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In the Denise Ross interview with Steve Hildebrand, he pointed out his lobbying efforts [see lobbying registration] with the Environmental Defense Fund regarding the issue of global warming. It is due to the efforts of these environmentalists that has resulted...

Deal 'opens the door' to wind power

DEFINITELY A WIN-WIN-WIN for South Dakota's Economy!

One of the biggest hinderances to the development of more wind power in South Dakota has been a lack of enough transmission line capacity to get the electricity to where it's needed.

There is a positive logic to the addition of a new coal-burning plant also. The US has an abundance of coal, and large deposits of high quality low-sulfur coal are just to the west in Wyoming. There is a synergy that comes into play here with a three-way synergistic development of South Dakota's utility and transportation infrastructure which is catalyzed by the planned construction of a new coal-burning power plant at Big Stone.

The first element of this synergy is the expansion of the DM&E Railroad, which, in spite of the usual opposition from envirowacko activist groups and assorted other NIMBY (Non-In-My-Backyard types pushed through approval of extending it's lines into the Wyoming coal fields, and upgrade of its existing mainlines to handle the greatly increased traffic that results from this. (See note 1 in extended entry) This increases the availability of coal for new plants.

With the abundance of coal, and modern abatement technology, it is possible to burn low-sulfur coal with a minimum amount of air pollution, plus it helps to increase the electric power capacity, which is an essential positive factor for continued economic growth in the area. (See Note 2)

Finally, this proposed coal plant will bring in a significantly serious excess in electrical power transmission capacity, above and beyound the needs of the new plant. This excess capacity is available for the development of large(r) scale wind turbine developments, which (a) provides yet more electricity, (b) is a clean, renewable energy source, and (c) provides yet another boost to the local economic structure.

So, what's the "win-win-win"? More needed electrical power, use of domestic coal instead of imported oil, and the enabled development of even cleaner wind power capacity. Three birds with one "Big Stone". Not too bad.

Let the Saddam trial circus begin! Today saw an innocent plea, a long speech, and a scuffle with guards. A defiant Saddam Hussein pleaded innocent to charges of murder and torture as his long-awaited trial began Wednesday with the one-time...

This Washington Post article is worth reading....

Cindy Sheehan is back in the news:Cindy Sheehan, the so-called peace mom on a crusade to end U.S. involvement in the Iraq war, is publicly blasting Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., for her continued support of the ongoing conflict. I think...

Thoughts while watching the White Sox smack the Angels tonight (it's 5-0 right now). Round and round she goes, where she stops... If anyone can tell me why I've got six Guinness bottle caps on the window sill above the...

The current estimated Powerball lotter jackpot is $340 million dollars, with a cash value of about $164 million. It could very well be more by tonight's drawing. Don't think that I couldn't find a couple of dollars in the cupholder...

Stephanie Herseth voted against House Resolution 3893, Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005: To expedite the construction of new refining capacity in the United States, to provide reliable and affordable energy for the American people, and for other purposes....

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