There has been quite a political theater circus happening in Kentucky this past week. Democrats and Republicans have been tripping all over themselves to hold press conferences with the owner of a potential ZAP! factory as well as clear the legal roadblocks that currently bar certain three-wheeled electric cars from the roads of the bluegrass state. It seems the kerfuffle started when Republican senators, Dan Seum of Louisville and Gary Tapp of Shelbyville, sent out a press release July 2nd announcing an appearance at Integrity Manufacturing in Shepherdsville. Also appearing at the would be owner Randy Waldman and local ZAP! dealership general manager, Larry Cottingham, to announce their legislative intentions and support for new jobs at the facility.

Democrats preempted the senators with a press conference of their own which they scheduled for the day before the original media event. The senators "R" then decided to head the Democrats off at the pass and pre-filed a bill that would allow licensed three wheeled vehicles on roads with speed limits of 45 mph and under. The Dems finally held their press conference but unfortunately forgot to go over some details with Bullitt County businessmen and the Xebra they crowed they would test drive was a no show. Their corrected press release indicated that they would inspect what they termed a "Segway scooter" (we think they meant a Zappy 3) instead.

What do they make of all this at ZAP HQ in California? It seems that, while ZAP seems somewhat interested in manufacturing stateside, they say any "formal conversations" with this factory owner have not been held. Regardless of what side of the political fence you reside on, the whole hoo-hah makes for great reading as it was nicely chronicled on the WHAS11 Political Blog.

[Source: WHAS11 / Courier Journal]

The House of Representatives passed the energy tax bill yesterday. The White House has threatened to veto the bill, but this one probably won't make it as far as the president's desk. Other bills similar to this energy tax bill died in the Senate but with $102 barrels of oil and $4 gallon of gas not out of the question, some extra political support might be behind the bill this time. Stay tuned.

[Source: Bloomberg]

California Assemblyman, Ira Ruskin has withdrawn a bill that would have put a one-time fee of $2,500 on the sale price of new gas guzzlers. If it made it into law, it would have been American's first feebate law, which would also provide a rebate of $2,500 for green cars. Ira has tried to enact a similar bill into law with even with considerable industry opposition. He says he will try again but, for now, his California Clean Car Discount Act is dead in the water. California is not alone: very little will be asked of individuals on the national level as well even though studies show feebates work.

Related:

• Drivers will not play a role in carbon law
• Gas guzzler tax coming to the Netherlands
• Israeli government passes "green tax" on cars

[Source: Contra Costa Times]

The Thanksgiving episode (Nov. 23) of The McLaughlin Group had a lot to say about green transport. Topics such as the big three fighting with oil companies over ethanol and obesity as a reason for SUVs were talked about but the most important question was will gas cars be replaced? As you can see in the video above, Eleanor Clift says they will and McLaughlin agreed predicting the "automobile engine, as we know it, will be gone ... in 50 years."

On the other side of the argument, Pat Buchanan says the increase in the price of oil should make other technologies viable but global warming is mostly a power grab from governments. Tony Blankley thinks it takes a gallon of diesel to make a gallon and a quarter of ethanol (is that right?) and demand for oil will never go away. Let's turn the conversation over to you. Will the gas car be around in 2057?

[Source: The McLaughlin Group]

In the above video, Hillary explains her shift from voting against ethanol to supporting it in her energy plan. Hillary says she voted against ethanol on behalf of her constituents because subsidizing ethanol in the middle of the country would raise prices in New York. Hillary says she can now support ethanol because there is a broader base for ethanol in New York, which she helped create, making transportation cost no longer a factor. Here is exactly what she said:

The fact is that when we first had an occasion to vote on ethanol back in the early part of my term, I voted on behalf of my constituents. There was very credible evidence, that it would, if all we did was subsidize ethanol in the middle of the country, raise gas prices on both coasts which would have directly driven up the cost in New York and I didn't think that would be a good idea for a senator from New York and what I have been pleased about and I had a role in this, was to create a much broader base for ethanol. We now have ethanol plants in New York and so the idea that you would have only one part of the country and the transportation cost would be quite expensive because of the way ethanol has to be transported, is no longer a factor. So, I happily support corn ethanol, all forms of ethanol, research for cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel.

Hillary continues talking about visits to plants that create biodiesel from things like animal fat which she says is great and she is in favor of before she is cut off. Earlier in the video, Hillary says "environment and energy" provide the perfect platform to bring together problem solving Americans. Political tap dancing or great local representation? Sound off in comments.

Related:

• Obama: Clinton made a "major reversal" on ethanol

[Source: YouTube]

Barack Obama says that now that Hillary Clinton has changed from an anti-ethanol position to one supporting ethanol in her new energy plan, she might switch back under pressure. Here's what he said:

It's hard to believe that she is a strong ethanol supporter given her track record and this is something that represents a major reversal and what we need is consistency on these issues. ... If she's willing to shift this quickly on this issue, we don't know whether she will shift back when it gets hard.

Clinton has defended her record on ethanol, saying "I never was against using ethanol. I never was against the idea that we had to try these alternatives." Obama still thinks she could have done more. Again, Mr. Obama:

These are a lot of votes and over a lengthy period of time. ... If she were committed to alternative energy, there certainly would have been opportunities for her to amend the legislation or alter it in ways that would address any concerns that she had.

Tell us what you think. Could Hillary have shown more support for things like forcing cars to be flex fuel or adding ethanol pumps at gas stations? Do you think Hillary's support for ethanol after the election will be lukewarm? Do you think Hillary is right for not showing too much support for ethanol?

[Source: Des Moines Register]

Hillary Clinton's energy plan is expected today or tomorrow according to Grist. Hillary is widely seen as the Democratic front runner, so this energy plan will be considered by the media more than any other. What's Hillary's fuel economy standard? What does Hillary have to say about ethanol? We will keep you informed as the story develops.

So far, we know the plan will be introduced with the speech "Powering America's Future: New Energy, New Jobs" this morning at Clipper Turbine Works, Inc. in Cedar Rapids where she will take questions from the press, according to CNN. Tuesday, November 6, Hillary will give a policy address at the Renewable Energy Group in Newton, Iowa, according to a press release.

Related:

• Video: Quiet, Obama's new TV ad has "Detroit" fuel efficiency joke
• Edwards' Plan: 40 MPG Cafe, all cars flex fuel and more
• Richardson: you won't lose your SUV

[Source: Grist, CNN, Press Release]

I am starting to feel sorry for Detroit. Leading Presidential candidate Barack Obama's new TV ad, titled "Quiet," tells a joke about going to Detroit and calling for a higher fuel efficiency standard. You can watch the video for yourself below the fold. Speaking to an audience, Barack explains he cannot accept sending 800 million dollars a day to hostile nations and in the bargain, melt the ice caps. Barack continues, saying, "I went to Detroit to insist we had to increase fuel efficiency standards. I admit, the room got kinda QUIET" (hence the title of the ad). The audience laughs. We need to tell them the truth they need to hear says Obama, the crowd applauds and the 30-second ad ends.

In August, I was shocked to hear CAFE mentioned in a TV ad at all. A few days ago I wrote about how John McCain went to Detroit and said we should "increase CAFE" and got "no applause." Yesterday, I wrote about a shift in the GOP debate to vehicle energy solutions, which included Sam Brownback saying, "I think one of the key answers is right here in Detroit." Why the sudden interest in Detroit, candidates? Is Detroit-bashing playing to the politics of the primary states or newspaper headlines? Maybe it's the energy bill debate, which includes a new CAFE standard, brewing in Congress?

Whatever the reason, Detroit, the political wind is not blowing your way. I suggest a little bending. Give Hill and Terry a call or something. You are the punch line to a joke in a TV ad. That can't be a good sign.

[Source: YouTube]

Presidential hopeful Fred Thompson voted against ethanol subsidies in the Senate but has changed his tune. Thompson said he supports them now because they're a matter of "national security." Here is exactly what he said:

"I have voted against subsidies in the Senate ... But I think it's a matter now of national security, and we've got to avail ourselves of a lot of different resources, and I think renewable has to be a part of that picture."

Fred also voted Yes on terminating CAFE fuel efficiency standards back then. However, in the video above, Fred says "we've got a lot pieces to this energy puzzle. We're gonna have to use all of them. Fuel efficiency is apart of that." That may a flip-flop in position or good ol' voter "charming." Who knows?

Fred Thompson seems to imply climate change was not real in a joke he made about "alien SUV-driving industrialists who run their air conditioning at 60 degrees and refuse to recycle." However, in the video below the fold, he says "climate change is real. We have to take it seriously." By seriously, does he mean not telling jokes about climate change? Does he want to get serious at the pump? Nope, Thompson does not support an increase in the gas tax.

[Source: Boston Globe, YouTube]

Knowing a good opportunity when it smells one, Ford has launched a new advertising campaign for the Ford Escape hybrid. The print ad highlights the fact that many of the current crop of presidential candidates are tooling around America in Escape hybrids (when they're not flying, of course), and so Ford is calling the SUV "The Candidate's Choice." The ad is limited to Capital Hill publications (CongressDaily AM, CQ Today, Roll Call, The Hill and Politico), but you can see it by clicking the "campaign button" above.

None of the slight environmental benefits that driving an Escape hybird vs. a standard Escape or even a freakin sedan are enough, though, to make us forget that SUVs have screwed up what it means to drive a hybrid. Still, I like the recycled plastic waste woven into the interior fibers. As for the politicians inside? My question is: why would Ford want to be associated with some of these characters? There's a good reason the ad or the press release posted below doesn't name any candidates by name, I'm sure.

Related:

• Clintons to drive electric SUV
• Barack Obama swaps his hemi for a hybrid
• Will Fred Thompson drive around America in a pickup truck for his campaign?

[Source: Ford]

When you think lobbying group, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not green energy. But, with Congress back in session and a new green energy bill floating around, there are millions of dollars for companies up for grabs. This means growth in the wind and biofuel lobby and even the fuel cell lobby. Yeah, fuel cells.

Plug Power Inc. spent $125,000 in the first half of 2007 trying to convince Senate to extend fuel cell tax credit. Plug Power also wants to make sure Senators have all the information about the wonderful benefits of those fuel cell programs at the defense and energy department.

Lobbyists have become an issue in the '08 elections. Many people feel they have too much influence on policy. Below the fold is a video I recorded from the Newshour about the growth in lobbying groups. The growth over the last few years is really amazing.

[Source: Forbes]

Quentin Gargan, Green Party candidate for Cork South West, shows off his Electric Berlingo, which can go 60 mph and gets 60 mpg equivalent, in a recent campaign video. You can pick one up for £15,345, or for a quarter less with government grants. (Update: Production of Berlingo stopped in 2005) The look of the van reminds me of the Renault Kangoo Electrique which had a gas range extender and was also on sale in the UK.

In the video, Gargan talks about California's zero emission mandate and the response by the car companies. He says car companies made electric cars and lobbied for change. When the mandate was overturned, they crushed the electric cars. His point is when government shows leadership, the technology follows and viable solutions appear.

Gargan also says fuel prices are rising, something that will only get worse. To fight the trend, we need to radically overhaul our transport system with trains, buses, clean car and bike paths. He says other parties have taken on Green Party issues because the Green Party is rising in the polls but they cannot be trusted. Gargan is a political candidate driving an EV charged by a wind turbine. How cool is that?

[Source: YouTube]

John Edward's biofuel plan has some interesting ideas. Lets take them one by one. First, expansion of an EPA school bus program that hopes to replace diesel with biofuel. 90 percent of school buses run diesel which can easily run biofuel and not spit so much nastiness at the kids. The EPA program has already shown healthy expansion as we've written. It's something everyone can agree on. No one is pro-soot that I know of anyway. Lets get to the tough stuff.

Boosting biofuel production... wait ethanol haters! He says he will do it "while minimizing pollution, soil erosion, and water, land and energy use." Feels like he is more for research too. Interesting part about his support for ethanol is at the pump. He wants to require 25 percent of stations to have biofuel pumps and all cars to be flex-fuel after 2010. Again, not that much cost. Lets get to the expensive stuff: a billion a year to industry to "advance and apply the latest technology." Not sure what that means, exactly, but there's a little more information on Edwards' proposals for CAFE standards: 40 MPG by 2016. Bill Richardson wants 50 MG by 2020. The Energy Bill may have 35 MPG by 2020 CAFE. I think Edwards has them all beat. 2016? That's less than ten years away if he is elected. Pretty bold considering industry complained about time constraints. What do you think? Hillary Clinton must plan something sooner or higher to get any attention. Edwards' plan reminds me of some things I recorded Biden saying on CSPAN in mid-May. In that video, he talks to someone asking about biofuels and says he wants stations cars to be flex-fuel and stations to use biofuel. You can watch that below the fold.

I don't think Edwards' plan is anything too dramatic, for the Democratic side anyway. I think Richardson, Biden and others pushed the issue as well and, probably most importantly, the Energy Bill and environmental movement forced these high numbers. In 2004, Kucinich was calling for 40 mpg and others were calling for 36. Just three years later and those numbers seem low compared to 40 from Edwards and 50 from Richardson. The candidates must feel they have to say at least 40 to get any attention because the energy bill just might keep their campaign promises. So, as the other candidates come out with plans, don't be surprised to see more calls for 40 or more in about 10 years.

[Source: John Edwards dot com]

The Midwest is the new Middle East. We have talked about farming before and even mentioned how the farm bill helped ethanol to the tune of billions. In 2008, sugar farmers become players in ethanol. Here is the long, complicated story. First, sugar as an ethanol feedstock in America. You might have heard countries like Brazil use it but it does not make economic sense here. The price comes to about 2.15 compared with 1.50 for corn.

Why? The sugar program controls the price of sugar in part by keeping out imports. That changes January 1st 2008. Thanks to... NAFTA! The North American Free Trade Agreement means cane sugar, sugar beets and all that sweet stuff is coming across the Mexican border. So, free market prevails and the sugar program is dead? Yeah, right. The 2007 farm bill includes a sugar to ethanol program.

Uncle Sam will buy the extra sugar expected to flood the market. Then sell it to companies making ethanol from sugars. So if you have an ethanol-making machine that runs on sugar in the garage, dust it off. Estimates of $300 M a year is coming your way. American sugar farmers are now players in ethanol.

If there are no changes to the Farm Bill anyway. It goes to the Senate after the August recess. We will keep you updated on the debate.

[Source: Washington Post]

Yesterday President George Bush took some time away from his other problems and flew to the mid-west to visit two domestic brand assembly plants that are building hybrid vehicles. After stopping by the GM Fairfax, Kansas plant he went on the Ford Kansas City plant. The GM plant turns out the Saturn Aura hybrid and will build the Malibu hybrid this fall. Kansas City is home to the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner hybrids and flex-fuel F-Series pick-up trucks.

CEO Alan Mullaly and the President toured the assembly line that turns out the hybrids and then got an up close look at the HySeries drive Ford Edge before he delivered a speech to a group of plant employees. The Edge was the plug-in series hybrid CUV with a fuel cell to provide extra range that AutoblogGreen drove in early February. In his speech Bush thanked the employees for helping to produce the technology that will help ensure the country's energy independance. The Ford press release is after the jump.

[Source: Ford]