The two positions for Amendment 58 go like this: support the measure to have the oil and gas industry pay taxes with the possibility of $200 million being passed down to consumers, or do not support the measure and allow the oil and gas industry to continue to receive a substantial tax break at the expense of the state's tax payers.
Nearly $200 million could become available for supporting education and environmental action but it is not certain that energy costs will rise because of the governmental regulations on utility prices.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1029062/analysis_of_colorados_amendment_58.html
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A $321 million tax hike
Denver Post- October 10, 2008
A counterpoint to Gov. Ritter's article is that amendment 58 is essentially a tax hike for oil and gas producers but the tax will be passed on to consumers through higher retail costs of energy bills. What I think is flawed about this argument is that the public will not have a tax increase in sales tax, property tax, or income tax. the only tax being influenced is that on the extraction and sale of oil and gas. This is a way for the state to level the tax base for all oil and gas industry, under $300,000 pays no tax and over $300,000 pays 5% tax. Seems easy enough to me, maybe income tax should be divided the same/similar way.
http://origin.denverpost.com/ci_10682431
A counterpoint to Gov. Ritter's article is that amendment 58 is essentially a tax hike for oil and gas producers but the tax will be passed on to consumers through higher retail costs of energy bills. What I think is flawed about this argument is that the public will not have a tax increase in sales tax, property tax, or income tax. the only tax being influenced is that on the extraction and sale of oil and gas. This is a way for the state to level the tax base for all oil and gas industry, under $300,000 pays no tax and over $300,000 pays 5% tax. Seems easy enough to me, maybe income tax should be divided the same/similar way.
http://origin.denverpost.com/ci_10682431
Stop subsidizing big oil
Denver Post- October 10, 2008
Amendment 58 does two things for the State of Colorado: 1) eliminate a collective $300 million tax subsidy for oil companies in the state and companies that produce over $300,000 pay a flat rate of 5% while producers under $300,000 pay no tax, 2) tax revenue from oil and gas production will pay for public education and college scholarships as well as environmental preservation.
I think it is unfair for industry to extract resources and not pay their way in taxes, because the taxes are in place to provide education to the employees extracting the resources and to recover the landscape.
http://origin.denverpost.com/ci_10682420
Amendment 58 does two things for the State of Colorado: 1) eliminate a collective $300 million tax subsidy for oil companies in the state and companies that produce over $300,000 pay a flat rate of 5% while producers under $300,000 pay no tax, 2) tax revenue from oil and gas production will pay for public education and college scholarships as well as environmental preservation.
I think it is unfair for industry to extract resources and not pay their way in taxes, because the taxes are in place to provide education to the employees extracting the resources and to recover the landscape.
http://origin.denverpost.com/ci_10682420
Oil's steep drop leads OPEC to call meeting
Denver Post- October 10, 2008
It is quite interesting how record high oil prices which were comfortably supporting OPEC has lead to massive recessions around the world. And now that oil is dropping below $100 a barrel OPEC recognizes that they are beginning to experience a recession. The goal of the meeting is to coordinate a rise in oil prices by reducing oil production, supply and demand. The problem with a coordinated effort to fluctuate the oil price is that we may face an oil shortage again like the 70's. Two to three weeks ago the south was facing massive shortages because of storms and pipeline diversions. It will certainly be exciting when we have shortages again.
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_10682441
It is quite interesting how record high oil prices which were comfortably supporting OPEC has lead to massive recessions around the world. And now that oil is dropping below $100 a barrel OPEC recognizes that they are beginning to experience a recession. The goal of the meeting is to coordinate a rise in oil prices by reducing oil production, supply and demand. The problem with a coordinated effort to fluctuate the oil price is that we may face an oil shortage again like the 70's. Two to three weeks ago the south was facing massive shortages because of storms and pipeline diversions. It will certainly be exciting when we have shortages again.
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_10682441
Chevron to post gusher of earnings
Denver Post- October 10, 2008
Nearly $6 billion earnings in one quarter for Chevron is really quite impressive, considering Exxon Mobil which produces only 3 percent of the worlds oil had earnings of $11.68. The six major international oil companies topped $50 billion in profit. It seems pretty ridiculous that the oil industry profits hundreds of billions of dollars every year, but that's just good business. What I would like to see is more oil produces investing in clean technologies to help transition away from oil. I think $50 billion would go pretty far in cleaning up the environment and funding research.
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_10682446
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/31/oil-profits-shatter-recor_n_116022.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25964073/
Nearly $6 billion earnings in one quarter for Chevron is really quite impressive, considering Exxon Mobil which produces only 3 percent of the worlds oil had earnings of $11.68. The six major international oil companies topped $50 billion in profit. It seems pretty ridiculous that the oil industry profits hundreds of billions of dollars every year, but that's just good business. What I would like to see is more oil produces investing in clean technologies to help transition away from oil. I think $50 billion would go pretty far in cleaning up the environment and funding research.
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_10682446
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/31/oil-profits-shatter-recor_n_116022.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25964073/
Oil trove a tough recovery
Denver Post- October 10, 2008
Brazil becoming an oil superpower exporter is so much more likely than being a country full of wealth from oil exploration. Every OPEC country is full of corruption and extreme poverty and wealth. Saudi Arabia, the largest exporter, is still an under-developed country that lacks many amenities that one would expect for a county so rich in a resource. It is an interesting prospect for Brazil's economy but they face many challenges in retrieving the oil. It would be great if our government would allow off shore drilling to help supplement our oil necessities. It also seems to me that Brazil is preparing for a war over their oil field, which is a scary thought.
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_10682194
Brazil becoming an oil superpower exporter is so much more likely than being a country full of wealth from oil exploration. Every OPEC country is full of corruption and extreme poverty and wealth. Saudi Arabia, the largest exporter, is still an under-developed country that lacks many amenities that one would expect for a county so rich in a resource. It is an interesting prospect for Brazil's economy but they face many challenges in retrieving the oil. It would be great if our government would allow off shore drilling to help supplement our oil necessities. It also seems to me that Brazil is preparing for a war over their oil field, which is a scary thought.
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_10682194
Airline system wasting billions in fuel
Denver Post- October 10, 2008
It is surprising that we are in a technological or robotic revolution but we still use inefficient and outdated systems that are wasting billions of dollars. The airline industry is regulated by the federal government but I do not think it is the governments responsibility to transition all private aircraft to a new navigation system. Critics argue that the Bush administration has been unsuccessful in making this transition a national priority, but why would this be national priority over other domestic issues that are affecting the entire country. This is just one more topic that the Democratic Congress wants to turn against the administration for no reason. Granted the airline industry should transition but here is another kicker that does not encourage the transition, $10 million savings by 2025 when the plan costs $35 billion. It will take nearly 30 years for this plan to pay itself back, not encouraging enough for private industry.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10682654
It is surprising that we are in a technological or robotic revolution but we still use inefficient and outdated systems that are wasting billions of dollars. The airline industry is regulated by the federal government but I do not think it is the governments responsibility to transition all private aircraft to a new navigation system. Critics argue that the Bush administration has been unsuccessful in making this transition a national priority, but why would this be national priority over other domestic issues that are affecting the entire country. This is just one more topic that the Democratic Congress wants to turn against the administration for no reason. Granted the airline industry should transition but here is another kicker that does not encourage the transition, $10 million savings by 2025 when the plan costs $35 billion. It will take nearly 30 years for this plan to pay itself back, not encouraging enough for private industry.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10682654
Friday, October 10, 2008
Personal action plan
Personal action plan topic- Drilling legislation in Colorado for the 2008 elections
I have been interested in the oil and gas industry because our live revolve around the two resources. What I am going to do is research drilling in Colorado, the ballot measures for the November 4 election, and follow the measures through voting. I think the oil and gas industry may be one of the most important industries in the world because everything we do requires one or the other, and understanding them better will help with promoting change.
I have been interested in the oil and gas industry because our live revolve around the two resources. What I am going to do is research drilling in Colorado, the ballot measures for the November 4 election, and follow the measures through voting. I think the oil and gas industry may be one of the most important industries in the world because everything we do requires one or the other, and understanding them better will help with promoting change.
Ligntning bugs facing dim future
Denver Post- August 31, 2008
'Canary in a coal mine'... exactly. The number of species that have gone extinct or are now endangered is astounding. The sad reality is that many of these species are in danger because of our actions- pollution, food hunting, urban sprawl, habitat loss, climate change, ecosystem disturbance. The future looks grim for many creatures because of our daily endeavours, and the future/past of species helps to tell us the health of the Earth. Sure a little lightning bug poses little risk to the well being of mankind, but the chain effect of one specie or the repetition of hundreds of dying species does suggest a critical problem.
'Canary in a coal mine'... exactly. The number of species that have gone extinct or are now endangered is astounding. The sad reality is that many of these species are in danger because of our actions- pollution, food hunting, urban sprawl, habitat loss, climate change, ecosystem disturbance. The future looks grim for many creatures because of our daily endeavours, and the future/past of species helps to tell us the health of the Earth. Sure a little lightning bug poses little risk to the well being of mankind, but the chain effect of one specie or the repetition of hundreds of dying species does suggest a critical problem.
UNC professor steering away from corn for biodiesel
Denver Post- August 29, 2008
Check out this paper I wrote on biodiesel a couple of years ago. I found that algae is about 10 times more productive than corn for fuel. The emphasis on corn is completely absurd because of the economic impact and how directly corn influences the price of food. The entire country of Brazil runs E80 or higher gasoline, but not from corn which the US in now cultivating specifically for fuel. Brazil acquires most of its ethanol from the stalks of sugar cane after it has been processed. The US must look elsewhere for ethanol because cont is not the answer. Corn ethanol has had a huge economic impact in Northern Colorado where Weld County was at one time the most productive county in the US, and now farmers are feeding a new market. I think there are much better sources for two main reasons: 1-energy yield 2-loss of land for food cultivation. Don't get me wrong, I think corn ethanol should still be supported, but only until another better system addresses the problem of fuel sources.
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_10327944
Check out this paper I wrote on biodiesel a couple of years ago. I found that algae is about 10 times more productive than corn for fuel. The emphasis on corn is completely absurd because of the economic impact and how directly corn influences the price of food. The entire country of Brazil runs E80 or higher gasoline, but not from corn which the US in now cultivating specifically for fuel. Brazil acquires most of its ethanol from the stalks of sugar cane after it has been processed. The US must look elsewhere for ethanol because cont is not the answer. Corn ethanol has had a huge economic impact in Northern Colorado where Weld County was at one time the most productive county in the US, and now farmers are feeding a new market. I think there are much better sources for two main reasons: 1-energy yield 2-loss of land for food cultivation. Don't get me wrong, I think corn ethanol should still be supported, but only until another better system addresses the problem of fuel sources.
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_10327944
The tragedy of the commons- on religion
Under the section of the Tragedy of the Commons on Moral, Religious, Ethical Appeals- there was a statement that many writers have argued that Christianity lacks a pro-environmental stance, but I stand the difference. God commanded that men be stewards of the Earth, rule over animals, and be as numerous as the sands on the beach or stars in the sky. The Lord commanded that we respect and take care of the land we have been given and provide for our offspring. Jesus does not teach recycling but he taught respect, honor, grace, and care. Christians help and care for brothers and sisters in good times or bad, when one needs a hand, and when the future depends on the actions we take now.
I'll say environmentalism is not a topic preached in the pulpit or a major belief for Christians, in other words Christianity is not about environmentalism, but Christians are not trying to destroy the Earth either.
Greeley's analysis of Christians and the environment may be well in line that is ends up being political conservatism that aligns Christians with environment issues.
I'll say environmentalism is not a topic preached in the pulpit or a major belief for Christians, in other words Christianity is not about environmentalism, but Christians are not trying to destroy the Earth either.
Greeley's analysis of Christians and the environment may be well in line that is ends up being political conservatism that aligns Christians with environment issues.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
CU recognized for eco-efforts
Denver Post- August 28, 2008
I am glad to be part of a university that takes responsibility for being a steward of Earth. We were commanded as descendants of Adam and Eve to take care of the world in which we were given to use. Humans have possibly damaged the Earth beyond its breaking point, but it is our responsibility to revert the ill effects and care for future generations. Congratulations to CU for being 'ranked' as green (whatever arbitrary rankings exist). Unfortunately not everyone understands how to be clean and protect what we have in short supply. I will say the ranking system may not be the most accurate process but it is quite evident what the health of Earth is, and it doesn't look prospective.
I am glad to be part of a university that takes responsibility for being a steward of Earth. We were commanded as descendants of Adam and Eve to take care of the world in which we were given to use. Humans have possibly damaged the Earth beyond its breaking point, but it is our responsibility to revert the ill effects and care for future generations. Congratulations to CU for being 'ranked' as green (whatever arbitrary rankings exist). Unfortunately not everyone understands how to be clean and protect what we have in short supply. I will say the ranking system may not be the most accurate process but it is quite evident what the health of Earth is, and it doesn't look prospective.
Almanac sees rough winter
Denver Post-August 25, 2008
The farmers almanac has been a trusted source for weather predictions for decades, but it is clear that forecasts/predictions are uncertain and increasingly irregular. In my lifetime I have seen white Christmas' and hot Christmas', drought and excess snow pack. I believe climate change is broad but has been evident in many different ways around Earth. Will cities drown... probably not in my life, but that's not to say I shouldn't concern myself with our situation. Sure there are cycles in weather patterns, they have been recorded using ice core samples from Antarctica, but history hasn't recorded events like what we are experiencing now.
This article comes into play with our group project concerning energy efficiency and what home owners can do.
http://news.politicswest.com/nationworld/ci_10293158
The farmers almanac has been a trusted source for weather predictions for decades, but it is clear that forecasts/predictions are uncertain and increasingly irregular. In my lifetime I have seen white Christmas' and hot Christmas', drought and excess snow pack. I believe climate change is broad but has been evident in many different ways around Earth. Will cities drown... probably not in my life, but that's not to say I shouldn't concern myself with our situation. Sure there are cycles in weather patterns, they have been recorded using ice core samples from Antarctica, but history hasn't recorded events like what we are experiencing now.
This article comes into play with our group project concerning energy efficiency and what home owners can do.
http://news.politicswest.com/nationworld/ci_10293158
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