It is possible to have energy that is affordable and does not degrade our environment, risk the health of our children or threaten future generations.
We do not need to pollute our air, water, soil and fertile fishing grounds to have affordable and abundant energy. People do not need to risk their lives underground or on oil platforms in cold and stormy seas.
Fossil fuel energy companies tell us that all forms of energy entail some risks and that they are working to minimize these. But in fact, different forms of energy have HUGE differences in their risk factors especially when looking at the full “well to wheel” cycle. Fossil fuel extraction involves significantly more risk when using extreme oil extraction techniques like fracking, ocean and arctic deep sea drilling and open pit tar sand extraction.
Not only is the extraction risky, but the refining and burning of these fuels is also highly polluting. Look at the 10 Most Toxic Ingredients Used In Coal, Oil and Gas Production.
These include, among others:
- Benzine – which is linked to leukemia and breast cancer
- Sulfer Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxide (NO2) – are particle-forming air pollutants that are both highly toxic to human health
- Petroleum coke – being exported to China which when burned emit more CO2 than coal
- Formaldehyde – is a carcinogen with known links to leukemia and rare nasopharyngeall cancers
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) – which are known human carcinogens and genetic mutagens
- Mercury – a dangerous neurotoxin
- Silicon Dust/Fracking Sand – a known carcinogen and cause of silicosis
- Radon – radioactive gas which is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the US. Fracking is a new source, releasing it into the air and groundwater and as an additional pollutant in the extracted natural gas.
- Hydoflouric Acid / Hydrogen Flouride (HF) – one of the most dangerous acids known. Contact with it may not even be noticed until long after serious damage has been done. And yet it is a common ingredient used in oil and gas extraction.
- …
In addition, you have the problem of green house gases. And all the new fossil fuel based alternatives are worse than conventional oil extraction!
Here’s a comparison of the current fossil fuel alternatives
None of these address the problem of greenhouse gas emissions, and in fact some aggravate the impact because of additional methane escaping as part of the extraction process. Even without the problem of greenhouse gas emissions, none of these fossil fuel alternatives address the major problem of the other toxic pollutants and clean up issues.
Witness the Exxon Valdez in Prince Williams Sound Alaska, Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Mayflower Arkansas oil spill, Talmadge Creek / Kalamzoo River oil spill in Michigan – Still impacted 5 years later!
But switching from fossil fuels can be economical, and will indeed enable prosperity without pollution. Compared to fossil fuels, renewable energy and fuels are 90 to 100% less polluting to extract, produce and use. And in the case of a major spill or accident, our recommended bio-fuels will bio-degrade in a few short weeks.
Here’s a comparison of fossil fuels and our recommended bio-methanol and bio-DME
As you can see, the difference in “well to wheel” pollution between fossil and renewable fuels is indeed HUGE. And other countries and companies around the world are beginning to enjoy the resulting economic and environmental benefits of converting to cost effective renewable fuels. This includes Brazil, Sweden, Netherlands, China, Iceland, Germany and others.
Germany’s progress is particularly impressive under their Energiewende “Energy Change” initiative that has already resulted in up to 60% of their electric power being supplied from renewable sources (Check out Clean Break “The Story of Germany’s Energy Transformation). And in China, taxi fleets are running on methanol that is costing them 1/2 as much as gasoline.
Contact us to make an appointment to review what steps you can take today to begin enjoying Prosperity Without Pollution!
Pipeline Spills Put Safeguards Under Scrutiny NY Times 09/10/2011
Since 1990, more than 110 million gallons of mostly crude and petroleum products have spilled from the nation’s mainland pipeline network.
Impact of Oil Spills
Oil spills are truly horrible yet unnecessary tragedies.
A spill of bio fuels would degrade in less than 2 weeks!
Oil spills don’t always get cleaned up and may persist for years.
Before the Valdez oil spill.
Prince William Sound, Alaska
In case of a major oil spill, our bio-based fuels would Bio-degrade in under 2 weeks!
The Price of Oil – Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Once spilled, oil can never be cleaned up. Your choice of fuel matters!
We don’t need this!
Fracking Consequences
Major Scientific Document Shows Why NY Fracking Moratorium is Imperative (Eco Watch)
Flammable Methane in Drinking Water Near Fracking Wells, Study Finds (Climate Progress)
Study links fracking to drinking water pollution (Grist)
Fracked Gas Isn’t a Bridge Fuel it’s a Gangplank (Common Dreams) Josh Fox
Fracking: Good for Fossil Fuel Companies, Bad for Public Health (Sierraclub.org)
Fracking Ourselves to Death in Pennsylvania (The Nation)
Fracking for oil and gas is devouring American groundwater (Environmental Health News)
The Most Important Issue Congress Must Consider in 2014-Assess impact of water pollution from fracking and close the Halliburton Loophole) (Environmental Integrity)
The Halliburton Loophole and It’s Impact on Safe Drinking Water Supplies (Earthworks)
Our Drinking Water at Risk – What the Gas Industry Doesn’t Want Us to Know (Earthworks)
The Growing Evidence of the Threat of Fracking to the Nation’s Groundwater (Peter Gleick, National Geographic)
Texas went big on oil. Earthquakes followed. (Clean Technica)
EPA abandons study that linked fracking, Wyoming water pollution (The Hill’s e2 Wire)
New Duke study bolsters finding of water contamination from drilling (E & E News)
A Texan tragedy: Ample oil, no water (Grist.org)
Fracking payouts ‘no compensation’ (BBC)
Sand From Fracking Could Pose Lung Disease Risk To Workers … (NPR)
Gas Fracking and Health Problems (American Scientist)
Natural Gas Drilling: Impacts of Fracking on Health, Water (NRDC)
Censored EPA PA Fracking Water Contamination Presentation Published for First Time (DESMOGBLOG.COM)
New Study Finds High Levels of Arsenic in Groundwater Near Fracking Sites (The Daily Banter)
Dangerous levels of radiation from fracking found in PA water (Salon)
Just a fracking well exploding into flames (Grist)
Gas and oil companies typically outsource the disposal of the waste they generate. Many times the toxic waste is not disposed of properly. Tainted water has been dumped on roads or into caves that find their way back into water supplies. Radioactive filters have been dumped and left for others to deal with. And at some point, all of this will need to be dealt with. The gas and oil companies were relieved of this responsibility because of the Halliburton loop hole that allows them to violate clean air and water laws. If they had to clean up these wastes, or pay for the care and medical attention needed by people and children affected by their pollution, they could not be profitable. So in the long run, it will be tax payers and people who live near fracking sites that will have to pay.
“Think About It”
A good energy policy results in affordable energy, clean water and clean air throughout the world
