Big Green Blog

Food Prices and Innovation

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:22:07 GMT

Food prices for basic commodities are rising worldwide. Food Price Watch stated that October through February, prices for basic commodites rose 15%. Whatever the reason for such dramatic price increases, whether it be government policies, weather, ethanol production, land use pressures etc. one thing is clear. The world is going to need increased and more effective food production.

Hydroelectricity Leading The Way

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:39:00 GMT

In the most recent issue of "Monthly Energy Review" it was reported that renewable energy sources such as biomass, biofuels, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar power, and wind power provided just over 11% of domestic U.S. energy production during the first half of 2010.

Crumbling Infrastructure

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:13:00 GMT

More and more around the county we're seeing infrastructure crumble. Whether it's bridges in Minneapolis, major water mains in and around Washington DC, or oil pipelines in Michigan it's abundantly clear that our sewers, bridges, and roads could use some upkeep dollars. While the nation's infrastructure continues to age and breakdown the federal government has taken some steps which will aid the public, infrastructure owners, and environmental firms.

Under the Corrosion Prevention Act of 2009 (HR 3462) tax credits are available for energy firms that comply with federal, state and local guidelines that surround corrosion. This tax credit can be up to 50% and can be applied to materials, engineering design, or installation of new product. With the tax credit available we expect to see a jump in the number of corrosion engineers and consultants as well as an increase in work for contractors familiar with pipeline work and other related fields.

At the oil spill in the Gulf has focused national attention on environmental issues and the potential peril posed by disasters and spills energy companies will be increasingly focused on their public image. That can only be good for both environmental businesses and for the public at large.