With the electrification of the American auto industry in mind, Michigan has for years been positioning itself as America’s new battery capital. At Detroit’s groundbreaking and high-tech NextEnergy Center, Vice President Joe Biden announced more than a billion reasons Michigan may just make it. The Obama administration announced $2.4 billion in grants to accelerate the development of next-generation batteries and electric vehicles. And more than $1 billion of that money will be coming to Michigan in several major grants, which should create tens of thousands of jobs in the Great Lakes State.
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GLOBE-Net (August 3, 2009) – The nation’s clean water and public health and safety would be much better off with a water infrastructure system that incorporates green solutions, according to a new report by the Aspen Institute, “Sustainable Water Systems: Step One – Redefining the Nation’s Infrastructure Challenge.”
Specifically, the report recommends integrating natural and built water infrastructure, protecting watersheds, and prioritizing federal funding for activities including green infrastructure, climate change adaptation, and research and development.
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While most home pools aren’t as large as competitive swimming pools, they can still provide a great way to exercise, have fun, and cool off in the hot weather. Home pools do require maintenance, however, and most require heating to keep them comfortable. Heating a pool can use a lot of energy and be an expensive prospect, but you can take some steps to improve your pool’s energy efficiency.
- Use a pool cover when your pool is not in use to reduce water loss through evaporation and save up to 50%–70% on your pool heating costs.
- Determine the best temperature for your pool to ensure you are operating your pool for maximum efficiency. Most pools are kept at 78°F to 82°F; each degree rise in temperature will cost 10%–30% more in energy costs, depending on your location.
- Install an efficient swimming pool heater. Learn your options and estimate the costs for gas, heat pump, or solar pool heaters.
- Install an energy-saving pool pump and operate it efficiently.
A new report from the New York-based Natural Resources Defense Council contends that Michigan’s power needs can be solved by aggressively moving to wind power, biomass, solar and other renewable energy sources along with implementing energy efficiency programs.
The Michigan Public Service Commission is scheduled to make recommendations later this month to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on the need for power and availability of a cleaner alternative to coal.
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