Drilling the North American Serengeti

"Using backdoor tactics to destroy America's last great wild frontier will not solve our nation's energy problems and will do nothing to lower skyrocketing gas prices," Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), set aside for environmental protection in 1961, was opened up to oil development by our Senate. Past measures to lift the ban have been defeated because supporters were unable to coerce the 60 votes necessary to break the filibuster. So, they added the article in a budget measure that was impervious to filibuster. Apparently, the oil leases are expected to generate 2.4 billion in revenue by 2010. None of the oil from ANWR is available for export.

Supporters claim that this is key to overcoming our energy crisis. There is an estimated 10.5 billion barrels to be gained by drilling the coastal plain of ANWR. The US uses about 7.3 billion barrels a year. So, we compromise the North American Serengeti for a year and a quarter's worth of oil.

Once development begins, it will take 10 years for the first drop of oil. Production will not peak until at least 2025 and then it may generate up to 20 million barrels of oil a day.

Toothpaste Packaging

Is it really necessary to package toothpaste in a cardboard box? Think of how many trees that could be saved if companies ditched the box. Yeah, it's easier to stock on the shelves, increases brand recognition and arguably insures product integrity. But it is so wasteful. The box is presumably trashed once the consumer chooses to use the product and is superfluous prior to that point. I mean, do you know anyone who actually reuses the toothpaste box once it's been opened?

Green Mortgages

There is renewed interest in Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) as home heating costs are expected to increase by 30% this winter and the "frothy" real estate environment has priced some buyers out of the market. Green mortgages have been available since the 70's but few lenders were willing to offer them because of the red tape involved. Prior to 2003 lenders had to underwrite them individually and it wasn't worth the inconvenience.

A new home will qualify if the builder has certified that it was designed and built to energy efficient standards. Or, for both new and existing homes a home energy rater can issue a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) report that estimates both the energy savings and/or suggests improvements. A HERS report costs between $150 - $400.

Having an energy efficient home will lower your utility bill, increase the resale value of your home, and earn you tax credits through the new Energy Policy Act.

Fannie Mae is currently the largest provider of EEMs.