Author: Adam Clare

Ontario Government to Patch up Smokers

Smoking is the number one cause of preventable deaths in Canada, and the Ontario government wants that to change. The province, along with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to give 14, 000 smokers nicotine patches or gum to help them quit.

If you are a smoker in Ontario you can call 1 800-350-5305 for an interview to see if you can qualify. Those that get chosen for the study will get the gum or patches sent to them for five weeks, and will have to complete some follow up studies a few months after that.

2.9 Billion for the Sun, Care of The Govinator

a good source of energyCalifornia is launching the United State’s largest solar incentive program. The incentives to get consumers to switch to solar power for heating, electricity generation, and even solar cooling, won’t be put into action until 2007.

“The money will be used for rebates for solar photovoltaics, solar water heating, and solar heating and cooling systems over 10 years, with 10 percent of the money slated for low-income customers and affordable-housing projects.”

Powerful, Portable, Methanol Machines

Fuel cells are often said to be the next leap in power supplies for cars, busses, and other generally large consumers of power, but that is not where most consumers will first use a fuel cell. Methanol-based fuel cells are being used in MP3 players and other handheld electronics already. Using hydrogen, in a very controlled state, the batteries can last over 60 hours.

The catch is that these new batteries are expensive, but with more advanced consumer electronics coming out that require more juice, it seems that the time is rife for these longer-lasting and reusable batteries.

New York State Governor Wants Different Gas

oilGovernor George E. Pataki wants to help New Yorkers get more choice when it comes to what they put in their fuel tank. The Governor wants to reduce the state’s reliance on petroleum by getting biodiesel and ethanol to be distributed at petroleum stations that already exist in the state, as early as this year.

His budget plan also aims to encourage research and development of alternative fuels.