Greenhouse Gases = Public Health Hazard

Big news yesterday from Washington.  The EPA declared that greenhouse gases are a public health hazard, which opens up a HUGE door for both enforcement and legislation on both polluters and emitters of greenhouse gases.  That includes the farming community. This could have a transformational effect on the economy…the question remains, will it be a good one?

Thoughts?  This is a big deal for the business community and I’d suggest following this story as it develops.  A nice bit ‘o info from the WSJ:

The EPA says that would mean around 13,600 coal-burning power stations, crude refineries, metal smelters and other industrial facilities would come under existing regulations.

A potential big loser here?  Nebraska Public Power – we pull a majority of our power production from coal plants.  Changing emission standards could seriously affect the affordability of power in our state.  Stay tuned!

Venture Competition Finalists

Invest Nebraska released their finalists to the East 2 West $50,000 venture competition.  Of the 7 finalists, only ONE was from rural Nebraska.  I’d like to know whether it was due to a lack of rural entrants or if the rural venture plans weren’t up to snuff.  Either way, I find it a bit depressing to see rural underrepresented.  Check it out (download the .pdf here):

Competition Finalists & Schedule
1:00 – Milestone Local Surfaces – Josh Shear, Jen Carlson, and Brendan Wamstad-Evans – Lincoln
1:30 – Leyef, LLC – Luke Alexander and Andrew Curran – Lincoln
2:00 – Hemprev – Mark Pluta, John Lupien – Omaha
2:30 – RockDex – Jimmy Winter – Omaha
3:00 – Invoice + – Brad Coughlin – Lincoln
3:30 – Giftance.com – Rory Berry – Los Angeles, CA
4:00 – Dally Up – Kenis & Carrie Byam – Rural Deuel County
5:00 – Reception
5:30 – Winner Announcement