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Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has introduced legislation that would greatly aid in the expansion of rooftop solar-energy production in the United States. There is sufficient roof space in the United States to meet 20 percent of our electricity needs simply by installing solar panels.

Senator Sander’s “10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010″ would help fund the installation of solar panels on 10 million homes and businesses across the country as well as the installation of 200,000 solar water heaters. This would produce about 30,000 new megawatts of energy, the equivalent of about 30 nuclear power plants.

Unlike industrial-scale solar projects, which when poorly sited can have unacceptable negative impacts on wildlife and wild places and often require new long-distance transmission lines, rooftop solar by definition only occurs in already developed areas. It is the greenest of green energy.

Please take a minute to contact your senators and encourage them to support the rapid expansion of rooftop solar energy.

Click here to find out more and take action.

Sample letter:

Subject: Please Support Senator Sanders’ Solar Roofs Bill

I am writing to urge you to support and join as a cosponsor the “10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010″ introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders. Rooftop solar is fast to build, avoids the need for expensive new transmission lines, uses already developed land, enhances energy resilience and independence, and creates jobs. We should be doing everything possible to encourage this type of clean energy.

Thank you

Please take action today.
Donate now to support our work.

EPA gets earful about proposed water pollution rules
BY CURTIS MORGAN
cmorgan@MiamiHerald.com

The EPA asked for feedback on proposed water pollution regulations — and it got an earful from utilities, farmers and critics who call the rules flawed and costly.

Citrus growers, cattle ranchers, sugar farmers and utility operators told federal environmental regulators Thursday that they are all for keeping rivers and lakes clean, but they don’t want to go broke doing it.

Ephraim King, director of EPA’s office of science and technology in Washington, “I think they create the impression in the minds of many Floridians that you have to make a choice between the economy and clean water. You don’t.”

Read more…

Invasion of venomous lionfish menaces the Keys
A popular aquarium import, the species wreaks havoc on native fish populations
By Cammy Clark, The Miami Herald
February 8, 2010

KEY LARGO - At French Reef, 30 feet below the ocean’s surface, Sea Dwellers dive instructor Dave Jefferiss was on a mission to find and capture one of the gorgeous but dreaded new invaders of the Florida Keys: a lionfish.

The lionfish is native to the Pacific and Indian oceans, is a menace to humans and marine life. It has venomous fins, and no known marine predators in the territory it is invading.

“It was mentioned in the article that lionfish are  can be eaten, but special care is required to remove the venomous spines before doing so”

Read more…

Lionfish are spreading
Another Good Article explaining where Lionfish are ….

Emergency Treatment:
A lionfish sting causes intense pain and should be immersed in hot water for 15-20 minutes.  Seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible

Aquatic Toxins Hotline: 888-232-8635

Florida Poison Information Center in Miami

A violent clash between a conservation boat and a Japanese whaler has left the smaller boat badly damaged. Both sides are trading blame for the collision, which took place in Antarctic waters.

Boat damaged in anti-whaling clash in Antarctica

SYDNEY (AP) — A conservation group’s boat had its bow sheared off and was taking on water Wednesday after it was struck by a Japanese whaling ship in the frigid waters of Antarctica, the group said.

Read more…

For more information contact Florida Solar Pump:
http://www.floridasolarpump.com/
(954) 424-0998

SolarPump-w-electronics-427SunRay Engineering is an alternative energy company that engineers and manufactures solar products and systems that are cost effective, durable, will enhance your home’s value while saving you money on your energy bills.

SunRay Engineering manufactures systems to utilize solar electric power to pump water. It is cost-effective for swimming pools, especially where utility rates (or daytime peak rates) are very high. A pool pump is often one of the largest electrical loads in a home.

Now you can replace that old 230volt Pump with a Solar Powered Pool Pump from SunRay Engineering.

Our Solar Pool Pump Features:

SunRay Solar Powered Pool Pumps – Brushless motor is ultra-efficient and maintenance free – Pre wired and Tested before shipping – ready to install – Produces Zero Pollution

* Flow rate up to 3900 gph
* Maintenance-free brushless DC motor
* Excellent efficiency
* Glass-filled polycarbonate construction
* Resistant to chemicals, salt and sunlight
* Withstands temperatures to 175°F
* Large basket strainer with clear cover
* Self-priming centrifugal design
* Retains water to resist dry-run damage
* Easily serviceable, with all reusable o-rings
* Industrial standard carbon-ceramic shaft seal
* Brushless motor is ultra-efficient and maintenance free
* Soft-start controller optimizes motor efficiency under all conditions
* Pre wired and Tested before shipping – ready to install

SunRay Engineering LLC
235 Apollo Beach Blvd., Suite 239
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Office: 813-643-9230

http://www.sunrayus.com/

I ran across a fact filled website for those who wish to find out more about Solar, Wind  and other energy options.

Home Power is over 20 years old and published more than 120 issues.  “Each issue contains the most comprehensive, technical coverage of solar, wind, and microhydro electricity, energy efficiency, solar hot water systems, space heating and cooling, energy-efficient building materials and home design, and clean transportation options.”

Bookmark the site and consider signing up for the 12 issues

http://www.homepower.com/

OurChoiceGore’s book a toolbox for fixing climate crises
By Dan Vergano, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — With global warming taking center stage in world affairs, Al Gore can’t be far behind: The Nobel-Prize-winning former-vice president-turned-energy entrepreneur is releasing his plan to crack the climate conundrum.

“Our Choice, A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis”, which debuted Tuesday, “offers us the tools to find a way out.”

The Complete Story..

Our Choice gathers in one place all of the most effective solutions that are available now and that, together, will solve this crisis. It is meant to depoliticize the issue as much as possible and inspire readers to take action—not only on an individual basis but as participants in the political processes by which every country, and the world as a whole, makes the choice that now confronts us. There is an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

—AL GORE, from the introduction

Available from Amazon.com

South Florida home buyers leery about Chinese drywall

By Paul Owers South Florida Sun Sentinel

Home buyers in South Florida are petrified of tainted Chinese drywall.

Some rule out entire neighborhoods or houses and condos built within the past seven years. Others don’t want anything to do with builders known to have used Chinese drywall. And buyers who do sign contracts seek assurances that might not prove reliable.

The Complete Story…

modelhome

Annoucement from – Deltec Homes

We are conducting a FREE homebuilding seminar next month!  In just one weekend, you will learn what makes Deltec the greatest circular home built and the people that make it all happen.

Are you still interested in building an energy efficient, low maintenance, high wind resistant, built to last, circular home? If the answer is YES, then you’ve got to say YES to coming to our informative FREE seminar. We can’t wait to meet you!

Join us and other interested home buyers in beautiful Asheville, NC.

Saturday and Sunday,
November 14 and 15, 2009

You Will Learn More About:

  • How to Design Your Dream Home
  • Our Highly Engineered Construction Methods
  • Green Building Options Available
  • Pricing and Financing Your New Home
  • Tour the Entire Manufacturing Plant
  • Tour our BRAND NEW 3800 sq. ft. Model Home
  • Meet the people that are there for you – Engineers, Designers, Sales Team, Support Staff
  • Breakfast and Lunch

There will be special incentives to seminar attendees only whether you are building in 6 months or 36 months!

Call TODAY 800-642-2508 to reserve your spot.

Additional information on the seminars can be found here:
http://www.deltechomes.com/seminars.php

The New model – Windsor – 3800 Sq Feet
http://www.deltechomes.com/modelhome.php

Production Facility & Offices
69 Bingham Road
Asheville, NC 28806
800-642-2508
828-253-0483
www.deltechomes.com