6 chapters across the catalog
Officials in Phoenix are advocating for extreme heat to be classified as a natural disaster to unlock FEMA funding. The discussion touches on the transition to "greener" energy, with a mention of United Airlines' push for sustainable aviation fuel made from corn and soybeans. The hosts express skepticism about the cost and efficiency of biofuels compared to traditional energy sources.
Executive Order, Federal Sustainability and Green Button Initiative
President Barack Obama issued an executive order on March 19, 2015, focused on federal sustainability and greenhouse gas reductions for the next decade. A central component is the "Green Button Initiative," a White House-backed effort to provide utility customers with secure access to their energy usage data. The initiative aims to standardize data access across 50 utilities to encourage consumer energy efficiency.
Media Titles, Nuclear Energy and Sustainable Solutions
The hosts mock the formal titles used for guests on Democracy Now! and discuss the lack of media coverage regarding nuclear energy as a sustainable solution. They argue that the public is kept in a state of "idiocy" regarding real energy alternatives.
Thorium Nuclear Reactors as Sustainable Energy Solution
A proposal is made to accept the science of global warming only if the public also accepts the science of modern thorium nuclear reactors. While gas-fired plants suffered explosions during the recent storm, the majority of nuclear plants functioned safely or shut down as a precaution. Thorium is presented as a sustainable alternative that can reuse waste as fuel, despite public fears stemming from events like Fukushima.
Bureau of Energy Resources, African Trade Missions, China Competition
The State Department's newly constituted Energy Bureau is sending trade missions to Africa to promote American energy firms. Secretary Clinton emphasized the need for "sustainable development" of African resources, which is interpreted as a move to counter Chinese influence in the region. The U.S. is also utilizing drone bases in Djibouti to secure areas for these economic interests.
Alliance for Sustainable Energy and MRI Global
The "National Clean Fleets Partnership" is managed by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, an LLC owned by Battelle and MRI Global. This entity operates the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) under a $1.1 billion government contract. The hosts investigate MRI Global's leadership, noting their deep ties to the nuclear and chemical defense industries.
