Here's recent history of the Fed’s policy committee and its Fed Funds rate. Next Fed decision is June 24/25.
Hawaii mandates solar water heating. How about us?
June 30th, 2008, 6:48 pm · 14 Comments · posted by Jon Lansner/O.C. Register columnist
Hawaii is first state to require new homes to have solar water heaters, the Associated Press reports …
Gov. Linda Lingle signed a bill into law Thursday requiring the energy-saving systems in homes starting in 2010. “This solar power legislation is another important step in our long-term plan for energy independence in Hawaii,” she said.
Hawaii relies on imported fossil fuels more than any other state, with about 90 percent of its energy sources coming from foreign countries, according to state data. The new law prohibits issuing building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters. Some exceptions will be allowed, such as forested areas where there are low amounts of sunshine.
State Sen. Gary Hooser, vice chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee, first introduced the measure five years ago when he said a barrel of oil cost just $40. Since then, the cost of oil has more than tripled.
“It’s abundantly clear that we need to take some serious action to protect Hawaii because we’re so dependent on oil,” Hooser said. “I’m very pleased the governor is recognizing the importance of this bill and the huge public benefits that come out of it.” To read more, CLICK HERE!
Interesting idea, no?
June 30th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
The White House, Congress, and Jingle Mail
June 30th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Every time I spend effort writing a comment, I get a comment (after I hit “Submit Comment” that “this feature has been temporarily disabled to stop spam.
If you are so damn worried about spam, just get rid of the comment feature all together. It’s worthless.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Why Not????
June 30th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
We would be better served by converting all of the automobiles to electric vehicles. The energy savings would be immense. instead of spending $5.00 to $15.00 in gas to go 50 miles, we would spend a $1.50.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I’m no environmentalist, and I personally think Man Made Global Warming is huge crock. But…
I’d be willing to do this sort of thing if it helped us substantially cut back on the oil we import from all those slimeball countries that don’t like us.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Step in the right direction. Even if this requires some sacrifice by people in Hawai, they will benefit in the long run.
If it takes government mandates to force people to do the right thing, so be it.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
yes for solar panel for electricity. no for ugly water heater on the roof.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Agree with Hiflyer–I hate freedom too and wish that government would accelerate its efforts to take it away from people I disagree with.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:33 am
Uh, Bruce, Where would all the electricity come from?
I got a lotta liberal friends who think electric cars are the answer… that clean power is available in the walls if we just “plug it in”. Where/how will it be generated?
July 1st, 2008 at 11:40 am
Nuclear, jj, its the only answer.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Nuclear is an ok option, as long as people are willing to deal with some waste. What bothers me so much is that people don’t realize how hard it is to find something better than petroleum in terms of energy density. 1 gallon of gas has 37 kW-hrs of energy. To get that same kind of energy from solar, for instance would take a solar panel about 337 SQUARE METERS! For people on this blog, that translates into a solar panel the size of a 3000 sq. ft lot. Try traveling with that. So yes, nuclear is a better option,
July 1st, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I do agree with solar water heating, though. Waste not, want not. You’ll get hot water for free, and probably have a slightly cooler home in the bargain.
Solar and wind power have a place in the future, but they come nowhere near satisfying the needs of our current society.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:02 pm
where will you put it if your home has solar panels for electrical
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:32 am
Sounds like a good idea to me. The less dependent we are on crude, the more independent we can become. I think this is by no means an “answer” to our crisis, but its good to see some legislation moving towards “greener” alternatives.