This was an interview I did on July 24, 2011 with a great couple named Joanne Morrison and James Taylor who produced a documentary called Catching Wind. It's great to look back and listen to the interviews I have done in the past.

Please sit back, relax and enjoy this episode of GreenNews4U.

Welcome to the 13th Episode of GreenNews4U Weekly Roundup This is a special edition of GreenNews4U where I interview Joanne Morrison who is working with James Taylor in producing a documentary called Catching Wind. If you would like to find out more information about this Documentary you can go to their blog at http://www.catchingwind.blogspot.com and on twitter @CatchingWindDoc I hope you enjoy the 13th Episode of GreenNews4U.

Interview with Gregory Pitts

12th Episode of GreenNews4U

Here's an interview I did with a very talented artist, photographer, entertainer, producer and actor named Gregory Pitts. We had a great time talking and since that time we have become great friends.

In this interview we talked about all the great things he is doing to help save and bring knowledge to our environment.

Blog Update

As you all know GreenNews4U web page is down. Managing a web page was very time consuming and expensive so I have decided to go to a free form of blogging. Fortunately I was able to save a lot of my posts... unfortunately some of the pictures and links do not work.

It's hard to believe that over the past few years I have interviewed over 30 people that are in essence the "change makers" of the world. To honor them I will be re-posting the interviews of the people that I have had the privilege of interviewing.

I have always enjoyed talking with people and sharing in there passions. I will continue to interview people but not as much as I once did.

If you know someone that would like to be interviewed that is a "change maker" then please reach out to me via Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin.

GreenNews4U is still very alive and well.

Test Post

This is a test to make sure this blog posts to Facebook and Twitter.

First UL Environment Certification Awarded to Samsung

Sustainability Certifications for Televisions Set Bar for Environmental Leadership ATLANTA, Dec. 12, 2012 - UL Environment, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories), announces today that it has certified the Samsung 55" LED Television, 46" LED Television to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1680.3 Standard for the Environmental Assessment of Televisions. These Samsung television models are the first to achieve UL's sustainable product certification to IEEE 1680.3. "This landmark accomplishment by Samsung provides other television manufacturers with a leadership model to continue to improve products to meet and exceed marketplace sustainability demands," said Sara Greenstein, president of UL Environment. Products that achieve certification to IEEE standards are assessed and audited for a wide range of environmental criteria. These criteria include: environmentally sensitive materials and materials selection, design for end of life, product longevity/life cycle extension, energy conservation, end-of-life management, corporate performance, and packaging. The Samsung 55" LED Television and 46" LED Television have attained Gold level certification, indicating that both products have achieved the highest level of environmental performance recognized by IEEE 1680.3, meeting all required criteria and a minimum of 75% of available optional criteria points. "The electronics industry is evolving at an unparalleled rate, largely due to consumer preference, energy regulations, and corporate sustainability practices. Companies like Samsung are rising to the challenge to lessen the environmental impacts typically associated with these products," said Greenstein. "UL Environment helps manufacturers make and market more sustainable products. We have the expertise to propel them forward, and are pleased to support Samsung in these achievements." UL provides the scientific expertise required to conduct readiness assessment, testing, and certification to the IEEE suite of standards. As a global Product Registration Entity (or PRE) for EPEAT®, a North American environmental rating system for electronics, UL may also assist manufacturers with registering products to the central EPEAT registry. "We are proud that these Samsung televisions are being recognized by UL," said Hyogun Lee, senior vice president of Samsung Electronics Visual display Business. "Achieving UL's sustainable product certification shows our customers that Samsung is dedicated to delivering environmentally preferable products that do not compromise performance or functionality." For more information on UL's turnkey services related to EPEAT registration and certification to IEEE 1680 standards, click here. About UL Environment UL Environment works to advance global sustainability, environmental health, and safety by supporting the growth and development of environmentally preferable products, services, and organizations. It helps companies achieve their sustainability goals – and meanwhile helps purchasers, specifiers, retailers, governments, and consumers find products they can trust. UL Environment offers environmental claim validations, multi-attribute product certifications, environmental product declarations, indoor air quality certification, product emissions testing, organizational sustainability certification, and consulting. For more information, visit www.ul.com/environment. About UL UL is a premier global independent safety science company with more than 118 years of history. Employing more than 10,000 professionals with customers in over 100 countries, UL has five distinct business units – Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, Knowledge Services, and Verification Services – to meet the expanding needs of our customers and to deliver on our public safety mission. For more information on UL's family of companies and network of 95 laboratory, testing, and certification facilities, go to UL.com. SOURCE UL Environment

Melvin Wylie

Congress Passes Bill To Create Uniform Water Heater Energy Efficiency Ratings

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 7, 2012 - Congress has passed legislation establishing a uniform energy efficiency descriptor that applies to all residential water heaters sold in the U. S. The measure now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature. The bill, also known as the American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act (H. R. 6582) was passed unanimously in the Senate yesterday. The legislation was approved overwhelmingly by a 398-2 vote earlier this week in the House of Representatives. In addition to applying a consistent rating system for all water heaters, the bill will require the Department of Energy to develop a test method to accurately determine the descriptor for all types of water heaters including new advanced technologies introduced over the last several years. "Passage of this legislation will help reduce the confusion that consumers face when attempting to determine the energy efficiency of the water heater they intend to purchase," Paul W. Jones, chairman and chief executive officer of A. O. Smith Corporation, commented. "Once the bill becomes law, consumers will be able to make more informed decisions by comparing the efficiency of the entire range of water heaters that are on the market. It will make it easier for them to obtain available incentives that are based on an appliance's energy efficiency." "It's also important to understand this legislation supports our national clean energy goals by promoting the use of high efficiency water heaters that reduce energy consumption and therefore reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Jones continued. A. O. Smith was a member of a coalition of affected industry representatives, leading energy advocate groups, and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) that worked with members of Congress on the legislation. A bipartisan group of senators and representatives were instrumental in securing passage of the legislation. Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Bob Corker (R-TN) were sponsors of the original Senate bill that became the basis for the final legislation. Supporting the measure were Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), andDebbie Stabenow (D-MI). In the House, Representatives Jim Cooper (D-TN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) co-authored the original bill that was incorporated, in its entirety, into the final version of the H. R. 6582 legislation. Representative Phil Roe (R-TN) was a co-sponsor of H. R. 6582 along with Representative Ron Kind (D-WI). Blackburn and Roe both spoke on the floor of the House in support of the bill. Representatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) also were supporters of the bill. The uniform energy efficiency descriptor replaces a standard that is more than 20 years old that created two sets of energy efficiency measures for water heaters. When the original standards were put in place, smaller water heaters were rated using an "energy factor," while larger units were rated based on "thermal efficiency." Adding to the confusion, each of the two ratings required its own testing methodology, and manufacturers were not allowed to substitute ratings on different water heater models. Advances in water heater technology and improved efficiency testing methods combined to make the older standard obsolete. SOURCE A. O. Smith Corporation

Melvin Wylie

The University of Connecticut Commissions Fuel Cell Power Plant

STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut, along with UTC Power and the Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, today (April 26) commissioned a new fuel cell power plant at UConn's Depot Campus that will supply the campus with clean and efficient energy, cooling and heating for years to come. The installation of a UTC Power PureCell system is the latest step byUConn to reduce its carbon footprint and build a sustainable community. The fuel cell installation was made possible through a federal stimulus grant from Connecticut's Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA). "One of our major objectives as an institution is reducing our carbon emissions and working very hard to be good stewards of the environment," said UConn President Susan Herbst. "The installation of this fuel cell is an outstanding contribution to that ongoing effort. We are very grateful to both of our partners, UTC Power and the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, for making this possible." The 400kW fuel cell will provide energy to critical UConn research labs and offices, including those working on advancing fuel cell and microgrid technology at UConn's Center for Clean Energy Engineering. "We are very excited to work with UTC Power on this innovative public-private partnership that will bring clean energy generation toUConn," said Mun Choi, dean of UConn's School of Engineering. "This initiative demonstrates UConn's deep commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship." UConn Pres. Herbst last month signed an expanded climate action plan for the University that outlines more than 200 strategies for sustainable energy and resource conservation in order to achieve a carbon-neutral Storrs campus by 2050. UConn has been named one of the top 20 greenest schools in the nation by the Sierra Club and it was recently recognized as one of the most eco-friendly campuses on earth, according to a sustainability survey of 178 universities in 42 countries sponsored by Universitas Indonesia. "UTC Power is proud to build upon the strong, long-standing partnership between United Technologies and UConn with the installation of a PureCell fuel cell system on campus," said Joe Triompo, vice president and general manager of UTC Power of South Windsor, CT. "The PureCell system will deliver clean, efficient energy to the University and help meet the important goals of UConn's climate action plan. We believe the future of energy is here and we are thrilled that our Connecticut-grown fuel cell technology will power the very buildings where UConn is conducting vital fuel cell research every day." The PureCell system is an energy delivery solution that combines hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air electrochemically – without combustion – to produce electricity, heat and water. The new power plant will serve as a demonstration model and teaching tool forUConn students, helping them better understand the technology and benefits behind advanced microgrid energy systems that can deliver clean, reliable energy while protecting the environment. By generating and using power on-site with a PureCell system,UConn will prevent the release of more than 831 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually – the equivalent of planting more than 192 acres of trees. The reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to a conventional power plant is equal to the environmental benefit of removing more than 110 cars from the road. In addition to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the PureCell system saves nearly 3.9 million gallons of water each year. "This fuel cell was supported by funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and will support energy research at the University of Connecticut and its Center for Clean Energy Engineering," said David R. Goldberg, a spokesman for the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, which provided a million dollar federal stimulus grant for the new fuel cell. "This project will promote clean energy and energy efficiency, while providing energy, environmental and economic benefits to UConn and the State of Connecticut. These benefits will be realized not just for the students and faculty today, but for many years to come."

Melvin Wylie