Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage (MOST)

The Moth-Paulsen Research Group at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has made important strides in a potential new energy storage mechanism.  They have demonstrated the ability to use solar energy to convert one type of liquid molecule into another liquid molecule with stronger chemical bonds that can be stored at room temperature.  Then when energy is needed again, the newer molecule interacts with a catalyst to release Read more…

By Todd Hay, ago

How To Talk With Those With Whom You Disagree

Do you ever encounter yourself talking with someone with whom you strongly disagree, perhaps on social, religious, or political issues?  Are you happy with how the discourse transpired? If you answer yes to the first question and no to the second, then I would recommend watching Megan Phelps-Roper’s TED talk on how to engage with those of differing views.  The video is only 15:17 long, so I would certainly recommend watching it, but if you Read more…

By Todd Hay, ago

Puget Sound Energy LNG Project – Lead SEPA Agency Transfer

Below are links to the documentation related to the transfer of Lead State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) agency designation from the Washington Department of Ecology to the City of Tacoma for the Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) project in the Port of Tacoma.  I obtained these documents via a Public Disclosure Request to the City of Tacoma.  Note that the lead SEPA agency designation was transferred per Washington Administrative Code 197-11-942, Agreements Read more…

By Todd Hay, ago

Tacoma Cumulative Air Quality Monitoring

This past Wednesday, April 26th, 2017, I attended a Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) information session on two permits for expanding fossil fuel operations in the Port of Tacoma. Permit #1:  Emerald Services proposes to expand their capacity to refine used motor oils by 10%.  Per questioning during the session, this will equate to an approximately 5,000 gallon increase per day. Permit #2:  Targa Sound Terminal seeks to modify four existing storage tanks to be able Read more…

By Todd Hay, ago