now and zen

We all make decisions all the time that affect us, our families, and others. Some will have an impact on today or tomorrow or until the next paycheck. Some decisions will have an immediate impact but from the perspective of a year or 10 years from now are completely inconsequential. And some decisions will impact the seventh generation from now. One family living a resource/energy/environmentally wastral life will have a small impact on their great great great great great grandaughter, but 200 million american families will have a great impact.  Be the change you wish to see; sounds nice as long as its not inconvienient. Whether you have a portorhouse steak for dinner may only affect your clogging arteries and slightly damage your health. Its hard to ignore the temptation for immediate gratification against some nebulous and minute long term consequense such as when will I die. Hell, most of us don't really believe we will die.  How can "I" end, its inconceivable.  If its that hard to make the right calls for our own health and longevity. Its an immensely greater tendency to ignore future generations when living our life today. 
Be mindfull, live with right intent.
Also; be well and happy.

Indiana Considers PACE

On Jan 20 the Indiana House heard testamony on HB 1332, the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) bill. Everyone who believes in a green future needs to contact their Indiana State Representative Now.

If you are not familiar with PACE, It simply authorizes local taxing entities to add private sector financing of clean energy and energy saving investment to 20 years of tax bills. For instance a 20,000 solar system added to my building would add the amortized yearly cost (1000 plus interest) to my yearly property tax. Sell the building and the solar system and its remaining cost go's to the new owner. It removes the up-front cost deterrent to making the right building energy decisions. It is now law in 27 states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, (and was enacted by 19 Democratic & 8 Republican controlled legislatures). Pace is supported by the American Institute of Architects amoung many others.

It is bi-partisan, will create jobs and investment in Indiana, does not raise taxes or increase the size of government.   It addresses the dangers of dirty energy productions damage to the environment, our dependence on foreign energy sources and contributes to the solution to the problem of climate change, (whether you acknowledge that or not). The only negative in the bill is that it exempts the private homeowner , (which I hope can be corrected).  The only sector opposing it are the Banking interests who won’t make any money as part of this advancement of clean energy and energy saving investments. From my viewpoint it also alleviates, (in a small way), the growing wealth imbalance and increases individual freedom. 

If you agree please contact your Indiana State Representative and say so. This died a year ago but hearing from the citizenry now can make it happen.

to see the bill >> http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2012/PDF/IN/IN1332.1.pdf
to see a brief summary of Pace >> http://pacenow.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/PACE-One-Page-Primer-11-7-11.pdf
to see who your rep is and their contact info >> http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl