Sierra Nevada Group of the Sierra Club: Alternative and Renewable Fuels Presentation Oct. 17

Published on Oct 10, 2008 - 7:26:08 AM

By: Sierra Nevada Group of the Sierra Club

Oct. 10, 2008 - After decades of periodic energy crises, failed energy policies, the growing awareness of "peak oil" (the increasing reality of exhaustion of our oil supply), and $100+ per barrel crude, it appears that the United States may finally be facing up to its significant energy challenges for the future.

On Friday, October 17, The Sierra Nevada Group will present Dan Tajbl, a retired chemical engineer living in Auburn, to discuss alternative and renewable fuels from an understandable scientific approach, cutting through the hype and getting down to facts. The program will be at Seaman's Lodge in Nevada City.

The centerpiece of the solution to our transportation energy needs once again is alternative fuels, preferably from renewable sources - mainly crops - that do not increase greenhouse gas emissions. This will not be easy, in spite of what you may be hearing on the presidential campaign trail. We've been down this path before and have not followed through.

Join us to hear why corn ethanol, the first such fuel to gain significant use, has turned out to be a controversial choice.

What other alternatives look promising? How should we be analyzing new technologies so that we don't repeat the corn ethanol mistakes? How has Big Auto contributed to the problem? Can we ever be energy independent in a new world economy where energy supply is aggressively sought by emerging nations such as China and India? There are many questions about energy facing us in the years to come. Can we solve this national problem correctly?

We will look at our existing fuel infrastructure and how these new fuels may change what and how we drive. Dan holds a doctorate in chemical engineering and has worked for many years in the petroleum refining industry.

At 7:15 there will be announcements and an opportunity for candidates for local office in the November general election to speak for five minutes. Dan's presentation begins at 7:30.

This is the monthly gathering of the Sierra Nevada Group at Seaman's Lodge at 425 Nimrod Street in Nevada City. It starts with a potluck at 6:30. p.m. All are welcome and admission is free. Bring a dish to share, your own utensils and your family and friends.

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