The Week in CleanTech: Possible health concerns over carbon nanotubes; runaway oil prices; and the Bush Administration eyes the creation of huge new marine reserves.

WIRED’s Call to Environmentalists: True or False: We got an email during the wee hours [last] Sunday from EcoGeek Hank Green asking us to take a look at his critique of a controversial new cover story from the crew at WIRED. The magazine has taken the occasion of its 15th anniversary with a cover that seems designed to raise the hackles of environmentalists (and maybe sell a few issues. Hank goes point-by-point through WIRED’s article — taking a pass on genetic modification and nuclear power — and it’s quite a good read. WIRED’s main error: assuming carbon is the only green issue. (EcoGeek)  Originally posted Monday, 19 May

Study Says Carbon Nanotubes as Dangerous as Asbestos: Nonotechnology figures prominently in the development of quick-charging, high capacity storage batteries. But now a paper by the Queen’s Medical Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh suggests that carbon nanotubes may be as dangerous as asbestos. Researchers believe that the nanotubes — which are not much thicker than an atom — may behave a lot like asbestos fibers in the lungs after being inhaled. The study was strictly focused on carbon nanotubes, and may not reflect the effects of other nanomaterials. The Edinburgh scientists recommend more safety precautions be taken where nanotubes are being manufactured or disposed. (Scientific American)  Originally posted Wednesday, 21 May

‘Squawk Box’ Guest Warns of $12-15-a-Gallon Gas: Finally, the ugly truth — the Age of Oil is ending, and things get bumpy from now until we deploy market-ready energy solutions. Management Information Services Senior Energy Advisor Robert Hirsch shocked his CNBC hosts Tuesday by predicting $12 to $15 per gallon gas prices, fuel rationing, and economic hardships in the years ahead. Hirsch was actually quoting comments made in February by oil analyst Charles T. Maxwell. While such dire forecasts by petroleum industry spokespeople serve to drive short term prices — and record profits — Hirsch’s appearance underlines what green techies have long known: it’s time for innovation. (Business and Media) Originally posted Thursday, 22 May

Queen goes green with world’s largest wind turbine: She’s ruler of the realm and defender of the faith — and soon to be an investor in the world’s largest wind turbine. The estate of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II announced this week that they’ll help underwrite the construction of a monster 7.5 megawatt offshore turbine, to be located somewhere along Britain’s northeast coast. The truly royal-scale project will be fabricated by London’s Clipper Windpower, and should be operational in 2010. (Reuters)  Originally posted Friday, 23 May

Green Bush? Administration May Declare More Undersea Oil Off Limits: George W. Bush — an environmental president? NPR and the WSJ are reporting that the Bush Administration is considering the creation of vast new marine reserves. Several “maritime monuments” are under consideration, including a massive 600,000 square mile area around Palmyra, Howland, and Baker Islands in the Central Pacific. The move could prove controversial, forever closing large sections of sea floor to oil exploration. But the President has the authority to bypass Congressional approval under the 1906 Antiquities Act. (WSJ.com)  Originally posted Saturday, 24 May

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