I-S-U professor says alternative-energy projections too optimistic
owa has 27 ethanol plants in operation and another two-dozen in the planning stages or under construction. We lead the nation in production of the alcohol fuel, but one Iowa State University economist says projections about riding the alternative-energy boom are too optimistic. David Swenson, a lecturer in economics and regional planning, says he's not a pessimist -- he's battling for "economic realism." Swenson says he's not passing judgment on the technology or adding the right amount of "new energy" to the process. He says proponents are making claims of benefits to rural areas and ethanol-producing states that are not substantiated.

Americans must unite to develop alternative energy
Contrary to popular belief, our biggest vulnerability as a nation is our economic dependence on foreign oil. Whereas our military protects us from foreign invasion and numerous safeguards have been put in place since 9/11 to secure our homeland, little prevents foreign dictators or rogue militias from cutting off our oil supply. In today's era of peak oil production, even the smallest disruption of supply can increase oil prices to the point of hampering our economy. In the last year, we have seen prices spike after hurricanes, tensions in the Middle East, comments out of Venezuela and Russia and attacks by Nigerian rebels.

The Birth of Hydrogen Energy in Maine
Maine’s first hydrogen fuel cell was activated today in Wiscasset beginning a new age of energy independence for the state. The solar-powered hydrogen system, designed and built by 60 Maine engineers and volunteers, can generate and store enough hydrogen to provide four days of electricity for an 11,000 square foot visitor center.

Norwood ponders alternative power
A committee guiding the town on finding an electricity provider is also interested in energy alternatives to highly polluting fossil fuels. The Future Electrical Power Supply Needs Committee’s main charge is to determine the town’s best option when its electrical power contract expires in 2008. As part of that effort, the committee is also exploring alternative energy sources. Selectman Mike Lyons has endorsed the idea, saying he would like to see Norwood follow the lead of communities like Everett and Hull, which are exploring sources such as wind turbines to supply electricity to town buildings.