Spring 1986 RAIN Page 43 paradigm shifts can be for individuals and institutions that derive much of their identity and sense of security from the old view of the world. As Roe commented to a fellow EDF staffer as they drove past PG&E headquarters: “You know ... it's such a modest suggestion. You're telling these guys that they can do just what they're supposed to, and keep on growing just the way they want, and look 15 or 20 percent better on the bottom line while they're doing it . And when they ask how ... [you tell] them that all toey have to do is just turn around 180 degrees, and find a lot of people who know about things like refrigerator efficiencies and cogeneration, and then take that building there and a few thousand of those coal and nuclear engineers sitting in it, and throw them into the bay.” The story of EDF's successful challenge to PG&E's singleminded pursuit of the old centralized energy paradigm is itself a telling argument for the efficacy of small-scale problem solving. A handful of environmental scientists, lawyers, and computer hackers successfully chipped away at the planning icon so carefully constructed by an energy institution with infinitely greater resources. In the end, the synergy of EDF's small staff, combined with its better idea, largely won out over the seemingly insurmountable odds. Dynamos and Virgins documents a case study of how the new paradigm is infiltrating the utility world—whether they like it or not. Utilities are slowly but inevitably being pushed toward viewing conservation as a reliable and cheap resource. The new challenges facing EDF and others will be to continue education on the new paradigm during the current “What, me worry?” atmosphere of temporary energy surplus. During a period when few new resources are forecasted to be necessary, spade work for understanding the paradigm can be accomplished, but it is much more difficult to get the new resources truly adopted when no purchases of any resources are planned. —^John Ferrell and Margie Gardner John Ferrell is aformer RAIN editor. Margie Gardner is a conservation analyst for the Northwest Power Planning Council. World Oil: Coping with the Dangers of Success, by Christopher Flavin, 1985, 66 pp., $4 from: WorldWatch Institute 1776 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20036 Since the time this paper was released last July, recent developments in the world oil market have made the book's figures, by the author's own admission, vastly out of date. However, the paper's main observations remain relevant and compelling. The primary reason for declining oil prices, according to Flavin, is worldwide investment in energy efficiency and oil alternatives such as coal, natural gas, and renewables. But Flavin warns against complacency in the face of falling oil prices, and argues that if the prices plummet too far, oil consumption will once again begin to increase, especially in developing countries. At the same time, investments in efficiency and oil alternatives will taper off. Under such a scenario, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will begin to increase its market share again. Already, Flavin notes, world oil discovery rates have declined in recent years and surprisingly, most of the reserve additions are from the upgrading of known fields, not from the discovery of new ones. Add to this the fact that non-OPEC reserves are relatively small and U.S. and Soviet production rates seem to be in irreversible declines, and it appears to be only a matter of time before OPEC regains its old clout. The clout will be that much more potent because simple fixes like North Sea oil production will not be available in significant quantities to cushion the substantial price increases. Flavin's prescription for avoiding such a scenario is further investments in energy efficiency and oil alternatives and international cooperation to stabilize energy markets. —Michael Philips Michael Philips is a freelance writer on energy and environment issues in Washington, D.C. ACCESS: Environment PANNA, quarterly, $10/year suggested minimum donation from: Pesticide Education & Action Project 1045 Sansome Street San Francisco, CA 94111 PANNA, a newsletter for the Pesticide Action Network of North America, provides the latest information, legislation, events, and resources related to the “Dirty Dozen Campaign.” PAN (Pesticide Action Network) is spearheading the international campaign. The “Dirty Dozen” are 12 pesticides thought to be the most dangerous. Though many are banned from use in the U.S., they often return to us in imported products. U.S. Corporations still sell them to developing countries. Reading through the newsletter will convince you that pesticides are really a global problem with complex ecological, environmental, economic, and political links. —^Jenny Holmes Everyone’s Backyard, quarterly, $25/year from: Citizens' Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste Box 926 Arlington, VA 22216 Everyone’s Backyard is a dandy newsletter put out by Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes. This organization, founded by Love Canal organizer Lois Gibbs, equips local leaders to fight for “responsible solutions to the hazardous waste problem.” CCHW has a wealth of resources on topics ranging from “women and burnout” to environmental testing. A regular column offers legal advice related to toxic issues. Another colunm, “Organizing Toolbox,” gives nuts and bolts information for getting people organized. The latest news on toxics from around the nation is highlighted. A recent issue describes what makes a good safety plan for toxic cleanup. Ironically, cleaning up a toxics site often means exposing those living nearby, if done improperly. Chemical releases and tracking wastes off site are a few of the hazards a good safety plan can prevent. —Jenny Holmes Jenny Holmes has a degree in Environmental Science from The Evergreen State College.
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