T. Boone Launches “Pickens Plan” to Save U.S.
Oil baron turned wind developer T. Boone Pickens says gas-guzzling America is in need of an oil intervention. To get us off the sweet Saudi sticky, today Pickens has launched his Pickens Plan, accompanied by a media blitz of television ads (embedded after the jump), a web site and even an array of web 2.0 tools (T. Boone Twitters!).
With a Texan’s penchant for superlatives, Pickens, who is currently building what he says will be the world’s largest wind farm, is launching his Pickens Plan with what he calls the biggest public policy ad campaign ever. Pickens’s PR tells USA Today that America will be seeing just about as much Boone as Obama or McCain in their living rooms as the hedge funder tries to make foreign oil independence the No. 1 issue of this election. (also watch the informational video from Pickens web site embedded below)
The Pickens Plan sounds simple enough: In order to reduce our use of foreign oil, Pickens proposes using the natural gas that currently generates about 20 percent of our electricity to replace about a third of our imported transportation fuel. Compressed natural gas has existed as a transport fuel for some time but hasn’t been a highly prioritized alternative to gasoline.
Pickens then wants to replace that energy on the grid with wind — an energy source the DOE estimates is capable of satisfying 20 percent of U.S. electricity needs. According to Pickens’s flowchart-laden math, this energy shuffle will reduce our annual imports of foreign oil to $400 billion from $700 billion in 10 years.
This isn’t the first time Pickens has bought a place for his voice in a presidential election. In the 2004 election, Pickens supported the Swift Boat campaign against John Kerry and offered $1 million to anyone who could disprove the group’s claims.
Pickens stands to gain considerably from his proposed plan, as his $12 billion wind investment is still under construction. But the 80-year-old oilman is convinced we can do it. We just need the right leadership, he says, which might be purchasable with the right ad campaign.
I appreciate his promotion of renewables. He’s definitely right about large-scale wind in the central U.S. and expanding solar. I’m kinda surprised he can’t afford better advisers on technical, financial and ecological issues, though.
If his true intention is to help this country, I think his money would be much more effective if it was invested in changing our patterns of energy and material flows and closing the loops. This would produce much higher returns, both financially and energetically.
Why not first invest billions in negawatts instead of megawatts in the electricity sector?
-Smart Grid Technology
-Waste Heat Recycling for power plants and industries requiring process heat
-Combined Heat and Power
-CSP and sustainable biomass (where appropriate) supplementing existing coal and natural gas power plants
-LED technology
here’s a page with some links–> http://www.recycled-energy.com/pubs/pubs_tom_casten.html
Why not invest billions in negabarrels instead of megabarrels in the transportation sector?
-Locally-focused agriculture projects, compost services, recycling projects, etc, making transport unnecessary
-Mixed-use developments that make commuting unnecessary
-Freight and commuter rail infrastructure
I see major flaws in relying upon a higher proportion of natural gas in the transportation sector:
-The high monetary and energy cost of expanding a guaranteed-to-be-obsolete natural gas dispensing infrastructure
-The low efficiency of internal combustion engines
-Rising natural gas prices as the good stuff peaks and unconventional stuff gets tapped, plus we have an inadequate LNG shipping infrastructure.
-Potential conflicts over a dwindling resource (how is natural gas better than oil in this regard?)
-CO2 emissions
His arguments are based on continuing our current consumption of natural gas, which is simply not feasible.
I guess being an old school oil man influences his decisions in favor of centralized infrastructure, top-down approaches and supply-centric and mechanistic thinking. Too bad. That mulah could do a lotta good.
Crybaby.
What a wimp you are; bloated text with no substance, jealous of others success, dreaming about utopia and neglecting real time lines.
But oh, do you know how to spend other folks money!
Yes Sir! Tell us how many millions YOU’ve earned so far with your brilliant concepts?
The sweet Saudi sticky?
Nice.
Go Boone Go,,,,do solar and wind together,,there are very few days that it is cloudy and no wind.
Get car companies to start making a line of cars that run on propane. Put propane stations in conjunction with truck stops.
Go for it Boone! You’re right on this issue and you need to go public and ask people to write their congressional representatives and demand that the government provide incentives to the private sector to implement this plan. You need to be frank and alarmist on this issue to wake up the American people and overcome their apathy before it’s too late. Make the candidates address this issue. Good luck.
I’m happy he’s doing something. I don’t think the average American realises how much China buys our collective American soul everyday. Rome is falling and we’re watching reality shows – oh wait now we’re watching Chinese shows…and so it begins.
I think this is a great plan, frankly. Wind is the most currently economic of the renewables, and Natural Gas cars are the most ready for the road. I view it as best a bridging strategy to get us off of oil as quickly as possible and give time for electric transportation to really get going.
Obama, if he were smart enough, would approach Boone and embrace this before McCain does.
Mr. Pickens & Co.
I agree with Kirby Ward above; Go with both wind & solar. Use the mega wind machines and mega solar sites for these plans. Do not ’sell back’ to the Power Cos. Be the Power Cos. Distribute this maxi-power via microwave or similar wireless media. Set up plans for different market levels agribusiness to villages to towns and small cities. Offer these plans under the TBP license control.
Establish separate smaller units for indivual home use – in both types solar and wind for small ranches and minimal acreage plots. Encourage / Mandate Government subsidies and participation under the Small Business Administration.
more to come…….
Boone declined to comment Wednesday. They’re amazingly adept at construction. ” It’s important to me that Kirby Ward makes construction, and that they must be here to participate.
With rising fuel costs, the federal government still requires its workforce to work M-F and supervisors still “don’t support” telework/telecommuting (working from home) or compressed or alternative work schedule (working four 10 hour days and 1 day off a week or working eight 9 hour days and 1 eight hour day with 1 day off every other week).
With rising energy costs, my home owner association still bans solar panels (in its covenants) but hasn’t addressed wind turbines yet.
Even though I watched the G Word TV program on wind generators in Texas, the end of the segment introduced one that was home sized — yet no manufacturer or way to contact anyone about obtaining one.
The next president and the next Congress will have to start drilling in ANWR, off shore, start construction of oil refineries, and permit the licensing of nuclear facilities. AND tell Detroit to start creating fuel efficient engines and producing them in quantity.
Wind generators offshore or in communities should be encouraged and constructed now — debate should stop. Fossil fuels have a limit — wind does not. The same applies for solar powered generators.
Recycling (paper, glass, metal) could be encouraged or enforced.
I think it’s great that Pickens is putting so much money into alternative energy. For the most part his plan is great and it is getting a lot of people to talk.
However, the part of the plan that fails is the natural gas aspect for vehicles. We don’t want to replace one non-sustainable energy source with another. Otherwise, we will run into the same problems with natural gas that we have with oil today.
Regarding natural gas for transportation, I understood Pickens to suggest natural gas not as the long term fix, but rather a temporary solution that would be a pretty seamless transition. This would ease the oil situation (I don’t like the word “crisis”) and allow us to continue developing alternate sources such as fuel cells or hydrogen. Pickens clearly states at the end of the video that his solution is not the end all solution. It is a plan to sustain our lifestyle for 20-30 years while other alternatives are being sought.
There is a Public Forum for discussions on Pickens Plan : http://www.pickensenergyplan.com
See you there !
T. Bonne Pickens plan is bold and can be done over a period of years. Some of the basic premises are that we cannot drill ourselves out of this situation to get an energy solution.
We love that final run-on sentence…
I’m so happy to know that someone is finally gonna make a move and not just talk about it, that I say ..
“T.Boone Pickens” for President !!! I’m tired of all the talk and no action. It’s about time that wind power is utilized in Texas, and for that matter, all states. It’s a shame that California has been the only state to do this.
Mr. T.Boone Pickens
You advertise that you are looking to help the world with new ideas to clean up the global warming.
I have the solution and I am going to give it to you for only one small favor.
signed
John clark
To Mr. T Boone Pickens:
I own a small business we are a machinery dealer and we also do classic car restoration. We have been testing fuel economy ideas the best results is our air infusion project. I would like to be involved in your natural gas project. Thanks Dan Biondo
mr. pickens
I am an inventer with a design to significantly reduce dependency on foreign oil in automobles and home. But I need some money. If you really want to put a dent in the use of oil and save this planet-and maybe a small profit. Cal me at 916-821-2149
I have designs using “running water” such as waterfalls and rivers (continuous supplies of energy-sources) for energy production. Using a propellar-turbine (such as the swanturbine and wind turbine) in a river or waterfall will contribute greatly to our energy needs. I can share my designs.
Perhaps someone should ask T. Boone why he’s buying all the water rights in Texas and building pipelines?
This guy IS one of the reasons Bush was elected again in 2004. I cannot believe people will just accept him at face value and not be asking what do you stand to gain and how much do you stand to gain? What will you control once we all come to the table?
I’m into sharing and not hoarding, which I believe he’s trying to do with water….watch out….
T.Boone Pickens is a rich man. He is a businessperson. He is trying to do something positive about our energy crisis. I say go for T.Boone and if you can solve even in part our national embrassement go for it. I am pragmatic about green both the enviornment and dollars. Action is necessary not second guessing. Reduce, reuse, and recycle is excellent economic advice. Follow it but we need SOLUTIONS TODAY.
Mr Pickens I am sold on the idea of alternative fuel for the last 15 years,I take my hat of to you on your wind farm project ,however presently i am noticing that you are spending quite a chunk of change on ads making the media richer. What about investing in converting all school buses and government vehicles to CNG as a pilot program instead of blowing it on the media. doing this will give you a return on you investment and free media. This will kick start this program in my opinion…
Mr. Pickens, I would gladly go green and have solor power and wind power, but after retiring from the service back in the 80’s, theses things are just out of my reach.I only wish that I could.I hope all you are trying to do works out because you do make sence of things in this crazy world.
MR. PICKENS ,
PLEASE ENDORSE JOHN McCAIN FOR PRESIDENT.
I THINK THAT SARA PALIN IS THE ONLY PERSON IN GOVERMENT THAT REMOTELY UNDESTANDS THAT WE NEED TO GAIN ENERGY INDEPENDENCE IN AMERICA. WE NEED ALL FORMS OF ENERGY SOURCES RIGHT DOWN TO WINDTRICITY. PLEASE BE A PATRIOT AND HELP. PEOPLE LISTEN TO YOU.
THANKS,
ROSILYNN
Why don’t we let Texans have light bulbs on ceiling fans that produce enough light to enable people to see and cut on other energy usage in the home? Ceiling fans, after all, help cut the cost of air conditioning and in most cases provide the source of light for the room. Have you ever tried to see by using the light from these candalabra based bulbs (especially if you are over the age of 45)??
Why is it that Abilene has some of the highest energy costs in the state and yet we have the large wind turbine farms all over this area? Let’s get this area re-regulated! People in Amarillo don’t pay nearly as much for electricity.
MR pickens
I know that you do not know of me but I would like to do something for RI taking homes that have been reposed and finding people who would be willing to invest sweet into the home. They would be willing to paint mow the lawn and just be willing to work in keeping up the home fort low rent. We could make a modest profit and provide a home to many.
Thank You Donald M Larivee
Donlarivee@cox.net
MR.PICKENS — I LIVE IN BULLHEAD CITY – ARIZONA – AVERAGE WIND 24/365 -IS – 6 TO 12 MILES PER HOUR — I HELPED IN CLOSING THE SOUTHERN CALIF. EDISON – COAL FIRED POWER PLANT – TOTALLY – UN-FILTERED – PUTTING OUT 100% CANCER CAUSING POLUTION – 24/365 – WITH THE – HELP OF THE GRAND CANYON TRUST FILLING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THIS SCUMBAG POWER PLANT — FOR NOT ONLY POLUTING THE GRAND CANYON – BUT ALSO TOTALLY CHANGING THE COLORS OF THE GRAND CANYON – ALSO – POLUTING FOR 100 MILES AROUND THIS WORTHLESS POWER PLANT- THE PLANT – RAN TOTALLY UNFILTERED – FOR 38 YEARS – PLUS -STEALING FROM THE INDIANS – MILLIONS OF ACRE FEET OF AQUA-FEIR – WATER PER YEAR — FOR A $ 1.67 CENTS PER ACRE FOOT OF WATER -( THE INDIANS WERE REALLY GET SCREWED BY THIS POWER PLANT AND PEA-BODY MINNING — THE POWER PLANT AND MINING PEOPLE — SHOULD ALL BE SHOT DEAD — WORTHLESS BASTARDS –
== I WOULD LIKE -TO HELP YOU – TAKE THIS PROPERTY THAT THIS POWER PLANT OWNS – AND TURN IT INTO A WIND-TURBINE – POWER PLANT THE – POWER– LINES ARE ALREADY THEIR — ALL YOU NEED IS TO TAKE DOWN THE DIRTY PLANT AND INSTALL YOUR TURBINES — THE POWER THIS PLANT PRODUCED – SENT 85 % TO CALIF. AND THE REST TO NEVADA – WE LIVING NEXT DOOR TO IT — RECEIVED NOTHING — BUT THE CANCER CAUSING POLUTION — HOPE TO SUE THE BASTARDS SOMEDAY – BUT I’M GETTING OLD – BUT WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING HAPPEN WITH THIS UNUSED DIRTY POWER PLANT LAND – AND ALREADY INSTALLED POWER LINES — GREAT POSIBILITY HERE -THANK YOU ROBERT TEASDALE -
i have a existing plan in a bit of an operation but need a little help. i am currently working for a trucking company and as i travel up and down the road i “think”. my plan is working with all the technology that is available too me mostly electricity but more wind power assistance.if u are interested in helping my therory get into the real world without oil compannies or bureacrats trying too stop my progress or trying to buy me out and put it on a shelf until they think it’s right for them.
THIS IS FOR MR. T.Boone Pickens.
I need a partner so that my manuscript can be printed and published. The manuscript is entitled
“Words of Wisdom” which is a compilation of Motivational, spiritual, and philosophic strategies..
for everyone. It is truly a road map for self improvement, happiness, and financial independence.
Please contact me.
Dick Kalfus
221 South West 9th. Terrace
Cape Coral, Florida 33991
239-772-4897
louise.dick@yahoo.com
Hago de su conocimiento que necesito contactar una empresa
Hi i find your web site very interesting and full of useful info.
i have 3 wind generators/turbines and 4 solar panels my self and i run my 2 tvs and lights on them, so i am saving money and help to save the environment! I am also thinking to convert my car to run on water!
Regards Steve.
Dear Mr. Pickens,
I have lots of land you might like to use for your windmills. It would make me feel better about things, because it’s on my oil land. I don’t think the oil wells would interfere with the windmills, and I believe there are already power lines to take the power from that area to wherever it has to go. The only problem may be that the land is too low–the Cuyama Valley in California, but your wind turbines seem to be quite a bit taller than the average, and it might just do.
If you are interested, please contact me. I’m a perfectly serious person with a Ph.D. and a good deal of common sense, to boot. I admire you very much.
Sincerely,
Leslie Belden
Mr Pickens sir, I am sure you get all kinds of folks asking you to check out what they got. Back in February, I had dinner on Thursday evening where I made a presentation and breakfast Friday morning with a fellow who claimed to be a friend of yours, at the Del Mar Country Club, nice place. I guess it’s yours. The presentation was made for this Len fellow and his business partner. They were extremely impressed with what they heard as well they should have been, It is a sensational product, but I was under the impression that they were there representing you and were going to forward the information to you. This is why I am trying to contact you. I do have an extraordinary new product with technology that super improves an internal combustion engines efficiency upwards of 30%+
Of course super efficiency translates to much lower emissions, including the elusive CO2. Our Proof Of Concept tests also show over 20% improvement on fuel economy. I would like 15 minutes of your time, or of an associate who is well versed in the science of internal combustion engines, or a gearhead such as myself. It is so extremely frustrating with people like ‘ol Len and Mark whose business ethics I now question. The fact remains that this product has the potential to get our automakers to the 2012 mandates now. Then at least reduce the amount of emissions that are continuing to pollute our air and reduce our fuel consumption by at least 20% until technology comes along that can eliminate the need for it, lets do what we can do now, while working on technology for the not to distant future. I would so appreciate a moment. I wonder how many technologies that could have really curbed these environmental issues have been scrapped by their developers because of the frustration of red tape by the same people that make the mandates, and big business peoples greed, or arrogance that block the little guy from contributing. Thank you