Showing posts with label national. Show all posts
Showing posts with label national. Show all posts

Saturday, July 05, 2008

World Energy Usage Will Grow 50% Before 2030

World marketed energy consumption is projected to grow by 50 percent between 2005 and 2030, driven by robust economic growth and expanding populations in the world’s developing countries, according to the reference case projection from the International Energy Outlook 2008 (IEO2008) released recently by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Average world oil prices in every year since 2003 have been higher than the average for the previous year and prices in 2007 were nearly double the 2003 prices in real terms. The IEO2008 uses oil price cases originally developed in the summer of 2007 for use in the Annual Energy Outlook 2008, which focuses on the U.S. energy outlook. These prices do not reflect the substantial runup in prices that has occurred since that time. Nonetheless, although liquid fuels are expected to remain the largest single source of energy through 2030, the liquids share of marketed world energy consumption declines from 37 percent in 2005 to 33 percent in 2030 in the IEO2008 reference case (
Figure 1).

In addition, the share of conventional oil in the overall liquids supply is declines with expanded use of unconventional oil, biofuels, and other unconventional liquids. High oil prices lead many consumers to switch to other fuels when feasible; fuel-switching and efficiency gains, for instance, slow the growth of oil use in the industrial sector. Those trends are even stronger in the IEO2008 high price case, which reflects oil prices that are closer to those being paid in mid-2008, as this report is being issued.

Other report highlights include:

Coal’s share of world energy use has increased sharply over the past few years, and without significant changes in existing laws and policies, particularly those related to greenhouse gas emissions, robust growth is likely to continue. Coal accounted for 24 percent of total world energy use in 2002 and 27 percent in 2005, largely as a result of rapid increases in coal use in China. China’s coal consumption has nearly doubled since 2000, and given the country’s rapidly expanding economy and large domestic coal deposits, its demand for coal is projected to remain strong. In the IEO2008 reference case, coal use expands by 2 percent per year between 2005 and 2030, and coal’s share of total world energy consumption reaches 29 percent in 2030.

Concerns about rising fossil fuel prices, energy security, and greenhouse gas emissions support the development of new nuclear generating capacity. World nuclear capacity is projected to rise from 374 gigawatts in 2005 to 498 gigawatts in 2030. Declines in nuclear capacity are projected only in OECD Europe, where several countries (including Germany and Belgium) have either plans or mandates to phase out nuclear power, and where some old reactors are expected to be retired and not replaced. China is projected to add 45 gigawatts of net nuclear capacity over the projection period, India 17 gigawatts, Russia 18 gigawatts, and the United States 15 gigawatts.
Sustained high prices for oil and natural gas encourage expanded use of renewable fuels.

Renewable energy sources are attractive for environmental reasons, especially in countries where reducing greenhouse gas emissions is of particular concern. Government policies and incentives to increase renewable energy sources for electricity generation are expected to encourage the development of renewable energy even when it cannot compete economically with fossil fuels. Worldwide, the consumption of hydroelectricity and other renewable energy sources increases by 2.1 percent per year in the IEO2008 reference case between 2005 and 2030. In contrast, world coal consumption increases by 2.0 percent per year; natural gas by 1.7 percent per year; nuclear by 1.5 percent per year; and liquids by 1.2 percent per year.

In the IEO2008 reference case, which does not include specific policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are projected to rise from 28.1 billion metric tons in 2005 to 42.3 billion metric tons in 2030—an increase of 51 percent. With strong economic growth and continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels expected, much of the increase in carbon dioxide emissions is projected to occur among the developing nations of the world, especially in Asia (
Figure 2).

The full report can be found on EIA’s web site at:

http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo/index.html


Source: EIA-2008-08


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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

U.S. Monthly House Price Index Fell 0.8 Pct.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. home prices fell 0.8 percent on a seasonally-adjusted basis from March to April, according to OFHEO’s monthly House Price Index. For the 12 months ending in April, U.S. prices fell 4.6 percent. As April 2007 was the peak of the monthly HPI, 4.6 percent is also the total fall from the peak.

More details...


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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Pew Report on the Internet and 2008 Election

According to a recent Pew/Internet report, a record-breaking 46% of Americans have used the internet, email or cell phone text messaging to get news about the campaign, share their views and mobilize others. And Barack Obama's backers have an edge in the online political environment.

Furthermore, three online activities have become especially prominent as the presidential primary campaigns have progressed: First, 35% of Americans say they have watched online political videos -- a figure that nearly triples the reading the Pew Internet Project got in the 2004 race.

Second, 10% say they have used social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace to gather information or become involved. This is particularly popular with younger voters: Two-thirds of internet users under the age of 30 have a social networking profile, and half of these use social networking sites to get or share information about politics or the campaigns.

Third, 6% of Americans have made political contributions online, compared with 2% who did that during the entire 2004 campaign.

More details...



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Thursday, June 19, 2008

FHA Reaching Out to At-Risk Homeowners

FHA IS REACHING OUT TO 675,000 AT-RISK HOMEOWNERS IN SECOND PHASE OF DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGN

Hundreds of thousands of homeowners urged to consider safer, more affordable FHA-backed mortgages.


WASHINGTON - This week, HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is mailing hundreds of thousands of letters to homeowners at risk of losing their homes through foreclosure and urging them to consider a safer, more affordable alternative to the high-cost mortgages they are currently paying. The first round of 280,000 letters was mailed in February. FHA's public awareness campaign will continue through September, ultimately reaching 850,000 distressed homeowners.

"This letter might be the most important piece of mail many of these families will receive all year," said HUD Secretary Steve Preston. "This information could not only help save their current home, it could help provide them with long term financial security. This outreach campaign will ensure families are aware of the safe mortgage alternative offered by FHA."

Letters are being sent to homeowners who have already faced or are experiencing the first reset of their adjustable rate mortgages. Through the end of the year, FHA can insure home loans valued between $271,050 and $729,750. Normally these loan limits are set between $200,160 and $362,790 but were expanded through President Bush's Economic Stimulus Package. Bipartisan FHA Modernization legislation awaiting final action by the Senate and House of Representatives would permanently increase the loan limits to an acceptable level.

FHA-insured loans are backed by the full faith and credit of the government, which typically allows lenders to offer mortgage products at a lower, more affordable interest rate. More than 90 percent of FHA-backed mortgages are 30-year, fixed rate products. FHA also provides a one-of-a-kind loss mitigation program that helps protect borrowers against foreclosure. Finally, FHASecure, which allows borrowers who are current and delinquent on their loans to refinance with the FHA, is saving tens of thousands of families on average $400 a month compared to their exotic subprime loans.

Below is a copy of the letter being sent to homeowners...

-----

Dear Homeowner,

Do you need help with your mortgage?

Your area is experiencing a disturbing home foreclosure rate that has accelerated in recent months. News reports cite the damaging effects of "sub prime loans" as a major factor in the unsettled market. By focusing on education and safe mortgage alternatives, though, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is working diligently to address this unacceptable foreclosure trend.

Over the past few months, FHA has worked with mortgage loan servicers to identify solutions for the crisis facing current homeowners. Your current mortgage does not have to be FHA insured for you to benefit from our help. If you are facing financial difficulties due to a recent or imminent mortgage reset, or other housing-related difficulty, I urge you to contact us at 1 (800) CALL-FHA or to visit www.fha.gov. There you will have the opportunity to learn about foreclosure prevention, legal rights, and credit counseling, among other topics.

Many homeowners may also be able to take advantage of our recently announced FHASecure program. This new program allows eligible homeowners to refinance into a secure, fixed-rate FHA loan even if they are in default.

Additionally, a new partnership between mortgage companies and non-profit housing counselors called HOPE NOW is available to you. Their mission is simple: reach out to homeowners who may be having difficulty paying their mortgages. For more information or to see if your mortgage company is a member of this caring coalition please go to www.hopenow.com.

Again, please contact us at 1 (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342) or go to www.fha.gov. As part of the federal government, the Federal Housing Administration wants to help you protect and preserve the American dream - your home.

Sincerely,

Brian D. Montgomery
Assistant Secretary for Housing
Federal Housing Commissioner


###

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. For more information about FHA products, please visit
www.fha.gov.


Source: HUD No. 08-086



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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Federal Reserve Beige Book June 2008 Report

Reports from the Federal Reserve Districts suggest that economic activity remained generally weak in late April and May. Three Districts described economic activity as softer, weaker, or lower, with an additional four Districts reporting slower, sluggish, or modest economic growth. The remaining five Districts of Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Francisco described activity as stable or little changed in recent weeks.

Consumer spending slowed since the last report as incomes were pinched by rising energy and food prices. Higher energy prices also appeared to damp domestic tourism. Reports on nonfinancial services varied across Districts and industries. Manufacturing activity was generally soft in recent weeks, with weak demand for housing-related and some other products but with increasing demand for exports. Residential real estate markets remained weak across most Districts. Commercial real estate conditions varied across Districts, as did reports on nonresidential construction activity. Lending activity also varied across Districts and market segments, though tighter credit standards were reported for most loan categories. Districts reporting on the agriculture and energy sectors noted improved crop conditions and increased drilling and extraction activity.

Reports of higher input costs were widespread. Manufacturing contacts in several Districts noted some ability to pass along higher costs to customers. Retailers reported mixed results with respect to raising final goods prices. In most Districts, wage pressures were reported as moderate or limited for all but a few skilled-labor positions, as hiring activity remained spotty in most Districts.

In the Philadelphia (Third District) region, Business conditions showed signs of stabilizing during May, overall, as some sectors strengthened slightly and others weakened. Manufacturers, on balance, reported nearly steady rates of new orders and shipments in May, after decreases in April. Retailers continued to post lackluster sales results, with many stores experiencing year-over-year decreases. Sales of motor vehicles continued to fall. Bank lending has been increasing slowly. Residential real estate sales and construction activity remained well below the pace of a year ago, although there has been a slight seasonal increase in home sales. Commercial real estate leasing and construction activity has diminished in the past few months. Reports of increases in input costs and output prices were about as common in May as they were in April. Employers in the District continued to describe wage increases as moderate.

The outlook among Third District businesses varies. Manufacturers' forecasts have become more positive since the last Beige Book. On balance, they expect increases in shipments and orders during the next six months. Retailers generally do not foresee a significant increase in the sales pace during the summer. Auto dealers expect sales to weaken further. Bankers anticipate slow expansion in overall lending. Residential real estate agents and home builders expect sales to continue to be slow during the next several months despite the recent slight upturn. Contacts in commercial real estate expect leasing and construction activity to remain soft until financial conditions improve.


Source Beige Book


Click here for the Federal Reserve June 2008 Beige Book [Beige Book Archives]


See related blog articles:
Federal Reserve Beige Book For Economic Conditions (What is the "Beige Book"?)

The Federal Reserve - Making Sense In Plain English



Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com [NJ/PA]

and visit
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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

HUD: Setting The Record Straight

The following was posted on HUD's new News Release page...

"Today (June 10, 2008), the Washington Post, citing former HUD officials and academics, claimed HUD’s affordable housing goal requirements of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac helped to fuel the collapse of the subprime mortgage market. This is a gross misrepresentation of much larger forces that were at work in the mortgage market. We believe it’s time for a reality check..."

You can decide for yourself who has the straight record:

Full HUD Article (6/10)

Original WP article (6/9)



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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, June 06, 2008

FTC Published Final Rule on CAN-SPAM Definitions and Implementation

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published (5/31/08) in the Federal Register a Final Rule: "Definitions and Implementation Under CAN-SPAM Act."

The rule becomes effective on July 7, 2008 and provides definitions, modifications and clarifications to the "Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003" (CAN-SPAM). [See also Wikipedia]

Previous FTC Press Release




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Thursday, June 05, 2008

Home Buyer Tax Credit Will Aid Housing Recovery

The National Association of Realtors®(NAR) testified today that a temporary tax credit would be the best incentive to move hesitant home buyers into the market. NAR based its support on the success of a 1975 temporary tax credit designed to "clear an over-supply of newly constructed homes during an economic downturn."

More details...


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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

NAR and DOJ Agree On MLS Policy

The National Association of Realtors®(NAR) has reached a favorable settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), resolving litigation between them regarding how listings from multiple listing services are displayed on brokers’ virtual office Web sites. The proposed final order, to be filed with the federal district court in Chicago today, validates NAR’s longstanding Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy and strengthens the rule governing participation in multiple listing services.

“This is clearly a win-win for the real estate industry and the consumers we serve,” said NAR President Richard F. Gaylord. “Today I can say with the clear knowledge, reinforced and underscored by DOJ’s settlement compromise, that the real estate industry is dynamic, entrepreneurial and fiercely competitive. Thanks to Realtors®, consumers can access detailed information about millions of properties for sale across the country.”

The final order expressly provides that NAR does not admit any liability or wrongdoing and NAR will make no payments in connection with the settlement.

The terms of the agreement preserve and strengthen the MLS as a means for broker-to-broker cooperation intended to serve real estate professionals who are actively engaged in listing or selling property in that MLS, said Laurie Janik, NAR chief counsel. “This will ensure that MLSs are used for what they were originally intended to do — to help real estate professionals find buyers for people who want to sell their homes.”

NAR will be reinstating an updated version of its Virtual Office Web site policy. That policy was rescinded in 2005 when DOJ challenged certain provisions. The revised policy continues to protect the rights of sellers who do not want their property or their property’s address displayed on the Internet. The new policy also protects sellers from having false or other unwanted information about their listings appear on the VOW of an MLS member.

“NAR’s efforts in today’s challenging real estate market are focused on what matters most to consumers — re-energizing the housing market,” said Gaylord. “Competition is alive and well in the real estate industry. In fact, the competitive nature of our industry is even more apparent in times of market turmoil like those we are currently experiencing.”

Working with regulators and lawmakers at all levels of government, NAR is pushing for actions that will get the nation through the housing and mortgage crisis and positively affect families and the U.S. economy. In the current housing market, the value of Realtors® and the services and resources they provide, including the MLS, has never been greater.

“The DOJ implicitly acknowledges the value brought to the real estate market by the more than 800 MLSs across the country to make buying and selling a home easier. The MLSs are healthy, solid and sound, and will continue to deliver benefits to members and consumers. Consumers have long been able to access and view consolidated property information online, and thanks to Realtors®, consumers in increasing numbers can successfully use the Internet in their home search process,” Gaylord said.

“Encouraging innovation and competition in real estate has been NAR’s hallmark for 100 years,” said Gaylord. “NAR members represent almost every conceivable business model, including full-service, limited-service, discount models, and others.”

“As we move into our second century, Realtors® will continue to protect consumers in the real estate transaction, ensure the public’s continued access to real estate listings, and work tirelessly on issues related to private property rights, homeownership, and housing issues of importance to all Americans,” said Gaylord. “Now that this has been resolved, we can fully focus on finding ways to re-energize, stabilize and strengthen the housing market and look out for the best interests of homeowners and those who aspire to that American Dream.”

To learn more about the settlement and related issues, visit
www.realtor.org/DOJ.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members in more than 250,000 active office locations and branches across the country who are involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.


See also DOJ Press Release



Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com [NJ/PA]

and visit
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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Celebrate: Memorial Day

Celebrated in most states on the last Monday in May, which this year is May 26th; Memorial Day is a great time for all of us to remember all the men and woman who gave their lives in service to our country.
It a great opportunity to join in the celebrations and to help teach our children to respect and appreciate that the priviledges we enjoy today are directly due to the sacrifices of those men and women who were killed in action while a member of the armed forces.

See post for prior year for links to televised programs and links to additional Memorial Day history and information resources.


This year marks the dedication of The National World War II Memorial on May 29 in Washington, D.C. Located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, it will be the first national memorial dedicated to the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II, including those who died in combat and the Americans who supported the war effort on the home front.

Click here for a special edition of Facts for Features pays tribute to those who served our country in that war.



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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Spring 2008 Statistics of Income Bulletin Issued By IRS

WASHINGTON –– The Internal Revenue Service today released the spring 2008 issue of the Statistics of Income Bulletin, featuring preliminary data from the 138.4 million individual tax returns filed for tax year 2006. This issue also features data on high-income returns filed for tax year 2005.

This edition of the quarterly Bulletin provides the latest view of the federal individual income tax base. For example, adjusted gross income in tax year 2006 rose 8.4 percent from the prior year to about $8 trillion, and taxable income rose 9 percent to roughly $5.6 trillion, according to the data, which may be subject to some future revisions.

This Bulletin also features articles on the following:

- Trends in non-cash charitable contributions, including a big drop in car donations in 2005 that was likely related to tax law changes.

- Statistics on cash flows and holdings of Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). For example, at the end of 2004, almost 51 million taxpayers held roughly $3.3 trillion in IRAs.

- Repatriation of funds by U.S. corporations due to the one-time received dividend deduction enacted in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

- Statistics on federal estate tax returns with gross estates greater than $1.5 million.

- Growth in the number and assets of taxable Real Estate Investment Trust subsidiaries.


To access a broad range of tax statistics click on the Tax Statistics page. To view past SOI Bulletins click on the appropriate page.

The Statistics of Income Bulletin is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The annual subscription rate is $53 ($74.20 foreign), single issues cost $39 ($48.75 foreign).

For more information about this, write the Director, Statistics of Income (SOI) Division, RAS:S, Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 2608, Washington, DC 20013-2608; call Statistical Information Services at (202) 874-0410; or send a fax to (202) 874-0964.


Source: IR-2008-72



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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rose by 1.6 Percent in 2007

U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels increased by 1.6 percent in 2007, according to preliminary estimates released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The economy, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (
GDP), grew by 2.2 percent and energy demand rose by 1.7 percent indicating that energy intensity (energy use per unit of GDP) fell by 0.5 percent. Carbon dioxide intensity (carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP) also fell by about 0.5 percent.

Factors that drove the emissions increase included weather conditions that increased the demand for heating and cooling services and a higher carbon intensity of electricity supply.

Total U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions have grown by 19.4 percent since 1990. Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions account for over 80 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Full details...




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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day

The first Mother’s Day observance was a church service in 1908 requested by Anna Jarvis, of Philadelphia, to honor her deceased mother. Jarvis, at an early age, had heard her mother express hope that a day to commemorate all mothers would be established. Her mother had also expressed the sentiment that there were many days dedicated to men but none to mothers. Two years after her mother’s death, Jarvis and friends began a letter-writing campaign to declare a national Mother’s Day observance to honor mothers. In 1914, Congress passed legislation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Click here for the Cenus Bureau's "Facts for Features and Special Editions" statistics relating to this celebration.

Additional Mother's Day Resources:
Wikipedia - Mother's Day
Mother's Day On The Net
Mother's Day Blessings
Happy Mother's Day
History of Mother's Day



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and visit
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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, May 02, 2008

EIA Launches Plain Language Series to Explain Energy Topics

Energy in Brief, released today, is a new series from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) that explains important energy topics using plain language.

As the source of official energy statistics from the U.S. Government, EIA provides the most accurate, policy-neutral energy data and analysis available.

The new Energy in Brief series strives to make EIA information more accessible to energy novices.
“Energy education is a critical part of EIA’s mission. At a time when American consumers face many energy-related challenges, it is more important than ever to provide the public with reliable energy information in a format that is useful and accessible by the widest possible audience,” said EIA Administrator Guy Caruso.

Each Energy in Brief concisely answers a question of importance to the public. The goal is not to be exhaustive but to clearly cover the main points. The Briefs are designed to be visually-engaging web pages that are also printer-friendly.

The articles released today address the following:

- How dependent are we on foreign oil?
- What are greenhouse gases and how much do we emit?
- How much renewable energy do we use?
- What is liquefied natural gas and what is its role as an energy source?

The
Energy in Brief series is available on EIA’s web site at: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/energy_in_brief/.


Email delivery and RSS feed options are also available to receive the latest Briefs as they are released.

Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com [NJ/PA]

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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Federal Energy Subsidies and Support Double between 1999 and 2007

Total Federal energy-specific subsidies and support to all forms of energy are estimated to have reached $16.6 billion for fiscal year (FY) 2007, according to Federal Financial Interventions and Subsidies in Energy Markets 2007, released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

This amount is more than double the level, in real terms (2007 dollars), of the estimated $8.0 billion shown in the last EIA report on subsidies completed in May 2000.

Tax expenditures, one of four types of subsidies examined in the report, have more than tripled since 1999, rising from $3.2 billion in 1999 to more than $10.4 billion in 2007.

This report, which was undertaken at the request of Senator Lamar Alexander, shows that Federal electricity subsidies and support per unit of production (dollars per megawatthour) varied widely by fuel in FY2007. Coal-based synfuels (refined coal) that are eligible for the alternative fuels tax credit, solar power, and wind power received the highest subsidies per unit of generation, ranging from more than $23 to nearly $30 per megawatthour of generation.

The smallest subsidies on a per unit basis were for coal, natural gas and petroleum liquids, and municipal solid waste, all at less than $0.45 per megawatthour of generation.

Federal Financial Interventions and Subsidies in Energy Markets 2007 can be found on EIA’s web site at:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/subsidy2/index.html

Source: EIA-2008-03


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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Freddie Mac To Buy Conforming Jumbo Mortgages

Freddie Mac announces an agreement with major mortgage lenders, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Chase, CitiMortgage and WaMu, to buy conforming jumbo mortgages in high cost markets. Qualified borrowers can now apply for an array of fixed-rate or adjustable rate conforming jumbo mortgages that will be less expensive than non-conforming jumbo loans. (April 17, 2008, Freddie Mac)

More Information. . .



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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Federal Reserve Beige Book April 2008 Report

Reports from the twelve Federal Reserve Districts indicate that economic conditions have weakened since the last report. Nine Districts noted slowing in the pace of economic activity, while the remaining three--Boston, Cleveland, and Richmond--described activity as mixed or steady.

Consumer spending was characterized as softening across most of the country, with some Districts reporting year-over-year declines in retail and/or auto sales. In contrast, tourism was generally described as strong, with a number of Districts noting particular strength in foreign visitors. Reports on nonfinancial services varied by District: demand for transportation services was generally characterized as weak, while business and health services continued to expand; other service industries were said to be mixed. Trends in manufacturing also varied across Districts. Reports on real estate and construction were generally anemic for the residential sector; activity in the commercial sector has slowed. Financial institutions in many Districts indicated some deceleration in consumer loan demand, tightening in lending standards, and deterioration in asset quality. Most Districts reported improved conditions in the agricultural sector and robust activity in the energy industry.


Labor markets were mostly described as weakening since the last report, though a few Districts reported ongoing shortages of skilled workers and some Districts noted wage pressures. Increases in input costs were widespread, accompanied by somewhat smaller rises in selling prices.

In the Philadelphia (Third District) region, activity in the Third District, on balance, appeared to soften further in March, although some sectors made slight gains. Manufacturers reported declines in new orders and shipments, overall. Retailers generally reported sluggish sales, with many posting year-over-year decreases. Auto sales continued to fall. Bank lending has continued to increase moderately. Residential real estate sales and construction remained well below the pace of a year ago. Commercial construction activity remained slow. Service-sector firms gave mixed reports; some have had modest growth, but others have experienced declining business. Reports of increases in input costs and output prices were about as prevalent in March as they were in February. Wage increases were reported to be moderate.

The outlook among Third District businesses varies. Manufacturers' forecasts have improved somewhat since the last Beige Book. On balance, they expect increases in shipments and orders during the next six months. However, retailers have generally made further downward revisions to their 2008 forecasts, and some are uncertain that sales will turn up before the year comes to a close. Auto dealers expect sales in 2008 to be below those of 2007. Bankers anticipate slow expansion in overall lending but expect further deterioration in credit quality. Residential real estate agents expect sales to continue to be slow through the rest of the year. Contacts in commercial real estate anticipate slower leasing activity and fewer building sales this year compared with last year.

Source Beige Book


Click here for the Federal Reserve April 2008 Beige Book [Beige Book Archives]


See related blog articles:
Federal Reserve Beige Book For Economic Conditions (What is the "Beige Book"?)

The Federal Reserve - Making Sense In Plain English



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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Tips for Tax Filers on Economic Stimulus Payments

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently urged taxpayers eligible for the economic stimulus payment to file their tax return now in order to get their payment in a timely manner.

This IRS reminder applies to taxpayers yet to file their 2007 income tax returns as well as retirees, disabled veterans, low-wage workers and others who normally are not required to file a return but who must do so this year to receive an economic stimulus payment.

“The quickest way to receive your refund and your economic stimulus payment is to file early, file electronically and use direct deposit,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.

Starting in May, the IRS will begin sending economic stimulus payments of up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples) to people who earn less than $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples). There is also is an additional payment of $300 for each eligible child younger than 17.

The IRS offers several tips for taxpayers...

Source: IRS IR-2008-51


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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

U.S. Nuclear Electricity Generation at Record Level in 2007

The U.S. nuclear industry supplied a record 806.5 billion kilowatthours of electricity in 2007. The largest increase came in Tennessee, with 4 billion kilowatthours more nuclear-provided electricity in 2007 than in 2006, an increase of 16 percent, according to preliminary Energy Information Administration (EIA) data recently released.

National total nuclear generation was 2.4 percent higher than in 2006, and 2.3 percent higher than in the previous record year, 2004. The capacity factor (the amount of power actually generated compared with the maximum amount that could be generated) for 2007 was 91.8 percent, exceeding the previous record capacity factor of 90.3 percent in 2002.

The total number of operating commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S. increased from 103 to 104 in 2007 with the return to service of the Brown’s Ferry 1 reactor, which had been shut down in 1985. The total number of operating U.S. commercial reactors remains well below the peak level of 112 in 1990. However nuclear power generation in 2007 was 40 percent above the 577 billion kilowatthours produced in 1990, largely reflecting a major improvement in utilization rates.

Energy Information Administration data on nuclear electricity generation by State and by Reactor are available at:

U.S. Nuclear Generation of Electricity

State generation (xls)

Reactor generation (xls)



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Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Bush In New Jersey Discussing Housing, Economy and Hope Now

U.S. President George Bush appeared in Freehold, Monmouth County, NJ today to praise a local non-profit company, Novadebt, which provides credit counseling to consumers who are burdened with heavy debt.

This was Bush's first visit to Monmouth County since he was President. He gave a speech to the press and then talked with members of the company, a couple of homeowners who were helped by the program, and then toured the offices shaking hands and talking with employees.

The President
talked about the HOPE NOW Alliance, which is a private-sector group of lenders, loan servicers, investors, mortgage counselors. He encouraged anyone worried about losing their home to call 1-888-995-HOPE.

Bush said that the program has so far helped 130,000 people refinance their mortgages and expect to help 300,000 by the end of the year.

Related information:
Text of Bush's Speech
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007
White House: Homeownership
Hope Now Alliance


Visit my web site for additional services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com [NJ/PA]

and visit
Besthomes-NJ.com to find the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.