Whatever the actual motivation, American policymakers perceived a need after 1973 to restrict automobile and light truck consumption of gasoline. How The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 imposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards on all auto and light truck manufacturers who sold vehicles in the Unite d States. The weighted average of miles per gallon (MPG) for each manufacturer’s car sales was required to be at least 18 MPG by 1978 and 27.5 MPG by 1985. Manufacturer s that failed to meet this standard were to be fined $50 per vehicle sold for each gallon (of MPG rating) by which they failed. (more…)

There are many possible reasons for suspecting market failure in a product like gasoline. Throughout the world, the exploration, refining, and selling of petroleum products has long been controlled by large firms in oligopolistic or monopolized national markets. The United States is a sufficiently large importer of oil that it could have monopsony power, which would mean that we could increase the welfare of our own citizens by reducing our imports. Moreover, the consumption of petroleum products, especially in motor vehicles, generates many negative external costs, and will begin to examine closely in the next chapter. Where there are negative externalities, a free market will overproduce and over consume. (more…)

Austria - Greenpeace was invited by the Austrian authorities to fly the flag in a nuclear power plant. Zwentendorf nuclear plant was never implemented and has been off since the 70s. Today it became a new solar power station. Our banner read: “Energy Revolution = Solution to Climate Change”. (more…)

The wind power potentially could produce 40 times more electricity than worldwide energy consumption annually, according to research led by Professor of Planetary Sciences Department of Earth and Harvard University Michael B. McElroy. Only the U.S. has enough wind resources to cover wind technology with 16 times its electricity demand. (more…)

Heating and Cooling systems can be a major contributor to a homes energy costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions. For some homes, just keeping the place comfortable can mean leaving the heater or air conditioner on for the majority of the day - using a lot of energy in the process! Save energy and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by: (more…)

In today’s tough economic times and with the increasing prices of gas and oil, finding alternative sources of energy should be our top priority. These alternative energy solutions are not only cheaper to install and maintain but also can help save our dying environment.

There are numerous sources of affordable and environmentally-friendly fuels available. You can opt for biofuels, hydroelectric power system, wind energy, or solar power system installed right at your very own home. Among these sources of energy, building solar power system is easier and the most viable one to achieve. (more…)

A home solar energy system can save you a lot of money on your household electric, gas and other bills. The sunshine is not only good for giving you a glowing tan in the summer, you can also enjoy the benefits of solar power in your home.

The resources we have been using for so many years are now running low by resources I am talking about fossil fuels. (more…)

The main reason why there is an on and off attempt of oil prices is due to depletion of our conventional energy. Our fossil fuel reserved almost nearly to its end. Hence, the world market tends to balance the trend of supply and demand. If that happens to be impossible, many countries will suffer because of insufficient of energy. We are going to take a look the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy and find out how to resolve this energy shortage. (more…)

When many people first think about building a green home, it is the materials and products that come to mind: insulation made from recycled newspaper and decking made from recycled plastic, for example. Product selection is an important part of green building, but it is generally not as important as energy performance or where the house is built (to minimize automobile use and protect natural areas), or measures to ensure a healthy indoor environment. (more…)

Lack of access to cleaner energy and the negative outwardnesses associated with energy consumption tend to cycle of poverty for poor households in developing countries. Because the poor lack access to, and often can not to afford cleaner and higher quality fuels and electricity and are therefore dependent on poor and inefficient burning biofuels such as wood and dung. (more…)