Thursday, April 07, 2016

Nevada Energy Metals’ (TSXV: BFF.V; OTC: SSMLF; Frankfurt: A2AFBV), Advisory Board Member Malcolm Bell, Charged-up on Lithium!

Nevada Energy Metals’ (TSXV: BFF.V; OTC: SSMLF; Frankfurt: A2AFBV)Advisory Board Member Malcolm Bell, Charged-up on Lithium!


These days, investors in emerging lithium companies seem only to care about two things. How close is a property to a producing lithium operation (or basin with high lithium concentrations)? And, how many acres (hectares) is it? Look at Clayton Valley, Nevada, home to Albemarle Corp.’s Silver Peak lithium brine operation.

Conventional wisdom says to be as close to Silver Peak as possible, wielding as many acres as possible. However, newly appointed Technical Advisor Malcolm Bell of Nevada Energy Metals, Inc. (TSX-V: BFF)/ (OTC: SSMLF) / (Frankfurt: A2AFBV), believes there could be other Clayton Valley-like basins in the State. It’s not the zip code that counts most, but the geological setting and volcanic history.

Is it a certainty that Nevada will become a meaningful lithium suppler? No. But consider that an area of great promise for lithium-ion battery demand is the U.S. Department of Defense, (DOD). I mention it to support my view that, “security of supply” will be a crucial factor going forward. Will the DOD (indirectly) continue to rely on countries in South America and CHINA! for critical lithium-ion battery materials? 



If pricing remains stronger for longer, and demand continues to soar, the world will need more lithium, especially from safe, reliable jurisdictions. Companies like Nevada Energy Metals plan to be ready. As a project generator, the Company is well on its way in accumulating a robust portfolio of wholly-owned & JV properties. With Malcolm’s guidance, and the help of new hires (yet to be finalized), the team will have a lot on their plates. In fact, they already do, actively evaluating acquisitions and staking additional promising locations.

On March 22nd, Nevada Energy Metals appointed Mr. J. Malcolm Bell to the Advisory Board and as lead consultant for project acquisitions & land development opportunities.

Mr. Bell has over 45 years of resource industry experience either as principal, director, or senior officer of private & public companies. In 1980, he founded Hi-Tec Resource Management Ltd., a successful minerals exploration company. In 1986, he founded the International Investment & Business Opportunities Exposition, the first investment trade show company in Canada. 

In 1997, he co-founded British Canadian Mines Ltd., containing the largest privately held mineral exploration portfolio in Newfoundland; and subsequently completed a $13-million reverse merger on it. In 2002, he helped negotiate a $20-million merger between Olympic Resources Ltd & Whittier Energy Corp. Currently, Mr. Bell heads a private Vancouver-based consultancy that sources projects & capital for companies engaged in mining, renewable energy & technology ventures. 

I, Peter Epstein, CFA, MBA, caught up with Malcolm in the week ended April 1st to ask him a few questions. We spoke at length about his background and what he brings to the table. Mostly, he explained how nature has endowed Nevada with ideal conditions that, in select places, allow lithium to become concentrated in clays and brines.  

Your extensive experience in natural resources, including sourcing projects & capital, affords you opportunities to serve in advisory roles for many Nevada juniors. Why choose lithium, and why Nevada Energy Metals, Inc.? 

Nevada is an area of strong interest for me. At times it’s been for gold or copper, but now my focus is on lithium and its strategic importance. For months before joining the Technical Board, I was working closely with the Company on identifying and locking down lithium-bearing properties and staking ground. I helped them with the 100% acquisition of Teels Marsh West and with their option agreement on up to 60% of Alkali Lake.

 I’m very bullish on lithium demand and Nevada’s potential role in supplying it.



Regarding Nevada Energy Metals, I’m excited by the pace, the speed at which things are getting done. In addition to the two transactions mentioned, I helped successfully stake a very promising property in the San Emidio Desert basin. On top of that, the Company is already starting (next week) a phase 1 exploration program on Teels Marsh West

So, this is a company that wants to advance properties, not just sit on them. Regarding other lithium juniors, I think that I can add the most value here, by spearheading an aggressive property acquisition mandate. The Nevada Energy Metals has a lot of irons in the fire, the next few months should be a very active time for both the Company and me!  

You and Nevada Energy Metals are not alone in being bullish on lithium prospects in the State. What about the climate / geology of Nevada fostered the deposition of lithium in brines? 

That’s a great question. Dry desert-like climatic conditions and a favorable geological environment created conditions, over hundreds of thousands of years, that are today prospective for lithium in clays and lithium in brine deposits. There are four main reasons.  

Firstly, it’s generally recognized that undrained, or closed desert playa basins are the most prospective locations. Secondly, there should be a history of large-scale volcanic eruptions, contributing large volumes of volcanic ash, containing trace amounts of lithium into the basin. Thirdly, the basin should sit atop, or be in very close proximity to, a geothermal heat source and hot springs.

Finally, there needs to be (or have been) an inflow of lithium-bearing hot spring fluids into the closed basin over a very long period, to boost the lithium content of existing brines. Most important, the same heat source responsible for the hot springs, has to have created a hot water convection cycle. This hot water convection cycle is what ties it all together. Only a trace amount of lithium is in the hot water, BUT over thousands of years the convection cycle deposits lithium into the basin over and over and over again…. The continuous hot springs cycling allows lithium concentrations to build. 

Can you tell us about the staking of the San Emidio Desert basin?

Yes, the staking of 86 placer claims covering about 1,700 acres was announced last week. The property is about 60 miles (95 km) northeast of Reno, fairly close to where Tesla is building its giga-factory. The San Emidio Desert basin is an alkali playa environment being fed by lithium-bearing geothermal fluids. 



All of the criteria I described earlier is present at San Emidio. To be clear, this does not ensure that favorable brine concentrations will be found. But it shows it’s a promising target to explore and test for a commercial deposit. Given the limited exploration for lithium in Nevada to date, there certainly could be another Clayton Valley-like discovery. If the right conditions are in place, robust lithium brine deposits could be at large.

Can you please explain the initial phase of exploration at Teels Marsh West, and what you hope to accomplish?

Yes, we’re excited to start a surface exploration program on Teels Marsh West next week. The marsh covers roughly 2,000 acres (~810 hectares) in Mineral County. Lithium concentrations at Teels Marsh of up to 850 ppm were reported in sampling programs conducted by the US Geological Survey (OFR: 76-567).

The initial exploration phase consists of 20 shallow holes designed to collect fluid and sediment samples situated nearby a previously discovered thermal area. The area is on, and adjacent to, a range front fault system along the west side of the marsh. Close proximity to a geothermal heat source is believed to be a principal requirement for concentrating lithium in the brines at Clayton Valley.

Finding lithium concentrations is all fine and good, but the parts per million (ppm) are lower than the brines found in Argentina & Chile, why should anyone care about Nevada? 

I’m no expert in lithium fundamentals or pricing, but the only North American producing mine, Silver Peak, is thought to be concentrating brines with initial lithium values of 150ppm to 250ppm. That’s using the decades old technology / process of solar evaporation. Most geologists believe that closed basins in places like Clayton Valley would be able to produce average concentrations of at least 200ppm.

Right, 200ppm is less than South American lithium values, but Nevada is ground zero of several new processing technologies that have potential to be superior to harvesting brines in giant evaporation ponds. To be clear, these technologies are mostly in scale-up phase. Still, most lithium juniors around the world are several years from commercial production, leaving plenty of time for new technologies to catch up.  

Thank you Malcolm for your time and insightful answers to my questions. Good luck in your new role at Nevada Energy Metals.

For more information, about Nevada Energy Metals:

Trading Symbols: TSX-V: BFF  OTC Markets: SSMLF Frankfurt/Xetra: A2AFBV


(Article/interview of Malcolm Bell, Technical Advisor of Nevada Energy Metals, for InvestorIdeas.com)
Contact Info: Peter Epstein
845-304-7386

Disclosures: Readers are charged with conducting their own investment due diligence and recognize that small cap stocks can deliver a 100% loss of investment capital. The author or interviewer as the case may be, Peter Epstein, CFA, MBA, believes that he’s diligent and prudent in screening out companies that, for any reasons whatsoever, are unattractive investment opportunities. However, he cannot guarantee that his efforts will be successful. Readers understand that Mr. Epstein cannot be held accountable or responsible for the accuracy of opinions, facts, estimates, forecasts and assumptions conveyed herein or for investment actions taken by readers.

At the time this interview was published, Nevada Energy Metals was a sponsor of EpsteinResearch.com. Mr. Epstein owns stock in the Company. He is not a registered or licensed financial advisor. His article(s) on Nevada Energy Metals and other small cap companies should be considered very carefully in this context. Readers are urged to consult with their own financial advisors before making investment decisions. This company, and all small cap companies, are highly speculative, not suitable for all investors. 

Any commentary suggesting that a particular stock is, “under valued,” “over-sold,” a “compelling opportunity,” is “de-risked,” could be “re-rated,” or similar words and phrases, are not directed at any individual or group and do not constitute investment advice. Each individual and group must make their own determination regarding the suitability of any stock mentioned herein. Any comparisons between or among stocks are for illustrative purposes only and are not be taken as fact or relied upon. Nothing herein is to be considered explicitly or implicitly a part of full and proper due diligence.

This interview and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation of an offer for the purchase or sale of any shares or other securities of the companies referred to herein.  There are substantial risks associated with investing in development stage exploration companies.  Potential investors should seek advice from a qualified financial dealer prior to investing in any company referred to herein.  No securities commission or similar authority has in any way passed on any of the information contained in this interview.


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Friday, March 11, 2016

World Water Day: Mayim Water Project - creating sustainable water solutions for Central Africa

Mayim Water Project - creating sustainable water solutions for Central Africa

March 11, 2016- Vancouver BC, Point Roberts WA- Investorideas.com, a digital global news source covering leading sectors including renewable energy and water, reports on the Mayim Water Project, creating sustainable water solutions for Central Africa – Sub region, as World Water Day approaches.

This year’s theme for World Water Day #Worldwaterday, being held March 22, 2016 is Better water, better jobs.

The Mayim water project represents a business and investment opportunity, while ensuring better water quality to a large population currently spending too much for water. The 2014 World Bank data estimates a total population in the DRC of 74.87 million and 12 million living in Kinshasa, the capital city.  With the average family spending between: $45 to $70 a month for drinking water, Mayim is planning on offering a better and more affordable solution.

Mayim water distribution system was established in 2014 as Esobecorp water management program. Founder, Mr Jeremie  Katunda, tells us that ,” Unlike most of Southern African countries facing water crisis, scarcity and drought due to climate change, the Central Africa sub region enjoying plenty of freshwater with constant rains, but water crisis in this area is mainly the consequence of lack of adequate water infrastructure and maintenance policy.”

He points out that “The major challenge facing the sub region in relation to water management is the lack of a leading model and coordination among authorities, stemming from an unclear definition of roles and responsibilities.”

Mayim’s primary products include 750 ml still water bottles and 1 000 litres still water in intermediate bulk containers (IBC).The IBC can be attached to supply a household piping system or just a kitchen faucet.  Esobecorp’s services also include water resource management and project management.

Jeremie has big ambitions for market penetration in cities like Kinshasa for Mayim and also notes, “ Sub-saharan Africa water demand is projected to rise by at least 3 per cent annually until the year 2020, a rate about equal to the region's population growth rate. “

For more info on his company or contacting him: http://www.esobecorp.com/

By: D Van Zant – Investorideas.com

“I connected with Jeremie on Linkedin.com and though this was an interesting water story “

World Water Day is an international observance and an opportunity to learn more about water related issues, be inspired to tell others and take action to make a difference. World Water Day dates back to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development where an international observance for water was recommended. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. It has been held annually since then. Each year, UN-Water — the entity that coordinates the UN’s work on water and sanitation — sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. The engagement campaign is coordinated by one or several of the UN-Water Members with a related mandate.

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Tuesday, March 08, 2016

Video Release: Globe2016 in Vancouver Session; Water Integrity - Infrastructure & Innovation

Video Release: Globe2016 in Vancouver Session; Water Integrity - Infrastructure & Innovation

“Canada is sleepwalking into an uncertain future” - Howard Wheater, Director of the Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan

March 8, 2016 - Vancouver BC, Point Roberts WA - Investorideas.com, a digital global news source covering leading sectors including renewable energy and water, reports on the recently held GLOBE 2016 Conference & Innovation Expo (#Globe2016), held in Vancouver last week.

Leaders from around the world gathered to discuss key topics in sustainability, including water. In this panel session, “Water Integrity: Infrastructure & Innovation”, water scarcity and water security were discussed.

Climate change, pollution, the way land is managed and drinking water problems all demonstrate a host of issues here in water-rich Canada.

Howard Wheater, Director of the Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan, told the audience that “the Canadian Government recently reported it will be spending $1 billion a year on floods and droughts. Globally, we may have 6 billion people in water scarce areas in just a few decades time. Most Canadians think that applies to rest of the world but is not an issue here because we have lots of water.”  

He also points out the degradation of water quality across Canada. With all the challenges, he also pointed out that smarter technologies for land and water management could provide solutions.

“When it comes to assuming responsibility,” he says “the Federal Government does not take strong responsibility for managing the water; it lies with provinces and they have mixed levels of capability.”

He also went on to say “Canada is the canary in the coal mine for global warming. We are seeing some of the world’s most rapid rates of warming.” 

Karen Bakker, a Professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of British Columbia said, “One of the truths about water issues is that they are global in scale but they are locally expressed.”

She narrows in on one region as an example; the Peace-Athabasca Delta. The Peace-Athabasca Delta, located in northeast Alberta, is the largest freshwater inland river delta in North America. “Not far from there is major hydraulic fracturing activity and not far from that, one of BC’s largest wind farm projects and also in this area, one of the sources of major-proposed LNG pipelines. When you look at this, you get a sense of the water nexus. In one of Northern Canada’s most important food producing regions, you have intense competition for water; water for energy, food, drinking - and water for nature.”




Water Integrity: Infrastructure & Innovation Panel Session
This session brings a solutions-oriented outlook on water security trends to ensure access to water and catalyze economic growth. Join leading experts to learn how investment, emerging models of delegated water governance, innovation and technology deployment are scaling solutions and addressing water scarcity.  Take away key insights on how cross-sector partnerships create opportunities for sustainable business and effectively conserve, manage and distribute this vital resource.

Topic Speakers:
Lindsay Bass is Head of the US Corporate Water Stewardship Initiative for the World Wildlife Fund. The initiative leverages private sector partnerships to conserve water resources and freshwater ecosystems.

Karen Bakker is a Professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of British Columbia, where she is the Director of the Program on Water Governance (www.watergovernance.ca). The mandate of the program is to spur policy innovation in water governance. Her team has worked in over a dozen countries on four continents.

John Coburn - Managing Director, XPV Water Partners & Director, FilterBoxx Water & Environmental Corp. John has over 40 years’ experience of leading, operating and investing in water and wastewater companies.

Howard Wheater - Director, Global Institute for Water Security. Professor Wheater holds the positions of Canada Excellence Research Chair in Water Security and Director, Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and Distinguished Research Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Hydrology at Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (UK). Global Institute for Water Security: www.usask.ca/water

About GLOBE 2016 Conference & Innovation Expo: http://www.globeseries.com/
GLOBE 2016 Conference & Innovation Expo (GLOBE 2016), is the next GLOBE event within the iconic GLOBE Series, North America’s largest and longest-running Conference and Exposition series dedicated to business innovation for the planet. A world-leading sustainability GLOBE Conference coupled with an exciting GLOBE Innovation Exposition, GLOBE™ is about relationship building to fuel your business. It’s about thinking outside the box. It’s where leaders come to devise winning strategies to conserve resources, ignite innovation, and develop ideas and partnerships that help them be more resilient, more efficient, and reduce risk.

Taking place every two years in Vancouver, Canada, GLOBE draws the ‘best and brightest’ of the international sustainable business community, making it an unsurpassed forum for learning and networking.

With an exciting vibe and an international flair, GLOBE is not only the undisputed thought leader worldwide, it’s where future markets are shaped, and public policy is fostered. It’s where innovators come and launch new ideas. Where Corporate America finds solutions. It is where you can begin lasting, high quality relationships that will enhance your business long into the future.

For 2016, we’ve sharpened our scope, strengthened our leadership team, and doubled down on our commitment to doing more of what GLOBE does best: Catalyzing collaborations between “unusual suspects” both on and off the stage.

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Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. More disclaimer info: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

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Thursday, March 03, 2016

Video Release: GLOBE 2016 Conference #Globe2016 Panel Session; Disruptive #Innovation & #Technology: What will it Really Take to Move the Needle on #Climate?

Video Release: GLOBE 2016 Conference #Globe2016 Panel Session; Disruptive #Innovation & #Technology: What will it Really Take to Move the Needle on #Climate?

March 3, 2016- Vancouver BC, Point Roberts WA- Investorideas.com, a digital global news source covering leading sectors including renewable energy, reports from the GLOBE 2016 Conference & Innovation Expo #Globe2016, hosted in Vancouver from March 1-4th.

GLOBE 2016 Conference & Innovation Expo is a leadership summit for sustainable business that gathers some of the best thought leaders in the sector to discuss solutions.

In this panel, Disruptive Innovation & Technology: What will it Really Take to Move the Needle on Climate, you will hear insight from  thought leaders including Deb Frodl , Global Executive Director of ecomagination at GE (NYSE:GE).

#Globe2016 Panel session Disruptive Innovation & Technology: What will it Really Take to Move the Needle on Climate?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iEvEmAxLGE


#Globe2016 Panel session Disruptive Innovation & Technology: What will it Really Take to Move the Needle on Climate?
Topic Speakers
The Honourable James Gordon Carr - Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Canada
Paul Bunje - Principal & Senior Scientist, Energy & Environment, XPRIZE
Deb Frodl - Global Executive Director of ecomagination, GE
Wal van Lierop - President & CEO, Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital
Velma McColl - Principal, Earnscliffe Strategy Group

About GLOBE 2016 Conference & Innovation Expo http://www.globeseries.com/
GLOBE 2016 Conference & Innovation Expo (GLOBE 2016), is the next GLOBE event within the iconic GLOBE Series, North America’s largest and longest-running Conference and Exposition series dedicated to business innovation for the planet. A world-leading sustainability GLOBE Conference coupled with an exciting GLOBE Innovation Exposition, GLOBE™ is about relationship building to fuel your business. It’s about thinking outside the box. It’s where leaders come to devise winning strategies to conserve resources, ignite innovation, and develop ideas and partnerships that help them be more resilient, more efficient, and reduce risk.

Taking place every two years in Vancouver, Canada, GLOBE draws the ‘best and brightest’ of the international sustainable business community, making it an unsurpassed forum for learning and networking.

With an exciting vibe and an international flair, GLOBE is not only the undisputed thought leader worldwide, it’s where future markets are shaped, and public policy is fostered. It’s where innovators come and launch new ideas. Where Corporate America finds solutions. It is where you can begin lasting, high quality relationships that will enhance your business long into the future.

For 2016, we’ve sharpened our scope, strengthened our leadership team, and doubled down on our commitment to doing more of what GLOBE does best: Catalyzing collaborations between “unusual suspects” both on and off the stage.


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Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. More disclaimer info: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

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Tuesday, March 01, 2016

Investorideas.com Interview with Ralph Cavanagh (RC), Energy Program Co-Director at NRDC

Investorideas.com Interview with Ralph Cavanagh (RC), Energy Program Co-Director at NRDC

Seventh Northwest Regional Plan: Revives, rejuvenates and reinforces energy efficiency

March 1, 2016- Investorideas.com discusses the adopted Seventh Northwest Plan with Ralph Cavanagh (RC), Energy Program Co-Director at NRDC.  As a champion within focused areas of, renewable energy and residing Northwest Energy Coalition board member, his responses address highlights of the seventh plan edition and expands upon his involvement among the one of the nation’s most powerful environmental groups; NRDC.

A renewed whiff of vigor and energy eclipses the air of celebrated picturesque states of, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, with credit being owed to the regions recently approved Seventh Northwest Plan.  The month is marked with a re-introduction into what will be a 20 year regional plan, establishing the foursome states as change stewards and cornerstone leaders in exemplifying why; appointing a greater percentage of its power to resources to energy efficiency in comparison to any other state in the nation, makes its power system the cleanest and most sought after.

There’s no surprise that projected figures over the course of the next two decades show for an increased demand of electrical energy, 36 percent due in part to industrial output.  Despite this, the Northwest reserves no hesitation in its ability to satisfy demanding energy loads, whilst remaining on track to continued reduction of annual carbon dioxide emissions by 22.2 million tons per year.  Statistics as this can be attributed to the plans long standing history founded upon committed leadership, successful energy and investment planning and cost-effective energy efficiency endeavors, all spearheaded by a designated Power and Conservation Council who’ve instilled assurance in sustaining the Northwest as a clean and low cost energy system well into the future.


Q & A Interview:
Q: Why should we pay particular attention to the seventh regional plan installment, what key highlights should we be made aware of?

RC: The Pacific Northwest has a proven record of energy efficiency leadership over more than 30 years, much of it driven by the regular comprehensive updates of the Council's plan (this is the seventh since 1983).  The latest version is remarkable for all the new technologies covered (40% of the savings opportunities involve measures not available five years ago) and its attention to opportunities for savings at times of peak daily energy needs. Since energy consumers in the region are already saving more than $3.5 billion annually thanks to energy efficiency programs and standards guided by earlier plans, the Council speaks with special credibility here.

Q: In the approved plan, climate change analysis recommends "retiring all of the coal plants" but cautions, that achieving "maximum carbon reduction" can pose "operational challenges" - evidently a balanced approach with sufficient reserves needs to be accessible.  

What action plan would you propose to best combat global warming while still accommodating clean energy needs?

RC: The key here is an integrated portfolio of clean energy solutions, achieved through competitive procurement and resource management by increasingly nimble and innovative utilities. The Council's Plan provides a good blueprint; see also California's SB 350, enacted last year, which aims for a combination of increased energy efficiency, renewable energy (reaching 50% of statewide power supply by 2030) and vehicle electrification (electric vehicles are excellent storage devices for renewable energy production).

Q: The Lower Snake dams operating in the power system, caused concern among salmon and wildlife advocates, is there a way in which clean energy and wildlife protection can simultaneously co-exist without undue hardship?
And has NRDC considered a BioGem program to have the dams removed?

RC: The principal proponents of dam removal, Save our Wild Salmon and the Northwest Energy Coalition, have both acknowledged the importance of replacing the dams' generation with clean energy sources, to ensure against ecosystem damage. NRDC strongly agrees, and supports the extensive work by both groups (over more than a decade now) to chart a path forward that meets the goals you are right in highlighting here.

Q:  Your organization has left a positive footprint oversees in China and India, what work have you done there?

RC: Some of our most effective work in both countries has involved energy efficiency standards for new buildings and equipment, which have been NRDC priorities in the US and abroad since the late 1970s. Given the significance of China and India as both manufacturers and sources of greenhouse gas emissions, cooperation on efficiency standards is a matter of intense mutual interest. NRDC takes particular pride, for example, in its role in helping China establish rigorous efficiency standards for lighting systems in new commercial buildings.

Q: What specific initiatives with NRDC do you have on the horizon?

RC: An important national and global priority is changing the fundamental utility business model, to;
(1) eliminate the link between utilities' financial health and growth in electricity use and;
(2) ensure that cost-effective energy efficiency investments are at least as profitable to investor-owned utilities as power generation and transmission. We also need rate designs for electricity and natural gas that reward those who save energy, and continued progress on the EPA's Clean Power Plan once court challenges are resolved over the months ahead. For more, visit my blog.

“By investing in energy efficiency at the levels recommended in the plan, we’ll be able to grow our economy without initiating an aggressive program to build new generating resources, and we’ll keep Northwest electricity rates low and maintain our quality of life,” it’s with this admission by Council Chair Henry Lorenzen’s that puts into context why the new plan positions the Northwest to compete economically in a low-carbon 21st century.

By, Reena Paul for Investorideas.com

About Ralph Cavanagh
A Pioneer and leader in seeking out environmental solutions, his focus areas are in electric industry restructuring, electricity competition, utilities, renewable energy, nuclear issues and retail wheeling.

As a graduate of Yale University, Ralph possesses an impressive array of credentials and awards, some of which include; Recipient of Heinz Award for Public Policy, Lifetime Achievement in Energy Efficiency Award from California's Flex Your Power Campaign.

Since 1980, his dedication has been paramount to Northwest utilities where his efforts helped achieve reduced electricity needs and the elimination for new coal-fired and nuclear plants, thus creating lasting partnerships striving towards clean and sustained energy.

You can access Ralph’s blogs here; http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/rcavanagh/

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