Where there's a Will, there's a way

Clean Energy Springfield blog has a new poster named Kevin. I'll let him decide how much of an introduction he wants to give for himself on his blog, but he's very knowledgeable on a variety of energy and environmental issues.

His first post is on an issue I've had many people bring up lately: mercury in compact florescent light bulbs. I've heard a few people bring up the mercury content of CFL's with a defeatist attitude, suggesting that they aren't an effective way of reducing mercury pollution, but Kevin points out they're still a good product as long as they're disposed of properly.

CES Blog was originally meant to be a group blog, but other than a couple posts I wrote early on, it has been written entirely by Greg Claxton. Its definitely nice to have Kevin join the blog. While you're over there, check out the cool graphic in the sidebar representing the wind speed at the farms supplying Springfield's wind energy.

I recently added EarthlingAngst to my list of Illinois blogs. Her focus is on global warming and her post yesterday focuses on one of my favorite topics, clean car alternatives.

One of the arguments the auto industry lobbying groups make against better car emission regulations in Illinois is their spurious claim that it will limit consumer choice. I find it unlikely, given current gas prices, that consumers are going to eagerly demand cars that get fewer miles to the gallon when they're finally given a choice of better mileage vehicles.

My own frustration is the lack of choices American car companies are currently offering those interested in hybrid, or plug-in hybrid cars. Even when American car companies do offer hybrids, its typically an SUV or sedan that makes limited use of hybrid technology with disappointing mileage improvements. Why should I spend the extra money on an American hybrid if I'm only getting 30 or 45 mpg instead of the 60 mpg I can get with a Prius? American auto companies and workers are the ones suffering most from this half-hearted approach that doesn't respond to consumer demands.