Biofuel. It's one of today's hottest buzz words, especially in a city that aims to be the green-energy capital of the universe. But, what is it? Essentially it's wood scraps and trash that are burned to heat water, which creates steam, which turns turbines, which creates electricity which makes light happen when you flip a switch.
Frankly, it's kind of archaic. It's (really) old technology, but in some cases it's the best we've got for now.
What's amazing, though, is how the laws are written about such energy creation. And, as we all know, companies like Duke Energy will push to the edge of those laws then proclaim they're in full compliance (which they are) and a great friend to the community (which they can be).
So, while I make fun of Duke Energy in the headline of this post they want to cut down trees to burn as biofuel, can you frikin' believe that?! the real problem is with regulation. Or, more accurately, a lack thereof.
If our laws don't explicitly state that trees can't be used in this manner, they will be. Period. End of story.
This is a problem on several levels since trees are excellent storm water sucker uppers that also absorb tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also provide us with shade, protection and tons of paper ... and we love paper, don't we? And, it goes without saying that trees beautify our world and make it a better place.
Why anyone would want to step back in time to a day when we were burning them for energy is beyond me, especially when there are so many other biofuel resources and so many other types of energy-producing technologies to tap into.
Does this make any sense to you? If it doesn't, be sure to contact the other cavemen and women in Raleigh and let them know that this isn't cool.
Let me leave you with this ode to trees, by Rush: