I’ve analyzed the economics of solar power in Vermont under Green Mountain Power's new "Solar Rate" net-metering program. This program offers people a “market rate” credit from their power bill for solar power generated by homes and sent into the grid, meaning people and businesses can go solar without having to go "off grid.”

Most importantly, the economics of solar power now makes sense, even in Vermont. Even if you don't care about clean power or the environment and you just want to save money. FREE VERMONT! GO SOLAR!

Seven Days "Fair Game" columnist Shay Totten spells out the Intervale's woes.

So let's get this straight - we've got a community-managed agricultural resource that is a global model for relocalization, and state government is making it as hard as possible for it to survive?

In an interview with Seven Days' Suzanne Podhaizer, Fast Food Nation author Eric Schlosser said this of the Intervale:

So he finds himself on the cusp of another July 4th and all its strange customs: Parades built on the back of cheap petroleum, night skies polluted by the small explosions of fireworks, kegs and coolers brimming with pallid domestic beers, grills stacked high with chickens who never set foot on the soft, brown earth during their short and brutish lives. And somewhere in there, perhaps, for some (and especially after a few PBRs), a swell of patriotism.   

Quick facts on Bio-Diesel:
An acre of soy (the main source of bio-diesel today) can yield 50 gallons of fuel-oil per year.
An acre of an algae-lagoon can create up to 20,000 gallons of fuel-oil per year.
Certain strains of algae are more than 50% oil by volume, and algae doubles in volume every 24 hours. EVERY water treatment plant and farm could be diverting "waste water/sludge" into an algae -lagoon. The waste feeds the algae, along with sunlight and the right temperature range. Algae then fuels the operation and creates a valuable local energy-source.

WESTMINSTER WEST, Vt. -- An award-winning sheep-cheese farm,
community-supported vegetable farm and a garden with semi-wild
medicinal herbs are among the attractions that will be featured on
Sunday, July 20 in an event celebrating the continuing agricultural
heritage of a small Vermont village.

Posted at the suggestion of Brattleboro's Ralph Meima ...plenty of fodder here for conversation.

Let's "open thread" it for now.

by Jane Dwinell and Dana Dwinell-Yardley

Worried about high gas prices affecting everything from food to fun? Wondering what to do about your summer vacation? Try having one close to home. There are so many things to do in Vermont — so many reasons people from everywhere else to want to visit here. It’s your turn to discover Vermont.

The story of the Douglas Administration's delay in the purchase of new passenger rail cars that I broke last week and updated last Saturday continues to spread through the Vermont media.

The Brattleboro Reformer covered the story on Wednesday, and they talked to the director of the Vermont Rail Advocacy Network, who points out the importance of moving expeditiously on the rail cars:

But rail advocates say Gov. James Douglas has simply prioritized roads over trains.

"Perhaps the real issue is that Gov. Douglas has proposed (and the Legislature approved) issuing $10 million in bonds for road construction projects," said Christopher Parker, executive director of a new nonprofit group called the Vermont Rail Advocacy Network, in an e-mail. "The problem with the delay is that it risks losing a $2 million grant from Amtrak."

He said the plan, if ever implemented, would be to add runs in the morning and at night, when traffic is heaviest on Interstate 91.

Bruce Johnson has also written a story on the passenger rail cars; look for it in this Sunday's Times Argus / Rutland Herald. (UPDATE: The story is here.)

The Reformer also published an editorial on Thursday, comparing the train service in Brattleboro in 1938 with 2008. The nickel version: There were six departures from Brattleboro to New York City in 1938, vs. one today. And there's only a 25% chance that you'll get to New York within 30 minutes of the scheduled arrival time today. Going east and west from Brattleboro by train is difficult or impossible now, too.

I haven't found answers to the questions outstanding at the end of my previous post. Maybe next week...

UPDATE: Nancy Schulz, Executive Director of the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, sent out the following email today:

VBPC member and volunteer David Cain is taking the initiative to gather information and supporters to address the issue of bicycles on Amtrak trains. A major obstacle is Amtrak's refusal to allow bikes on their trains to and from New Haven, CT that make connections with the Vermonter. If this specific issue is one that energizes you, then please consider contacting Dave directly to find out how you can help. You can reach Dave by sending an email message and please "cc" me. Thanks.

We don't usually post press releases here, but this is too exciting to pass up.

Especially in the wake of Suzanne Podhaizer's fabulous interview with IN DEFENSE OF FOOD author Michael Pollan in this week's SEVEN DAYS.

Go Burlington!

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For Immediate Release 6/18/08

Downtown Burlington Farmers’ Market Goes Year Round:
Winter Market in the Works for 2008-2009