Frank J. Heller, MPA's Posts - Citizens' Task Force on Wind Power - Maine2024-03-28T14:46:10ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPAhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1548423093?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://www.windtaskforce.org/profiles/blog/feed?user=215qauaq2ezx5&xn_auth=noKELP, other seaweeds are gobbling up dissolved CO2.tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2021-03-06:4401701:BlogPost:2143322021-03-06T22:56:55.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<h2><a href="https://news.miami.edu/stories/2019/08/studying-the-surging-seaweed-that-is-sargassum.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Studying the surging seaweed that is sargassum</strong></a></h2>
<div class="b_caption"><div class="b_attribution"><cite><a href="https://news.miami.edu/stories/2019/08/studying">https://news.miami.edu/stories/2019/08/studying</a>...…</cite></div>
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<h2><a target="_blank" href="https://news.miami.edu/stories/2019/08/studying-the-surging-seaweed-that-is-sargassum.html" rel="noopener"><strong>Studying the surging seaweed that is sargassum</strong></a></h2>
<div class="b_caption"><div class="b_attribution"><cite><a href="https://news.miami.edu/stories/2019/08/studying">https://news.miami.edu/stories/2019/08/studying</a>...</cite><a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=has+the+sargasso+sea+grown+as+a+result+of+CO2%3F&cvid=10efe2e0b1004fd09c34b8bf1f813ea2&aqs=edge..69i57.38462j0j1&pglt=641&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=U531#" class="trgr_icon"></a></div>
<p>But while that nutrient, found in atmospheric particles transported by winds and deposited to the ocean and on land,<strong><span> </span>can stimulate the</strong><span> </span>growth<strong><span> </span>of marine</strong><span> </span>phytoplankton and terrestrial plants and lead to the<strong><span> </span>sequestration of carbon dioxide,</strong><span> </span>it could also be contributing to the growth<strong><span> </span>of</strong><span> </span>sargassum.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Grow kelp and harvest carbon credits.</p>
</div>This is why they lobbied hard to be exempt from Environmental Impact assessmentstag:www.windtaskforce.org,2019-10-29:4401701:BlogPost:1766692019-10-29T21:22:10.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>The more you look, the more you find. Even out energy siting require wind farms to have Environmental impact statements.</p>
<p>The more you look, the more you find. Even out energy siting require wind farms to have Environmental impact statements.</p>Know the strength of our enemytag:www.windtaskforce.org,2019-10-29:4401701:BlogPost:1765742019-10-29T21:18:39.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p><a href="https://infocastinc.com/event/wind-power-finance-investment/">https://infocastinc.com/event/wind-power-finance-investment/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Big bucks....windturbines catch fire don't they?</p>
<p><a href="https://infocastinc.com/event/wind-power-finance-investment/">https://infocastinc.com/event/wind-power-finance-investment/</a></p>
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<p>Big bucks....windturbines catch fire don't they?</p>What if there was equity between wind farms and hydropower generation? ....tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2019-08-26:4401701:BlogPost:1731902019-08-26T17:18:33.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>these are the hurdles small hydropower generators have to jump through:</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719326105?dgcid=coauthor">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719326105?dgcid=coauthor</a></p>
<p>these are the hurdles small hydropower generators have to jump through:</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719326105?dgcid=coauthor">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719326105?dgcid=coauthor</a></p>When research follows a narrative and not scientific protocol,this is the resulttag:www.windtaskforce.org,2019-03-28:4401701:BlogPost:1639532019-03-28T13:59:18.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>There are many serious ramifications in pursuing science that fits a narrative instead of collecting data, then deriving proper theories from real data.</strong></span></p>
<div class="teads-adCall"></div>
<p>One of the consequences, especially in this seemingly new era of real justice that we are now enjoying, is that cheating scientists can get caught and punished.</p>
<p><br></br><span id="more-277872"></span>For example, Duke…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>There are many serious ramifications in pursuing science that fits a narrative instead of collecting data, then deriving proper theories from real data.</strong></span></p>
<div class="teads-adCall"></div>
<p>One of the consequences, especially in this seemingly new era of real justice that we are now enjoying, is that cheating scientists can get caught and punished.</p>
<p><br/><span id="more-277872"></span>For example, Duke University will now pay the U.S. government $112.5 million in a settlement related to the submission of faked to win federal research grants. A whistle-blower is also going to<span> </span><a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/03/25/706604033/duke-whistleblower-gets-more-than-33-million-in-research-fraud-settlement" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">enjoy a big reward</a>, instead of fired or otherwise punished.</p>
<blockquote><p>The settlement will also bring a $33.75 million payment to Joseph Thomas, the whistleblower who drew attention to the fraud when he worked for Duke.</p>
<p>Thomas, a former Duke lab analyst, sued the university on behalf of the federal government, saying that a Duke researcher fudged data to help the university win and keep lucrative grants from two agencies, the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency.</p>
<p>The dozens of grants in question covered the study of the lung function of mice. The Justice Department says Thomas’ lawsuit alleged that “between 2006 and 2018, Duke knowingly submitted and caused to be submitted” claims to federal agencies that were unknowingly paying grant money for falsified research data. It adds that while the agreement settles the court case, it does not mean Duke has been determined liable.</p>
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<p>The researcher responsible for the data has a long history of<span> </span><a href="https://www.wunc.org/post/duke-university-pay-112m-settle-research-fraud-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">being a cheat</a>.</p>
<blockquote><p>Former Duke researcher Erin Potts-Kant conducted the alleged fraud from 2006 to 2013. She was fired for embezzling money from the university, which happened during the same period, according to Duke. After her firing, her research was scrutinized, which led to the retractions of 17 scientific papers, according to RetractionWatch.</p>
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<p>Her findings were used to support the<a href="https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2018/11/erin-potts-kant-duke-university-lawsuit-almost-settled"><span> </span>request for millions of dollars</a><span> </span>in grant money that was ultimately given to the institution.</p>
<blockquote><p>In his suit, Thomas alleges that Potts-Kant manipulated data that she collected when studying the lung function of mice. Based on that data and pursuant research articles, she was then able to secure additional research funding from the federal government, according to the suit. These allegations bring more than 60 federal grants—totaling approximately $200 million from agencies like the National Institutes of Health and Environmental Protection Agency—into question.</p>
<p>Potts-Kant is not the only one accused of questionable conduct in the suit. Supervisors William Foster, former professor of medicine, and Monica Kraft, former division chief of the Pulmonary division, are accused of ignoring warnings of misconduct and being negligent in their supervision.</p>
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<p>Prosecutors said the school’s higher-ups knew about Potts-Kant’s problematic approach to research but allowed it to continue. The school countered it<span> </span><a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/mar/25/duke-pay-1125m-settlement-faked-research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">didn’t learn until later</a>.</p>
<blockquote><p>“Individuals and institutions that receive research funding from the federal government must be scrupulous in conducting research for the common good and rigorous in rooting out fraud,” said Matthew G.T. Martin, the U.S. attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “May this serve as a lesson that the use of false or fabricated data in grant applications or reports is completely unacceptable.”</p>
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<p>Lung function in mice exposed to pollutants would be of interest to the green justice advocated in the Environmental Protection Agency, hoping to create even more controls and more rules to support an ever-expanding bureaucracy. By funding Potts-Kant’s work, what other worthy projects have been neglected, including those that may have really benefited the American people.</p>
<p>Legal Insurrection has covered a wide array of fraudulent theories passed off as real science:<span> </span><a href="https://legalinsurrection.com/2016/09/how-the-sugar-industry-poisoned-food-science-against-fat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Food rules</a>,<span> </span><a href="https://legalinsurrection.com/2019/03/narrative-fail-polar-bears-vanish-from-media-as-their-population-explodes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">polar bear populations</a>,<span> </span><a href="https://legalinsurrection.com/2017/02/whistleblower-world-leaders-duped-over-manipulated-global-warming-data/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tampered-with</a><span> </span>temperature data,<span> </span><a href="https://legalinsurrection.com/2017/12/turns-out-the-great-glitter-scare-was-fakescience/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plastic pollution</a><span> </span>in the ocean, just to name a new.</p>
<p>How many billions are squandered by businesses in senseless environmental compliance? How many people have gotten obese or developed diabetes because of unhealthy good guidelines? How much more funding could have been devoted to effective, local pollution-solutions instead of uselessly endeavoring to “fix” the global climate?</p>
<p>When politics contaminates science, it hurts everyone. In fact, I would argue it is the most dangerous pollutant in today’s world.</p>Tomorrow's Presentation by the nearly all-Female Energy/climate/innovation secretariat led by Millstag:www.windtaskforce.org,2019-02-27:4401701:BlogPost:1603602019-02-27T19:14:27.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>a taste of things to come...good , bad or just more emotionalized policy making?</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>A CHANGE IS GONNA COME - </strong><strong><br></br> MAINE ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL<br></br> POLICY IN 2019</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Breaking News: Governor Mills to Keynote E2Tech Energy & Environmental Policy Forum</strong></p>
<p><strong>E2Tech is excited to announce that Governor Mills will provide closing remarks at E2Tech's Thursday morning (2/28)…</strong></p>
<p>a taste of things to come...good , bad or just more emotionalized policy making?</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>A CHANGE IS GONNA COME - </strong><strong><br/> MAINE ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL<br/> POLICY IN 2019</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Breaking News: Governor Mills to Keynote E2Tech Energy & Environmental Policy Forum</strong></p>
<p><strong>E2Tech is excited to announce that Governor Mills will provide closing remarks at E2Tech's Thursday morning (2/28) forum on Maine Energy & Environmental Policy in 2019.</strong></p>
<p>Additionally, please note that Rep. Seth Berry - <br/> House Chair of the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee - has been added to the panel.</p>
<p><strong>We hope you will join Maine's energy, environmental, and cleantech leaders at this informative session discussing Maine energy & environmental policy initiatives.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Space is limited, so please register today </strong><strong><br/> if you would like to attend.</strong></p>
<p><strong>When: </strong>Thursday, February 28, 2019<br/> <strong>Where: </strong>Governor Hill Mansion, 136 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330</p>
<p><strong>7:30 - 8:00</strong> <strong>a.m.</strong> Registration & Networking Breakfast</p>
<p><strong>8:00 - 9:30</strong> <strong>a.m.</strong> Panel Session</p>
<p><strong>9:30 - 10:00</strong> <strong>a.m.</strong> Keynote Address from Governor Mills</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What does the future hold? During Governor Mills' campaign, there was a clear focus on climate change initiatives, growing clean energy resources, and strategic electrification of the transportation sector, among other related goals. With Governor Mills' new administration, leadership transitions in the Department of Environmental Protection, a soon-to-be Office of Policy Innovation & The Future, and a variety of new policymakers in the Legislature, we will experience a transformation of environmental and energy initiatives here in Maine.</p>
<p>As a new administration begins its work, what will be its priorities? Will climate change mitigation and clean energy development remain a focus? Will it tackle transportation with 21st century solutions? Will the Legislature mirror these efforts?</p>
<p><strong>Additional Speakers Include:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Chairman Seth Berry</strong> - Representative, Maine State Legislature, House Chair of Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>Katherine A. Joyce</strong> - Shareholder, Chair of Energy & Land Use and Environmental Practice Groups, Bernstein Shur (Moderator)</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>Melanie Loyzim</strong> - Deputy Commissioner, Maine Department of Environmental Protection</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>Hannah Pingree</strong> - Director, Governor's Office of Policy and Management</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>Joyce Taylor, P.E.</strong> - Chief Engineer, Maine Department of Transportation</em></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em> </em></span></p>
<p></p>HYDRO QUEBEC RESOURCES....extensive and very well documented.tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2019-01-11:4401701:BlogPost:1559432019-01-11T15:34:47.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>use this URL to access the pull down menues....well organized. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.hydroquebec.com/sustainable-development/energy-environment/hydropower.html">http://www.hydroquebec.com/sustainable-development/energy-environment/hydropower.html</a></p>
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<p>Two things stand out:</p>
<p> First, they have a tremendous amount of all forms of renewable energy, the bulk in hydro generated , 177,091 GigaWattHours generated and 31,610 GigaWattHours purchased.</p>
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<p> …</p>
<p>use this URL to access the pull down menues....well organized. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.hydroquebec.com/sustainable-development/energy-environment/hydropower.html">http://www.hydroquebec.com/sustainable-development/energy-environment/hydropower.html</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Two things stand out:</p>
<p> First, they have a tremendous amount of all forms of renewable energy, the bulk in hydro generated , 177,091 GigaWattHours generated and 31,610 GigaWattHours purchased.</p>
<p></p>
<p> Second, Green Mountain Power buys H-Q electricity at the Vermont border for 5.549 c/kWh. I believe this is a 20 year fixed price contract; unlike wind contracts which start cheep and escalate annually.</p>FERC justifies continuation of large Ellsworth Hydro power plant.....it's an official proclamation.tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2019-01-04:4401701:BlogPost:1551742019-01-04T22:38:26.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is over 50 MW of latent hydro power that can be justified in the same way.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">>>From approval of FERC permit:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"<em>The applicant, Bangor, has applied to FERC for a new</em></span><br></br><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>license to continue operation of the 8 . 9-MW Ellsworth Project . The project is located i n the fastest growing portion of applicant's…</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is over 50 MW of latent hydro power that can be justified in the same way.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">>>From approval of FERC permit:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"<em>The applicant, Bangor, has applied to FERC for a new</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>license to continue operation of the 8 . 9-MW Ellsworth Project . The project is located i n the fastest growing portion of applicant's service area and substantial load growth is</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>expected to continue .</em></span></p>
<p><br/><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em>Applicant's need for continuing operation of the project,</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em>over both the short and long terms is both economic and</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em>operational. From both economic and financial points of view,</em></span><br/><em><span style="font-size: 14pt;">no source of replacement power is available which is cost competive with a hydroelectric facility whose original cost has been amortized, which has no fuel costs and which has </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">modest operating and maintenance costs.</span></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>From an operational point of view, the project provides the high reliability</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>associated with hydroelectric facilities, has "black start"</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>capacity which is used to bring other sources on-line in the</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>event of a system outage, provides approximately 9 megawatts</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>of spinning reserve and, when its output is not on dispatch,</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>is valuable as a support source while repairs are being made.</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Additionally, it is the opinion of Staff that 79 years of</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>operation and usefulness by, and to, the applicant give strong</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>support to the applicant's need for the project and a new</em></span><br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>license. "</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.maine.gov/dep/ftp/HYDRO/WaterQualityCertifications/Ellsworth/1987-12-28%20FERC%20license.pdf">https://www.maine.gov/dep/ftp/HYDRO/WaterQualityCertifications/Ellsworth/1987-12-28%20FERC%20license.pdf</a></span></p>
<p></p>UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH TO BUY RIVER GENERATED HYDROPOWER TO MEET 25% of CAMPUS NEEDS..why doesn't Orono or UMM or??>tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-12-05:4401701:BlogPost:1520612018-12-05T21:19:30.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
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<div id="pw-article-share-bar" class="pw-article-share-bar-right"><div class="gigyashare sharebar"><div id="university-of-pittsburgh-to-purchase-local-hydropower-leftcolumn-article-gigyashare-wrapper" class="desktopPWShareBar"><div><div class="pw-share-bar"><div id="university-of-pittsburgh-to-purchase-local-hydropower-leftcolumn-article-gigyashare" class="gigya-share-bar-div-vertical"><strong><a href="https://img.publishthis.com/images/3_0/2018/11/0/4/7/0474de370b15d0d06d01f24ed1faa33e_ogimg_1200x628_xlarge_thumbnail_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>University of Pittsburgh</strong> to Purchase Local Hydropower: Allegheny River hydroelectric plant will supply 25 percent of campus power needs, advance renewable energy and emissions reduction goals. The University of Pittsburgh's first major commitment to renewable energy will utilize the Allegheny River as the source of clean, local and long-term electricity for the campus.</span></div>
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<div class="pt-featured-content"><div class="pt-readmore"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.news.pitt.edu/news/university-pittsburgh-purchase-local-hydropower">Read more at www.news.pitt.edu</a></span></div>
</div>UN believes HYDROPOWER IS the answer to climate change.tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-12-05:4401701:BlogPost:1520592018-12-05T20:42:41.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>People in the hydroelectric power industry have long known that this clean, reliable, renewable generating technology has an important role to play in meeting vital goals related to the environment and climate change</strong></span>.</p>
<p>The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agrees, as evidenced by an article published on its website last week.</p>
<p>Below are excerpts from the text of this…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>People in the hydroelectric power industry have long known that this clean, reliable, renewable generating technology has an important role to play in meeting vital goals related to the environment and climate change</strong></span>.</p>
<p>The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agrees, as evidenced by an article published on its website last week.</p>
<p>Below are excerpts from the text of this article:</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>The rapid and responsible deployment of clean, renewable energy is crucial to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. The evolution of solar and wind energy has been the driving force of the transition to a low-carbon world in the past years, but … one technology remains a cornerstone of the renewable energy mix in some regions of the Earth: hydropower.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Hydropower still accounts for 70% of the world’s renewable generation capacity, a proportion that rises to more than 80% in Latin America, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). So the sector has a key role to play in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Hydropower holds a double relationship with climate change. On the one hand, it contributes to the avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. On the other, water availability and hydropower generation are likely to be affected by changing rainfall patterns, which can reduce the flow of rivers.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>At the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland (COP24) in December 2018, … <a href="https://www.itaipu.gov.br/en">Itaipu Binacional</a> will showcase best practices in the sector to illustrate the potential of hydropower to avoid greenhouse gases emissions. Located on the border of Brazil and Paraguay, the plant is owned by the two governments and provides around 15% of the energy consumed in Brazil and 86% of the energy consumed in Paraguay. It also holds the <a href="https://www.hydroworld.com/articles/2018/11/ge-to-start-modernization-of-14-gw-itaipu-hydro-power-plant.html">world record of annual energy production for a hydroelectric plant</a>, with 103.1 million MWh generated in 2016. Around 500 thousand barrels of oil per day, about a fifth of the Brazilian production, would be required to produce the same amount of energy.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>The development of hydropower, however, does not come without environmental and social costs. … An additional issue confronting the sector are the threats to its generation potential presented by climate change, which triggers an increased occurrence of extreme weather events. Between 2014 and 2017, an unprecedented drought reduced water pressure in hydroelectric plants in Brazil, resulting in higher water consumption tariffs.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>The contribution of the hydropower sector to the goals of the Paris Agreement, therefore, needs to be considered not only in terms of avoiding greenhouse gas emissions, but also in promoting projects that ensure that the impacts of large projects are minimized and sufficiently compensated.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Itaipu implements projects in the areas of conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystem services and local cultures, providing a strong example of joint efforts between two countries working together to achieve sustainable development and leadership on climate action.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>"Climate change challenges governments, companies and other organizations to work together in order to build a sustainable future for all. Itaipu understands it has, not only to generate clean and renewable energy, but also to promote water security, biodiversity conservation, and social development in Brazil and Paraguay", says Brazilian General Director of Itaipu Marcos Stamm.</em></span></p>
<p><a href="https://unfccc.int/news/how-hydropower-can-help-climate-action" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to read the full release</a>.</p>
<h3>The upcoming POWER-GEN International event features a<span> </span><a href="https://events.pennwell.com/PGI2018/Public/SessionDetails.aspx?FromPage=Sessions.aspx&SessionID=23800" target="_blank" rel="noopener">session on the subject of climate change and hydropower</a>. Click here to learn more.</h3>Challenging LURC's scope of wind farm review and their default to D.E.P. ..correspondence with Stacie R. Beyer Chief Planner, Land Use Planning Commissiontag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-11-29:4401701:BlogPost:1515082018-11-29T17:30:00.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>Hello again:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I reviewed your authority under your enabling statutes and find it decidedly covers environmental impacts of wind farms in areas under your jurisdiction:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>"<span style="font-size: 12pt;">To preserve …support and encourage Maine's natural resource-based economy and <strong>strong environmental protections</strong>; … to honor the rights and participation of residents and property owners …while recognizing the <strong>unique value</strong> of these…</span></p>
<p>Hello again:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I reviewed your authority under your enabling statutes and find it decidedly covers environmental impacts of wind farms in areas under your jurisdiction:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>"<span style="font-size: 12pt;">To preserve …support and encourage Maine's natural resource-based economy and <strong>strong environmental protections</strong>; … to honor the rights and participation of residents and property owners …while recognizing the <strong>unique value</strong> of these lands and waters to the State; to <strong>prevent</strong> residential, recreational, <strong>commercial</strong> and <strong>industrial uses</strong> <strong>detrimental to the long-term health, use and value of these areas and to Maine's natural resource-based economy</strong>; to discourage the intermixing of incompatible industrial, commercial, residential and recreational activities<strong>; to prevent the development in these areas of</strong> … structures located <strong>unduly proximate to waters</strong> or roads; <strong>to prevent the despoliation, pollution and detrimental uses of the water in these areas; and to conserve ecological and natural values.</strong></span><span><em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span>[</em></span><span><em>2011, </em></span><span><em>c. 682, </em></span><span><em>§"</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Based on my understanding of the above statute and the origins of DEP in controlling pollution, your agency has a broader scope of authority over all land use in unorganized townships.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Weaver Wind project will negatively impact the adjacent watershed with increased, unfiltered runoff from pads and access roads via their storm drains; it will remove trees whose root systems filter water in a water shed;</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This project will NOT conserve “ecological and natural values” and will destroy habitat and flyways.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am passing on this assessment to several wind activist organizations who will probably challenge your failure to live up to your legislative mandate.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>FJHeller, K.E.W. & Ocean Gardens</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>From:</strong> <a href="mailto:Stacie.R.Beyer@maine.gov">Beyer, Stacie R</a><br/> <strong>Sent:</strong> Thursday, November 29, 2018 10:14 AM<br/> <strong>To:</strong> <a href="mailto:fjheller@myfairpoint.net">fjh</a><br/> <strong>Subject:</strong> RE: [EXTERNAL SENDER] Environmental Impact assessment for WeaverWind Project</p>
<p> Good morning,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) has limited authority in its review of grid-scale wind energy projects. On the State-level, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) is the lead permitting agency. They are reviewing the project under the decision-making criteria of the Site Location of Development Law (38 M.R.S., Sections 481-490), the Wind Energy Act (35-A M.R.S., Sections 3401-3459), and the Natural Resources Protection Act (38 M.R.S., Section 480-B). More information on the MDEP review of wind energy projects can be found on this webpage: <a href="http://www.maine.gov/dep/land/sitelaw/wind/index.html">http://www.maine.gov/dep/land/sitelaw/wind/index.html</a>. Information specific to the MDEP review of the Weaver Wind Project is located on this webpage: <a href="https://www.maine.gov/dep/land/projects/weaver-wind/index.html">https://www.maine.gov/dep/land/projects/weaver-wind/index.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Specific standards that the LUPC has authority to review for grid-scale wind energy projects in general, and the Weaver Wind Project specifically relate to:</p>
<p>Land division history (04-061 CMR 10.24,F),</p>
<p>Dimensional requirements (04-061 CMR 10.26),</p>
<p>Vehicular access, circulation, and parking (04-061 CMR 10.24,B and 10.25,D),</p>
<p>Lighting (04-061 CMR 10.25,F),</p>
<p>Activities in flood prone areas (04-061 CMR 10.25,T), and</p>
<p>Signs (04-061 CMR 10.27,J)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>More information on the LUPC review of this project can be found on this webpage: <a href="http://www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/projects/site_law_certification/slc6a.html">http://www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/projects/site_law_certification/slc6a.html</a></p>
<p> If you have any further questions, please let me know.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Stacie R. Beyer</p>
<p>Chief Planner, Land Use Planning Commission</p>
<p>22 State House Station,</p>
<p>Augusta, Maine 04333-0022</p>
<p>Cell- 207-557-2535</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>From:</strong> fjh [mailto:fjheller@myfairpoint.net] <br/> <strong>Sent:</strong> Thursday, November 29, 2018 9:45 AM<br/> <strong>To:</strong> Beyer, Stacie R <Stacie.R.Beyer@maine.gov><br/> <strong>Subject:</strong> [EXTERNAL SENDER] Environmental Impact assessment for Weaver Wind Project</p>
<p> Stacie:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What are the main areas you will cover in your environmental and climate change impact assessment for the Weaver Wind Project; i.e. rain runoff, habitat disturbance, lose of forest, clear cuts, etc.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fjh</p>
<p> </p>
<p>FJHeller, K.E.W. & Ocean Gardens</p>Where would I find topo maps showing wind farm clear cuts for pads and esp. transmission lines.tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-10-01:4401701:BlogPost:1469502018-10-01T14:30:00.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>If I had a map of the amount of forest removed for turbine pads, access roads, and transmission lines I can calculate the impact on the atmosphere, esp. loss of CO2 conversion, and on the watershed and aquifer.</p>
<p>This would be a focused environmental impact statement prohibited under current siting legislation; and if my early calculations are right, that the CO2 no longer removed by photosynthesis is greater than the carbon offsets. iHYDRO software and possibly the Canadian software,…</p>
<p>If I had a map of the amount of forest removed for turbine pads, access roads, and transmission lines I can calculate the impact on the atmosphere, esp. loss of CO2 conversion, and on the watershed and aquifer.</p>
<p>This would be a focused environmental impact statement prohibited under current siting legislation; and if my early calculations are right, that the CO2 no longer removed by photosynthesis is greater than the carbon offsets. iHYDRO software and possibly the Canadian software, RETSOFT can calculate the losses using a calculator based on individual trees, biomass and values for each tree lost; so it gets to be a fairly accurate assessment. </p>
<p></p>
<p>These are significant losses and when you add them to environmental factors like loss of habitat; increased surface runoff; decreased ability of tree roots to cleanse and deacidify rain water which in turn affects the quality of water in Maine's fabled aquifers, and herbicide build up under transmission lines you get some powerful arguments against wind farms. I've made them in general, but a specific finding for one farm with new ROW would be a very damning case against more and expanded wind farms.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Living next to Bowdoin College, one can see even the 'greenest' of institutions clear-cut mature trees, with abandon---no offsets, just a new foundation. Even more ironically, their new 'ecology' center removed a number of large trees. Brunswick just allowed a new development a few blocks away which clear cut a large amount of mature forest and the ever-so-green town council didn't blink.</p>
<p>REFERENCES: </p>
<p><a href="https://www.itreetools.org/resources/reports/HydroWorcesterMA_afilipovic_AAGPoster.pdf">https://www.itreetools.org/resources/reports/HydroWorcesterMA_afilipovic_AAGPoster.pdf</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.itreetools.org/resources/content/Hydro_factsheet.pdf%C2%A0">https://www.itreetools.org/resources/content/Hydro_factsheet.pdf </a>; ***note future enhancements.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mikepoweredbydhi.com/products/mike-hydro-basin%C2%A0">https://www.mikepoweredbydhi.com/products/mike-hydro-basin </a>; *water basin impact</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJE2-fqqZg%C2%A0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJE2-fqqZg </a>; **video</p>
<p><a href="https://www.itreetools.org/resources/content/WEFTEC2016_W24_Flyer.pdf%C2%A0">https://www.itreetools.org/resources/content/WEFTEC2016_W24_Flyer.pdf </a>; **part of the 89<br/>th annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference: This workshop will explore the hydrologic effects of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) & urban land cover, and how we can use i-Tree Hydro, an accessible hydrology model with robust comparative assessment capabilities, to empower our work as water resource professionals. </p>WIND DROUGHT IN ENGLAND leaves London gasping..tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-08-27:4401701:BlogPost:1446892018-08-27T16:55:45.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/27/uk-summer-wind-drought-puts-green-revolution-into-reverse">https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/27/uk-summer-wind-drought-puts-green-revolution-into-reverse</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/27/uk-summer-wind-drought-puts-green-revolution-into-reverse">https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/27/uk-summer-wind-drought-puts-green-revolution-into-reverse</a></p>
<p></p>Oppressing Dylan Vorhee's environmental hypocrisy and untruthstag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-05-22:4401701:BlogPost:1358242018-05-22T17:21:14.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tapping into the proposed energy corridor is, as I understand it, a negotiable item---which I strongly support.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dylan raises other issues, several based on nonfactual assumptions:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">"</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dylan:</span></p>
<h1><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">NRCM has long supported wind farms in Maine, all of…</span></h1>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tapping into the proposed energy corridor is, as I understand it, a negotiable item---which I strongly support.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dylan raises other issues, several based on nonfactual assumptions:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">"</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dylan:</span></p>
<h1><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">NRCM has long supported wind farms in Maine, all of which resulted in clear cutting thousands of acres of mature forest and, in turn, violating the Copenhagen recommendation to reforest the earth and convert CO2 into oxygen, water, and stored carbon. Wind Farm transmission line corridors did exactly the opposite, and to add further insult, are sprayed with herbicide annually.</span></h1>
<h1><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Are you changing your policy regarding wind farm transmission lines as well?</span></h1>
<h1><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Then you go on to say that importing hydropower will increase emissions….but leave open how this would happen; and in comparison, the need for natural gas fired power plants to replace lost power due to wind fluctuations does add to emissions locally.</span></h1>
<h1><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Furthermore, you claim that using an existing R.O.W. will negatively affect wildlife, forests and clean water. Is this claim based on the harm the footprints of wind farms have had because of lost forest, a major habitat for birds and small mammals, and the effect losing a tree’s root system has on cleansing and preserving rainwater flowing into an aquifer? </span></h1>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Over 5,000 climate scientists endorsed reforestation, why haven’t you? Perhaps you should learn how some conservation organizations are earning carbon credits for reforesting newly acquired lands or why people are initiating tree plantings in their town or on their lands?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">FJHeller, K.E.W. & Ocean Gardens</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">207 729 6090</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>From:</strong> <a href="mailto:nrcm@nrcm.org">Dylan Voorhees, NRCM Climate and Clean Energy Project Director</a><br/> <strong>Sent:</strong> Tuesday, May 22, 2018 11:29 AM<br/> <strong>To:</strong> <a href="mailto:fjheller@myfairpoint.net">Frank Heller</a><br/> <strong>Subject:</strong> Petition: Oppose CMP's 145-mile transmission line</p>
<p> </p>You're surrounded....check out this conference,.tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-05-02:4401701:BlogPost:1344372018-05-02T12:58:18.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
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<tbody><tr><td><p><strong><em>Day One Session Topics Include:</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>National Wind Update with AWEA</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Northeast Regional Situation</strong> - A discussion with colleagues led by Peter Rothstein, President of the Northeast Clean Energy Council.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Generation Options & Competition in the Northeast</strong> - A focused and pragmatic…</p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><strong><em>Day One Session Topics Include:</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>National Wind Update with AWEA</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Northeast Regional Situation</strong> - A discussion with colleagues led by Peter Rothstein, President of the Northeast Clean Energy Council.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Generation Options & Competition in the Northeast</strong> - A focused and pragmatic assessment of the Northeast regional market moderated by Carrie Gilbert, Senior Consultant of Daymark Energy Advisors.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Developments in Offshore Transmission, Construction, and Operation</strong> - An update on market and supply chain developments in the Northeast's offshore wind industry moderated by Joel Whitman, Founder of Whitman Consulting Group.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Keep Calm and Carry On: Land Based Wind Development in the Northeast</strong> - Learn from <strong>Juliet Browne, Partner of Verrill Dana</strong> as she moderates a panel of experts who are moving wind projects forward to COD.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>30 is the New 20: Extending the Life of Your Assets</strong> - An assessment of newly implemented and proposed O&M practices moderated by Bill Follett, Senior Program Manager of K2 Management.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Political Winds - A Wind Resource Assessment</strong> - A discussion among consultants assessing Maine's future political leadership and what it could mean for the wind industry in Maine.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Fostering Regional Cooperation</strong> - Learn about efforts, strategies, and activities that can be engaged in to help better align regional policy and regulatory efforts that will unlock Northeast wind market opportunities.</p>
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<p> </p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><strong><em>Day Two Session Topics Include:</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Past, Present, and Future of Regional Requests for Renewable Energy</strong> - A discussion led and moderated by Bob Grace, Managing Director & President of Sustainable Energy Advantage.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>You Can Get There From Here: Transmission in Northeast</strong> - Paul Williamson, Senior Development Manager for Apex Clean Energy will moderate a panel of transmission experts working on new strategies to address the northeast's transmission problems.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Perspectives from Host Communities - Elizabeth Swain, Director of Strategic Communications for Power Engineers will host a conversation with northeast town leaders that are hosts to wind farms.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Wind and Energy Storage</strong> - The integration and co-development of wind farms and battery storage is happing. To learn more please join Lawrence Mott, Principal of New Generation Partners, LLC in a discussion with a panel consisting of a cross section of the battery storage industry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Where Project Finance is Concerned, it a Developers Market</strong> - Join Chris Devlin, Shareholder of Burnstein Shur in a discussion with finance professionals regarding current and future financing strategies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Northeast Offshore Wind Developments</strong> - A discussion with offshore wind developers led by Bill White, Senior Director Offshore Wind Sector Development for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Corporate Purchasing in the Northeast</strong> - Corporate purchases of wind energy are driving development. Join Peter Bartlett, Vice President of Accounts & Business Development for Competitive Energy Services and connect with his panel of professionals that are enabling corporate purchases of renewable energy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Northeast Wind Futures</strong> - <strong>Join James Avery, Partner of Pierce Atwood for a conversation with leaders from the Northeast wind industry.</strong></p>
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<p> </p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001i3ijA-NQuJDrRa89DWdM71EQETbw9aMMHUMD_TfDhZ4q1XGvKSDeM-BEW7BTnT1VtaM0TjaSd9gvzXvNEBl4vEQBPK4B56n6TCtuqxsoD5IH7UqV-uEobFDG5hF9HdzeC5Rn2IFtWheU7M-7j15k3x1k57eEKqo73REh1m3e1sXqt_SQj_A6KuG3QXhyjQa9&c=eDGjDqmAD77-1Qf4cvot0P02P-q6FpQs5_4aASL_X_Zk6hcNtxrC7g==&ch=qJ_prG8Z-hsfyaWoiOO0xKMUX1ToN8rJOUGijtGV3N7v6dfVhxdp_g=="><strong>Learn More & Register</strong></a></p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p>Early bird registration for conference passes ends May 18th.</p>
<p>Register before its too late!</p>
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</table>Time to modify proposed amendments to Chapter 382, Wind Energy Act Standardstag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-04-03:4401701:BlogPost:1315002018-04-03T15:27:49.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>Not thrilled with the overwhelming focus on "views' since they are subjective and arguable; but the fire provides an opportunity to make substantial changes to the Standards to include:</p>
<p>o<em> D. Notification of turbine failure. The licensee must notify the Department in writing within <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">two</span> (<strong>one</strong>) business days of any turbine failure or other incident that the licensee anticipates will result in a turbine being off-line…</em></p>
<p>Not thrilled with the overwhelming focus on "views' since they are subjective and arguable; but the fire provides an opportunity to make substantial changes to the Standards to include:</p>
<p>o<em> D. Notification of turbine failure. The licensee must notify the Department in writing within <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">two</span> (<strong>one</strong>) business days of any turbine failure or other incident that the licensee anticipates will result in a turbine being off-line for a period greater than</em> <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">six months</span> (<strong>One week)</strong>. <strong>Such notice shall include ancillary damage to local grids such as reductions or termination of service, fires set, debris scattered around site, and damage to habitat and flyways.</strong><br/> <br/>E. <strong>In the case of turbine fires it is assumed total replacement and probably abandonment is the usual result</strong>. <em>Extension for turbine repair or replacement. If one or more turbines are rendered inoperable by unanticipated mechanical or structural failures, or by fire, earthquake, flood, tornado, or other natural disaster; or war, civil strife or other similar violence, and if it will take more than <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">twelve</span></em> (<strong>one</strong>) months to repair or replace the inoperable turbine(s), the licensee may request an additional <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">twelve</span> <strong>(three</strong>) <em>months to accomplish the repair or replacement without triggering the decommissioning requirement. The licensee must request this extension within <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">six</span> (<strong>one</strong>) month<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">s</span> of the event which renders the turbine(s) inoperable. The licensee must submit to the Department, for review and approval, a plan establishing a reasonable assurance that the turbine(s) will be brought back into </em></p>
<p>**<span style="text-decoration: underline;">New section</span>. <strong>Fires are a danger not only to the turbine assembly and tower, but to surrounding fields and woodlands; especially since remote locations are poorly served by local fire departments; gates are locked and weather a factor.</strong></p>
<p><strong>It is recommended that the operator present an amendment to the permit for the installation of fire suppression equipment on the turbine, and that this be approved by the appropriate local and State Authorities. </strong></p>filing a F.O.I. request...easier and cheaper than you thoughttag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-02-21:4401701:BlogPost:1255702018-02-21T23:38:29.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<h3><strong><a href="https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html">FOIA.gov - Freedom of Information Act: How to Make a FOIA Request</a></strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html">https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html</a></p>
<p> …</p>
<h3><strong><a href="https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html">FOIA.gov - Freedom of Information Act: How to Make a FOIA Request</a></strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html">https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
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<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span>STATE DEPT.. <a href="https://foia.state.gov/Request/Fees.aspx">https://foia.state.gov/Request/Fees.aspx</a></span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>Using the NATURE CONSERVANCY's methodology for planning hydropower basins to wind 'catchment' areastag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-02-21:4401701:BlogPost:1255512018-02-21T15:30:43.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>The Nature Conservancy is a massive organization and a global player.</p>
<p></p>
<p>You'll find a description of their organization and their methodology for assessing the impact of hydroelectric generating plants on 'nature'. This affects FERC relicensing of all Maine plants up for renewal; Maine is the second largest hydro generator in New England. </p>
<p></p>
<p>There is one slide listing all the impacts a hydroplant has; it could serve as a template for measuring the impact of a wind…</p>
<p>The Nature Conservancy is a massive organization and a global player.</p>
<p></p>
<p>You'll find a description of their organization and their methodology for assessing the impact of hydroelectric generating plants on 'nature'. This affects FERC relicensing of all Maine plants up for renewal; Maine is the second largest hydro generator in New England. </p>
<p></p>
<p>There is one slide listing all the impacts a hydroplant has; it could serve as a template for measuring the impact of a wind farm on 'nature'. Has anyone engaged them on this topic?</p>
<p><a href="https://lowimpacthydro.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/TNC-Presentation_HydrobyDesign_LIHI-NE-Forum-2.8.18.pdf">https://lowimpacthydro.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/TNC-Presentation_HydrobyDesign_LIHI-NE-Forum-2.8.18.pdf</a></p>Meanwhile, Natural gas will become the energy source of choice.....tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2018-02-08:4401701:BlogPost:1238622018-02-08T19:04:26.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<table width="100%">
<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://strongmail1.multiview.com/track?type=click&eas=1&mailingid=2228234&messageid=2228234&databaseid=Mailing.DS228234.2228234.210941&serial=17830590&emailid=katahdinenergyworks@myfairpoint.net&userid=99895073&targetid=&fl=&extra=MultivariateId=&&&2020&&&http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=5a78b41dd5406"><span><strong>A look at the past, present and future of the US biogas…</strong></span></a></p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p><a href="http://strongmail1.multiview.com/track?type=click&eas=1&mailingid=2228234&messageid=2228234&databaseid=Mailing.DS228234.2228234.210941&serial=17830590&emailid=katahdinenergyworks@myfairpoint.net&userid=99895073&targetid=&fl=&extra=MultivariateId=&&&2020&&&http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=5a78b41dd5406"><span><strong>A look at the past, present and future of the US biogas market</strong></span></a></p>
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<p><span>Bioenergy Insight</span> <br/> <span>As 2017 drew to a close, Bioenergy Insight spoke with the American Biogas Council's executive director Patrick Serfass about the direction of the US biogas market. ... What's behind this shift from electricity generation to RNG and vehicle fuel? ... Other than policies like the RFS, are there any other factors that affect the US biogas market? ... What do you anticipate for the US biogas market in 2018? Full issue at <a href="http://strongmail1.multiview.com/track?type=click&eas=1&mailingid=2228234&messageid=2228234&databaseid=Mailing.DS228234.2228234.210941&serial=17830590&emailid=katahdinenergyworks@myfairpoint.net&userid=99895073&targetid=&fl=&extra=MultivariateId=&&&2025&&&https://www.bioenergy-news.com/register_new_user">https://www.bioenergy-news.com/register_new_user</a>.</span> <a href="http://strongmail1.multiview.com/track?type=click&eas=1&mailingid=2228234&messageid=2228234&databaseid=Mailing.DS228234.2228234.210941&serial=17830590&emailid=katahdinenergyworks@myfairpoint.net&userid=99895073&targetid=&fl=&extra=MultivariateId=&&&2026&&&http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=5a78b41dd5406"><strong>READ MORE</strong></a></p>My testimony on Wind Power act changestag:www.windtaskforce.org,2017-11-17:4401701:BlogPost:1137332017-11-17T16:20:03.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>Overall, this is a continuation of the original bias in favor of Wind farming; a catalogue of all the wonderful benefits it will bring. This bias MUST END NOW! So here are my modifications:</p>
<p></p>
<p>"</p>
<p>6. Tangible Benefits. An applicant must demonstrate that a proposed wind energy development will establish environmental and economic improvements or benefits to the citizens of Maine attributable to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed development. The…</p>
<p>Overall, this is a continuation of the original bias in favor of Wind farming; a catalogue of all the wonderful benefits it will bring. This bias MUST END NOW! So here are my modifications:</p>
<p></p>
<p>"</p>
<p>6. Tangible Benefits. An applicant must demonstrate that a proposed wind energy development will establish environmental and economic improvements or benefits to the citizens of Maine attributable to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed development. The evidence submitted in support of this demonstration shall include, but is not limited to, the following.</p>
<p> ….<b>this is a one-sided, and potentially biased, inclusion of what has been documented to be significant ‘costs’ of a wind energy development. They include:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><b>Loss of bio-mass for the turbine pad(s) and transmission lines.</b></li>
<li><b>Loss of carbon uptake and in turn carbon credits for replacing fossil fueled energy generation with a renewable source.</b></li>
<li><b>Loss of water quality from surface water no long detoxified by tree root systems.</b></li>
<li><b>Loss of water normally going into the aquifer and now shed into drainage conduits.</b></li>
<li><b>Loss of rare and endangered birds and insects.</b></li>
<li><b>Loss of oxygen from decreased photosynthesis.</b></li>
<li><b>Loss of habitat for small mammals and birds.</b></li>
<li><b>Loss of other improvements in AIR QUALITY like trapping particulate matter.</b></li>
<li><b>Tempering acid rainfall, which went it becomes run off increases ocean acidification</b>.</li>
<li><b>Damage to habitat surrounding transmission lines from annual herbicide sprayings</b>.</li>
</ul>
<p>A. The estimated number of both part-time and full-time jobs to be created statewide and in the host community or communities and affected neighboring communities as a result of the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed wind energy development. This shall include estimates of the numbers of both permanent and temporary construction-related jobs, and operations and maintenance jobs; and the number of both part-time and full-time jobs in</p>
<p>06-096 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION</p>
<p> </p>
<p> October, 2017, Pre-Rulemaking Draft 9</p>
<p>construction, operations and maintenance activities to be filled by trained, qualified and licensed workers pursuant to 32 M.R.S. §1101 et seq. and other applicable laws.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>B. The estimated annual generation of electricity from wind energy by operation of the proposed wind energy development and the projected impact on electrical rates in the host community or communities. The estimated annual generation of electricity shall be calculated including consideration of the estimated capacity factor for the proposed project, site-specific wind projections, any proposed curtailment measures, and curtailment anticipated to be imposed by the grid operator.</p>
<ul>
<li><b>An annual curve that measures daily fluctuations in generating output is essential to measuring the impact on the design of the grid to accommodate output and to supply power when the wind is no longer blowing or the turbines shut down.</b></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>C. The anticipated property tax payments from the project and the projected impact on property tax rates in the host community or communities.</p>
<ul>
<li><b>The decline in the value of real estate sold is a critical factor, since for scenic areas the value of a view can be as much as 30% of the selling price. Property sold during construction and completion must have the comparison between the asking price and the selling price computed and the property tax lost calculated.</b></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>D. Evidence of a power purchase agreement or other evidence demonstrating the intended sale or use of the electrical energy by a person other than the generator for the anticipated life of the project. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>E. The projected effect on electrical rates for residents of Maine directly attributable to and expected from the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed wind energy development.</p>
<ul>
<li><b>The methodology for computing these savings must be developed and approved by the P.U.C.</b></li>
</ul>
<p> F. If land or natural resource conservation is proposed as part of a Community Benefits Package, a plan for the proposed conservation.</p>
<ul>
<li><b>The land or natural resource conservation offset must include an environmental impact statement using current D.E.P. standards and guidelines, along with an iFORE assessment.</b></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>G. The estimated type and amount of local purchases of materials and services anticipated from the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed wind energy development.</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Local is defined as the town in which the development is located. The total amount of materials and services from which local purchases are subtracted must also be calculated.</b></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>H. A plan for annual post-construction reporting to the Department of specific tangible benefits realized from the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed wind energy development.</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Post-construction costs and liabilities shall be incorporated into this compilation to make it fair and unbiased.</b></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>I. Any other tangible benefits to be provided by the proposed wind energy development.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>J. The community benefits package in accordance with 35-A M.R.S. §3454(2). </p>
<ul>
<li><b>A community loss of environmental quality, climate change mitigation and property tax losses shall accompany the benefits package.</b></li>
</ul>So the SIERRA CLUB is a paid lackey for the wind industry, now what?tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2017-10-13:4401701:BlogPost:1113422017-10-13T21:40:15.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p><span>This month only, our partner Arcadia Power is offering you <b>$20 to enroll your local utility account to support clean energy.</b> Any renter or homeowner can sign up in 2 minutes.</span></p>
<p><span>Just go to Arcadia Power's website and <b><a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=218535d65582739b3a9c886f6e0c683e0de3d95939a086754c987234e1b62704b5e9b3fb03732e1813e459f38416097c388d1bf885ef8e13" title="sign up">sign up</a></b>. There is nothing to install, there are no…</span></p>
<p><span>This month only, our partner Arcadia Power is offering you <b>$20 to enroll your local utility account to support clean energy.</b> Any renter or homeowner can sign up in 2 minutes.</span></p>
<p><span>Just go to Arcadia Power's website and <b><a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=218535d65582739b3a9c886f6e0c683e0de3d95939a086754c987234e1b62704b5e9b3fb03732e1813e459f38416097c388d1bf885ef8e13" title="sign up">sign up</a></b>. There is nothing to install, there are no contracts, and your local utility still delivers the same reliable electricity. The only difference is your utility account will be linked to Arcadia Power's clean energy platform, and your electricity will be matched with Green-e certified renewable energy credits (RECs) from wind farms every month.</span></p>
<p><span>It doesn't get easier than this to join the clean energy movement at home.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=218535d65582739b2fcc04c4170d73b7aa76687b3eb4774b0a9791bc43cd745dc66804a4e7b72b35075f753646765cb8267646136d9cb8f0" title="Join by October 31st and a get $20 savings credit"><b>Join by October 31st and a get $20 savings credit >></b></a></span></p>
<p><span>Thank you,<br/> Mackenzie Cane<br/> Sierra Club </span></p>Wind Turbines in Puerto Rico 'decapitated'tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2017-09-23:4401701:BlogPost:1096762017-09-23T14:44:46.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>An entire hill side of busted wind turbines .. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiiw24X33uU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiiw24X33uU</a> 20 sec. into video, plus a shot of a large blade in a field. </p>
<p></p>
<p>An entire hill side of busted wind turbines .. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiiw24X33uU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiiw24X33uU</a> 20 sec. into video, plus a shot of a large blade in a field. </p>
<p></p>CONFRONTING MAINE AUDUBON reps. at Common Ground's environmental tent.tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2017-09-23:4401701:BlogPost:1096732017-09-23T14:34:21.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>Confronted the people from Maine Audubon yesterday at Common Ground on their support of wind farms. </p>
<p> They were very defensive, and had a scripted response which evaded specifying wind farms; but what emerged is they don't directly do any investigation of bird or bee kills or the effects of herbicide spraying in transmission R.O.W. or destruction of bird habitat; they rely on third parties to do that. </p>
<p>Take some pic's of dead endangered species and keep confronting them. Find…</p>
<p>Confronted the people from Maine Audubon yesterday at Common Ground on their support of wind farms. </p>
<p> They were very defensive, and had a scripted response which evaded specifying wind farms; but what emerged is they don't directly do any investigation of bird or bee kills or the effects of herbicide spraying in transmission R.O.W. or destruction of bird habitat; they rely on third parties to do that. </p>
<p>Take some pic's of dead endangered species and keep confronting them. Find out if the wind industry has contributed to their funding and beat them up with it. Call them hypocrites who are only protecting their jobs and not the avian community. Show hem photos of dead golden eagles. </p>
<p></p>How the SIERRA club profits from promoting Wind Energy.tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2017-08-08:4401701:BlogPost:1064492017-08-08T13:36:27.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
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<tbody><tr><td><p>Trump may rip up the Paris Agreement and lie about climate change, but he can't control the acceleration of clean energy. And, although he may try to double down on highly polluting coal, <b>you can combat this</b> by signing up to support wind energy.</p>
<p>Our partner, Arcadia Power, has a program to support clean energy that's available to anyone who pays an electric bill. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, you can join the clean energy movement.</p>
<p>All you have to do is <b><a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=e80072e58b520532473088ba637b5997f9ac737abb3bfe36b6cd142c0f7cc05387bbe403abaaac2b87f771cc236e6cf594d54d94c5de1951" title="go to their website">go to their website</a></b> and enroll your local utility account. It takes two minutes from start to finish, and they will match your electricity usage with Green-e certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) from wind farms.</p>
<p>There is nothing to install, there are no contracts, and your local utility still delivers reliable electricity. Starting with your next power bill, every time you turn on the lights, your electricity usage will be matched by RECs supporting clean, renewable energy sources.</p>
<p>There is a movement happening. From mayors and governors rebelling against the Trump administration's anti-environment efforts to you at home. Together, we'll make the move from fossil fuels to renewable energy.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=e80072e58b520532399462bf7246a114ca4a8d1dbafb88ebcdaa709178202a7aec39a4afb62413d6c09de5a9652b956504af64e6e21be4c1" title="Plus, as a benefit for being a Sierra Club supporter, if you sign up this month Arcadia will send you 4 free energy-saving LED light bulbs.">Plus, as a benefit for being a Sierra Club supporter, if you sign up this month Arcadia will send you 4 free energy-saving LED light bulbs.</a></b></p>
<p>Thank you,<br/> The Sierra Club</p>
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</div>Canadian Wind Farm dismantled....didn't last as long as vendors predicted!tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2017-06-14:4401701:BlogPost:1019032017-06-14T13:45:46.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>The oldest commercial wind power facility in Canada has been shut down and faces demolition after 23 years of transforming brisk southern Alberta breezes into electricity — and its owner says building a replacement depends on the next moves of the provincial NDP government.</p>
<p>TransAlta Corp. said Tuesday the blades on 57 turbines at its Cowley Ridge facility near Pincher Creek have already been halted and the towers are to be toppled and recycled for scrap metal this spring. The…</p>
<p>The oldest commercial wind power facility in Canada has been shut down and faces demolition after 23 years of transforming brisk southern Alberta breezes into electricity — and its owner says building a replacement depends on the next moves of the provincial NDP government.</p>
<p>TransAlta Corp. said Tuesday the blades on 57 turbines at its Cowley Ridge facility near Pincher Creek have already been halted and the towers are to be toppled and recycled for scrap metal this spring. The company inherited the now-obsolete facility, built between 1993 and 1994, as part of its $1.6-billion hostile takeover of Calgary-based Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. in 2009.</p>
<p>“TransAlta is very interested in repowering this site. Unfortunately, right now, it’s not economically feasible,” Wayne Oliver, operations supervisor for TransAlta’s wind operations in Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod, said in an interview</p>
<p><a href="https://wattsupwiththat.com/2017/06/13/wind-power-fails-in-canada-a-23-year-life-span-not-likely-to-be-replaced/">https://wattsupwiththat.com/2017/06/13/wind-power-fails-in-canada-a-23-year-life-span-not-likely-to-be-replaced/</a></p>
<p>Commentary is worth reading:</p>
<p>“This has little to do with whether the site has given a ROI since its constructions, it is an asset stripping manoeuvre. No more.”</p>
<p>Still though, it would appear that the installation must have a scrap value higher than it’s value as an operating electricity generator. It appears that no one wants to step up and buy the facility at what would presumably be a bargain basement price. (Actually, this looks more like extortion than looting — nice wind farm your province used to have there, be a shame if something happened to it)."</p>Flaws in DEEP DECARBONIZATION theorytag:www.windtaskforce.org,2017-06-04:4401701:BlogPost:1006832017-06-04T14:41:29.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p><span>Got my copy of POWER magazine and in it was a technical article by Kennedy Maize titled "THE DEEP DISPUTE OVER 'DEEP DECARBONIZATION'". and it discussed the impossibility of making the Paris agreement to work through reducing CO2 emissions by 70% to 90% by 2050.</span><br></br><br></br><span>"Each decade, the world would have to cut CO2 emissions from energy use in half. That may be easy from 2017 to 2020. It gets much tougher for 2020 through 2030, and even more difficult for 2040 through…</span></p>
<p><span>Got my copy of POWER magazine and in it was a technical article by Kennedy Maize titled "THE DEEP DISPUTE OVER 'DEEP DECARBONIZATION'". and it discussed the impossibility of making the Paris agreement to work through reducing CO2 emissions by 70% to 90% by 2050.</span><br/><br/><span>"Each decade, the world would have to cut CO2 emissions from energy use in half. That may be easy from 2017 to 2020. It gets much tougher for 2020 through 2030, and even more difficult for 2040 through 2050. This requires enormous increases in energy efficiency, deployment of large capacity and long-curation energy storage, and other energy technologies not yet known"</span><br/><br/><span>Population increases require food and space; and reforestation and agriculture are major contributors of CO2....their emissions "would have to fall steadily to zero, while the world's population grows. Feeding a growing world with diminishing CO2 emissions is a conundrum." </span><br/><br/><span>Mark Jacobsen's "The Solutions Project" which claims the world can transition to 100% clean, renewable energy was criticized on grounds of unforeseen consequences from climate engineering strategies and forecasting flaws:</span><br/><br/><span>"While many modeled scenarios have been published claiming to show that a 100% renewable electricity system is achievable, there is no empirical or historical evidence that such systems are in fact feasible" B.P. Heard, et. al. in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.</span></p>Portland Phoenix features 'clean energy'tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2017-05-25:4401701:BlogPost:996942017-05-25T16:10:44.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p> Read this and you'll find me 'liberally' quoted...note shift in emphasis</p>
<p><a href="http://www.portlandphoenix.me/news/cover-story/item/6703-clean-energy-too-expensive-or-our-only-choice-w-sidebar">http://www.portlandphoenix.me/news/cover-story/item/6703-clean-energy-too-expensive-or-our-only-choice-w-sidebar</a></p>
<p></p>
<p> Read this and you'll find me 'liberally' quoted...note shift in emphasis</p>
<p><a href="http://www.portlandphoenix.me/news/cover-story/item/6703-clean-energy-too-expensive-or-our-only-choice-w-sidebar">http://www.portlandphoenix.me/news/cover-story/item/6703-clean-energy-too-expensive-or-our-only-choice-w-sidebar</a></p>
<p></p>Constructing and maintaining wind farms...a very risky businesstag:www.windtaskforce.org,2016-05-17:4401701:BlogPost:797182016-05-17T14:01:28.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p><a href="http://digital.renewableenergyworld.com/renewableenergyworld/20160506?pm=2&fs=1&pg=25#pg25">http://digital.renewableenergyworld.com/renewableenergyworld/20160506?pm=2&fs=1&pg=25#pg25</a></p>
<p>"Minimizing worker safety risks in the wind industry...using 2014 date from UK. </p>
<p>What I got from this is this is an industry with pros who travel from site to site; and not one which would hire locally...making those employment statics a bit misleading.</p>
<p><a href="http://digital.renewableenergyworld.com/renewableenergyworld/20160506?pm=2&fs=1&pg=25#pg25">http://digital.renewableenergyworld.com/renewableenergyworld/20160506?pm=2&fs=1&pg=25#pg25</a></p>
<p>"Minimizing worker safety risks in the wind industry...using 2014 date from UK. </p>
<p>What I got from this is this is an industry with pros who travel from site to site; and not one which would hire locally...making those employment statics a bit misleading.</p>U.S. Supreme Court BLOCKS impact of Maine Solar and wind favoritism.tag:www.windtaskforce.org,2016-04-26:4401701:BlogPost:768262016-04-26T13:07:43.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
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<tbody><tr><td colspan="2" valign="top" width="604"><p><a href="http://click.pewtrusts.org/?qs=37e23552ce96b01cec62f6d7e6408df70666c7ce6d0e3af08e427cf98e2feb07ea431e0176ef5dbe">Supreme Court Rejects Power Plant Subsidy</a></p>
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<tbody><tr><td valign="top"><p>The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled last week that a Maryland program to incentivize new in-state power…</p>
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<tbody><tr><td width="604" colspan="2" valign="top"><p><a href="http://click.pewtrusts.org/?qs=37e23552ce96b01cec62f6d7e6408df70666c7ce6d0e3af08e427cf98e2feb07ea431e0176ef5dbe">Supreme Court Rejects Power Plant Subsidy</a></p>
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<tbody><tr><td valign="top"><p>The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled last week that a Maryland program to incentivize new in-state power generation should be thrown out because it intrudes on federal authorities' jurisdiction over wholesale markets. In her opinion, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg listed various ways states can boost new or clean generation. <br/> <br/> <a href="http://click.pewtrusts.org/?qs=37e23552ce96b01ce34ea7159fef124c3a4296387996556109d33ae3d4031c106eba8c9ef7863078">Insights from <i>UtilityDive</i> »</a></p>
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</table>Finally, a federal program to help reforest Maine to sequester carbon...ROOTStag:www.windtaskforce.org,2016-04-26:4401701:BlogPost:770202016-04-26T13:04:34.000ZFrank J. Heller, MPAhttps://www.windtaskforce.org/profile/FrankJHellerMPA
<p>"<strong>Rhizosphere Observations Optimizing Terrestrial Sequestration (ROOTS)</strong><br></br><span>Improving the ability for plants to store carbon in the soil has the potential to significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. The ROOTS program is making up to $30 million in funding available to pursue technologies that develop new crop breeding approaches for improved root and soil function that will help plants to store more carbon in the ground and take up nutrients and water more…</span></p>
<p>"<strong>Rhizosphere Observations Optimizing Terrestrial Sequestration (ROOTS)</strong><br/><span>Improving the ability for plants to store carbon in the soil has the potential to significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. The ROOTS program is making up to $30 million in funding available to pursue technologies that develop new crop breeding approaches for improved root and soil function that will help plants to store more carbon in the ground and take up nutrients and water more efficiently. ROOTS seeks to develop novel technologies that measure root and soil function and advance predictive models that accelerate the selection and development of plants with more favorable root and soil traits. These technologies could greatly improve crops and production systems that increase carbon storage, water productivity, and fertilizer efficiency which reduces the emissions of another greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide.</span></p>
<p></p>
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<li><a href="https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/FileContent.aspx?FileID=7580a830-fc86-43e4-ae19-481a86969ec9" id="ctl00_cphMainContent_FoaDetailListControl_FoaListRepeater_ctl15_rptrFOAHighlightDocuments_ctl01_lnkOpenFile" name="ctl00_cphMainContent_FoaDetailListControl_FoaListRepeater_ctl15_rptrFOAHighlightDocuments_ctl01_lnkOpenFile">ROOTS FOA - Concept Paper - 04.12.2016</a></li>
<li><a href="https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/FileContent.aspx?FileID=7f9b6158-f559-4844-851b-aace8c548390" id="ctl00_cphMainContent_FoaDetailListControl_FoaListRepeater_ctl15_rptrFOAHighlightDocuments_ctl02_lnkOpenFile" name="ctl00_cphMainContent_FoaDetailListControl_FoaListRepeater_ctl15_rptrFOAHighlightDocuments_ctl02_lnkOpenFile">ROOTS - Assessment of Potential Greenhouse Gas Mitigation from Changes to Crop Root Mass and Architecture</a></li>
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