Conservation Watch #22 3/09/2010
Energy bills show spark of life after week waiting out the National Energy Conference. House and Senate Energy bills get ready for another day in committee and SB152 Regional Transit Authority is scheduled for its first hearing.
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In this Issue
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Energy bills show spark of life after week waiting out the National Energy Conference. House and Senate Energy bills get ready for another day in committee and SB152 Regional Transit Authority is scheduled for its first hearing.
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Nuclear Energy
Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon was closed in 1993. It has since been demolished.
Nuclear Forces 101
Thank heavens for the strong nuclear force. If it were not for the strong nuclear force our atoms would fly apart or collapse into infinitely dense singularities. However, if it were not for the strong nuclear force we would not have to live in fear of the nuclear bomb; Catch 22 - 235 if you’re talking Uranium.
The strong nuclear force is one of four that make up the fundamental forces in the universe – electromagnetism, gravity, the strong and the weak nuclear forces. The forces vary greatly in strength and strength over distance. Humans overcome the electromagnetic force each time we pull a magnet off the fridge and we conquer gravity with relative ease by climbing a flight of stairs.
However, turn electromagnetism up a few orders of magnitude and the magnetic field would strip the iron-rich hemoglobin from a human’s blood. And gravity near a black hole is so intense that the gravitational difference between your head and your feet tears you in two, then again, and again until you are atomic dust.
The difference between the weak nuclear force and the strong nuclear force is the difference between a dynamite blast and a mushroom cloud. The weak nuclear force acts on chemical bonds that make up molecules. It gives dynamite its bang and a jalapeño its bite. However, it would take 15 thousand tons of dynamite to equal the power released when just 0.6 grams of Uranium 235 converted to energy over Hiroshima (out of 141 pounds total used in the device).
The reason 0.6 grams of anything could cause so much damage is the power hidden in Albert Einstein’s famous equation: E=MC2. Or Energy is equal to Mass times the Speed of Light squared. And the speed of light is a quite large 186,000 kilometers per second. Type your mass into the equation and it equals a whole lot of destruction, or a whole lot of useful energy.
Electrical Generation
Once nuclear energy is released, the rest of the electricity making process is nearly identical to other methods of generation such as coal or biomass; the nuclear energy boils water into steam which turns a turbine attached to a generator.
When used to generate electrical power the traditional nuclear plants people think of are fission reactors: concrete fluted cooling towers hundreds of feet high, 3-Mile Island, Chernobyl, etc. Within these reactors Uranium atoms are split, releasing the energy of the strong nuclear force.
Uranium atoms are neutron-rich, unstable and more likely to split, releasing more neutrons which then split more atoms - the process continues until the fuel is spent.
Nuclear power currently produces 19 percent of the electricity used in the U.S.
Down Side
One danger inherent with nuclear energy is the radioactive
material it uses and leaves behind. The neutrons flying off radioactive material can tear through genetic material causing cancer, radiation sickness, and death. It is nasty stuff and very small amounts are deadly.
Other problems include the storage of nuclear waste. The Obama administration shut down the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage facility, however, the president’s administration approved $8.3 billion in loan guarantees for new nuclear power plant construction. Alternate disposal techniques will necessary, such as reprocessing the waste in a breeder reactor to use again and again. Some have said this process makes nuclear power essentially a renewable energy, while others call it alternative energy.
Reactor core meltdown, as happened at 3-Mile Island and Chernobyl, is another concern; the ability for a power plant to recover from malfunction has received much discussion and research since the last nuclear power plant came on-line in the U.S. in 1996 (the Watts Bar 1 in Tennessee).
Tritium leaks, partial melt-downs, nuclear waste disposal and the capital costs of building a plant have contributed to this decade-long hiatus.
Estimates for the cost of a new plant in the U.S. in 2009 ranged from $6 to $10 billion according to the Maryland PIRG Foundation’s "The High Cost of Nuclear Power." (2009).
Fusion: Opposites Attract
Another form of nuclear power is fusion. While fission splits atoms to release energy, fusion squeezes atoms until they merge, creating new forms of matter. The sun converts Hydrogen into Helium for its power and some of the largest explosions in the universe, supernovas, convert hydrogen and helium into the heavier atoms such as oxygen and carbon, important ingredients for life as we know it.
As of yet, fission technology is the only nuclear power used in commercial reactors. Though scientists have advanced fusion technology, the power needed to start the reaction is still about the same as power output.
Currently at the National Ignition Facility device at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California researchers have designed and built 16, football-stadium-sized lasers, each of which would be the largest in the world. Combined, these lasers are designed to focus 500 terawatts of energy on a tiny dot of hydrogen. The project has cost billions of dollars.
Why all the expense? Proponents say fusion produces waste that is less radioactive than fission reactors. Since the process is, in its most ideal theoretical form, turning hydrogen into helium, the waste would be an inert, noble gas. Or if a deuterium, tritium fuel was needed for efficient fusion power, the waste would be less radioactive than Uranium or Plutonium waste.
Nuclear Legislation
An approved amendment to Senate Bill 220 the Alternative Energy / Energy Efficiency omnibus energy bill addresses nuclear power in Alaska. If passed SB220 would now amend current law to tighten up oversight with the addition of “special nuclear facility” “by-product material facility” and “nuclear utilization facility” to the language. It would also limit Legislator’s to act only in the interest of regulating the economics of nuclear energy if they choose the location of a proposed nuclear project (a federal limitation). And it removes the Governor’s final approval of the permit but retains requirements for federal and state permits and local approval.
SB220 passed out of (S) Resources on March 8th. It is on its way to (S) Finance. It has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
In Alaska the need for large-scale nuclear power is reduced by Alaska’s small population, sparse population density and vast non-nuclear energy resources. However, some places in Alaska, specifically rural Alaska, may not have access to a running river for hydrokinetic power, or may not have steady winds or other renewable resource at hand and the high, fluctuating price of diesel threatens culture and community, some say small fission reactors could be one answer.
Toshiba Corporationoffered to test a small reactor near the
city of Galena Alaska in 2004. Toshiba’s 4S (“Super Safe, Small and Simple”) “nuclear battery” reactor design is advertised to require minimal staffing and maintenance, but as of yet untested. The hot-tub-sized reactor is buried nearly 100 feet with a 10 megawatt turbine and generator in a building above. Toshiba says the reactor could run 30 years without refueling. The project is still in planning, and is said to be on hold.
Legislative Potpourri
HR 13 Passes, Encourages the repeal of the Anchorage Vehicle Inspection and Management Program
House Resolution 13 passed the house last week by a 27 to 11 margin. The resolution, sponsored by Representative Stoltze, encourages the repeal of the Anchorage Vehicle Management and Inspection Plan. Air pollution has been an issue for decades in Anchorage with a haze often descending over the city and particulate matter ratings are watched carefully and reported on by the municipality's Air Quality Program. HR 13 makes the case that improvements in motor vehicle fuel systems and improvements in local air quality render the current regulations unnecessary, and argues for repeal. Now passed, the resolution will be transmitted to Governor Parnell will be sent to the Anchorage Assembly which sets the Management and Inspection Plan and has the final determination in the matter.
Senate Resources Holds Public Talks on Weatherization and Energy Efficiency
With many Senators in Washington DC discussing energy issues, the Senate Resources Committee along with the Alaska Housing and Finance Corporation held a public meeting on weatherization and energy efficiency on Wednesday. Built around public questions submitted to Senator Wielechowski's office and the AHFC's "Making Sense of Energy Efficiency" the committee took a look at easy, affordable ways to improve energy profiles in Alaska. From caulking to insulating to CFL bulbs, the committee gave smart advice to Alaskans trying to reduce their energy costs while simultaneously helping out the environment. Check out the tips in the audio files at Gavel to Gavel.
From the Blog
Monday, March 08, 2010
VOTERS PRIORITY LEGISLATION
8:00 PM - Senate Bill 220: Alternative Energy / Energy Efficiency passed out of (S) Resources Committee today. The yea vote was unanimous.
Committee members added several amendments to the omnibus energy bill including amendments that address; nuclear regulation; compressed natural gas vehicles for the state fleet; expanding the Southeast Energy Fund; and leverages $18 in federal State Energy Program funds for a $250 million energy efficiency revolving loan fund among others.
SB 220 now moves to (S) Finance Committee. It has not been scheduled for a hearing.
Bill Spotlight
Energy Legislation on the Move
When the legislature gaveled into session the second week of January, the Senate Resources Committee rolled nine pieces of existing legislation into a large omnibus energy bill, SB220. There is similar action in the House with HB305 and HB306. Like many Alaskans, legislators have their attention on energy issues and there seems to be good support for the energy efficiency and emerging technology provisions advocated by ACV that the legislation supports.
The Energy Efficiency portion of SB220 sets a goal to be 15% more efficient by 2020 by upgrading and retrofitting public buildings. Making state buildings energy efficient has already proven its worth. Performance contracts on eight buildings in 2004 reduced electricity use 22%, natural gas by 15% and fuel oil by 36%. The state saved more than $900,000 dollars since 2006 on just eight buildings. Upgrades included things like new lighting and energy management systems, and more efficient mechanical systems.
Energy efficiency is something we can do right now. We don't have to wait for new technology, pipeline, a dam, or anything else to be built. The sooner buildings can be upgraded, the more money that can be saved each year thereafter.
The Emerging Technology part of the bill will encourage research and development for new technologies that are likely to become viable within the next five years. Workforce development and education programs would be developed to train Alaska's next generation of construction workers, technicians, engineers and scientists to put Alaska on the leading edge of new technologies to take advantage of our huge renewable energy potential in wind, tidal, geothermal and other renewables.
Utilities, independent power producers, local and tribal governments, Alaskan businesses, and non-profits all stand to benefit as a “first mover” in the $155 billion per year clean energy industry that is expected to grow by leaps and bounds. Unlike any other place in the nation, Alaska can demonstrate new technology and save consumers money at the same time because energy prices in rural communities are already so high. Read Alaska Dispatch's story on one recent success.
There seems to be good support for good energy legislation, but half the legislative session is over and the funding isn't guaranteed. Prospects for passage seem good so long as Alaskans convince their legislators that these energy opportunities are important for our immediate and long term future.
Courtesy of Jim Sykes, the Mat-Su Energy Issues Coordinator for the Alaska Center for the Environment. Sykes advised the Alaska Energy Authority on Railbelt energy issues over the past three years.
- CSSB 220 (RES) passed through Senate Resources Committee Monday afternoon and is headed for Finance Committee.
- HB 306 was heard and held in House Resources on Monday afternoon. It may be heard later this week.
HB 329 Dedicated Transport Fund / Public Transport: an Act relating to the transportation infrastructure fund, to local public transportation, to motor fuel taxes, and to the motor vehicle registration fee; and providing for an effective date. Sponsored by (H) Transportation Committee, the bill was referred to (H) Transportation then (H) Finance Committees.
Scheduled to be heard in (H) Transportation Standing Committee on Tuesday, March 9th at 1:00 PM in CAPITOL Rm 17.
HB 278 Energy Efficient Home Grant Fund: an Act relating to the administration of the Alaska energy efficient home grant fund by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.
Scheduled to be heard in (H) ENERGY COMMITTEE on Tuesday, March 9th at 3:00 PM in BARNES Rm 124
A prefile, released January 15, 2010, the bill was referred to (H) Energy then (H) Finance Committees. Sponsored by Reps. Chris Tuck, Cathy Munoz, Pete Petersen, Bob Herron, Reggie Joule, Neal Foster and Les Gara.
HB 411 Power Project Fund: An Act relating to the power
project fund; authorizing the Alaska Energy Authority to charge and collect fees relating to the power project fund; authorizing the Alaska Energy Authority to sell and authorizing the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to purchase loans of the power project fund; providing legislative approval for the sale and purchase of loans of the power project fund under the memorandum of understanding dated February 17, 2010; and providing for an effective date.
Scheduled to be heard in (H) ENERGY COMMITTEE on Tuesday, March 9th at 3:00 PM in BARNES Rm 124
The bill was referred to (H) Energy then Resources then Finance Committees. It was introduced on February 26, 2010. HB 411 is Sponsored by (H) Rules Committee by Request of the Governor.
HJR 45 Oppose Federal Cap and Trade Legislation: Urging the United States Congress not to enact Cap and Trade legislation.
HJR 45 is scheduled to be heard in (H) Finance Committee Thursday, March 11th at 9:00 AM in House Finance Rm 519
The bill is sponsored by Reps. Bill Stoltze, Charisse Millett, Mike Chenault, Nancy Dahlstrom, Carl Gatto, Wes Keller, Olson, Peggy Wilson, Mike Hawker, Jay Ramras, Bob Lynn, Mark Neuman, Mike Kelly, Kyle Johansen, Bryce Edgmon.
HB 267 Snow Machine Use in Dalton Hwy Corridor: an Act relating to travel by snow machine within five miles of the right-of-way of the James Dalton Highway.
HB 267 is scheduled to be heard in (H) Transportation Standing Committee on Thursday, March 11th at 1:00 PM in CAPITOL Rm 17.
Released January 8th, the bill was sponsored by Representatives Mike Kelly, Mark Neuman, Tammie Wilson. It was referred to (H) Transportation then (H) Resources.
SB 242 Geothermal Resource Tax Credits: An Act providing income tax credits for geothermal resource exploration and development.
Sponsored by Sen. Lesil McGuire, the bill was referred to (S) Resources then (S) Finance Committees. It was released on January 27, 2010.
SB 242 is scheduled to be heard in (S) Resources Committee March 11 Thursday 3:30 PM in BUTROVICH Rm 205.
SB 243 No Royalty on Geothermal Resource: An Act removing the royalty obligation for geothermal resources.
Sponsored by Sen. Lesil McGuire, the bill was referred to (S) Resources then (S) Finance Committees. It was released on January 27, 2010.
SB 243 is Scheduled to be heard in (S) Resources Committee March 11 Thursday 3:30 PM in BUTROVICH Rm 205.
HB 46 - Mixing Zones: House Special Committee on Fisheries scheduled to hear HB 46: Mixing Zones
HB 46 was heard and tabled in (H) Fisheries Special Committee on Tuesday March 9th at 10:15 AM in BARNES Rm 124
Representative Paul Seaton (R)-Homer read and gave testimony on Thursday in support of HB 46 Mixing Zones, legislation that deals with water quality issues and aims to protect Alaska’s citizens and fisheries.
HB 46 would compel the Department of Environmental Conservation to collect and make public information regarding the type and amount of pollutants discharged by holders of mixing zone permits.
Secondly it would temporally expand current mixing zone limitations, making it illegal to release regulated effluent in spawning zones at all times, not only during spawning season.
Finally, the bill requires a public notification and period for comment to accompany all proposed commercially operated sewage discharge increases of over 50%.
(H) Fisheries heard testimony on the bill in late January. The reading was received with varied support in the committee. Representative Munoz countered with questions on behalf of the mining industry, and Representative Johnson showed concern about how the statute would affect commercial sewage producers. Lynn Kent from the Department of Environmental Conservation declined to give an official stance, while Bob Shavelson of Cook Inlet Keeper strongly supported the bill as movement in the right direction in protecting Alaska’s environment, economy, and future.
With the varied direction of questioning and testimony, and a lack of momentum after an hour of debate, the issue was not brought to a vote, but rather was held for further hearing at a later date. This concept has been on the table for several sessions but so far hasn’t able to get any traction.
This Week in Committee
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
(H)Community & Regional Affairs Standing Committee
8:00 AM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 295 University Land Grant
HB 361 CPR Training for 911 Dispatchers
HB 336 Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Voting
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Finance Standing Committee
9:00 AM in Senate Finance Rm 532
Senate Bill: An Act Relating to the Tax on Oil and Gas Production <Pending Introduction & Referral>
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Fisheries Special Committee
10:15 AM in Barnes Rm 124
HCR 15 Bristol Bay Mining Study
HB 46 Mixing Zones/Sewage Systems
HB 365 Fish Processor Fees, Licenses, Records
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Resources Standing Committee
12:00 PM in Capitol Rm 106
-- Please Note Time & Location Change --
Lunch & Learn: An In-depth Look at Resources Presentation: "Effects of Declining Throughput on the TransAlaska Pipeline," by Pat McDevitt, Senior Project Director for Low Flow Studies, Alyeska & Mike Joynor, VP of Pipeline Operations, TAPS
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Transportation Standing Committee
1:00 PM in Capitol 17
HB 329 Dedicated Transport Fund/Pub Transport
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Natural Resources, Finance Subcommittee
1:00 PM in Fahrenkamp 203
Discussion: Testimony <Invitation Only> --
(H)Energy Special Committee
3:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 278 Energy Efficient Home Grant Fund
HB 164 In-State Pipelines: Leases; Certification
<Bill Hearing Canceled>
HB 411 Power Project Fund
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Community & Regional Affairs Standing Committee
3:30 PM Beltz Rm 105 (TSBldg)
HJR 46 Supporting Denali Commission
SJR 29 Tribal Seats on N. Pac. Fisheries Council
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Environmental Conservation, Finance Subcommittee
3:30 PM in Fahrenkamp Rm 203
Spill Prevention & Response
TELECONFERENCED
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(S)Finance Standing Committee
9:00 AM in Senate Finance
Senate Bill: An Act Relating to the Tax on Oil and Gas Production <Pending Introduction & Referral>
SB 168 Trauma Care Centers/Fund
SB 210 Military Deployment and Child Custody
SB 266 Violent Crimes Emergency Compensation
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Resources Standing Committee
1:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 308 Oil and Gas Procuction Tax
HB 337 Oil and Gas Production Tax: Credits/Interest
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
Thursday, March 11, 2010
(H)Finance Standing Committee
9:00 AM in House Finance 519
-- Please Note Time Change --
HB 225 State Procurement Code
HJR 45 Oppose Federal Cap and Trade Legislation
HB 342 Extend Board of Real Estate Appraisers
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Finance Standing Committee
9:00 AM in Senate Finance 532
Senate Bill: An Act Relating to the Tax on Oil and Gas Production
<Pending Introduction & Referral>
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Transportation Standing Committee
1:00 PM in Capitol Rm 17
HB 354 AK Capstone Avionics Revolving Loan Fund <Pending Referral>
HB 366 Motor Carrier Indemnification Agreements
HB 267 Snow Machine Use in Dalton Hwy Corridor
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Energy Special Committee
3:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
-- Rescheduled from 02/20/10 --
Overviews on Comparative Railbelt Energy Project Analysis: Railbelt Integrated Resource Plan, by Alaska Energy Authority; Susitna Hydro Project, by Alaska Energy Authority; Mount Spurr Geothermal Project, by Ormat; In-State Natural Gas Pipeline, by Bob Swenson, In-State Natural Gas Pipeline Coordinator, CIRI; Chakachamna Hydro Project, by TDX Power; Coal Gasification and Fire Island Wind Farm Projects, by CIRI
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Resources Standing Committee
3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205
SB 242 Geothermal Resource Tax Credits
SB 243 No Royalty on Geothermal Resource
Overview: AGIA Regulations - Dept of Revenue (continued) Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
Friday, March 12, 2010
(S)Finance Standing Committee
9:00 AM in Senate Finance 532
Senate Bill: An Act Relating to the Tax on Oil and Gas Production <Pending Introduction & Referral>
SB 110 Preservation of Evidence
SB 246 Increasing Number of Superior Court Judges
SB 257 Youth Courts and Criminal Fines
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(H)Resources Standing Committee
1:00 PM in Barnes Rm 124
HB 280 Natural Gas
HB 229 Gas Exploration/Development Tax Credit
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
(S)Resources Standing Committee
3:30 PM in Butrovich Rm 205
Overview: Railbelt Integrated Resource Plan: AEA and Black and Veatch Consultants
Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
TELECONFERENCED
Monday March 15, 2010
(S)Fish & Game Finance Subcommittee
3:00 PM in Senate Finance 532
Closeout
New in Town
SB 305 Oil and Gas Production Tax
An Act relating to the tax on oil and gas production; and providing for an effective date.
Sponsored by Senate Finance, this bill has been referred to the Finance Committee and is scheduled for a hearing on March 9, at 9:00AM.
SB 306 Oil and Gas Production Tax
An Act relating to the tax on oil and gas production; relating to availability of a portion of the money received from the tax on oil and gas production for appropriation to the community revenue sharing fund; and providing for an effective date.
Sponsored by Senate Finance, this bill has been referred to the Finance Committee and is scheduled for a hearing on March 9, at 9:00AM.
Tweet of the Week
##Hello from Senate Resources. Lots of bills up today w/ focus on ACV priority bill SB220. Discussion of committee substitutes & amendments.
##SB220 Energy Efficiency / Alternative Energy being heard in (S) Resources. Three new housekeeping amendments accepted.
##SB220: Sen. Huggins "What we are doing here today has the thumbprint of people from all over the state."
##SB220 being voted on now...no objections...CSSB220(RES) passes.
