Paper or Plastic? PEMCO poll shows seattleites oppose Green Bag Tax
In a recent poll from PEMCO Insurance, Puget Sound residents confirmed they don’t support a proposed 20-cent tax on grocery bags, and instead would make the switch to reusable bags to avoid the tax if it passes when residents vote on the issue August 18.
If voters approve the 20-cent bag tax, nearly eight out of 10 people (79 percent) agree that they would start using reusable shopping bags if they aren’t already doing so, the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll reveals.
But the poll also suggests that shoppers most likely won’t have to make the switch since 71 percent of respondents said they oppose the tax that will appear on Seattle voters’ ballots in August.
In July 2008, Seattle City Council approved several measures to increase the city’s green efforts. Among them was a 20-cent tax on paper and plastic grocery sacks, slated to go into effect in January 2009.
The tax triggered mixed reactions among Seattleites. A local organization sought to repeal the tax with a petition that garnered the 20,000 signatures needed to put the issue to a public vote.
“Our latest poll results show that this proposed ‘green’ legislation is an issue Northwest residents feel strongly about,” said Jon Osterberg, PEMCO spokesperson. “Obviously, insurance and grocery bags don’t go hand in hand, but we’re a local company and we care about issues that are important to the community.
“The poll is a useful tool to gauge local attitudes on relevant issues that affect us and shape many of the values we share as Northwest residents,” he said. “We’ll continue tracking this debate and other issues of local interest.”
Opposition was strongest among those who currently don’t use their own bags, according to the survey. Of the non-users, 85 percent said they oppose a 20-cent tax, while 57 percent of users oppose the tax.
Despite the opposition, 88 percent of respondents said that if the law passes, they would avoid paying the tax by bringing their own shopping bags. That 88 percent includes people who already bring their own bags.
PEMCO also asked respondents if they would support the proposed bag tax if it was reduced to 5 cents per bag. Reducing the tax dramatically enhances support among all age groups, and younger respondents (35 and under) remain the most supportive of the tax at both 5 and 20 cents.
Younger people also are more likely than people age 55 and older to admit they probably will not bring their own reusable bags when shopping, though not in huge numbers – 11 percent versus 3 percent.
Visit http://poll.pemco.com/ to learn more about the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll and see how you match up to the latest results.
Source: PEMCO Insurance
Toyota announces pricing on 2010 Avalon, Yaris, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, RAV4, and Tacoma
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2010 Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact, FJ Cruiser off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV), Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV, and the Tacoma pickup truck. The 2010 models will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of Highlander (September).
The 2010 FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature several upgrades, including dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, which add 19 horsepower and a one mpg increase. Minor suspension changes reduce the turning radius by more than a foot, and a new Army Green exterior color is offered. The base MSRP for FJ Cruiser will range from $23,680 for the 2WD automatic to $25,270 for the 4WD automatic, an increase of $360, or 1.4-1.5 percent.
The RAV4, the first ever car-based SUV originally introduced in 1996, receives minor styling enhancements for 2010, including chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4. RAV4 models will carry a base MSRP that ranges from $21,500 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.
The 2010 Highlander gas model, which will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) beginning in October, will have an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder. Highlander Hybrid carries over unchanged for 2010. The MSRP for the 2010 Highlander gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which adds a stainless-steel exhaust tip and will increase $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.
Avalon, Toyota’s flagship passenger car since 1995, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2010, Avalon adds rear-passenger auto up/down windows and one new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, an increase of $100, or 0.3-0.4 percent.
Tacoma, the best-selling compact pickup truck in the U.S., will carry over unchanged except for an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality, and it will not receive a price increase for the 2010 model year. Tacoma’s base MSRP ranges from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4×4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Yaris will receive standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) in 2010, equipping all Yaris models with Toyota’s Star Safety System(TM) that also includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Yaris is the only vehicle in its segment to offer this set of safety features as standard equipment. With all of these enhancements, Yaris base MSRP will increase only $150 and will range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission, an increase of 1.1-1.2 percent.
Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Clunker Bill stimulates economy before the Government cuts the first check
Automotive Stimulus Program Pumps Millions of Dollars into the Economy Through Spending By Manufacturers and Dealers Preparing To Cash in On the $1 Billion Opportunity
The governments Cash for Clunkers program (C.A.R.S.) began stimulating the economy a month before the first rebate check was cut to a consumer for a new vehicle. “Manufacturers and dealers have spent millions to reach consumers who qualify for the $4500 government funded rebates,” said Sharon O’Connell from www.CashForClunkersInformation.org.
Big budgets have been activated to implement campaigns targeting clunker consumers who are eligible for the program and the early results suggest the returns will be worth the investment. “We predict that the annualized selling rate for July will exceed 10 million vehicles for the first time this year due to the government program bringing dormant consumers back into the market,” adds O’Connell. “We think August could do even better with a million or more sales due to increased demand from the CARS program.”
“The stimulus helps local markets more than national car companies because car dealers stimulate the local economy through their big advertising expenditures, job creation and enormous state tax revenue,” said O’Connell. “A small dealership who sells 100 vehicles a month spends an average of $500 per car in advertising, which is a total of $50,000 that is spent in local advertising.”
Courtesy Chevrolet, one of GM’s largest dealerships in the country, “bought new inventory, hired additional salespeople and increased our ad budget by 88%,” said Scott Gruwell. “We spent $200,000 on a targeted direct mail and web campaign to every customer in our market and we launched a regional information portal called www.CashForClunkersDC.com,” said Vince Sheehy, owner of www.Sheehy.com in Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland and Baltimore. “So far we have sold over 100 vehicles while most dealers in our area are just getting started.”
Since over 80% of consumers initiate their vehicle searches online, Automotive Manufacturers and retailers have spent a lot of money online. Ford Motor Company is promoting its program on their home page where consumers can link to a website that promotes Ford models that qualify. The New York Honda Dealers Association initiated an integrated campaign weeks before the final ruling to send a targeted mailer to every qualified clunker owner on the Clunker List in New York while most other brands were focused solely on expensive television advertising. The Association also created a regional website, www.NYCarsProgram.com, to educate New Yorkers about the program.
“Honda is the most popular brand in the New York market and nearly all Hondas qualify for the Cash for Clunkers program, so we launched an interactive website to educate the public,” said Rob Sabbagh Jr., representing www.NYLIhonda.com. www.NYCarsProgram.com provides program information, a clunker calculator and a multi-media consumer tutorial that highlights the fact that nearly every new Honda qualifies. “You don’t really need a complicated chart to find a qualifying vehicle at a Honda dealer,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Early Spenders are the Early Winners
Most of the economic activity generated up to this point has come from early spenders who also appear to be early winners in the race to reach clunker consumers. The winning retailers have been marketing to consumers for weeks while others are just getting started. Hyundai and a small group of dealer groups got a head start when they announced they would help consumers participate in the program starting on July 1st, while others were turning them away until the final rule was published on the 24th. The NHTSA and the National Automobile Dealers Assn. warned dealers against doing transactions before the final rules were announced on July 24th. Despite these warnings, Hyundai and a few dealers took the risk to help consumers get rebates when the law said they could. “Hyundai has attributed 10 percent of July’s sales to the program and some dealers have generated hundreds of incremental sales,” said O’Connell. “We quickly created a program that helped consumers take advantage of the program and it has helped our sales a lot,” said Rick Case, who has 6 Hyundai stores as a part of one of the most successful automotive groups in the country. “So far all our sales are conquest sales. More than 70% of the clunkers were Ford or Chevy trade ins, 71% of the clunkers were SUVs, 93% had over 100k miles and 71% qualified for the $4500 because SUV’s only need a 5 mpg improvement to get the full $4500 rebate. The average clunker trade in gets 17 mpg and the average new vehicle gets 25 mpg, which is an average of an 8 mpg improvement,” explained Case.
“We had over 100 orders by the time the final rule was announced and our customers appreciated the fact that we could help them when they were turned away by other dealers that weren’t ready,” said Vince Sheehy from www.Sheehy.com. It turns out their strategy was not very risky because the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act clearly states that consumers are eligible for rebates starting July 1st. “Edith and I, (Edith Singer, CEO of Paragon Automotive), did our homework and we realized the law could not change so we decided to help consumers on July 1st and it gave us a 24 day head start,” said Brian Benstock from www.ParagonCars.com. “One of our Honda stores had thousands of leads before the bill was signed into law and they have delivered over 40 vehicles before the final rules were announced on the 24th. All of the clunkers have been conquest sales so it is all incremental business. It is a jump ball for the clunker customers in our market and we are glad we jumped early.” Some of the dealers who experienced a lot of success are scrambling to source more inventory to ensure they can satisfy the new increased demand. “We just bought over 100 accords and civics to make sure we have enough vehicles before our next shipment,” added Benstock.
Cash For Clunkers
While making its way through congress there were many bills with many names so the public and the press commonly referred to all versions of the bill as the “Cash for Clunkers” program. For this reason many consumer information sites, including ours, have utilized this universally understood term to refer to the many automotive scrappage programs that exist in the world, some funded by the government (C.A.R.S) and others financed by automotive retailers. To learn more visit www.CashForClunkersInformation.org or one of the websites below.
Related Websites:
www.CashForClunkersInformation.org
www.DineroPorSuCarcacha.com
www.Kbb.com
www.Edmunds.com
www.Ford.com
www.NYCarsProgram.com
www.Cars.gov
www.CashForClunkersDC.com
www.ClunkersAZ.com
www.Clunkerz.com
www.CashForClunkersOhio.com
www.CashForClunkersNewYork.com
www.ClunkersUS.com
www.CashForClunkersFL.com
www.CashForClunkersFLA.com
www.CashForClunkersCarolina.com
www.CashForClunkersPA.com
www.CashForClunkersMaryland.com
www.CashForClunkersVA.com
www.CashForClunkersCarolinas.com
To ban or not to ban? Solutions to cell phone use and driving require more research and thoughtful analysis
This week’s release of a landmark study on cell phone use and distracted driving by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) provides important new data about the problem, but also raises significant questions about countermeasures to address the dangers associated with cell phone use and texting while driving.
Researchers at VTTI concluded that text messaging increased the risk of a crash or near miss 23 times for heavy vehicle/truck operators. The findings were stated to be applicable to drivers of light vehicles and cars. Surprisingly, the risk of dialing a cell phone was significantly less than texting, while the risk of talking or listening on a cell phone was almost negligible. Previous studies from the University of Utah, Carnegie Mellon University and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety placed a much higher risk on cell phone use.
GHSA has never doubted the dangers of cell phone use and texting while driving. The Association focuses on a “no-use” message and seeks to restore some common sense to driving. However, GHSA has not yet supported a complete ban on the practice because of the difficulty of enforcing such laws.
We are pleased to learn that later this year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will conduct an enforcement demonstration project to attempt to showcase how a state can effectively enforce a cell phone ban. GHSA strongly supports this effort. Highway safety laws are only effective if they can be enforced and if the public believes they will be ticketed for not complying. To date, that has not been the case with many cell phone restrictions.
GHSA’s full membership has not reviewed the organization’s current cell phone policy since 2006. Numerous studies and better data have become available since that time and the Association will review our policy based on this new information. With this data and the development of an effective enforcement approach, I expect GHSA would support a total cell phone/texting ban. While more research is being conducted to examine the effectiveness of laws and development of other countermeasures, GHSA urges that:
- States ban all non-emergency cell phone use/text messaging for new drivers including teen drivers. The bans for new drivers should be enforced primarily by parents as part of graduated licensing laws. Fourteen states plus D.C. currently have these laws.
- States include a category for cell phone/electronic equipment distraction on crash investigation forms. At least 29 states plus D.C. currently include this information.
- The federal government fund a media campaign to alert the public to the dangers of distracted driving. This effort is needed to help develop a culture that will make the practice socially unacceptable much the same way that drunk driving has become with the vast majority of the public.
- The federal government continue to fund research on distracted driving, particularly the effectiveness of various countermeasures and new technological applications that would limit or eliminate distractions.
- Employers implement policies banning cell phone/texting use by all employees during working hours.
Vernon F. Betkey, Jr., Chairman, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)
Current Cell Phone Laws are posted online at http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html.
Source: Governors Highway Safety Association
Bad Air Day Alert: Outdoor Air Pollutants at High Level
High Levels of Outdoor Air Pollution May Contribute to Poor Indoor Air Quality
Higher summertime levels of outdoor ground-level ozone, microscopic particle pollution like smoke and smog, as well as other air pollutants may cause anyone who is sensitive to these airborne contaminants to experience shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, and may also trigger asthma attacks and cause lung irritation(1). According to AIRNow.gov(2), a government-developed index for reporting daily air quality, cities in California, including but not limited to the Los Angeles and Sacramento areas, are presently experiencing a code orange(3), and in some instances a code red bad air day with the air quality index showing unhealthy levels of ozone.
“Persons who are particularly susceptible to these effects, such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, need to be aware of outdoor levels of air pollution,” said Dr. Neil Schachter, past president of the American Lung Association of the City of New York and author of Life and Breath. “Even those who are healthy should avoid long-term outdoor exposure on a bad air day.”
But, we also need to pay attention to indoor air quality as well. Although there is the potential for outdoor particles to make their way inside the home, many other particles start in the home and stay there unless you have a way to reduce them, notes Steve Ramos, featured home inspector on HGTV’s House Detective. According to the EPA, indoor levels of some pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor levels.
“If you’re trying to avoid outdoor pollution by staying indoors, take the proper steps to help improve the air quality in your home,” said Ramos. “Remember to follow the four C’s – Control, Change, Close and Clean – to help reduce indoor air pollutants.”
- CONTROL or limit tracking pollutants from the outdoors into the home by leaving your shoes at the door. To increase your airflow and help control humidity levels, move furniture away from walls and opening closet doors. Finally, identify known outdoor allergen sources and remove them from landscaping around the home.
- CHANGE your old vacuum bag with one that contains a HEPA filter. Cheap vacuum bags can stir up pollutants when vacuuming. Whenever possible, replace carpet with hard surface flooring or area rugs that can be easily cleaned. Also, upgrade air filters to a high-performance filter, such as a Filtrete filter from 3M, and change your air filter every three months. A good way to remember this is to change the filter at the start of every season.
- CLOSE any gaps, such as those connecting to exhaust fans, which can allow pollutants or water to spread in the home. Pay specific attention to the kitchen, bathrooms and areas that surround the home to ensure condensation or standing water doesn’t lead to mold growth. A leaky roof increases the probability that mold will grow in the home, so seal around all vents, skylights and chimneys.
- CLEAN and groom any pets on a regular basis to help keep pet dander at bay. Whenever possible, keep your pets out of the bedroom and off your bed. Be sure to regularly wash bedding and linens at high heats – approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit – to help keep dust mites from collecting on your bedding. You should also regularly dust the blinds and wash your curtains.
To check your city’s outdoor air quality on a daily basis, visit AIRNow.gov. For more tips on improving your indoor air quality, and to enter to win a home inspection – including an air quality assessment – with House Detective Steve Ramos plus $10,000, visit www.Filtrete.com.
(1) American Lung Association: http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.315948/k.7E7D/Outdoor_Air_Pollution.htm
(2) The U.S. EPA, NOAA, NPS, tribal, state, and local agencies developed the AIRNow.gov to provide the public with easy access to national air quality information: http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=static.background
(3) According to AirNow.gov, code orange means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups
Source: 3M
New transportation website targets greenhouse gases
Offers REAL Transportation Solutions to GHG Emissions
A new website is being launched by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials to highlight strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation. The website, Real Transportation Solutions for Green House Gas Emissions, includes best practices, state examples, research findings, and links to other climate change information sites.
“State departments of transportation are committed to doing our share to reach a goal of reducing greenhouse gases in the United States 80 percent by 2050, compared to 2005 levels,” said AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley.
“When you consider that autos and light-duty trucks contribute 16.5 percent of the greenhouse gases in the United States, it’s obvious to us that transportation must play a significant role in the solution,” said Horsley. “The key is to invest in realistic and livable solutions that can help us meet our GHG reduction goals.”
AASHTO’s new website provides information on four basic strategies:
– Smarter Driving: Reducing the annual growth in driving;
– Better Fuels: Shifting to fuels that produce low or zero carbon dioxide;
– Better Cars: Increasing vehicle fuel efficiency; and
– Optimizing the System: Improving the efficiency and operation of the transportation system.
Accomplishing these goals will require holding growth in miles driven in the United States to one percent annually and initiating attainable land use strategies, which include increasing transit usage, car and van pooling, telecommuting, bicycling, and walking.
Further GHG reductions will be achieved through effective management of available road capacity and by reducing congestion delays through the use of intelligent transportation systems. These high tech tools will maximize efficiency by giving motorists’ real time travel information about bottlenecks, traffic mishaps and road hazards.
Major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will depend to a large extent on cleaner cars and cleaner fuels. Technological advances have been responsible for dramatic reductions in air pollution and will be the predominant answer to reducing transportation GHG.
The website also highlights the wide spectrum of research that is under way or planned to further evaluate the effectiveness of greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies.
“This is a critical issue as the nation implements efforts to reduce emissions,” said Horsley. “Both the House Climate Change Bill and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Surface Transportation authorization bill require that as a part of the transportation planning process, States and their metropolitan planning organizations must establish greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and strategies to meet those targets.”
“This is a 40 year mission, but every day counts,” said John Horsley. “The stakes are too high to get this wrong and that’s why we’re hoping policy makers, journalists and the general public will turn to this website for realistic solutions that will help us reach our goal.”
In addition to the website, AASHTO has also issued a companion brochure, titled Real Transportation Solutions to Greenhouse Gas Emissions. To download the report and to access the website go to http://www.transportation1.org/RealSolutions
Source: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
Want to Know Whether You Qualify for the Cash for Clunkers Program or Not?
Let NADAguides.com Tell You
PROGRAM DETAILS EXPLAINED FOR CONSUMERS -
With the Cash for Clunkers program, also known as CARS (Cash Allowance Rebate System), officially launched, new car shoppers have the opportunity to receive a $3,500 or $4,500 voucher towards the purchase or lease of a new vehicle if their trade-in vehicle meets specific program criteria (see list below). This government-funded program is meant to incentivize car shoppers to purchase or lease a new and more fuel efficient vehicle when they trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle.
NADAguides.com’s national spokesperson and automotive expert Michael Caudill is available for media interviews and can provide the background on CARS for media outlets. The main purpose is to share with the consumer how this process works from start to finish.
“The Car Allowance Rebate System will work to not only get high polluting vehicles off the road, but will also help stimulate new vehicle sales. This is a win-win for consumers and auto dealers by helping car shoppers with new vehicle purchases,” said Michael Caudill, automotive expert, NADAguides.com. “This is a great break for consumers who are either in the market for or considering the purchase of a new vehicle.”
What are the trade-in qualifications needed to receive the voucher?
- Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
- Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
- Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
- Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
- Dealers must register to be a part of the program. Consumers should ask this of dealers.
- You don’t need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
- Program runs through Nov. 1, 2009 or when the government funds are exhausted, whichever comes first
- The vehicle that you are trading in is required to be destroyed. Furthermore, the dealer is to disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in. The scrap value, however minimal, will be in addition to the rebate, and not in place of the rebate.
To find out if your vehicle qualifies and to view a list of qualifying vehicles and associated voucher amounts, visit the CARS tool at NADAguides.com.
Hart Energy Publishing Brings the World’s Leading Experts Together for The Carbon Challenge Webinar Series as Part of Global Carbon Initiative
First of eleven live webcasts – Adapting to New Policies – is scheduled for July 28 at 10:00 AM ET
Hart Energy Publishing (Hart) announces the launch of The Carbon Challenge webinar series designed to aid the global energy industry and policy-makers in understanding the impact of carbon-related issues on their businesses and constituents. Leading international experts will inform participants of the latest strategies, investment challenges and technologies needed to remain competitive in an increasingly carbon-constrained global economy.
The series begins on Tuesday, July 28 at 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00 pm. GMT) with “The Carbon Challenge: Adapting to New Policies” and will cover the following topics:
- The scientific background to the carbon challenge
- A U.S. summary of the path to climate regulation, the Waxman-Markey Bill, the time frame and possible roadblocks, and the major players
- How European, Canadian, and Asian governments are moving forward and their likely position at The UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December
The event will feature an introduction by James A. Slutz, President and Managing Director, Global Energy Strategies LLC and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy and chair of the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum; and an overview of the carbon challenge by Dr. Donald L. Paul, Executive Director, University of Southern California Energy Institute and former Chevron Corp. chief technology officer.
Slutz and Paul will be joined by an international panel of experts including:
- USA: Jim Connaughton, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Environmental Policy, Constellation Energy Group, and former chairman, White House Council on Environmental Quality
- Europe: Dr. Stefan Singer, Director of Global Energy Policy, WWF International (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund)
- Australia: Belinda Robinson, Chief Executive of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association
- China: Guo Yuan, Professor and Senior Researcher, Energy Research Institute, National Development and Reform Commission
- Canada: David Manning, Executive Vice President, U.S. External Affairs, National Grid
To register for this webinar and the rest of the events in The Carbon Challenge series visit www.hartcarbon.com/shop. For media, government and NGO officials, this webinar series is complimentary. Contact Linda Carter for credentials at lcarter@hartenergy.com or +1.703.891.4804.
Additional webinars in the Carbon Challenge series include:
– August 25 – Technology Today and to Come
– September 1 – Cap-and-Trade: Creating More Trading Profit
– September 8 – The Impact on Oil Producers
– September 15 – The Impact on the Natural Gas Sector
– September 22 – The Impact on the Coal Industry & Utilities
– September 29 – The Impact on the Refining Industry
– October 6 – The Impact on the Transportation Industry
– October 13 – The Impact on the Renewable Industry
– October 20 – Carbon Capture & Sequestration
– October 27 – Bring it Back Together
Starting in September, Hart will also launch a weekly subscription e-newsletter featuring:
- The latest carbon news and special editorial sections
- An event section presenting the next webinar
- The Q&A from the previous webinar
As part of Hart’s Global Carbon Initiative, the webinar series will culminate with a Summary Executive Meeting on November 3, 2009, at the Energy Solutions Conference in Houston, Texas. More information about this event is available at www.energysolutionsconf.com. To learn more about the Carbon Challenge webinar series, visit www.hartcarbon.com.
“As the world prepares for Copenhagen, understanding the complexity in policies, technical innovation and investment challenges will be the key to developing strategies that chart a course for success in a carbon-constrained world. Policies to address climate change will have a far-reaching effect on energy and economic systems,” says E. Kristine Klavers, Vice President, Hart Energy Consulting. “We invite energy executives, NGOs and governmental officials to use this Carbon Challenge webinar series to help navigate the issue divides and establish a path to determine a winning plan for the global economy and sound public policy.”
Source: Hart Energy Publishing
Teens Turning Green Launches Project Green Dorm
National initiative to green living space, lifestyle and back to school
Teens Turning Green, a national coalition of teens educating peers and community members about healthy lifestyle choices, announces the launch of Project Green Dorm, a multi-faceted effort to encourage teens around the country to make eco-informed purchases around the age-old tradition of back-to-school. “Project Green Dorm is a web-based guide for students and parents for all the items on the back-to-school checklist – but the greenest options,” said Judi Shils, Director of Teens Turning Green. “Living a truly green life will extend into my college dorm room. Environmentally responsible choices can be made for everything from wall paint to bedding, to energy efficiency, to all the items I use everyday. Challenge yourself to make going back-to-school this semester 100% green,” said campaign member Erin Schrode.
On July 30:
Project Green Dorm launches nationwide with the web-based PGD Take Action Toolkit (teensturninggreen.org) created for students as a comprehensive resource guide for all things related to back to school, with tips, photos, product recommendations, advice and other information.
The Project Green Dorm Shop will open in the Village at Corte Madera, Marin County (through September 15). The centerpiece of the shop is the PGD set, filled with eco living and lifestyle essentials students might find on their back-to-school checklists. The goal is to tangibly bring the PGD web-based Toolkit to life providing an interactive, educational green-lifestyle experience for visitors. All of the products in the shop will be for sale with the proceeds supporting Teens Turning Green programs.
PGD College Care Packs will be available to send to college students with eco essentials to start their new green lifestyle. To order your pack : teensturninggreen.org.
“Taking care of our planet is a responsibility and a privilege. Being green isn’t just about shopping vintage, buying organic or recycling – it’s about a whole eco mindset, a lifestyle choice that impacts human health and the health of the planet. We hope to inform students across the country so they can opt for eco choices that begin with their living space and lifestyle choices and provide a thoughtful framework to approach the rest of their lives,” said Judi Shils.
Teens Turning Green is a national movement of teens transforming the world through investigating harmful exposures in daily lives, schools and communities, advocating for change in policy and habits to protect our world, and educating peers and the community about healthy choices. Through collaboration, these young leaders inspire action, promote change and sustain our future.
Teens Turning Green is proud to be supported by our PGD eco partners including: Jane Iredale – The Skin Care Makeup, Burt’s Bees, Natracare, Chado-En Tea, John Masters Organics, Weleda, thecleanbedroom.com and Swisspers Organics.
Former military officer pleads guilty to participating in scheme to steal fuel worth $39.6 million from U.S. Army in Iraq
Robert Young, 56, a former captain in the U.S. Army, pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to steal fuel worth approximately $39.6 million from the U.S. Army in Iraq, announced Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Dana J. Boente.
Young, a U.S. citizen who resided in the Philippines until his arrest in connection with this case, entered his guilty plea today in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va., before Judge Claude Hilton. Young pleaded guilty to both counts of a two-count superseding indictment filed on May 21, 2009, charging him and Robert Jeffery with conspiracy and theft of government property. Young’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 30, 2009.
In his plea, Young admitted that in October 2007, he and other co-conspirators agreed to participate in a scheme to steal fuel from the U.S. Army. Young also admitted that between October 2007 and May 2008, he and his co-conspirators, purportedly representing Department of Defense contractors in Iraq, used fraudulently-obtained documents to enter the Victory Bulk Fuel Point (VBFP) in Camp Liberty, Iraq, and presented false fuel authorization forms to steal aviation and diesel fuel from the VBFP for subsequent sale on the black market. The United States owns and operates the VBFP in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The VBFP supplies fuel to both military units and U.S. government contractors operating in and around the Victory Base Complex. To retrieve and transport the stolen fuel from the VBFP, Young admitted that he and his co-conspirators employed several individuals to serve as drivers and escorts of the trucks containing the stolen fuel.
During Young’s participation in the scheme, he and his co-conspirators stole from the U.S. Army fuel worth approximately $39.6 million. As a result of the scheme, Young received approximately $1 million in personal profits.
At sentencing, Young faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the value gained or lost.
In a related case, Lee William Dubois pleaded guilty on Oct. 7, 2008, to participating in the same scheme. In his plea, Dubois admitted that he obtained government-issued common access cards for the drivers and escorts of the trucks and also presented false documents to the VBFP authorizing his co-conspirators to draw fuel. Dubois admitted that he and his co-conspirators stole approximately 10 million gallons of fuel, and that Dubois received at least $450,000 in personal profits from the subsequent sale of the fuel on the black market. Sentencing for Dubois is scheduled for Sept. 4, 2009.
The superseding indictment filed on May 21, 2009, charges Robert Jeffery, 55, a former master chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy, with conspiracy and theft of government property in connection with the same fuel theft scheme. The indictment alleges that Jeffery served as the lead escort for the fuel trucks for several months and illegally retrieved thousands of gallons of fuel from the VBFP. Jeffery is a U.S. citizen who, until his arrest in connection with this case, resided in the Philippines. Jeffery’s trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 10, 2009.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Linick, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Andrew Gentin and Brigham Cannon. The investigation of this case was conducted by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI and members of the National Procurement Fraud Task Force and the International Contract Corruption Task Force (ICCTF).
The National Procurement Fraud Task Force, created in October 2006 by the Department of Justice, was designed to promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of procurement fraud associated with the increase in government contracting activity for national security and other government programs. The ICCTF is a joint law enforcement agency task force that seeks to detect, investigate and dismantle corruption and contract fraud resulting from U.S. Overseas Contingency Operations, including in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice