only 7 percent of citizens cycle daily, according to a European Commission report.

Spain and Austria will take the lead in the Mobility Week effort this year, with the most cities participating -- 627 and 446 respectively.

If a city was able to reduce its traffic by half, it would be making big improvements, said Jos Dings, director of green policy campaigning group Transport and Environment.

But when it comes to harmful chemicals in the air, there is really no safe level of nitrogen dioxide and particle emissions, which are emitted more heavily by diesel vehicles, he said.

Nitrogen dioxide can cause respiratory problems; particle emissions can cause long lasting damage or diseases such as cancer, Dings said.

But "every reduction you make toward zero still makes sense," he added.

(Editing by Paul Casciato)

Environment

Read more (in new window)at: uk.reuters.com/article/2011/09/16/us-brussels-bicycles-idUKTRE78F1ZE20110916


Read more on other websites:

Read more (in new window)at: www.commuterconnections.org


Read more (in new window)at: www.carfreemetrodc.com


Our friends at 350.org are organising a day of action against fossil fuel use on the Saturday 24 September after World Carfree Day. Click here for more info and to find events near you
Read more (in new window)at: www.moving-planet.org


To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Monday, September 19, 2011

8,000 SOLAR PANELS AT FEDEX FIELD REDSKINS

8,000 SOLAR PANELS WERE INSTALLED AT FEDEX FIELD



LANDOVER, Md. & PRINCETON, N.J., Sep 18, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NRG /quotes/zigman/337115/quotes/nls/nrg NRG -1.71% and the Washington Redskins today celebrated FedExField's energy future with the help of former NFL quarterbacks and Redskins' fans during the "NRG Solar Bowl" Quarterback Challenge and an official "flipping of the switch" at halftime to inaugurate the new NRG solar power installation at FedExField.

The solar power system - with more than 8,000 solar panels - is capable of providing all power to the stadium on non-game days and up to 20% of its needed electricity on game days -- the equivalent of providing 300 homes with energy for a year. In addition to being the largest solar installation at an NFL stadium, it is the largest solar installation in the D.C.-metro area.

With the help of the football fans gathered at FedExField, NRG CEO David Crane along with Redskins legends Joe Theismann and Mark Rypien "flipped the switch" on the new solar installation from the field during the game's halftime. Prior to the game between the Redskins and Arizona, Theismann and Rypien teamed up with pro and college greats Joe Montana and Doug Flutie to coach fans in a series of skill drills during the "NRG Solar Bowl" Quarterback Challenge.

"Today's activities were developed to engage fans, call attention to the power of solar energy and demonstrate how renewable energy is a real and tangible option for a more secure energy future, said David Crane. "Many thanks to the legendary quarterbacks, the Washington Redskins and all of their fans for working with us to show renewable energy is not just a dream for the future, but a reality today."

The solar power installation by NRG, one of the largest solar power developers in the United States, includes three different types of solar panels that collectively can generate two megawatts (MW) of electricity. By using solar power, the Redskins and NRG look to keep 1,780 metric tons of carbon out of the atmosphere -- the equivalent of replacing 349 vehicles with gasoline engines with zero emission electric vehicles.

In addition to generating power for FedExField, the stadium's 8,000 solar panels will provide shaded parking in an 841-car lot. The design includes 10 electric vehicle charging stations from NRG's eVgosm charging network for use by fans. The NRG solar entry plaza at Gate A will generate power through a variety of green energy technologies, including translucent solar panels and a specially designed sculpture created using thin film solar technology. The sculpture -- a 30-foot tall silhouette of a football player dubbed "solar man" --showcases the flexibility of this innovative solar technology and also is a one-of-a-kind work of art welcoming fans to FedExField.

NRG subsidiary Reliant will be the official provider for all the additional electricity to.....


Read more (in new window)at:www.marketwatch.com/story/nrg-washington-redskins-celebrated-fedexfield-solar-installation-with-nrg-solar-bowl-quarterback-challenge-2011-09-18

To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Solar Homes Tour 2011 Washington DC Area

Take the Solar Homes tour

October 1 thru 2. 11am to 5pm.

Guide and maps are available at Mom's Organic Markets and other locations.


Read more (in new window) at: solartour.org

To top of blog (in new window) at: usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Solar Decathlon 2011 Washington DC National Mall

Solar Decathlon 2011 Washington DC

September 23 to October 2

Come see the Solar Decathlon on the National Mall
near Potomac Park

You ask what is a solar decathlon?
It's an annual international solar homes contest.
Teams design and erect solar homes on the national mall. They are judged on design and performance. Come watch them erect the homes and later come see the winner of this years award.


Read more (in new window) at: www.solardecathlon.gov

To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com