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Articles 1 - 11 of 11

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Life Cycle Analysis For The Cultivation And Combustion Of Miscanthus For Biofuel Compared With Natural Gas, Amanda Ashworth, Charles West, Michael Popp, Mireille Montrejaud-Vignoles, Caroline Sablayrolles, Gabrielle Benoit Jan 2008

Life Cycle Analysis For The Cultivation And Combustion Of Miscanthus For Biofuel Compared With Natural Gas, Amanda Ashworth, Charles West, Michael Popp, Mireille Montrejaud-Vignoles, Caroline Sablayrolles, Gabrielle Benoit

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

As negative environmental and economic impacts of fossil fuels have escalated, so has the importance of renewable bioenergy crops whose feedstocks are noncompetitive with food supplies. Compared with fossil fuels, use of lignocellulosic feedstocks offers potential for greenhouse gas reduction and highly positive net energy returns because of low input demand and high yields per unit of land area, thus making them advantageous for the emerging biofuel industry. The aim of this study was to simulate environmental impacts of producing a biofuel grass for combustion use based on the inventory of inputs and their effects on eutrophication of surface waters; …


Confronting Global Warming: Maine’S Multi-Sector Initiatives, 2003–2008, David P. Littell, Gary S. Westerman, Malcolm C. Burson Jan 2008

Confronting Global Warming: Maine’S Multi-Sector Initiatives, 2003–2008, David P. Littell, Gary S. Westerman, Malcolm C. Burson

Maine Policy Review

David Littell, Gary Westerman and Malcolm Burson describe Maine’s pioneering efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and developing less carbon-intensive and more sustainable energy sources. They discuss in particular the goals and accomplishments of the state’s Climate Action Plan and Maine’s participation in several multi-state and regional efforts, including the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).


Introduction: Ask Not… Voices From Maine Addressing Climate Change And Energy, Sam Townsend Jan 2008

Introduction: Ask Not… Voices From Maine Addressing Climate Change And Energy, Sam Townsend

Maine Policy Review

No abstract provided.


Using Biosolids To Enhance Phytoremediation Of Oil-Contaminated Soil, Heather N. Markway, Duane C. Wolf, Kaaron J. Davis, Edward E. Gbur Jan 2008

Using Biosolids To Enhance Phytoremediation Of Oil-Contaminated Soil, Heather N. Markway, Duane C. Wolf, Kaaron J. Davis, Edward E. Gbur

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

While the plant rhizosphere and associated microbial processes have been shown to amplify the degradation rate of chemical residues in soils, phytoremediation can be a slow process. The objective of this greenhouse study was to determine if the addition of biosolids as an organic soil amendment would enhance growth of plants in oil-contaminated soil and thus potentially increase effectiveness of phytoremediation. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) or sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf (Piper)) was grown in a Captina silt loam (finesilty, siliceous, mesic Typic Fragiudults) contaminated with 5% crude oil (v/w) and amended with 24 g biosolids/kg soil. …


The Energy Challenge–Gone Today, Back Tomorrow: Maine’S Key Role, William H. Hastings Jan 2008

The Energy Challenge–Gone Today, Back Tomorrow: Maine’S Key Role, William H. Hastings

Maine Policy Review

World energy trends suggest that increased demand for fossil fuels is likely to continue, even as producers are not replacing what is being used. William Hastings argues that in spite of this, Maine is poised to potentially become an energy leader in the near future. He points out that a surprising number of new projects are increasing the diversity of the state’s energy supply.


Bioenergy And The Forest Products Industry In The Atlantica Region, Thor Olesen Jan 2008

Bioenergy And The Forest Products Industry In The Atlantica Region, Thor Olesen

Maine Policy Review

Wood has been in use for centuries as an energy source and holds potential for new and innovative uses, ranging from pellets for residential and commercial heating to the creation of liquid biofuels (cellulosic ethanol and diesel) and new types of clean-burning solid products. Based on a recently completed study, Thor Oleson’s article analyzes the prospects for bioenergy development in the Atlantica region (Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia).


Maine’S Wind Resource: A Source Of Energy And Economic Engine, Jackson A. Parker Jan 2008

Maine’S Wind Resource: A Source Of Energy And Economic Engine, Jackson A. Parker

Maine Policy Review

If Maine is to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and the associated greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to develop both new sources of energy and new technologies to better access existing sources. Large scale wind power generation is already in operation in a few places in the state, with many new projects in various stages of planning and implementation.


Tidal Energy Development, John Ferland Jan 2008

Tidal Energy Development, John Ferland

Maine Policy Review

John Ferland discusses tidal power, an energy source that holds great future potential for Maine. He notes that a new technology, tidal in-stream energy conversion (TISEC) is reliable, predictable, and projected to be as cost-effective as any other means for producing electricity.


Landfill: Gas To Energy, Sam Zaitlin Jan 2008

Landfill: Gas To Energy, Sam Zaitlin

Maine Policy Review

If Maine is to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and the associated greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to develop both new sources of energy and new technologies to better access existing sources. The generation of electricity from gas produced by landfills is already underway. Sam Zaitlin describes Maine’s first waste-to-energy project located at Casella’s Hampden landfill.


Transportation And Climate Change, Jonathan Rubin Jan 2008

Transportation And Climate Change, Jonathan Rubin

Maine Policy Review

The transportation and residential sectors in Maine use a large proportion of fossil fuels, primarily petroleum products, and are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Jonathan Rubin’s article on transportation reviews mechanisms by which petroleum demand and greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, emphasizing state and federal legislation to achieve these goals. He describes ways in which transportation systems will be affected by and have to adapt to climate change.


Understanding The Global Energy Industry Is Key To Meeting Maine’S Energy Challenge, Elizabeth A. Wilson Jan 2008

Understanding The Global Energy Industry Is Key To Meeting Maine’S Energy Challenge, Elizabeth A. Wilson

Maine Policy Review

Dependence on petroleum has global consequences with regard to supply constraints, energy security, and economic impacts, along with major consequences for climate change and other environmental problems. Maine is at a particular disadvantage due to its reliance on home heating oil and transportation fuels in this rural state. In this article, Elizabeth Wilson analyzes the global petroleum industry and the challenges and solutions ahead for the U.S. and Maine as we seek to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and develop other cleaner and cost-effective energy sources.