US Receives "C" for Green Efforts

Ever wonder how the US is progressing in the “green” industry?  How environmentally friendly are we, considering all the efforts the US has made to lower carbon footprints?  According to John Doerr, head of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byer’s’ alternative energy practice, the US has earned a “C” for its current efforts.  If it weren’t for recent clean-energy stimulus funding, the US would have earned a “D” or “F” according to Mr. Doerr. 

Last week, GM, Ford, and Toyota agreed to double the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the US.  This will create a fleet of vehicles with an average of 54.5MPG by 2025.  Doerr also rated the US’s biotech development a “B.” 

What do you think needs to be done to increase the US’s ratings in these science fields? 

Source:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-03/john-doerr-gives-u-s-a-c-for-alternative-energy-development.html

For more information on fuel technology, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: FUEL TECHNOLOGY – Transportation Innovations.
http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#4

Biofuels in the Heartland

Southwest Kansas is soon to join in the harvesting of biofuels.  The US Department of Agriculture announced it will help fund 75% of the conversion of 20,000 acres in Southwest Kansas and a small portion of Oklahoma to convert switchgrass to biofuels.

The Abengoa Biofuels plant will be operating in Hugoton, Kansas by 2013.  According to an Abengoa news release, the plant will convert 315,000 dry tons of switchgrass into 25 million gallons of ethanol.  This amount of ethanol can generate 25 megawatts of electricity. 

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9OO2T880.htm

For more information on fuel technology, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: FUEL TECHNOLOGY – Transportation Innovations.

http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#4