Clean Cities Coalition for Energy Neutral Sustainability
by Josh Rathod (Advanced Biofuels USA) At a recent Greater Washington Green Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) reception, I had the chance to reflect on many passionate environmentalists who perceive Big Oil/gas companies as blind-eyed industrialists, caricaturizing fossil fuel affiliates as capitalistic forces without scruples or concern for their surroundings. Through their involvement with the GWRCCC, executive director, Robert Flowers, and gas industry members of the coalition attempted to demonstrate that this is an unfair generalization.
Attended by natural gas, propane, eCar and biofuel representatives, the event was held in order to encourage sustainable industry growth in an energy neutral fashion. To lead by example, a board member from the reception’s sponsor, Washington Gas, announced a planned 70% reduction of emissions from their natural gas processes by 2020.
Other emission reduction efforts include attempts to cut down on water pollution/consumption in the fracking process by replacing drilling water with liquid petroleum gel (GASFRAC Energy Services Inc.), and the development of incentive/tracking programs to educate electric car consumers on how “clean” their electrical usage really is. Although these fossil fuels are not renewable by nature, and still pose harmful environmental consequences, energy companies are promoting these processes as a step in the right direction.
In a short address the organization’s Executive Director, Ron Flowers, explained that the coalition is bringing these companies together to make a difference in the energy community – a difference in the way we treat the environment and the way we treat each other. READ MORE
