Livingston plant’s efforts may yield new energy source
Tuscaloosa News – June 19
…University of Alabama professor Peter Clark, who teaches chemical and biological engineering, said he isn’t convinced that established biofuels like corn-based ethanol or new cellulose-based plants like the one in Livingston will help wean the nation off of traditional fossil fuels. Clark pointed out that the wood waste has to be transported to the plant, then the fuel produced has to be driven by trucks to its destination. Then there is the issue of displacement: even wood waste has some useful purpose. Paper mills, for example, often burn it to dry lumber and generate heat. ‘They’re displacing previous use of this stuff with a different use,’ Clark said. ‘The trouble with all of these biofuels is that they create displacements.’…’In terms of raw economics, oil is still cheaper. Even with the cost of fuel today, there is no cheaper way to deliver transportation fuel than gas and diesel.’
Gas prices on the rise
Crimson White – June 19
…Peter Clark, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, said gas prices have gone up not due to one main factor. Examples would be the declining value of the U.S. dollar and the high demand for oil on the world market. “Since 2000, the value of a dollar has collapsed in the U.S., and oil is traded in dollars,” Clark said, “OPEC gets most of their trade from Europe, because Euros are less expensive then the American dollar…Clark said there is untapped oil in the United States. There are roughly seven billion gallons of oil in Alabama sands they have not had a reason to extract yet, he said…
UA loans not feeling the credit crunch
Crimson White – June 19
…But Jeanetta Allen, UA director of student financial aid, said no one needs to worry about the crunch affecting the availability of loans through the University. “Since we are direct lending – meaning the funds are provided by the federal government – we have really not detected any impact on our students,” Allen said. “Most of our students do borrow through the federal loan program.”…
Editorial: Thanks to the UAPD
Crimson White – June 19
The University of Alabama Police Department has always been a valuable partner with the SGA in ensuring that our students, faculty members and staff are protected both on and off campus. The SGA would like to congratulate the UAPD on being named a “Flagship Agency” as well as being reaccredited for the third time…This is something the entire UA community should be proud of and we should all – parents, students, faculty and administrators – be able to rest just a little bit easier knowing that Chief Steve Tucker and his officers are patrolling our campus and neighborhoods…Your student government will continue to collaborate with the UAPD to offer everyone at the University the best services to make our campus and community as safe as we can be. Cason Kirby is the president of the SGA.
BamaBike program less expensive
Crimson White – June 19
BamaBikes are now less expensive to rent and easier to access on and around campus. When initiated in February, the BamaBike Program cost $20. The cost is now $10 for a membership valid until August 2009…Students can rent bikes for up to one week at a time. Stations are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the school week and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend. The bike shop will cover minor damages and wear and tear…BamaBikes started as an SGA Task Force initiative in fall 2006. It was modeled after similar programs at Colorado State and Duke University. It is sponsored by University Recreation, the SGA, the Ferguson Center and the Office of Housing and Residential Communities…
Alston Hall entrance closed for summer
Crimson White – June 19
The front entrance of Alston Hall will be closed until about July 31 to replace the entry stairs and porch. Walks leading to the front steps and side of the building will also be closed. All pedestrian traffic should enter the rear of the building on the basement level near Bidgood Hall. If any additional sidewalk closings are required during construction, directions will indicate the alternate routes.