Although wind turbines have gained a lot of acceptance in the United States, locally you might have ordinances that regulate free standing wind turbines like height or noise restrictions. But these ordinances aren't extensive to the point of making it impossible to own a wind turbine. Some consumers read more into the regulations and guideline laws than they need to. Taken in the right perspective, a homeowner can have a wind turbine and still abide by these laws, in most cases.

Almost every state has restrictions, including a law that wind turbine fields cannot be built where birds are migrating. The state with the most conflict on building and raising windmills is California. There have been a few documented cases of lawsuits over windmills and their existence in different counties. Out of all the arguments made against wind turbines there is one point that is addressed by almost every state: how wind turbines affect the scenery. However, small wind turbines are being installed all over the United States without permits or fees to any government agencies.

Energy Tags: hybrid cars, wind power

Last month, the National Hydrogen Association wrapped up its Annual Conference and Hydrogen Expo, held this year in Sacramento, California.

H2Gen’s Sandy Thomas presented the findings of a comprehensive, life cycle analysis of hybrid, plug-in, ethanol and hydrogen vehicles showing that while all of these fuel and technology pathways should be pursued for near-term benefits.

And finally:

SMUD opens hydrogen vehicle fueling station powered by the sun

Will be used to fuel SMUD hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles as well as others in the region The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is taking a bold step into the future of automotive technology. Earlier this month SMUD formally opened a solar-powered hydrogen fueling station for fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

The station is part of a joint SMUD, BP, Ford and U.S. Department of Energy project to demonstrate FCEVs and generation of hydrogen from renewable sources. The station produces hydrogen onsite using power from the sun produced by a large solar panel array. The hydrogen will be used to fuel SMUD FCEVs and other hydrogen-powered vehicles in the region. The project is the next step in a nearly two-decade-long effort by SMUD to improve local air quality by advancing alternative-fuel clean transportation, as well as cleaner power sources.

Energy Tags: solar power, battery technology

Here is what Aptura says about themselves:

The first Operating Prototype achieved over 230 Miles per gallon! Five years ago, Aptera's founder Steve Fambro endeavored to design and build a passenger vehicle that was safe, comfortable, and more fuel-efficient than anything ever produced. This aspiration, combined with his background in engineering, led him to an intensive study of aerodynamics, and composite aircraft construction. He hypothesized that a low-drag, aerodynamic body shape could be achieved without sacrificing comfort, drivability or safety. What emerged, after much designing, conceptualizing, and constructing, was a prototype two-seat, three-wheeled vehicle. This first operating prototype achieved a stunning 230 miles per gallon, Building on this success, Steve expanded his Aptera team and created the Aptera Typ-1, which has been re-designed, re-engineered, and refined into a production ready vehicle. We are excited to announce that the Aptera Typ-1 is now available for reservations.

A little preview of the Aptura from the LA Times:

Say hello to papa, I want on of these cars. Sign me up.

Energy Tags: wind power, energy resources

Ethanol

Now we have rising corn prices (read- consumer food prices) and an adminstration that is locking in support of ethonal while the community debates the merits. What do you think? Here are some videos on the subject to stimulate your thoughts.

What do you think of ethanol? Shout out and let us know.

Energy Tags: clean energy, solar power

Snippy well produced video full of info about the green energy world.

Check it out.

Here is the rundown on Zaproot from the ViroPop website:

Okay, let’s get this straight. ViroPop is NOT a new virus-flavored soda. And ZapRoot is not a show about bombarding plants with laser beams.

What is ViroPop then? Well, you could think of it as a salad. It’s green, sure, but also cool, fresh, crisp and tasty. And full of surprises. And good for you.

ViroPop is the first network on the Internet to treat the new environmental pop culture with a sense of irreverent fun. Long dreary powerpoint presentations…be gone! This is the happy Green Revolution.

And ZapRoot is ViroPop’s flagship show.

Energy Tags: alternative energy, wind power