The October 2012 "Clean Skies Bulletin"

OCTOBER 2012 Established in 2007, ACSF seeks to advance America's energy independence and a cleaner, low-carbon environment through expanded use of natural gas, renewables and efficiency. Microgrid: Power Close To Home A microgrid is designed so that generation and distribution resources are closer to customers, thus removing the need for long-distance power lines. This infographic shows how a neighborhood could create a microgrid for its own power by installing solar panels on roofs, small wind turbines, and natural gas generators. Extreme Weather Challenges The Grid Every year storms like derechos, tornadoes and hurricanes expose the vulnerability of our electricity infrastructure by bringing down power lines and tripping power plants. Patrick Bean, ACSF’s energy policy advisor, provides alternative options for more electricity reliability.  Oil Shift: Greener, Cheaper Shipping  Federal agencies annually spend roughly $150 billion on third-party transportation services. Is it time for federal agencies to take on a new challenge? Yes. Oil Shift provides a guide to technologies already available to foster the transition. Cover Story Shale Gas Rocks The Economy...And Politics Surging U.S. natural gas production is a "game-changer" for the nation's energy security and the economy.  Regulatory Watch Cross-State Air Pollution Rules Update Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has until October 5, 2012 to seek a rehearing of a court’s August 21 decision to vacate the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), the EPA’s interstate trading program designed to reduce emissions of ozone and particulate precursors from power plants in the eastern United States.  New Report Tech Effect: New Production Techniques Are Driving Economic Growth In a period of just a few years, technological innovations have transformed the U.S. oil and gas industry into a powerhouse that is providing a substantial growth impetus to the national economy and the economies of many states.   Where Can I Fill Up? A new nationwide survey of Natural Gas Vehicle fueling facilities and related government incentive programs. Upcoming Programs And Events Corporate Responsiblity Magazine's COMMIT!Forum on Global Business and Sustainability, New York, NY, October 2-3, 2012 Western Interstate Energy Board Conference, San Diego, CA, October 3-5 Cleanweb at SXSW Eco, Austin, TX, October 4, 2012 Education Energy 101: How Do You Turn Wind Into Electricity?  Whether on land or sea, wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of moving air. This new Energy 101 explains how that wind energy creates electricity. New Auto Mileage And Emission Rules Encourage NGVs The new rules expressly include NGVs -- along with electric hybrids (PHEVs), and fuel cell vehicles — as one of the innovative technologies that manufacturers are encouraged to use to meet the new CAFE standards. American Clean Skies Foundation 750 1st Street NE Suite 1100, Washingron D.C. 20002 Visit us online at: cleanskies.org •