(Denis Hayes)

The founder of Earth Day, Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow, President of the Alliance to Save Energy joined us for a live online discussion on Wednesday, April 21, 1999.

The answers to your questions about Earth Day and the initiative to create a sustainable energy society are below.

Hamilton, MA: For Mr. Nemtzow:

Buyers of new homes often assume that the house they purchase will be energy efficient just because it is new. However this is often not the case. What do you think is the best way to insure a minimum level of efficiecny?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: There are two ways to ensure a minimum level of efficiency. First, state and local governments should adopt stringent building codes -- such as the "Model Energy Code" -- to guarantee efficiency and quality. Second, consumers should choose "Energy Star" homes, which are homes that are 25 percent more efficient than even the Code.

Indiana: I have heard that geothermal is an up-and-coming technology that is good for the environment and is very energy efficient. Is this true and how new is it?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Yes, geothermal is an efficient and renewable way to tap into the earth's natural energy. Large geothermal powerplants, such as in California and Italy, produce electric power cleanly, cheaply and renewably. Even homeowners can buy geothermal heat pumps that use this almost free energy to heat and cool their homes.

Ketchum, ID: We spend $1.5 billion a year shining light into the sky. The oil and coal needed to do that adds to global warming. Why isn't our country trying to pass a national outdoor lighting ordinance to eliminate this terrible waste of energy?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow: You're absolutely right, and on top of that the wasted light makes it harder to see the stars at night. Historically, building codes have been set at the state and local level, not at the national level, so you should ask your local and state government to adopt standards to minimize light pollution -- pun intended.

Washington DC: Why would anyone who claims to be a friend of the environment oppose nuclear power? It seems to me that any person who really cared about the earth would champion nuclear power. The likelihood of a catastrophic event at a nuclear power facility is insufficient to justify continued reliance on fossil fuels which have a GUARANTEED negative impact on the environment. Clearly, use of power sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal would help, but those will never be enough. Likewise, reductions in demand would help, but are not likely to be significant.

Nuclear power seems to be the thinking person's option - why won't the environmental movement get behind it? The nuclear bogeyman has taken on an unjustified life of its own. It's time to rethink the issue.

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes: Because nuclear power is an outdated technology that produces radioactive waste. We have cleaner technologies that should be used that do not harm environment or our health, such as efficiency and renewable energy.

Little Rock, Arkansas: What do you believe should be the role of the Utility Distribution Company in developing-owning-making a business of Distributed Generation as an alternative to new large-scale generation and-or transmission and distribution expansion? Isn't this a business we should encourage UDCs to pursue so as to offer them a new role that stimulates competition and new entry? Does it matter whether or not the UDC remains an affiliate of companies that develop traditional generation and transmission or can that be dealt with through codes of conduct? Finally, do you believe that UDCs have the necessary openness to DG or do they consider those technologies to be "Tinker Toys" that their engineers would rather not be bothered with?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. The electric utility industry is going through great change as more and more states adopt legislation to promote competition. It is key for states, and the federal government, to adopt "rules of the road" that not only promote competition and fair play, but allow Distribution companies and others to provide renewably-generated clean power (known as "Green Power") and energy efficiency to any and all consumers who want to choose clean alternatives.

Salisbury NC: We all know that over-illumination and inefficient outdoor lighting fixtures are unsafe and waste energy. What are the latest numbers on the money wasted, coal burned to produce it, and nuclear impact on society from this environmentally unsafe practice? The last monetary figure that I am aware of was between $1.5 and 2 Billion anually for the US alone.

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes. I'm not sure of the exact number off the top of my head, but it certainly is huge. As part of the Earth Day 2000 clean energy agenda, we urge the saving of energy by upgrading to efficient lighting, indoor and outdoor. This will lessen coal and nuclear emissions.

Washington, DC: What can be done to change building codes -or use other strategies- so that the goals of improved energy efficiency AND providing good indoor air quality can both be achieved? -E.g. when you seal up buildings for efficiency, often this contributes to poor air quality.-

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. If energy efficiency upgrades, or any new construction for that matter, is done improperly, indoor air quality can suffer. However, by using heat exchanges, properly sized heating/air conditioning units, one can cut heating and cooling bills by more than one-quarter without any risk of degrading indoor air quality. Furthermore, comfort is usually improved since there aren't those annoying cold drafts that we all hate.

washington, dc: How can I find products that will make my home energy efficient?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. There are a lot of good ways, and more retail choices all the time. First of all, consumers must look for the Energy Star label, a government-sanctioned label, that indicates the most efficient models in a product line, from appliances to insulation to lighting to new homes. You can also buy energy efficient products at the Alliance's homepage, at www.ase.org.

San Antonio, Texas: There's a split among fans of "renewables." One side wants
to balance the "economic disadvantage" of lo-tech PVs and microsolar, while another
wants $$ for Zero Point Energy
and Cold Fusion, saying "Solar has had its chance." Should we fund the unproven, or help conventional renewables?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: You raise a key question, and one that has vexed government and business leaders for over 20 years. As Samuel Goldwyn said "never make predictions, especially about the future." In that spirit, government research programs should help resources that have a chance -- such as solar, wind, efficiency, and geothermal -- and "pull the plug" on cold fusion, synfuels and other proven losers.

Reston, VA: What difference does energy efficiency make if people just keep buying more and more products and driving SUVs?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes. Obviously, buying SUVs is the antithesis of energy efficiency and now that they're more than half of new vehicle sales, they're dramatically undercutting all of the progress we've made in energy efficiency. It would be good to make driving a new Ford Excursion - which gets 9 mpg - a source of genuine embarassment for anyone foolish enough to buy one.

Chicago, Illinois: What do you see as the most effective way to curb urban sprawl and promote land-use that is less degradating to the natural environment?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes. Enlightened states and cities, like Portland, OR, have put urban growth boundaries that define where you can place new businesses and residences and where you cannot. This makes it easier to know where to place public transportation and create healthier, more efficient and attractive communities. They have a long term vision of what they want their cities to look like and be more livable than unguided growth, such as Houston.

Washington, DC: I hear a lot about solar energy. In your minds, how and when will we see solar energy use for residential homes - both photovoltaics and solar hot water.

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Right here, right now. Solar power keeps getting cheaper and cheaper, and has always been clean and renewable, the latest advance is called "thin film" technology that doubles as a weatherproof roofing material, replacing tar shingles. In many parts of the country it's as cheap or cheaper than electric or even natural gas for heating and hot water. And even where it costs a little more, there is the benefit of avoiding pollution for the next generation to solve.

Washington, DC: Some analysts have argued that energy efficiency actually causes a net increase in energy use due to reduced energy prices. Would you address this concern?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. This theoretical concern -- known as the "snapback" effect -- has been disproven by numerous studies. With a few documented exceptions -- such as those who leave on a compact fluorescent bulb because it uses only one-fourth of the energy of an incandescent -- consumers do not waste energy because it's efficient. People don't leave open the frig door or leave the hot water running because they have efficient appliances.

Washington, DC: What can I do to help reduce global warming?

There was something in the Parade magazine this weekend about an Energy Star torchiere? What's that?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. There are many things that we do to contribute to global warming, so there are many things we can do to reduce it. Over 80 percent of air pollution and over 90 percent of carbon emissions come from the production, conversion and use of energy, so clearly step one is to use clean renewables, such as wind and solar, and to use all energy efficiently. For specific tips, please see our website, www.ase.org/consumer, or www.energystar.gov, or www.eren.doe.gov

Chile: its possible a sustantaible energy model for Latin America? Which are the role of the local comunity in the real world?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes: Every country should develop the resources that it is richly blessed with -- whether abundant sunlight, strong winds, biomass, or geothermal -- the heat from the earth. One of the most attractive aspects of renewable energy is the opportunity it provides to a community to take control of its energy future.

Washingtonpost.com: We have about 15 minutes left in our discussion with Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow.

Rosendale, New York: I am a building performance contractor in New York state, the VP of the Building Performance Contractors Assoc. and am involved in market transformation for these services. What do you see as the key to transforming this market nation-wide?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. Three things. One, government, builders, the press and others must provide educational material for the general public about the opportunities for efficiency. Two, Cong. Thomas (R-Calif.) and President Clinton have proposed a $2,000 tax credit for highly efficient homes - Congress should pass this proposal immediately. Three, people like you need to continue to demonstrate the link between efficiency and better performance.

Columbus, OH: Is a geothermal system the most efficient heating and cooling system available for my home? I've heard that they can save a homeowner a lot of money in energy costs in addition to being "environmentally friendly". Why do many electric utilities promote the use of this technology?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. It's a great technology that's catching on...it uses the free natural energy of the earth to power a heatpump that heats and cools homes, apartment bldgs. and offices. By using much less electricity it creates less pollution. Electric utilities like promoting it because it's a high-quality product that uses electricity for its modest energy needs -- allowing them to compete head to head with natural gas companies for consumers' hearts and wallets.

Washington, DC: What is the Alliance to Save Energy's mission?

Is there a difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. Thanks for asking. We're a bipartisan nonprofit coalition of business, government, consumer and environmental leaders. We've been around since 1977 and are based in Washington, DC with offices in Europe, Africa and Asia. Come visit our homepage, www.ase.org, and get consumer info, home energy audit software, tips on saving energy, a free newsletter, ability to purchase efficient products online and much more.

Washington DC: When I travel, I have seen a TV spot promoting Energy Star and its benefits to the environment. What is this all about since I never see
this label in stores?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes. You've seen the Energy Star spot? That's terrific. The Department of Energy working in conjunction with the EPA and industry have developed a voluntary label for energy efficient products and appliances that are 20 - 50 percent more energy efficient than standard models. The program is growing by leaps and bounds, and now you should be seeing it in stores -- to find a list of local retailers, go to www.energystar.gov. Energy Star products can help you cut your own utility bills and help the environment.

San Francisco, CA: When we get to chose our electricity providers there's a couple of companies offering Green Power based on renewables. But none of them offer a choice based on energy conservation. Why not and is it a possibility in the future?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. You're right, that the providers of "Green Power", especially in your state are focusing on solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy resources. The Alliance to Save Energy is working right now with these companies to develop a fair and reliable framework for these companies to provide energy efficiency for their customers -- AND for their customers to have confidence in the quality of the offering.

Des Moines, Iowa: Recommend that folks use a rotary push mower to mow the lawn. It uses ENERGY THAT'S ALREADY THERE, no fossil fuels, better outdoor experience, good excercise,lo to no operation & maintenance costs, & less noise pollution.
Happy Earth Day
Thanks

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes. Happy Earth Day to you. Keep the faith.

Washington, DC: Ultimately, humanity
will either live sustainably -either at the bare-bones subsistence level or
humanely- or it will not live at all. There are no alternatives to living
within the carrying capacity of a finite resource base. Leaving the planet
is not an option any time soon, and as far as can be seen into the future,
it means taking Earth resources with you, hardly sustainable. It is the
humane part that bothers me the most. If we cannot live humanely in times
of relative plenty -more or less now- how can we hope to live humanely when
all of the vital resources are depleted beyond recovery? Sustainability,
in this case, means never using a non-renewable resource in non-recyclable
ways and never using a renewable resource in non-regenerative ways. I use
renewable to mean -arbitrarily- within the span of a human life.

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes and Nemtzow. YOu sum up society's dilemma well. We must always live by the philosophy that we were not given the Earth from our parents, but that we're leaving it as an inheritance for our children. Let's wish us all luck.

Boston, MA: I remember the first Earth Day- in fact I was in Washington for it. At the time there was a lot of outrage about what was happening -- rivers on fire and industries belching smoke.
At lot happened as a result. Why do you think that the Earth Day 2000 and a call for "sustainable energy" will attract people's attention? Do you expect significant accomplishments?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes. Absolutely. Energy lies at the core of most serious environmental problems, and the environment is central to every energy problem. Every public opinion poll shows enormous latent support for renewable energy sources and super-efficiency. Earth Day's goal is to convert that vague preference into a core policy issue.

Frederick, MD: Will the price of nuclear generated electricity ever include the cost of storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Instead of "too cheap to meter", nuclear has become "too expensive to bankroll." Let's stick with clean and affordable energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Baltimore, MD: Do you think wind power is economically and enviromentaly better than hydroelectric power? and do you think that windmills and solar panels will soon be replacing nuclear plants and other power plants hazardous to the enviroment?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Hayes. When you factor the environmental externalities in, most wind project are make more economic sense than most hydro projects -- particularly projects of very large scale. How soon renewable sources replaced polluting sources will be determined by public policy.

Columbia, Maryland: Fuel cell powered vehicles seem to be the light at the end of the tunnel for virtually pollution-free transportation. Finally, this week, some real R & D muscle was given to the imminent mass production of fuel cell cars by a new 5 year partnership with Toyota & GM -or Ford-. Mazda already shows their 1st FC-EV on their website as a finished prototype. 2005 seems a little long to have to wait to get in one of these FC cars and start driving clean. I want to see all gasoline cars replaced by FC EV cars soon! What does the EDAY 2000 campaign plan to do to further speed-up this transition from fossil fuel to fuel cell vehicle production?

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Transportation is in fact, the big enchilada, of energy use/waste/pollution/climate change. And we're losing the fight. Fuel cells do now have the backing of GM, Toyota and the other big boys and have some advantages over other alternatives. Transportation reform is a major component of ED2000's clean energy agenda. Detroit has the best engineers in the world - they're developing the technologies -- now the companies need to use it and consumers need to buy it.

Bucharest, Romania: Regarding the impact of the nuclear and fossil fuel power plant on the environment and life, in your point of view which will be the solution? To continue the process of the introduction more efficient technologies and appliances, alternative solution to produce electricity, or which other?
Which is and how could be fructified the potential of energy saving in developed country and in the other? Because, for the household appliances, there are introducing more efficient appliances, but the living standard corroborated with the decreasing consumption of the appliances determine the increasing demand of such appliances, and so, in fact, the goal is "the decreasing of the increase" and not the energy saving.

Denis Hayes and David Nemtzow: Nemtzow. Agreed. For post-Socialist and developing economies, the goal is EFFICIENCY -- doing more with less. You deserve to have the technological amenities that improve life -- but don't make the same mistakes we did! Pursue efficiency as an economic growth strategy.

Washingtonpost.com: That is all the time we have today, thank you for your questions.