June 22: What Homer Simpson can't tell you about Nuclear Power!

Right now we are at a pivotal time for energy in America. We are days away from the highly anticipated vote in the House of Representatives on the American Clean Energy and Security Act. This act puts in place a cap and trade system on harmful greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to curb the effects of global warming. The bill redirects the focus of our energy development toward natural renewable resources as well as makes provides for investments in modern energy efficiency technology; all in hopes of expediting the new clean energy economy.

As clean energy advocates work to make wind, solar, and geothermal energy resources to be the priorities of new energy generation in the U.S. other industry interests are pushing for America to 'reaffirm its commitment to nuclear energy'

So, what is the status of nuclear energy?

• The last nuclear power reactor was constructed in 1978.


• Nebraska currently has two nuclear plants.


• The latest version of the Nebraska State Energy Plan includes plans for new nuclear


• The major energy bill from the Energy & Natural Resources Committee in the U.S. Senate calls for support of the nuclear industry

What else should we know about nuclear energy? Is it the most viable alternative to coal power because of its 'clean' and 'reliable' nature?

Tonight's show will feature guest, energy expert Dennis Keim, who will attempt to shed some light on this issue.

Music will be taken from the 'No Nukes' concert from 1979.

Orleans - Plutonium is Forever

Gil Scot Heron - We Almost Lost Detroit

For more information about nuclear power, Kiem recommends :

http://www.everythingnuclear.org/

You can also keep up on energy through Kiem's own blog:

http://webfarmer.livejournal.com/

Remember you can tune into our show, Mondays 6:00-6:30 pm on KZUM, 89.3 on your FM dial

or stream us on the web, go to kzum.org

Event on Monday May 18

The final installment of the Devil is in the Details lecture series titled ‘Renewable Energy – the Devil is in the Details’

Monday May 18, 7:00 PM
The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is hosting a discussion about integrating renewable energy into the energy grid, how do you make an intermittent resource reliable?

With Mr. Bob Zavadil, Vice President & Principal Consultant for EnerNex Corp.
Date: Monday, May 18
Time: 7:00P M. – 8:00 PM Location:Hardin Hall
University of Nebraska –Lincoln, East Campus (Home of the School of Natural Resources)
3310 Holdrege Street
Lincoln, NE 68508

For wind energy to play a role in supplying the nation's energy needs, integrating wind energy into the power grid of the United States is an important issue to address. Large amounts of wind energy are located in areas of the United States without transmission lines to the power grid, and the natural variability of the wind resource raises concerns about how wind can be integrated into the existing transmission system.

The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is proud to host energy consultant and wind integration expert Bob Zavadil Vice President & Principal Consultant of the EnerNex Corporation to discuss integrating wind and making it reliable. Join us for this exciting event to hear from one of today’s foremost experts on wind integration and the clean energy future.

Bottom line, when we flip the switch, we expect the lights to turn on… can renewable energy do that for us?

The event is on Monday, May 18 on UNL’s East Campus in the Hardin Hall Auditorium at 7:00 PM for more information visit nlcv.org or contact Eva Sohl at esohl@nlcv.org/438-9341.

Mayor's Survey!

Taking Charge Budget & Program Priorities Survey

https://unl.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3VsHYvliNHCj63q&SVID=Prod


Message from Mayor Chris Beutler:

Thank you for your interest in our community. We invite you to again have your voice heard regarding budgeting and related issues.

In 2008 as a key part of my PRIORITY LINCOLN initiative, you provided valuable input to the City. This year, the City is continuing the budget conversation. As part of “TAKING CHARGE: Progress Measures and Program Prioritization,” the City has worked with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center to develop this survey.

Your voice is important. Last year, your perspectives were discussed, debated and used by City officials in their budget determinations. YOUR INPUT INFLUENCED OUR BUDGET PRIORITIZATIONS, and this year, your input is even more important.

Key decisions need to be made for the 2009-10 budget. Trade-offs must be considered. We hope you will take this survey to let us know your preferences about City spending. This survey asks questions about programs identified through consensus as lower priority. These programs are at risk for reduction or elimination. The survey will take about 20-25 minutes to complete, although some people may take more time. We appreciate the time you are taking to make your voice heard.

Policy to Prosperity

Nebraska's clean energy future will be shaped by public policy - so how do we make sure that policy leads to prosperity for Nebraskans?

Pathway to Prosperity:  How the Best State Energy Policies Capitalize on

New Energy Economics

 

presented by

  Glen Andersen, Energy Policy Specialist

National Conference of State Legislatures

Wednesday, April 29 - 7:00 p.m

Hardin Hall, Auditorium 107

University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus

The utility industry touches nearly every aspect of our economy and our quality of life.  As renewable energy moves to forefront of national attention, state governments must redesign policies and incentives to take advantage of emerging opportunities while ensuring affordable, reliable power.  This lecture will focus on the hallmarks of the best state policies to promote comprehensive and integrated renewable energy development.

Glen Andersen has reviewed and evaluated state policy on climate change, energy efficiency and renewable energy for more than 8 years.  As staff for the National Conference of State Legislators, he has conducted research and analysis for state legislators across the nation, and facilitated communication between legislators, regulators, industry and advocates on best practices.  Mr. Andersen is the author of numerous publications on environmental and energy policy.

With the introduction of LR 83 by the Unicameral's Natural Resources, an interim study to analyze issues relating to expanded development of wind energy in Nebraska, this lecture will be essential to any citizen hoping to see Nebraska take its rightful place in the renewable energy economy.  

                For more information about this event, please contact Eva Sohl, esohl@nlcv.org, 438-9341.

Residential Energy Efficient Tax Credits

Here is an interesting article by a local accountant that explains the new energy efficient tax credits:
http://www.bizactions.com/index.cfm/ba/e105/fa/106388518G1875J1993171P0P10107568T0/