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Daily Archives: October 25, 2014

Mapping Geothermal Heat Flow and Existing Plants

“Geothermal power is a growing part of our country’s energy mix. We want to take a moment to help you learn more about this clean, renewable energy source. Read on to learn how geothermal energy works. Then spend some time checking out the map above, which shows locations of existing and in-development geothermal plants, over a base layer that shows geothermal heat flow potential in different parts of the country. Conventional hydrothermal resources make up most of the current geothermal operating plants in the United States. Power generation comes from drawing heat from the fluid found naturally deep below the Earth’s surface. Steam is captured at the surface and spins a turbine, which then powers an electric generator. A newer technology — and one that is gaining momentum — is Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Recent developments are making this technology more feasible and cost-effective, and we may be poised to see many new clean, renewable geothermal plants in the near future. EGS works by injecting cold water deep into the Earth’s crust. This water flows through fissures and cracks in the basement rock, heating up considerably along its path. The ensuing steam is then pumped to the surface and, much like conventional hydrothermal, turns a turbine that powers a generator. Water is then recycled back into the Earth’s crust. Learn more about EGSwith our geothermal infographicThe geothermal sector has also seen commercial successes in low-temperature and co-produced geothermal resources. Here, low-temperature means 300°F or less, and co-production means that heat captured from geothermal fluid in the ground gets used for electricity along with another use, like direct heating, greenhouses or fish farming. Low-temperature plants are bringing valuable returns on investment in areas of the country that have not been accessed before.   The map above allows you to learn a lot about the status of geothermal power across our country. Here we can see that areas with high heat flow potential are also areas with many operating and developing power plants. Clicking on the clusters of points will allow you to zoom into an area and see how the plants are distributed. Clicking “About the Points” and “About the Data” can give you more information on various stages of exploration and development. Learn more about how heat flow is calculated hereWant to learn more? Check out the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s geothermal page or see other ways that geothermal data is being visualized.”

The Literary Model in Comparative Law

The Literary Model in Comparative Law – Heinze, Eric, The Literary Model in Comparative Law (September 1, 2014). American Journal of Comparative Law, Forthcoming; Queen Mary School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper Forthcoming. Available for download at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2513936 “Legal theory, if it is to attain any level of generality, makes difficult, sometimes unacknowledged assumptions about… Continue Reading

The Impact of Missed Payments and Foreclosures on Credit Scores

Demyanyk, Yuliya S., The Impact of Missed Payments and Foreclosures on Credit Scores (October 24, 2014). FRB of Cleveland Working Paper No. 14-23. Available for download at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2514370 “This paper debunks the common perception that “foreclosure will ruin your credit score.” Using individual-level data from a credit bureau matched with loan-level mortgage data, it is… Continue Reading

Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Results – 2014

Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Results – Employees Influencing Change, 2014 “The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) calls on the Federal workforce to provide their straightforward  opinions on all aspects of their Federal employment experience – from views on their job and agency, through views on their immediate supervisors, managers and ultimately, senior leaders. This year, 392,752… Continue Reading

Labor Department’s Office Web portal on accessible workplace technology

“The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the launch of http://www.PEATworks.org — a comprehensive Web portal spearheaded by ODEP’s Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology. From educational articles to interactive tools, the website’s content aims to help employers and the technology industry adopt accessible technology as part of everyday business practice… Continue Reading

H.R.5490 – Wall Street Accountability through Sustainable Funding Act

Summary: H.R.5490 — 113th Congress (2013-2014) All Bill Information (Except Text). There is one summary for this bill. Bill summaries are authored by CRS. Shown Here: Introduced in House (09/16/2014) Wall Street Accountability Through Sustainable Funding Act – Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to require the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to impose fees to recover the cost… Continue Reading