Measuring “Success” in R&D
Each year, private and public organizations dedicate significant resources to research and development (R&D). The U.S. federal government alone sets aside billions for R&D in the federal budget, considering it to be a “vital investment in [the country's] future .” (1) Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), more than $10 billion was dedicated to R&D... Read More
World’s First Oil Cartel – Deep in the Heart of Texas
One hundred and eleven years ago – on January 10, 1901 – an oil gusher rang in a new era in energy leadership. This was the day when a plume of oil surged almost 100 feet into the air at Lucas No. 1, at Spindletop near Beaumont, Texas. This well continued to spew oil for nine days before it could be capped, giving Texans a glimpse of the power and scale of the impact that energy would have... Read More
No New Uranium Mines Near Grand Canyon
By Melissa C. Lott and Robynne Boyd The arm wrestling match over job creation and environmental conservation continues. One example is the recent announcement regarding new uranium mining near the world’s most famous gorge. According to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, the U.S. federal government will implement a 20-year ban on new mining claims in areas surrounding the Grand Canyon. In his... Read More
North America Losing Its Oil Edge?
For good or bad, from 1980-2010, North America lost some of its oil production edge. Thirty (two) years ago, this region of the world represented 20% of the world’s crude oil production. But, according to a recent report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, North America has been slowly losing its market share. In 2010, the region represented just 15% of the world’s crude oil... Read More
NREL’s Clean Energy Development Map
The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has created a zoomable, draggable Google-style map that allows users to explore where clean energy resources are located within the United States. Included in the available list of resources arehydro, biomass residue, geothermal, solar PV, solar thermal, off- and on-shore wind, and wave power. One can zoom in to view their town, county, congressional... Read More
