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Vt. won't make renewable energy goals

Brattleboro Reformer -- MONTPELIER -- Two key state lawmakers said Tuesday that Vermont won't meet its goal of getting 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2017, and they're withdrawing their support for setting a new goal of 30 percent renewable power by 2025.

Reps. Tony Klein and Margaret Cheney, the chairman and vice chairwoman of the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee, also said legislation passed three years ago to offer premium prices to renewable energy project developers had fallen far short of its goal of bringing 50 megawatts of new renewable power onto the Vermont electric grid. Cheney said just 7.1 megawatts worth of such projects had been built.

The two Democrats said they were surprised to learn recently from the state Department of Public Service, which regulates util

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Submitted Feb 23, 2012 By: bar1035

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VDubBill Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:3,765 Points:1,262,370 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Feb 24, 2012 4:31:33 AM Ignore VDubBill Report Abuse You can't get to the pie in the sky from here.
ExplorerWA Champion Author Washington Posts:4,083 Points:797,250 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 11:41:57 PM Ignore ExplorerWA Report Abuse Maybe they should have looked at this a little harder in the planning stage........Ya think?
orphancarguyPE Champion Author PEI Posts:3,848 Points:734,990 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 10:51:37 AM Ignore orphancarguyPE Report Abuse Just because Vermont isn't the best place for renewables of any sort, doesn't mean it shouldn't be done. Not going to be cheap, not going to be easy, but it has to be done. Putting it off just makes for a short term relief of pain. http://physics.ucsd.edu/do-the-math/2011/10/the-energy-trap/ From personal experience and pricing research in my very 'Vermont-like' climate, I know full well that solar electric generation (PV) and a personal windmill are just not cost effective (yet) for me even at 12.65 cents a kw/hour, but solar house heating and solar hot water have more than paid back their costs ($10,000) in less than 4 years in heating oil (& electricity in a minor way for the furnace, or for electric backup to the hot water) not used. After a certain point, its time to achieve overall goals by moving from mega-projects on an industrial producer scale, to micro-projects on a retail user scale. Same money, same net effect, different path. Not saying that government should necessarily fund home owners as a gift to make energy cutting savings; perhaps making it into a many-making proposition to assist homeowners to make these changes and get the capital cost back plus some interest paid out of their savings achieved. If things 'as they are' would have cost you $350 a month, and likely $450 next year, but only $100-150 a month after a $10,000 retrofit of some sort, I'm quite sure people would be willing to pay $250 a month this year, and $300 next year to pay off that bill in a few years time. Both solar air heat and solar water have little or no running costs (mine is less than $20 year for minimal electricity on the solar air, nothing for the solar water) and no service is likely required for 10 year (new fan?) for the solar air, and 15 years (change of antifreeze glycol) for the solar hot water. With those two, I save about $3000 every year now, and as the price of heating oil climbs, even more later on. The wonderful thing about solar hot water and solar air heat is that they can cut your costs dramatically--even somewhat on overcast days--no matter what sort of energy you use--electricity, propane, wood stove, oil furnace, natural gas, geothermal--to heat your house or hot water. It complements everything. Really, its the people pushed to the limit/too poor/can't afford to live in their houses now (or retrofit them to save money) with high energy prices that need the real help. More energy is just part of the solution; using less from central sources is the other part. [Edited by: orphancarguyPE at 2/23/2012 10:53:23 AM EST]
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,857 Points:1,613,225 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 9:52:49 AM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse Vermont is not in a very good position to develop renewable energy. It is not exactly the sunniest state in the nation, so solar is not very productive, though as much as possible should be utilized regardless. Wind power is a disaster in that region, creating more environmental damage than it resolves. There would be no wind turbines at all in Vermont without the taxpayer subsidies. Hydropower would require the construction of numerous large dams, which are also environmentally destructive. And Vermont is not on a geothermal hot spot. Utilize all available biomass and get the most you possibly can out of solar; that’s about it for Vermont.
Joeski1 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,001 Points:1,741,835 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:58:45 AM Ignore Joeski1 Report Abuse Try harder.
danlanman Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,332 Points:722,460 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:48:32 AM Ignore danlanman Report Abuse ok
exd121 Champion Author Ottawa Posts:1,822 Points:465,475 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:39:42 AM Ignore exd121 Report Abuse so What
BM4225 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:10,119 Points:2,095,045 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:37:17 AM Ignore BM4225 Report Abuse Setting a goal is great, achiving it in a timely manner is not always possible, but you are heading in the right direction. If all state did the same, then the increase in electric power would rise for all. I don't like higher prices, but it is the price we will have to pay for independence from others. Heck, we are not going to be paying for a neuclear plant that just go the OK to be built. Now watch how much that will be built over budget.
clermont40miles Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:10,576 Points:1,772,940 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:31:32 AM Ignore clermont40miles Report Abuse Reality, like a bucket of cold water to the face, intrudes. Green is red.
w4kh Champion Author Tennessee Posts:11,670 Points:2,228,990 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:31:31 AM Ignore w4kh Report Abuse Do these two "brain surgeons" in the Vermont legislature not understand there is a deep recession going on, and capital for development of renewable energy is real hard to come by? Even so, having a goal to aim for, even if it is missed, is preferable to having no target at all.
pnivens Veteran Author Georgia Posts:426 Points:438,015 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:30:55 AM Ignore pnivens Report Abuse Not surprising - the technology isn't there and no amount of govt attempts to force it down the consumer throat will make it appear out of thin air. Use what exists and is available while working towards what you want the future to look like.
itzagasgasgas1 Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,974 Points:1,599,495 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:29:33 AM Ignore itzagasgasgas1 Report Abuse Should probably make the goal 20% by 2025.
Cheepo Champion Author Tampa Posts:9,889 Points:3,128,005 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:27:34 AM Ignore Cheepo Report Abuse Use oil, it is renewable!!!!!!!
VetteFan Champion Author Indiana Posts:9,744 Points:2,029,455 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:27:32 AM Ignore VetteFan Report Abuse That's too bad, but keep trying.
chemist74 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:13,510 Points:2,395,980 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:26:35 AM Ignore chemist74 Report Abuse If you can not meet the current targets, what good does it do to raise the targets?
k2kipp Champion Author Minnesota Posts:3,165 Points:1,127,915 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:26:24 AM Ignore k2kipp Report Abuse Costing the consumer an arm and a leg.
buzzieNY Champion Author Buffalo Posts:2,893 Points:635,555 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:23:50 AM Ignore buzzieNY Report Abuse Renewable energy is digging a huge hole of debt for the tax payers.
reb4 Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,113 Points:1,822,575 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:23:15 AM Ignore reb4 Report Abuse Naturally, (state slogan)...
ByGuy Champion Author Dallas Posts:7,848 Points:1,708,265 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:22:23 AM Ignore ByGuy Report Abuse Remember, Dems always spend more than them take in.
dieselfiendSC Champion Author South Carolina Posts:2,186 Points:846,830 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:21:32 AM Ignore dieselfiendSC Report Abuse That's a shocker.
Tanner_1 Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:1,541 Points:457,865 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:21:05 AM Ignore Tanner_1 Report Abuse Renewable energy is a good idea if we go at it in a sensible way and not set unrealistic goals or expectations.
livedream Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,685 Points:755,060 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:20:31 AM Ignore livedream Report Abuse Lofty goal....It will take practical steps to accomplish. I agree with salog on this -- "good goal; but needs more private support."
sivart Champion Author Arkansas Posts:18,225 Points:3,070,960 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:19:46 AM Ignore sivart Report Abuse If you just set back and do nothing it will not happen!
99Truck Champion Author Michigan Posts:12,931 Points:1,697,025 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:19:30 AM Ignore 99Truck Report Abuse I wonder how much the rush to an unattainable goal costs and who gains
paty2k Champion Author Florida Posts:1,603 Points:275,060 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:18:49 AM Ignore paty2k Report Abuse Renewable energy seems to cost to much
Gman2011MI Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,003 Points:417,695 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:18:42 AM Ignore Gman2011MI Report Abuse so what have they been doing for 2.75 years sitting back and enjoying our money like usual ............................ We need to change this bull. What ever happen to: WE THE PEOPLE we are in charge..........
JR57CA All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:788 Points:326,125 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:17:52 AM Ignore JR57CA Report Abuse What makes them so special? If others can do it, so should they!
brownsbacker80 All-Star Author Akron Posts:620 Points:457,990 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:17:24 AM Ignore brownsbacker80 Report Abuse i wonder if someone forced them to stand down?
ou812again Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,324 Points:671,110 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:16:50 AM Ignore ou812again Report Abuse sound like politics.......... we are ruled by idiots and thieves.
maxcap59 Champion Author Texas Posts:2,769 Points:593,995 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:16:43 AM Ignore maxcap59 Report Abuse Wow, you mean the enviro-nuts were off in their projections again? They're getting good at overestimating the practicality for renewable energy.
netman044 Champion Author Texas Posts:6,848 Points:1,289,775 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:16:38 AM Ignore netman044 Report Abuse Everyone wants renewable power, they just don't want the wind farm or solar farm to create this power in their backyard.
RobertSpratt Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:4,835 Points:1,045,765 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:16:12 AM Ignore RobertSpratt Report Abuse Okay
rjd1608 Champion Author Toledo Posts:5,366 Points:1,930,980 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:16:01 AM Ignore rjd1608 Report Abuse ok
RaginCajun68 All-Star Author Fort Worth Posts:860 Points:210,610 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:15:53 AM Ignore RaginCajun68 Report Abuse There is a lot of hot air in Washington...a few wind farms up there should provide enough power for the entire US. Build wind farms in Washington now so we can capture this phenomenon.
TKAP Champion Author North Carolina Posts:1,415 Points:410,235 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:14:40 AM Ignore TKAP Report Abuse wow
plbell627 Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,148 Points:1,203,255 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:14:24 AM Ignore plbell627 Report Abuse I guesspeople of Vermont probably don't know all of this.
fltdoc Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:8,880 Points:1,555,720 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:14:24 AM Ignore fltdoc Report Abuse The key words in this article are, "The two Democrats said, . . . . ." Enough said.
TheMeltz Champion Author Maryland Posts:2,169 Points:641,725 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:13:46 AM Ignore TheMeltz Report Abuse sad news.
MUSTANGSRUS Champion Author Ontario Posts:7,558 Points:1,544,415 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:13:43 AM Ignore MUSTANGSRUS Report Abuse Renewable energy is digging a huge hole of debt for the tax payers.
salog Champion Author Columbia Posts:7,710 Points:1,639,335 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:13:19 AM Ignore salog Report Abuse good goal; but needs more private support.
PENNYPINCHR Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:5,349 Points:2,280,520 Joined:Jul 2001	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:13:15 AM Ignore PENNYPINCHR Report Abuse I'm with Vermont. These goals just cost the tax payers more money.
badbonita Champion Author Syracuse Posts:6,224 Points:1,353,710 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:12:22 AM Ignore badbonita Report Abuse They're not going to make the 2017 goal so these lawmakers are dumping a proposed goal for 8 years later?? That makes no sense. I know, talking lawmakers and politicians.
mh44s Champion Author Madison Posts:4,389 Points:1,689,965 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:12:09 AM Ignore mh44s Report Abuse Greenies misstated the future again.
rnlunder Champion Author Waco Posts:2,321 Points:496,125 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:12:00 AM Ignore rnlunder Report Abuse The problem is that nobody looks a renewable energy sources when the economy is booming and money is free flowing and we can afford to invest in the future. It's only when the economy is depressed, everybody is just scraping by to try to make ends meet and then some idiot politician wants to spend our money on these kinds of renewable energy projects that are typically underfunded and just a money grap for political friends looking to make a buck who get the money then declare bankrupcy.
Group23 Champion Author Greensboro Posts:1,243 Points:438,440 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:11:12 AM Ignore Group23 Report Abuse Too many people trying to make too much money on the governments' backs for this to work.
liao Champion Author Montreal Posts:3,447 Points:1,428,235 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:10:45 AM Ignore liao Report Abuse Vermont can import HEP from Quebec Canada next door at a very good price.
Badmoon Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:8,308 Points:1,651,490 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:09:34 AM Ignore Badmoon Report Abuse Every little bit helps though.
WestMichigan Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:2,478 Points:555,840 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:09:23 AM Ignore WestMichigan Report Abuse Too expensive to meet their goals.
sramroop Champion Author Birmingham Posts:3,322 Points:740,080 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:08:40 AM Ignore sramroop Report Abuse Need alternatives
BazooQC Champion Author Montreal Posts:9,710 Points:1,636,450 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 8:08:27 AM Ignore BazooQC Report Abuse I guess it just ain't happening or there is no money to invest.