Martin Library environmental series
Martin Library will host an environmental panel discussion on February 21 featuring:
Bob Astor – Shipley Fuels Marketing
Benjamin Caire – United Biofuels
Eugene DePasquale – PA Representative
Michael Helfrich – Lower Susquehanna River Keeper
Elizabeth Kepley – Gifford Pinchot State Park
Mark Platts – Lancaster – York Heritage Region
Liz Winand – Shank’s Mare.
I was interviewed, via keybord of course, since I will be one of the moderators. Below is the text of the interview:
5. In your opinion, how does the level of environmental awareness in York County compare to that of other similar-sized communities?
York is a land of plenty. We have enjoyed low population congestion and are blessed with resources. California is tuned into air pollution because congestion and climate patterns demanded action. The desert southwest is tuned into water supply because of the lack of it. Other than the Codorus Creek, a stray landfill and an occasional bad ozone day, York County generally has not been confronted in the face with major environmental issues. High oil prices, wars and global cries that we need to act have brought these concerns home to York.
6. What do you believe the typical Yorker can do to improve the environment?
Use less to do more. Nothing will lower pollution, lower oil prices, and stretch resources more than choosing to use less through product choice and lifestyle. This concept runs contrary to our financial model that, up until now, has promoted and thrived on people using more energy.
7. As editor of Greenmesh.com, what do you see as the most promising alternative to oil-based energy?
Experimenting with many alternatives is the best was to transition away from an oil based economy. It takes time to understand the repercussions of any form of energy production. Solar collection is the lowest impacting source of alternative energy, but in places like Pennsylvania, solar isn’t practical most of the time. We have already experienced the implications of diving head first into corn-based ethanol by higher food and feed prices.
All methods of energy production have environmental implications and placing all our eggs in one basket gives power to a new monopoly and will accentuate any negative effects of pushing a single solution of energy production....
The most promising solution is trying many solutions and electing a government that seriously allows alternatives, innovation and competition to incubate and take hold. If this can take place, those methods with the least impact and greatest good will become dominant through and educated consumer perception.
1. What initially ignited your passion for environmental concerns and specifically for finding alternative fuels?
I have always been a frugal innovator. It is probably the result of depression era, grandparents who got more out of less and made their mark in a new country by inventing and evolving. I have never subscribed to the view that consumption equals success. My “environmental passion” is more of a mindset that began before environmentalism became popular.
My interest in alternative fuel is as much about unlocking the grip of a maturing monopoly as it is about finding a better way to convert a substance to energy. Not that I find the free market an evil place, just a road block to developing alternative energy. Oil is the dominant product in infrastructure and consumer perception.
2. What are the goals for the panel discussion?
The panel discussion will be a flesh and blood blog. The speakers are our links to explore and we can comment and receive a response in real-time. My hope is that the discussion breaks off the pieces of information that the speakers offer and reassemble them through the questions of the audience; ideas that might empower people to become more in tune with their environment and seek/innovate solutions.
3. What topics do you expect to generate the most discussion?
I expect questions about urban sprawl, corn based ethanol, and energy dependence. The context of high profile international issues like global warming and energy production filtered through the context of York County.
4. Do you already have a connection with the York College E.C.O. group or will you just be meeting them through this event? If you already have a connection, what is it?
This is the first I have met them. It’s great when any community has an organization to bring awareness, particularly for a college community where the opinions and actions of humans who will be impacting the earth for the next 50 years.
