Fresh Loaf

From the AJC’s man in D.C.:

In moves that could potentially change the Georgia coast, the Obama Administration is making wind energy development off of Atlantic states a major priority.

At the same time, it also wants to update studies to determine the viability of oil and gas exploration in the Atlantic.

At a renewable energy conference here Thursday, Interior Department Secretary Ken Salazar released portions of a new report that shows wind turbines off the Atlantic coastline could generate enough energy to supply one-fourth of the nation’s electricity needs.

“We know we have huge wind energy potential” in the Atlantic, Salazar told reporters afterwards. “This will be a high priority for us.”

The best potential for wind energy is probably off Delaware, Massachusetts and other Northeastern states, Salazar said.

But “there is significant potential in the Southern Atlantic states as well for wind energy,” he added.

In 2006, Georgia Tech and Atlanta-based Southern Co. discovered that wind power could be generated off the state’s coast but said it was cost-prohibitive.

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The Commies may have bested us in the space race, but state Rep. Tim Bearden will be damned — damned, I say — if he’ll let them drill for oil first.

Yesterday, a House Energy Subcommittee convened to hear House Resolution 32, a piece of legislation penned by the Republican lawmaker from Douglasville that urges Gov. Sonny Perdue to begin leasing land off Georgia’s coast so private companies could dri— oops, sorry, “explore” — for oil and natural gas.

The bill’s message is one near and dear to many lawmakers’ — as well as some citizens’ — hearts.

There are some hurdles, however. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently pulled the reins on a push to drill offshore. And the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says any oil tapped from the outer continental shelf wouldn’t make an impact until 2030.

That’s not stopping other countries from drilling, Bearden said.

“China is drilling off the coast of Cuba,” he told his colleagues.

Well, maybe not. China isn’t drilling off Cuba’s coast. At least not just yet.

(more…)

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There’s an interesting conversation taking place on Peach Pundit about what exactly the Democrats want in an energy plan now that 70 percent of Americans are in favor of drilling off the coast and in protected lands in Alaska.

Wait, wha?!? Seven out of 10 voters want increased drilling? Even if it won’t lower gas prices in the short-term? Even if those people take into account that oil is a global commodity and whatever is found isn’t necessarily ours to keep? Even with all the risks associated with these projects at a time when hurricanes are predicted to become more frequent and powerful?

(more…)

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Pres. George W. Bush today lifted an executive ban on offshore drilling. Kind of snobbish that only CEOs get to drill for oil off the coast, but whatever, I don’t make the rules.

Gov. Sonny Perdue applauds the move and urges Congress to act:

“With record gas prices straining the budgets of many Georgia families, we cannot afford to take any option off the table. It is imperative that we take a balanced approach of conserving, developing alternative energy technologies and increasing the supply of domestically-produced resources. I want to thank President Bush for his action today and I urge Congress to hear the voices of the American people who are asking for relief from our dependence on foreign oil.”

If Congress fails to act, Bush’s order will just go in a file cabinet somewhere.  Whether you’re fer it or agin it, contact your elected official and let them know.

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