Green Energy Urged in Both Bethlehem City and Township

Yesterday, former Vice President Joe Biden released an ambitious and expensive ($1.7 trillion) plan to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050. He would pay for it by rolling back corporate tax cuts spearheaded by Republicans. He'd also rejoin the Paris Climate Accord his first day in office. In stark contrast to Biden, the Trump administration has done its best to dismantle every environmental protection enacted by his predecessors. Unless a huge Democratic majority is elected in both the Senate and the House, it's highly doubtful that Biden's plan will ever become reality. But there's hope. While our so-called national leaders scoff at the science behind man-made climate change, local governments are beginning to wake up.Even here in the Lehigh Valley.

Last month, Northampton County became the first in the state to adopt a clean energy financing tool enabling property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects. It's called C-PACE.

On Monday night, in Bethlehem Tp, Commissioner John Gallagher had two environmental proposals. He wants to establish an Environmental Advisory Council. He pointed out that the township would "get points" in the state mandate to reduce sedimentation if it establishes a Council. While other Commissioners want to review the proposal, no one spoke against it.

In addition, Gallagher asked Commissioners to adopt a policy to purchase electric or hybrid vehicles for the Township's non-emergency fleet. This consists of about 10 vehicles. The Township has no need for non-emergency vehicles at the moment, but Council President Michael Hudak promised to bring this up when the need arises.

Perhaps the most ambitious proposal comes from Bethlehem,which does have an Environmental Advisory Council. It is chaired by Lynn Rothman, and she urged Bethlehem City Council to take action on a solar ordinance her group proposed in late April. If enacted, it would require commercial projects equal to or greater than 10,000 square feet, or that contain 10 or more residential units, to be energized with solar panels if an assessment determines that it is feasible. This is similar to an ordinance enacted in Watertown, Ma.

Unlike a meaningless plastic straw ban, this proposal actually would reduce Bethlehem's carbon footprint. But at what cost? Would construction costs result in higher rents? At the end of the meeting, Council member Olga Negron went on a crying jag as she complained about her inability to find an affordable apartment on the south side. So Council needs to determine whether this proposal could exacerbate Bethlehem's affordable housing problem.

Old Technology For Renewable Energy At Hugh Moore Park

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure yesterday announced a $1.4 million grant from the Pennsylvania Alternative Clean Energy Program for the construction of a new 520 kW zero emissions hydro facility at Hugh Moore Park in Easton. This grant was awarded to New England Hydropower, LLC (NEHC) of Beverly, MA. Northampton County Council voted to provide matching funds for the project at their July 19, 2018 meeting.

The Northampton County investment is a loan to be repaid over 10 years at current market rates. There is a possibility that NEHC will repay this loan by supplying power to the county.

“Our extensive canal and dam systems presents a great opportunity to provide renewable power to our residents,” said McClure. “This is an important step in building a green future for Northampton County.”

This hydroelectric power generator is commonly referred to as an Archimedes Screw, and has been in use for thousands of years. To generate electricity, the screw is used in reverse where water enters at the top and the weight pushes on the helical flights, causing the screw to rotate. This rotational energy can then be extracted by an electrical generator connected to the main shaft. The turbine is fish-friendly and capable of generating enough power for up to 400 homes over the next 40 years.

Archimedes screws are commonly used in Europe to produce clean power. NEHC installed the first one in America in Meriden, CT in 2017.

This project was originally referred to McClure by State Rep. Bob Freeman.

This Archimedes screw will be located right by the canal boat.

A second site is also under consideration at Ground Hog lock in Williams Tp.

The two sites combined would provide energy for 800 residences.

Go Solar or The Planet Will Explode

Anthony Gattullo warns solar is expensive

In the years leading up to the Great Depression, people living in the Great Plains were told by experts that the best way to insure rain was to till more of the barren soil. It instead insured The Dust Bowl. More experts paraded into town, promising to send cloudbusters into the sky ... for a price. The result was more dust. Now the latest expert is here in the Lehigh Valley, with a very sobering message. Apparently, we've got about ten years max to change our evil ways ... or else.

This 21st Century rainmaker is Community Energy's Joel Thomas, who spoke to a crowd of about fifteen people, most of them Lehigh students, at the Bethlehem Public Library on September 4. Mixed in with this mostly student crowd were about four members of Thomas' own company.

Community Energy boasts about 80,000 customers in the Northeast, and is now expanding into the Lehigh Valley

After a power point presentation that included scary pictures of Hurricane Sandy and graphs showing that the planet is about to explode, Thomas explained that a big part of the problem is those dirty fossil fuel power plants. He then produced an ugly picture of one of them, which he rides by on his bicycle twice a week.

"They make me sad," Thomas said. He added that he's also losing sleep over our coral reefs.

The only way to reverse this dire situation, according to Thomas, is to switch to his energy company. It's based solely on solar power. It will cost a little more than a fossil fuel tab, but there will be no emissions. The company already has a solar plant on a preserved farm in Lancaster County, which generates enough power for 4,000 homes. His company's goal is to have 20% of Pennsylvania's power generated through solar power.

"Instead of putting profits into our pockets, we'll put them into more renewables," Thomas pledged.

"So you're a nonprofit?"

"No," he answered, as a member of his company burst out in laughter.

The company is privately held, too.

One of the few actual homeowners who attended the presentation is Bethlehem resident Anthony Gattullo. He told Thomas that converting his home to solar power would cost him $37,000. Thomas said that price has dropped in recent years, and added his company sometimes lends the upfront costs.

After filling the library to capacity with carbon emissions, Thomas and his co-workers, along with a few climate control activists, adjourned to enjoy carrots, celery and cakes from Vegan Treats. He invited everyone to join him at he Wooden Match, where he would presumably be emitting carbon. .

He closed by saying that the fossil power companies like PPL are neither bad nor good, but just are.

Updated 9:45 AM: Paul Muschick's informative "Watchdog" column is warning readers about a practice among electric power salesmen known as "slamming", in which people are signed up as customers without their agreement.

Portland Power Plant's Closure Means 70 Fewer Jobs

The Morning Call yesterday reported that GenOn Energy, a power plant behemoth will close its Portland power plant, along with seven others, by 2015. In a notification to Northampton County, GenOn spokesperson Mark Baird was very clear on the reason: "This deactivation is being driven by the costs of complying with upcoming environmental regulations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)."

Environmentalists are hailing the closure, but it will also mean the loss of 70 good jobs in the economically depressed Slate Belt.

Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent believes the EPA should have been more flexible with GenOn, as he makes clear in this statement:

"I was very disappointed to learn GenOn Energy will soon shutter the Slate Belt’s Portland Generating Station, costing over 70 local residents their jobs and eliminating a valuable source of tax revenue for the Bangor Area School District. Last year, I joined U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey in expressing our concern to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it’s imposed deadline for the Portland facility to comply with costly environmental standards may be premature and could threaten local jobs, reduce reliability and increase energy costs. While I agree steps must be taken to improve local air quality, the potential impact on local jobs must also be taken into account when developing and implementing federal environmental regulations. The EPA must begin cooperating with domestic industries to achieve realistic environmental goals in a manner that does not unduly risk American jobs. Based on today’s announcement, the EPA clearly did not offer the flexibility to meet emission reductions goals the Senators and I recommended.”

Zero Carbon Neighborhood On Its Way to Bethlehem's South Side

Developer Larry Eighmy wants to bring an "island of conservation and sensitivity" to South Bethlehem, a zero carbon neighborhood reducing emissions by 85%. But before that can happen, he needed a parking variance from the Zoning Hearing Board at their September 28 meeting.

Eighmy's Sycamore Hill Farm Development, LLC, already owns numerous properties in the area, including the Flatiron Building located at 301 Broadway, which has a concentrated solar system on its roof. He's now planning a gastropub, with seating for 140 patrons, at 409 and 411 Wyandotte Street, formerly home to the Globe Cafe.

Represented by Bethlehem Attorney Lisa Pereira, Eighmy testified that "[t]his isn't your average project." Instead of emptying storm water down a drain, it will be used for nonpotable purposes. The restaurant will be powered by a vegawatt, which uses waste vegetable oil to provide electricity and heat. In addition, the solar panels atop the Flatiron building will contribute to energy needs. A variable refrigerating system will be employed, and Eighmy has plans to introduce a car sharing program on site to reduce driving needs. There's no parking at the proposed site, and no on-street parking in that area of Wyandotte Street. Fortunately, Eighmy owns 6 parking lots and garages adjacent to the proposed gastropub, with 91 spaces available for use.

According to Martha Popichak, who owns 417 Wyandotte Street across the street, that's not enough. "We have our own hardship," she explained, noting that it is very difficult to find parking in that area, and that a gastropub with a 130-person capacity will only exacerbate that problem. Although she complimented Eighmy's proposal as "worthy plan," she told zoners that "you cannot forget the rest of the neighborhood." She noted that she's already lost two business tenants at her Wyandotte Street property because there's no place for customers to park.

Popichak told zoners this parking problem started when a parking lane was removed from Wyandotte Street. She added that, despite a 2008 City Council resolution calling for the parking lane's return, nothing has happened.

While zoners deliberated, so did Popichak and Eighmy. They agreed to lobby City officials for a return of the parking lane. After zoners voted unanimously to grant Eighmy a parking variance, member Bill Fitzpatrick suggested that Eighmy and Popichak get together with neighbors to "do something about that parking lane."

"We already had that conversation," answered Eighmy.

Dent Supports Hydrogen, Obama Supports Hot Air

LV Congressman Charlie Dent  on Friday was among the majority in a 219-196 vote to support the 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, the fifth of 12 annual funding bills to be considered by the House this year,

Although the measure provides $30.6 billion in funding for programs administered by the Department of Energy (DOE), Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and other federal agencies. Reflecting the need to control excessive federal spending, funding in the bill is still $5.9 billion below President Obama’s request and $1 billion below 2011 levels.

Instead of spending $1 billion on speculative high speed rail projects, the House wants that money to go to Midwest flood relief.

Dent claims this Energy and Water Bill “strikes a sensible balance between our need to reign in excessive federal spending and provide crucial funding for programs that benefit the American people.”

It includes $116 million for the continued development of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Dent, a founder and co-chair of the House Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Caucus, rejected President Obama’s proposal to advance other alternative and renewable programs at the expense of hydrogen and fuel cells and worked to ensure more reasonable investment in the promising technology.

“I urge the Obama Administration to promote energy diversification rather than choosing winners and losers. I am glad Congress has embraced an all-of-the-above approach that includes alternative and renewable technologies, domestic oil and natural gas, clean coal and enhanced energy efficiency,” said Rep. Dent. “Hydrogen and fuel cells have the capacity to transform global energy production and consumption. Continued support for this cutting-edge technology will help produce cleaner energy while creating jobs across the nation, including here in the 15th District, and ensure the United States remains the global leader in the development of hydrogen and fuel cells.”

All but ten Democrats nixed the Bill, which moves on to the Senate. They have yet to pass a single funding bill this year.

Charlie Dent, Pathfinder

Hawkeye. Davy Crockett. LV Congressman Charlie Dent. That's right, baby, they're all Pathfinders.

Dent, a long-time proponent of alternative energy was this week awarded the 2011 Pathfinder Award from the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) for his advocacy concerning hydrogen energy.

“I am extremely proud to receive the 2011 Pathfinder Award from the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association,” Dent said in a news release. “I am eager to work with the Association and the members of the Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Caucus to ensure the continued development of this critical, domestic clean energy.”

Dent is a founding member of the Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Caucus in Congress. He is an advocate for crucial programs that advance hydrogen and fuel cell technology development and deployment. Dent is also a leader in promoting tax credits for hydrogen fueling stations and fuel cells, which have been instrumental in the commercial deployment of fuel cell systems at leading corporations and educational institutions across the U.S.

“It is a great honor to have Rep. Dent fighting side by side with us in the battle to restore adequate funding for fuel cells and hydrogen energy” said Ruth Cox, President and Executive Director of FCHEA.

When the ceremony was over, Dent and Cox went for a ride in a blimp.

Supervisors Approve "Cave Man" HVAC For Hanover Resident

When he stood in front of Hanover Township's Board of Supervisors on October 13, his engineer repeatedly called him "Mister" Brau. In truth he is Doctor Alan Brau, with a busy medical practice in Bethlehem. A modest man, he is the person who first cast a public spotlight on problems with Northampton County's voting machines in 2006. Built with uncertified hardware, those machines had to be scrapped. But Dr. Brau's appearance before Hanover Supervisors had nothing to do with elections. He was there because he's getting cold, and needed their blessing on an unusual heating and cooling system for his home.

Dr. Brau would like to use the earth to heat and cool his home. It's called geothermal, or "cave man" technology. Caves are always warmer than the outside air in Winter and cooler in the Summer. This difference between outside air temperature and earth temperature can be used to create a silent, inexpensive and environmentally friendly HVAC system. (You can see a video explaining how it works here).

Under a stand -alone ordinance for geothermal, Dr. Brau's six bore holes had to be 25' away from the public right of way and 25' feet away from his home. This basically left Kocher's Water Pumps with no room to work. Kocher plans to sink coils into those holes to soak up the earth's temperature and send it on to Dr. Brau's home.

Supervisors were asked to waive the setback requirements and allow the use of a 15% ethanol solution to go through the coils. Asked if it was safe, Jake Kocher told Supervisors that the solution is biodegradable. "You can drink it," he assured. He also noted that, in the event of a leak, the system automatically shuts down and an alarm is signaled. No more than a half gallon would seep into the ground.

Supervisor Stephen R. Salvesen recommended Dr. Brau's project on the condition that Hanover Township be held harmless from any liability and submits a plan for periodic inspection and maintenance. Solicitor James Broughal, who ruled that Supervisors have the authority to grant waivers from stand-alone ordinances, agreed to prepare the agreement. Salvesen's motion passed unanimously among the four Supervisors present. Chairman John N. Diacogiannis was away on business.

Told that he was the first person in Hanover Township to apply for a geothermal system, Dr. Brau said, "I hope you have a lot more of these systems. I think they're great."

In other business, Public Works Director Vincent G. Milite told Supervisors that recent heavy rains resulted in 8 or 9 sinkholes in the Township, most in the vicinity of Maria Pond. He said it took 156 tons of screenings, or crusher sand, to plug up the holes.

Township Manager Jay Finnigan told Supervisors he has a copy of Northampton County's 2011 budget available for inspection. "It's multiple choice," he said, adding "I have not taken that approach."

Hanover Township will vote on its budget in December.