[GWSG] Nanosolar; GT fixes C; CO2 to fuel; small scale tech; EPA emissions schedule, X TX; why we're cold; MA: cut 25% emissions

[Tilley, Al]

1.  More info on the solar nanoantennae from the Idaho National Lab.  The problem remains of converting the output to usable energy.  If they can solve that, one of the developers imagines that sheets of the antennae can be produced for the cost of cheap carpet.  Thanks to David Reed for the link.  https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1269&mode=2&featurestory=DA_101047

2.  Global Thermostat fixes atmospheric carbon and then frees it with low-temperature steam for reuse or storage, generating electricity by the way.  The process, which uses waste heat from industry, is not yet commercial.  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS307584726120101223    GT has the potential to reduce the net carbon emissions of fossil fuel plants, aluminum smelters, refineries, and cement plants, and to render such renewable technologies as thermal solar power carbon negative.    http://globalthermostat.com/

3.  Also under development: a solar reactor which converts CO2 or water into fuel.  Thanks to Terry Zloucks for the story.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12051167

4.  In Africa and other areas without a central energy supply, small solar panels and such small-scale technology as stoves which run on biogas from the family cow are making life much easier, and more sustainable, too.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/25/science/earth/25fossil.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

5.  The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a schedule for the development of restrictions on the emissions of existing power plants and oil refineries.  Not everyone is as happy as I am about the plans, as this Washington Post story details.    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/23/AR2010122305643.html  The EPA has also declared its intention to take over emissions permitting in Texas, which has indicated it would refuse to obey limitations on emissions in the permitting process.  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-12-24/epa-texas-feud-escalates-over-new-carbon-regulations.html

6.  Judah Cohen, Director of Seasonal Forecasting at Atmospheric and Environmental Research, inc., explains why we are getting such severe winters in the US and Europe.  As Arctic sea ice disappears, more water surface opens for evaporation, which produces more snow, which increases snow cover in Siberia, which builds a dome of cold air, which changes the pattern of the jet stream.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/26/opinion/26cohen.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail0=y

7.  Massachusetts plans to cut their greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 1990 levels in the next ten years.  They have tied auto insurance premiums to miles driven, and will pursue existing energy efficiency programs.  MA participates in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cap and trade system among ten NE states.  The strong emissions target places them among such states as California, New Mexico, and New Jersey.  The plan should incur little economic disruption, and some of the emissions programs are job creators. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/science/earth/30climate.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail0=y