Sustainable Energy News Summaries – January 19, 2009

Below please find summaries of sustainable energy news stories from the past week.  The news stories address developments in renewable energy and energy efficiency particularly as they present solutions to climate change, rising energy costs, expanding energy imports, and nuclear power.  This compilation was prepared by the SUN DAY Campaign which publishes a longer, daily compilation of such stories.  

1.) How Many Miles Per Gallon?
New York Times (editorial), January 11, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/12/opinion/12mon3.html?ref=opinion

The 2007 energy bill required new cars and trucks to meet a fleetwide average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020, a 40 percent increase over today’s average of 25 m.p.g. Congress intended this as a floor, not a ceiling, and ordered the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to write specific regulations. Last May, the agency set an interim fleetwide standard of 31.6 m.p.g by 2015. The automakers have since suggested they can meet these goals without difficulty, while reputable studies have said they can do even better — at least as high as 35 m.p.g. by 2015, and 40 m.p.g. by 2020, with no changes in current technology. The Obama administration should make fuel-efficient vehicles a condition of any future help and set much tougher fuel-economy standards.  

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2.) Obama Renewables Plan More Ambitious Than Appears:
Reuters, by Nichola Groom, January 12, 2009
http://planetark.org/wen/51172

The incoming Obama administration will seek to add 20 gigawatts (GW) or more of wind power and 4 GW of geothermal and solar power in the next three years, doubling the nation's current renewable power base of 24 GW through loan guarantees and, eventually, national renewable energy requirements. The goal to double alternative energy production in three years will effectively maintain the high-flying industry's recent growth rates rather than targeting sharper increases, reflecting the harsh new reality facing green power. In the United States, both solar and wind generation grew well over 40 percent in 2007, the last year for which figures are available.

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3.) Obama Energy Pick Guided by 'Sherpas':

Politico, by Erika Lovley, January 11, 2009

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17273_Page2.html

Sherpas are the handlers who shepherd neophytes through the exotic world of the US Senate's confirmation process. Energy Secretary nominee Steven Chu’s sherpa is Dan Utech, energy adviser to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY). Utech is leading a team of about a half dozen congressional-savvy experts who are preparing Chu with a series of mock hearings. Utech is also preparing Chu for the battery of questions expected from Republicans on a range of issues from his positions on gasoline taxes and the offshore drilling moratorium. A strong supporter of capping and trading environmentally harmful carbon emissions, Chu will likely face resistance from a handful of Republicans on the committee who are still skeptical of the idea. Senator Murkowski (R-AK) and other lawmakers plan to raise concerns over Chu’s comments that suggest he supports a steady increase in the federal gas tax over 15 years to adapt the country to more efficient vehicles. Obama opposes a gas tax hike now, an area where experts warn Chu must be careful not to contradict the president-elect.  

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4.) U.S. Representatives Van Hollen, Wamp Team Up for ‘Green Banks’:

The Hill, by Mike Soraghan, January 11, 2009

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/van-hollen-wamp-team-up-for-green-ba...

Reps. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Zach Wamp (R-TN) wrote a letter to Obama this week urging his support in an economic stimulus plan for a national “green bank,” and a fund to help homeowners retrofit their homes for energy efficiency. The $10 billion “green bank” program would be a government organization intended to finance the transformation of the energy sector. Formally called the Home Energy Savings Revolving Fund, it would give money to local governments for them to help their residents make their homes more energy efficient.  

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5.) Stimulus Bill May Include Energy Measures - Tax Credits, 'Green Bank' to Finance Renewable Projects Under Consideration:

Washington Post, by Steven Mufson, January 11, 2009

http://www.washingtonpost.com/

Congressional leaders and Obama advisers are looking at including as much as $25 billion of energy tax credits in the economic stimulus package in an effort to bolster renewable energy projects, fuel-efficient cars and biodiesel production. The main elements under consideration include a two-year, $8.6 billion extension of the production tax credit for renewable energy, an item that favors wind power projects. Obama advisers are considering a proposal from the wind and solar industry that would make those credits refundable or count them against past taxes. The bill could also include tax credits for service stations that install high-ethanol-content fuel pumps, a $7,500 tax credit for plug-in vehicles, an extension of the biodiesel credit, and one for coal-fired power plants that capture more than half of their carbon emissions or that could be retrofitted to do so later. There could also be clean-energy credits for rural cooperatives. The stimulus package may also establish a federally funded National Clean Energy Lending Authority, an idea that has been promoted by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN).  

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6.) Alternative Energy Producers Seek Stimulus Funds:

The Hill, by Jim Snyder, January 9, 2009

http://thehill.com/business--lobby/alternative-energy-producers-seek-sti...

There were 20 principal investors in 2007 in renewable energy industries but constriction on Wall Street has reduced that number to just five.  Therefore, solar and wind executives are arguing that they need help from the upcoming stimulus measure in order to meet President-elect Obama’s goal of doubling alternative energy production in three years. They argue that the economic downturn has limited the effectiveness of a tax credit that supports the wind and solar industries. They want to change the credit to a refund in the economic stimulus package. Credits help investors minimize their tax liability. Refunds act more like a direct payment. Because refunds are likely to be utilized to a greater extent than credits, there is a cost to the switch. Refunds are projected to cost $1 billion over the next two years.  

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7.) Democratic Senators Say Stimulus Renewable Energy Tax Credits To Increase:

Dow Jones, January 11, 2009

http://www.cantorco2e.com/MarketNews/?Source=http://news.morningstar.com...

Tax credits aimed at spurring growth in renewable energy sources are likely to be increased to around $25 billion from an earlier proposal of $10 billion as part of the economic recovery package, several Democratic senators said Sunday. It was unclear whether more money would be allocated to spending initiatives on alternative energy, or if all the increases were to renewable energy tax credits.

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8.) Stimulus Showdown - Trees vs. Roads!

Politico, by Lisa Lerer & Erika Lovley, January 8, 2009

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17230.html

Democratic governors are slamming environmental advocates, in one of the first fights to break out within the Democratic Party over the shape of the stimulus bill. The governors want money pumped into roads and bridges. Environmental advocates say transportation is the fastest growing source of U.S. carbon emissions. Consequently, if new roads are built, they would encourage motorists to continue driving inefficient cars and do little to stimulus alternative, greener modes of transportation. The Obama camp and congressional Democrats have signaled that the eventual bill — estimated to be at least $775 billion — would include far less money for infrastructure projects. Instead, $300 billion in tax cuts would make up roughly 40 percent of the bill.  

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9.) Florida Public Service Commission Sets Renewable Standard Favored by Enviros:

News Service of Florida, by Keith Laing, January 9, 2009

http://klaing.wordpress.com/

After months of contentious debate, the PSC voted unanimously Friday to recommend that the Legislature require the state’s publicly-regulated utilities to increase the amount of renewable energy they use by 20 percent by the end of the year 2020, the deadline favored by Gov. Charlie Crist and a wide variety of clean energy advocates. To reach that goal, the commission decided to adopt a schedule that begins at the end of 2012, when utilities would be required to have increased the amount of renewable energy they use by at least 7 percent. The requirement would then increase to 12 percent by the end of 2015 and rise again to 18 percent by the end of 2018 before reaching 20 percent by the end of 2020.

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10.) Florida Utilities Seek 'Renewable' Goal Change - Want to Include Nuclear & "Clean" Coal:

Tampa Tribune, by Russell Ray, January 9, 2009

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jan/09/sp-utilities-seek-renewable-goal...

According to a staff recommendation from the Florida Public Service Commission, the state should adopt a "clean" standard for generating electricity, not just a "renewable" standard. If the Legislature agrees, the change would allow utilities to use nuclear power and new coal-burning technology to meet whatever "green" standard state lawmakers approve. In papers filed with the commission, the Florida Solar Coalition said it opposes the staff's recommendation to establish a standard that includes nuclear power.

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11.) Nebraska Energy Plan Touts Renewable Sources:

World-Herald, by Nancy Gaarder, January 8, 2009

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10532070&u_rss=1&

The Nebraska Energy Office is proposing that the Legislature do something it has yet to do: Require the state's utilities to generate a minimum amount of electricity from renewable sources. About 1 percent of Nebraska's electricity is generated from renewable sources, not including hydropower dams. The Nebraska Public Power District has set its own goal of 10 percent renewable sources of energy by 2020. That figure doesn't include existing hydropower from dams. Don Preister, a former state senator, believes that 25 percent of Nebraska's electricity can realistically be generated from renewable sources by 2025.

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12.) Maryland To Grant Up To $8M For Efficiency, Renewable Energy Projects:

Environmental Leader, January 9, 2009

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/01/09/maryland-to-grant-up-to-8m...

Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley announced an initiative which would grant local governments and nonprofits up to $8 million in grants and loans in fiscal year 2010 to help pay for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The program will be funded with a portion of the proceeds from the state’s carbon-emission credit auctions. Over the next year, the state expects to collect more than $94 million from the auctions to help fund energy efficiency, low-income energy assistance, rate relief for local energy consumers, and renewable energy efforts.

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13.) Eurus Completes 180-MW Wind Farm in Texas:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, January 12, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54473

Eurus Energy America Corporation announced that its 180-megawatt (MW) Bull Creek wind farm in Borden County, Texas has achieved commercial operation. It is the largest project completed by Eurus worldwide and is its eighth wind project in the United States. The wind farm is located on 60,000 acres of rangeland and consists of 180 Mitsubishi MWT-62/1.0 turbines each rated at 1 MW. Eurus Energy currently has more than 1,700 MW of renewable energy generation in operation worldwide including more than 500 MW in the U.S.  

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14.) 2009 May Be Good Year for Wind Power in Montana:

Associated Press, January 9, 2009

http://missoulian.com/articles/2009/01/06/news/mtregional/news17.txt

Enough wind energy to power up to 37,800 homes hit the electrical grid in Montana in 2008, and planned expansions and new projects already under way could double that over the next year. In 2008, 126 megawatts of new wind generation occurred in Montana, bumping the state's total to 271.5 megawatts. Expansions at three facilities could lead to the production of an additional 166.5 megawatts of wind power in 2009 but the total could hit 220 megawatts if Texas-based Horizon Energy begins construction on the 50- or 60-megawatt first phase of its 300-megawatt wind plant near Martinsdale. Montana ranks 15th in the nation in wind production.

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15.) Incentive Now Available in Michigan for E85 and Biodiesel Infrastructure:

Domestic Fuel, by Michelle Kautz, January 8, 2009

http://domesticfuel.com/2009/01/08/incentive-now-available-in-mi-for-e85...

In addition to Federal tax credits, Michigan fueling station owners can now receive 30 percent up to $20,000 to install E85 or biodiesel. This tax credit will be available from January 1, 2009 until December 31, 2012. One million dollars can be distributed each year through this credit. A station must sell the alternative fuel product for at least three years or the entire credit must be repaid. There are currently 92 E85 stations throughout the state of Michigan.

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16.) Energy Nominee Shifts His Stance:

New York Times, by Matthew L. Wald, January 13, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/13/us/politics/13web-chu.html?_r=1&hp

Dr. Steven Chu, nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to head the Department of Energy, answered an array of questions from the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources about his position on new nuclear reactors (yes, at least for a few plants), offshore drilling (only as part of an energy package) and new coal-burning power plants (a few, until we figure out a better way). Dr. Chu said construction of new nuclear power plants should resume now, after a hiatus of 30 years, even before a waste solution is developed. He also backed away slightly from earlier statements he has made — that gasoline prices should be higher, and that coal was his “nightmare.” Instead he said that coal would continue to be used, and that the trick was to convert it to electricity cleanly.

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17.) Chu Vows to Push Nuclear Power:

Politico, by Erika Lovley, January 13, 2009

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17391.html

Dr. Steven Chu said on Tuesday that he would push as the new energy secretary to help the nuclear energy and clean coal industries jump-start their contributions to battle the nation’s energy crisis. He told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee during his confirmation hearing that he’d help streamline nuclear loan guarantees that would help the industry construct several new plants to produce low-emission energy and would push the Energy Department to examine options for recycling nuclear waste. Chu also solidified his position on clean coal but expressed concern about how quickly carbon capture technology and other options might be available.

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18.) U.S. Department of Energy Announces Funding Opportunity of up to $6 Million for Addressing 20% Wind Energy by 2030:

EERE News, January 12, 2009

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=139

The U.S. Department of Energy announced the issuance of a Funding Opportunity Announcement for up to $6 million over two years (FY09-FY10), subject to annual appropriations, to address wind development technical challenges and market acceptance barriers as outlined in the "20% Wind Energy by 2030" report. The announcement will address six topic areas: (1) turbine research, development and testing; (2) distributed wind technologies; (3) market acceptance efforts; (4) environmental research and sitting strategies; (5) transmission analysis, planning and assessments; and (6) workforce development.  

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19.) America Has a Bright Future in Clean Energy - New Report Documents Environmental Benefits of Green Economic Recovery:

Environment America, January 13, 2009

http://www.environmentamerica.org/home/reports/report-archives/new-energ...

America can reduce global warming pollution by nearly 10 percent annually, replace the power equivalent of 170 coal fired power plants, and create or sustain more than 3 million jobs by making investment in clean energy and transportation a cornerstone of our economic recovery plan, according to a report "Clean Energy, Bright Future." It estimates the environmental benefits of $150 billion in investments in clean energy such as wind and solar power and green infrastructure such as public transit. These investments will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the leading cause of global warming, by 670 million tons per year when fully implemented.  

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20.) Solar Power Partners SPP Fund II Supports 7.7MW of Solar Capacity:

SolarBuzz.com, January 13, 2009

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR1361.htm

Solar Power Partners, Inc. (SPP), a leading nationwide commercial developer of distributed solar energy facilities (SEFs), has placed into service 19 new SEFs with a total capacity of 7.7 MW. This new capacity, along with the 5.1 MW in SPP Fund I, firmly positions SPP as a top solar developer in the United States. The projects will provide solar power to a variety of customers, including several corporate clients, three universities, two healthcare facilities, a water district, a wastewater treatment facility, and a public school. The SEFs have been constructed by SPP Fund II, LLC, in which SPP will act as the general partner and provide asset management services. Financing of the SEFs is being provided by Bank of America in the form of a tax equity investment and Energy Investors Funds through their United States Power Fund III, L.P.  

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21.) Poet Opens First Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Plant:

Reuters, by Timothy Gardner, January 13, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51185

The top U.S. ethanol producer Poet said on Monday it has opened an $8 million pilot plant to produce an alternative low-carbon motor fuel made from corn cobs and other crop residue. The 20,000 gallon per year plant, which was built in Poet's home state South Dakota, is planned as a forerunner to the company's $200 million commercial-scale cellulosic plant, called Project Liberty. The company hopes to open that plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa in 2011. The fuel made at the pilot plant costs about $1 more than ethanol made from corn starch. Poet hopes to eventually make cellulosic at all 26 of its starch ethanol plants, which have a capacity to make 1.5 billion gallons per year.

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22.) Automakers Roll Out Electric and Hybrid Hopes:

Reuters, by Ben Klayman, January 13, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51191

At the North American International Auto show in Detroit, GM again rolled out the Chevrolet Volt electric concept car again as a reminder the struggling U.S. automaker intends to have it on sale by the end of 2010. Rival Ford said it will have a small electric car ready for launch in 2011 that would get 100 miles to a charge, as well as a plug-in hybrid by 2012. It also will offer an electric commercial van in 2010. Rival Ford said it will have a small electric car ready for launch in 2011 that would get 100 miles to a charge, as well as a plug-in hybrid by 2012. It also will offer an electric commercial van in 2010. Japan's Toyota showed off its FT-EV electric concept and said it would launch an electric car for city commuting by 2012 in the United States. Japan's Nissan Motor Co Ltd is promoting plans to commercialize electric cars. Honda, meanwhile, said it will begin selling the Insight, the first of its next generation hybrid cars, in Japan in February, followed by launches in Europe and the United States in March and April. The Insight has listed gas mileage of 40 miles per gallon in the city and 43 on the highway in the United States, but the company said the potential for as much as 72 mpg exists.

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23.) Significant Boost in New Home Energy Efficiency from Soon-to-be-Published Model Energy Code:

Energy Efficient Codes Coalition, January 13, 2009

http://www.thirtypercentsolution.org/savings

The soon-to-be-published 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will be significantly more efficient than its 2006 counterpart, according to an analysis conducted by the respected research firm, ICF International. The analysis estimates that homes built to the 2009 IECC standards will save an average of 12.2% under the simple "prescriptive" method and could save 14.7% or more using the more complicated "performance-based" method.

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24.) Chu Warmly Received at Senate Confirmation Hearing:

Associated Press, by H. Josef Hebert, January 13, 2009

http://dailytribune.com/articles/2009/01/14/news/doc496cbf1e41db78570145...

Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu promised Tuesday that if confirmed as energy secretary he will aggressively pursue policies aimed at addressing climate change and achieving greater energy independence by developing clean energy sources. Chu told senators that climate change is “a growing and pressing problem” and the nation’s dependence on oil represents a threat to the U.S. economy and security. But he also told lawmakers that he views nuclear power and coal as critical parts of the nation’s energy mix and said he was optimistic that ways can be found to make coal a cleaner energy source by capturing its carbon dioxide emissions. About domestic oil production, Chu reiterated Obama’s views that some expansion of offshore oil and gas development should be included as a broader energy plan.

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25.) Expected Chu Confirmation as DOE Secretary Signals Focus on Climate Change, Research into New, Clean Energy Technologies:

Alliance to Save Energy, January 13, 2009

http://www.ase.org/content/news/detail/5311

Steven Chu’s testimony before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee reflected the right priorities for moving the nation to a cleaner, more secure energy future: reducing greenhouse gas emissions; decreasing U.S. oil dependence; increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and appliances; increasing vehicle fuel efficiency and pushing development of plug-in hybrids; modernizing the electric grid; and increasing research and development into new energy technologies.  

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26.) Lisa Jackson Will Be a Great Part of Obama Green Team:

Sierra Club, January 14, 2008

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=85761.0

During her tenure as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Lisa Jackson took the lead in New Jersey’s fight against global warming. She pushed the governor to support the Global Warming Response Act, legislation that set ambitious goals for statewide emissions reduction. She guided implementation of the act by developing New Jersey’s Greenhouse Gas Plan.  Land use and energy were the topics under her jurisdiction, although she has also worked to improve the transportation portion. In 2008 the state released the Energy Master Plan, a guiding document for energy consumption and production. The draft version provided for increases in coal and nuclear power. Jackson advocated for renewable energy and efficiency measures; it is now one of the most progressive plans in the country.  She is also responsible for the environmental analysis laying the groundwork for New Jersey to develop the first off-shore wind farm in the nation. Finally, she was New Jersey’s lead on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative which has given her experience on a cap and trade allowance system.   

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27.) US Agriculture Secretary Nominee Backs Biofuels:

Reuters, January 14, 2009

http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE50D3OC20090114?fee...

Former Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa told senators he will promote renewable energy like biofuels if confirmed as U.S. agriculture secretary. Vilsack said he would use Agriculture Department programs to encourage production of biofuels and to bring to market new feedstocks. Corn-based ethanol is currently the dominant biofuel in the United States. Cellulose, found in grasses and wood, is being developed as the next major alternative fuel source. Under a 2008 law, USDA can offer loan guarantees for plants producing new-generation fuels, help plants expand output and share the cost with farmers who experiment with biomass crops. USDA also can support research on biofuels. Besides biofuels, Vilsack supported wind, solar and geothermal energy.

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28.) More U.S. Backing Seen Possible For Ethanol Plants:

Reuters, by Charles Abbott, January 14, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51207

Congress may add $1 billion to a U.S. loan guarantee program for construction of cellulosic ethanol plants to bring new feedstocks into use. A $320 million guarantee program was created in the 2008 farm law for biorefineries producing advanced fuels such as ethanol from cellulose found in wood and grass. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer says the first guarantee may be issued soon.

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29.) Bill Introduced to Promote Scrapping of Fuel-Inefficient Vehicles:

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, January 14, 2009

http://www.aceee.org/press/0901crusher.htm

The Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Retirement Act of 2009 (ARIVA), introduced in the House and Senate this morning by Senators Feinstein, Collins, and Schumer and Representatives Inslee and Israel, among others, offers vouchers of up to $5,500 for consumers to retire vehicles rated at under 18 miles per gallon for fuel economy purposes (roughly 14-15 miles per gallon in on-road driving). The vehicle must be scrapped, and the voucher then may be applied to the purchase of a new or used vehicle that exceeds federal fuel economy standards by at least 25%; alternatively, the voucher may be applied toward the purchase of transit passes at participating local transit agencies. ARIVA is designed to speed up the transition to a low-consuming vehicle stock in the U.S.

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30.) Watchdog Calls for Cleaning Up Solar Industry:

San Francisco Chronicle, by David R. Baker, January 14, 2009

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/13/BUI8159KV1.DTL

Despite its reputation, solar power isn't completely clean. Most solar cells are made of silicon, and the process of refining it produces waste that can damage the environment. Some newer solar cells use other materials that are themselves toxic and require proper handling. The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition has released a report "Toward and Just and Sustainable Solar Energy Industry" detailing the potential environmental problems facing the solar business. It focuses on the environmental effects of manufacturing solar cells and it calls for creating a recycling program for used solar panels so they don't end up in landfills. The report can be found at: http://www.etoxics.org/site/DocServer/Silicon_Valley_Toxics_Coalition_-_...

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31.) Massachusetts Governor Unveils Big Push for Wind Power:

Associated Press, by Steve LeBlanc, January 14, 2009

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/6210197.html

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick wants to ramp up the state's reliance on wind power over the next dozen years. Patrick said Tuesday he wants the state to be producing 2,000 megawatts of wind electricity annually by 2020, enough to power 800,000 homes — or about 10 percent of the state's current energy needs. The state has just nine major wind turbines now, producing less than seven megawatts of power annually. There are 300 turbines in various planning and permitting stages in Massachusetts, including a proposal by Cape Wind Associates to build 130 windmills across 25 miles of federal waters in Nantucket Sound — enough to generate an estimated 420 megawatts of power.

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32.) Geothermal Future:

New York Times (editorial), January 13, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/14/opinion/14wed2.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

The earth’s heat offers a virtually untapped energy reserve of enormous potential with a very short list of drawbacks. With modest federal support, geothermal power could play a critical role in America’s energy future, adding substantially to the nation’s store of renewable energy and more than making up for coal-burning power plants that would have to be retired. Done right, it could help free the country of the grievous environmental burden of coal-burning power plants. Done wrong, it could create grievous environmental problems of its own. Mindful of the dangers, the next administration should commit to developing this extraordinary resource.

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33.) Proponents Say Large Corn Crop Shows Ethanol Not Driving Up Food Costs:

Grand Island Independent, by Robert Pore, January 12, 2009

http://theindependent.com/articles/2009/01/12/news/ag/doc496bb559d195105...

Despite the raging food vs. fuel debate last year over the use of corn for ethanol fuel production, U.S. farmers produced the nation’s second largest corn crop on record. Ethanol production last year accounted for 21 percent of the total corn use. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, last year’s 12.1 billion bushel corn crop “dispels the misconception that ethanol is at the root of higher corn and food prices.” However, according to the USDA, ethanol corn use is lowered 100 million bushels since early December because of poor ethanol plant operating margins that have forced some ethanol companies, such as VeraSun, into bankruptcy, or delayed ongoing production, such as the Aurora West ethanol plant, or have existing ethanol plants lowering their daily production.

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34.) Survey Shows That Americans Are Eager To Conserve Energy:

Hartford Courant, by David Funkhouser, January 14, 2009

http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/hc-energysurvey0114.artjan14,0,3...

According to a survey by researchers at Yale and George Mason universities, many people already have made the easier and less expensive changes in their homes and lifestyles, but that the nation's broader goals of energy independence and fighting global warming are going to be costly and more difficult to achieve. Saving money is the prime motivation behind individual conservation efforts. But many people also have been moved by a desire to help the environment, act morally, improve their health and feel good about themselves. A majority of people have cut energy use at home, installing more efficient furnaces, weatherizing, turning down thermostats and changing to energy-saving light bulbs. Far fewer have changed their transportation habits, largely because of expense and inconvenience.

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35.) 2008 Global Temperature Ties as Eight Warmest on Record:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, January 14, 2009

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090113_ncdcstats.html

The year 2008 tied with 2001 as the eighth warmest year on record for the Earth, based on the combined average of worldwide land and ocean surface temperatures through December, according to a preliminary analysis by NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C.  For December alone, the month also ranked as the eighth warmest globally, for the combined land and ocean surface temperature. The assessment is based on records dating back to 1880. The combined global land and ocean surface temperature from January-December was 0.88 degree F (0.49 degree C) above the 20th Century average of 57.0 degrees F (13.9 degrees C).  

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36.) Climate Change Outpaces Predictions:

Worldwatch Institute, by Ben Block, January 14, 2009

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5990

The science of climate change is evolving more rapidly than the reports can be published. Since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's latest assessment was released a mere 14 months ago, in November 2007, studies suggest that sea-ice melt, glacier retreat, and food insecurity are all more dire than the IPCC predicted. The upcoming summer Arctic sea-ice coverage may be the smallest ever witnessed. The world will be lucky to keep sea-level rise below one meter rise within this century, and two meters rise can't be ruled out. Already, a decline in freshwater resources and hydropower potential may be occurring more quickly than expected. Researchers conclude that half the world's population may live with food insecurity by 2100 due to climate change.

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37.) GOP Governors Urge Action on Global Warming:

Politico, by Erika Lovley, January 14, 2009

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17402.html

Republican governors, battling climate change in their states and fed up with the GOP’s inability to organize in Washington, are urging their congressional colleagues to start the new Congress with unprecedented dedication to addressing global warming. Heeding that warning, a handful of Republicans are preparing to jump-start the climate debate this year by offering alternatives to Democratic proposals for carbon emissions reduction and renewable energy investment, some of which could be included in the new economic stimulus package being assembled at the urging of President-elect Barack Obama.  

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38.) Iowa Unveils Greenhouse Gases Reduction Plan:

SustainableBusiness.com, January 14, 2009

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/17472

A state-mandated council in Iowa has proposed two greenhouse gas reduction scenarios and 56 policy options in a 469-page final report to the governor and general assembly. The 23-member Climate Change Advisory Council, along with four state assemblymen and numerous technical advisors, studied more than 300 policy options before coming to its conclusions. The two scenarios are: 50% cutback from 2005 emissions by 2050, with interim goals of 1% by 2012 and 11% by 2020; and 90% cutback from 2005 emissions by 2050, with interim goals of 3% by 2012 and 22% by 2020. The council said if all 56 strategies are carried out, the 90% cutback scenario can be met.

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39.) EPA Nominee Jackson Indicates Resolve to Move Forward on Carbon Emission Rules:

The Hill, by Jim Snyder, January 14, 2009

http://thehill.com/business--lobby/jackson-indicates-resolve-to-move-for...

President-elect Obama’s nominee to run the Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa Jackson, said Wednesday that she would work alongside Congress in developing a plan to regulate carbon dioxide emissions but that the process of combating global climate change could start at EPA. Jackson said her initial priorities would be determined largely by court cases, like Massachusetts v. EPA, in which the U.S. Supreme Court found that the agency did have the power, under the Clean Air Act, to regulate carbon dioxide if it so chooses. A decision that finds carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions to be a danger to the environment will “trigger the beginning of regulation in this country on CO2,” Jackson told the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee at her confirmation hearing.  

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40.) U.S. Senator Inhofe's Opening Statement on the Nominations of Lisa P. Jackson to be Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Nancy Helen Sutley to be Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality:

U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, January 14, 2009

http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs&Content...

"Of particular concern to me are the incoming Administration’s aggressive statements about plans to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.  As you know, I have serious concerns about the timing and troubling implications that further regulation could have on our already fragile economy; those concerns are shared by many across the country. Members on both sides of the Capitol and both sides of the aisle are publicly concerned with the outcome of the Massachusetts v. EPA case and with the potential regulation of greenhouse gases under the Act.  Over the coming weeks I will be issuing a series of letters and information requests in order to better understand if, when, and how the new Administration plans to implement this new court-established authority."  

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41.) Bush Administration Proposed Lighting Efficiency Standards Squanders Huge Potential Savings & Pollution Reductions:

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, January 15, 2009

http://www.aceee.org/press/0901lighting.htm

Lighting efficiency standards proposed in the Bush administration’s final days leave huge energy and dollar savings, as well as huge pollution reductions, on the table, according to a coalition of energy efficiency organizations. The proposed new efficiency standards would cover the ubiquitous fluorescent tube lamps found in nearly every office and the equally common cone-shaped reflector lamps found in homes and businesses. The outgoing administration said “no” to higher standards for general service fluorescent lamps that, according to the agency’s own analysis, would save more energy, save more money, and avoid more pollution than the standards proposed. DOE also said “no” to requests that the agency cover the most common type of reflector lamps, called BR lamps in the trade, with the new standards.  

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42.) House Democrats Push $825 Billion Recovery Plan:

Politico, by David Rogers, January 15, 2009

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17485.html

and

New York Times, by David M. Herszenhorn, January 15, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/business/economy/16webstimulus.html?hp

House Democrats have outlined an estimated $825 billion two-year economic recovery plan. Among the highlights on the spending side are $54 billion for energy-related projects emphasizing renewable fuel projection, greater conservation (including weatherization of public buildings and homes) and an estimated $11 billion dedicated to modernizing the nation’s electric grid. It also includes $90 billion in infrastructure spending, including highway construction and repair, water projects and environmental restoration, and public transportation investments such as rail lines. For details, see the report from the House Committee on Appropriations at: http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/PressSummary01-15-09.pdf  

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43.) U.S. Representative Waxman to Push Global Warming Bill:

The Hill, by Mike Soraghan, January 15, 2009

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/waxman-to-push-global-warming-bill-2...

Comprehensive global warming legislation will be sent to the House floor by Memorial Day, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) has announced. Waxman made the announcement at his first hearing as chairman, which featured the heads of manufacturing companies that support new climate change rules. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has indicated that reining in climate change is among her top priorities.   

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44.) Century City MGM Tower Goes Solar:

SolarBuzz.com, January 14, 2009

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR1364.htm

Constellation Place, LLC today unveiled an installation of solar panels designed to provide a portion of the electrical power required by MGM Tower. Coupled with the steps Constellation has already taken to conserve daily energy consumption, this solar array will make the building one of the ‘greenest’ retrofitted structures in the country. Installed by SPG Solar, Inc., specialists in solar power construction, the solar array covers the top parking deck level at MGM Tower on Constellation Boulevard in Century City. The system has a total of 1,408 panels covering more than an acre. It is expected to generate 570,095, kWh annually and eliminate 277 metric tons of CO2 emissions which is equivalent to 31,452 gallons of gasoline or 92 acres of trees.  

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45.) Energy Efficiency Programs Can Realistically Reduce Growth in Electricity Consumption by 22%:

Electric Power Research Institute, January 14, 2009

http://my.epri.com/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_237_317_205_776_43/...

Energy efficiency programs in the United States could realistically reduce the rate of growth for electricity consumption by 22 percent over the next two decades if key barriers can be addressed, according to a new analysis “Assessment of Achievable Savings Potential From Energy Efficiency and Demand Response in the U.S.” The potential energy savings in 2030 would be 236 billion kilowatt hours, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 14 New York Cities. Stated differently, the demand for electricity over the next two decades could be reduced from the 1.07 percent annual growth rate projected by the U.S. Energy Information Administration in its 2008 Annual Energy Outlook down to 0.83 percent, slowing the rate of increase by approximately 22 percent. The executive summary is available at: http://mydocs.epri.com/docs/public/000000000001018363.pdf  

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46.) Business and Environmental Leaders Release Landmark Blueprint for Climate Protection Legislation:

Natural Resources Defense Council, January 15, 2009

http://www.nrdc.org/media/2009/090115.asp

The U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP) today unveiled a comprehensive and detailed set of integrated policy recommendations for developing legislation that would create an environmentally effective and economically sustainable national climate protection program. The document, "A Blueprint for Legislative Action," calls for an 80 percent emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2050 while allowing the ample use of offsets to manage program costs. It includes details on the scope of coverage for the cap-and-trade program with a significant portion of allowances should be initially distributed to capped entities and particularly disadvantaged economic sectors. It also details complementary measures for coal, technology transformation, transportation, and buildings and energy efficiency that are needed to facilitate rapid technology transformation.  

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47.) Devil Found in Details of New Climate Blueprint:

Environment America, January 15, 2009

http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/global-warming-solutions...

The U.S. Climate Action Partnership today issued recommendations for action on global warming. However, the most recent science suggests that the United States must achieve much deeper cuts in the next 10 years than the coalition has endorsed. The blueprint also includes loopholes, such as an enormous carbon offsets program; allowing polluters to buy their way out of reducing pollution means that they won’t shift any time soon to cleaner processes or technologies. In addition, President-elect Obama has called for auctioning 100 percent of the pollution credits in a cap-and-trade program, but this blueprint would give credits to polluters for free.  It also would provide exorbitant subsides to industry for so-called ‘clean-coal’ technology.  

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48.) U.S. Natural Gas Imports Continue to Rise - Now at 16 Percent:

U.S. Energy Information Administration, January 14, 2009

http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/natural_gas/feature_articles/2009/ngi...

A New report "U.S. Natural Gas Imports and Exports: 2007" finds that net U.S. imports equaled approximately 16 percent of domestic consumption in 2007, a portion that in recent years has risen steadily, albeit at a slow pace; in fact, net U.S. imports in 2007 were just 4 percentage points higher than the 12 percent recorded 10 years prior. Despite being a small portion of overall U.S. supplies, the volumes received from foreign sources still qualify the United States as the largest importer of natural gas in the world. Altogether, the United States received imports from eight different countries. Additionally, in 2007, the United States was the fourth leading importer of LNG in the world behind Japan, South Korea, and Spain.  

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49.) President-Elect Obama Visits Wind Manufacturer:

American Wind Energy Association, January 16, 2009

http://www.awea.org/newsroom/releases/Obama_Visits_Wind_Manufacturer_16J...

President-elect Barack Obama will call for action to stimulate the economy at an Ohio company that manufactures very large bolts for wind turbine towers, according to announcements by the President-elect’s team.  The company, Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co., Inc., is based in Bedford Heights, Ohio, and the visit will take place Friday, January 16, as the President-elect travels from Illinois to Washington, D.C., for his Inauguration. About 80,000 U.S. workers are employed in the wind industry today, in jobs as varied as turbine component manufacturing, construction and installation of wind turbines, wind turbine operations and maintenance, services, and more.   Wind power’s recent growth has accelerated job creation, particularly in manufacturing, where the share of domestically manufactured wind turbine components has nearly doubled in three years, expanding from 25%-30% in 2005 to 50% in 2008.

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50.) Interior Nominee Salazar's Goal - Craft 'Energy Moon Shot':

Politico, by Chris Frates, January 16, 2009

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17501.html

U.S. Senator Ken Salazar made clear during his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday to be interior secretary that he’ll play a key role in developing President-elect Barack Obama’s energy policy. ‘I will play a keystone role in helping to craft the energy agenda,” Salazar told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “I would not have taken this job if I was not given the assignment to help to craft the energy moon shot that we will take.” Creating a renewable energy economy is one of Obama’s major agenda items, and Salazar made it clear he won’t answer to anyone but the president.  

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51.) Economic Stimulus Bill Pushes Renewable Energy:

Reuters, by Ayesha Rascoe, January 16, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51241

The $825 billion economic stimulus package unveiled by Democrats in the House of Representatives on Thursday contains billions of dollars in tax breaks for renewable energy as well as spending for energy efficiency and transmission. The legislation would provide $20 billion in tax cuts for alternative energy including a multiyear extension of the production tax credit for wind, geothermal, hydro power and bioenergy. The bill would also provide tax credits for research and development concentrated on energy conservation and efficiency. Other measures in the bill include $32 billion to modernize the nation's power transmission grid to support more clean energy, $16 billion to retrofit some public housing to use less energy, and $2.4 billion for developing carbon capturing technology that could be utilized at coal-fired power plants to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Another $6 billion is included in the stimulus bill to weatherize modest-income homes.  

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52.) Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Means 37 Million Jobs by 2030:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, January 16, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/infocus/story?id=54524

The renewable energy and energy efficiency (RE&EE) industries represented more than 9 million jobs and US $1.04 trillion in U.S. revenue in 2007, according to a new report published by the American Solar Energy Society. The renewable energy industry grew three times as fast as the U.S. economy, with the solar thermal, photovoltaic, biodiesel, and ethanol sectors leading the way, each with 25%+ annual revenue growth. Key conclusions from this report include:

** Renewable energy and energy efficiency currently provide more than 9 million jobs and US $1.04 trillion in revenue in the U.S. (2007). The previous year (2006) renewable energy and energy efficiency represented 8.5 million jobs and US $972 billion in revenue

** As many as 37 million jobs can be generated by the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries in the U.S. by 2030 – more than 17% of all anticipated U.S. employment.

** Hottest sectors include solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, biofuels, and fuel cells (in terms of revenue growth).

To download the report, go to: http://www.ases.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=465&Ite...

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53.) Clean Energy Shares on the Up After 61% Battering in 2008?

Renewable Energy Focus, January 13, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/articles/general/news/090113_NEF2008...

Clean energy shares have been benefiting from an 'Obama Bounce', surging from their lows in November last year, according to leading analysis company New Energy Finance. The WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index, which tracks the performance of 88 clean energy stocks worldwide, slumped over 70% from its value at the start of 2008 to its low in November. Solar shares fell, on average, by 75% last year as investors worried about the likelihood of falling prices ahead in everything from polysilicon to modules. The biofuels and biomass sector had another bad year in 2008, its share prices falling on average by 68% as high feedstock prices and the credit crunch inflicted double damage. Wind saw share prices fall 56%, mainly because of fears of a weaker project development trend and therefore lower turbine prices for manufacturers. Since then, however, clean energy stocks have recovered by over 45% as investors take heart from President-elect Obama's apparent commitment to the sector.

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54.) For Wind Turbine Manufacturers, the Layoffs Begin:

New York Times, by Kate Galbraith, January 16, 2009

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com

Jobs in the wind industry are becoming casualties of the economic slump. North Dakota-based D.M.I. Industries, which manufactures turbine towers, is laying off 20 percent of its workers across three plants — in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Stevensville, Ontario and West Fargo, North Dakota. L.M. Glasfiber, a Danish turbine company, also announced 150 layoffs last week at a blade-making plant in Arkansas. And Gamesa, a Spanish turbine maker, said it was initiating layoffs at an Eastern Pennsylvania factory — though it is expanding a factory in the western part of the state, which can make larger blades. The troubles of turbine manufacturers are mirrored in the solar industry, which has also seen manufacturing layoffs recently.  

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55.) New Report Disputes IEA's Windpower "Stagnation" Prediction:

Renewable Energy Focus, January 12, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/articles/windother/bus_news/090112_E...

A new study by independent research authority Energy Watch Group has tracked the exponential growth in wind power capacity since the early 1990s, and suggests that - contrary to IEA forecasts in its World Energy Outlook 2008 - there will be no downturn in new capacity after 2015. With net capacity additions of almost 20,000 MW in 2007, the report predicts that global wind power capacity is set to double in the next three years, and suggests that the growth of wind power additions will continue long after this, driven not just by "fossil fuel costs and nuclear cost overruns", but by access to new wind resources; by new grid regulations; by an emerging world market for wind turbines and components; and by "ever cheaper and better wind technology".

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56.) Verenium To Build First Cellulosic Ethanol Plant:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, January 16, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54521

Verenium Corporation announced plans to build its first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol facility in Highlands County, Florida. Verenium's planned commercial facility will be the first in the State of Florida to use next-generation cellulosic ethanol technology to convert renewable grasses to fuel, rather than processing food crops. The plant will be constructed on fallow land, and is expected to produce up to 36 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year and provide the region with 140 full-time jobs, once commercial operations begin.

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