Sustainable Energy News Summaries – February 2, 2008

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.) President Obama Overturns Bush Administration on Clean Cars:
Environment America, January 26, 2009
http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/global-warming-solutions...

President Barack Obama today directed the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider its March 2008 decision to block California and 13 other states from using tailpipe emission standards to reduce global warming pollution from cars and light trucks. These 14-state standards will reduce global warming pollution by more than 450 million metric tons by 2020 – a reduction equivalent to eliminating all of the pollution from 84.7 million of today’s cars for a year, according to an Environment America analysis of data from the California Air Resources Board. The 14-state standards will cut gasoline consumption by more than 50 billion gallons by 2020, saving Americans $93 billion at the pump. The President also directed the Department of Transportation to move forward with standards to improve the efficiency of vehicles nationwide.

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2.) California Waiver Start of Clean Energy Future:
Greenpeace, January 26, 2009
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/press-center/releases2/california-waiver-s...

President Obama’s directive clears the way for California, Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, the District of Columbia, Vermont and Washington to adopt stricter standards than the federal government requires under the Clean Air Act. Other states, including Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, and Utah, are considering adopting the program. Together this would represent over half of the U.S. automobile market. The California Air Resources Board estimates the new rules would cut global warming pollution from passenger vehicles by 18 percent by 2020 and 27 percent by 2030. "The move gives the American economy a jump on the inevitable rise in the price of oil. President Obama could go even further by fulfilling a campaign promise to put a million plug-in electric vehicles on the road. We also urge him to raise gas mileage standards to 50 miles per gallon by 2028 and commit to cutting greenhouse emissions in the U.S. by at least 20-23 percent from current levels by 2020—the level science says is needed to prevent the worst effects of global warming.”

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3.) Obama Keeping Pledge on Fuel Economy, Global Warming:

U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Energy Independence & Global Warming, January 26, 2009

http://globalwarming.house.gov/mediacenter/pressreleases_2008?id=0083#ma...

President Barack Obama will announce today that he will reassess America's fuel economy standards and how they could be strengthened; will grant a waiver to allow California, Massachusetts and other states to proceed with a landmark global warming tailpipe standard; and will announce an effort to increase the energy savings from federal agencies. In Response, U.S. Congressman Ed Markey noted: “This is an energy triple play that will cut global warming pollution, increase innovation, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It shows what a visionary president is capable of doing, and the faith he has in the economic revival that America's automotive and energy industries can produce."

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4.) U.S. Senator Boxer Statement on California Waiver Announcement:

U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, January 25, 2009

http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Majority.PressReleases...

Senator Boxer said: "Reports of President Obama's decision to revisit the outrageous denial of the California waiver by the Bush Administration are more than welcome news. An immediate EPA review of the waiver decision shows respect for California and the 18 other states -- representing more than half the U.S. population -- who are waiting for the green light to address global warming pollution from motor vehicles.”

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5.) Michigan Attorney General Asks Federal Court to Block Tougher California Curbs on Auto Emissions:

Detroit News, by David Shepardson, January 23, 2009

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090123/AUTO01/901230...

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox asked a federal appeals court today to reject efforts by California and 13 other states to impose their own limits on tailpipe emissions. He filed an amicus brief Friday, arguing that the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act preempt California from independently regulating auto emissions. Automakers say the California rules would place undue financial burdens on the industry, and drive the price of new cars and trucks sharply higher.

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6.) Secretary Clinton Names Climate Czar:

Politico, by Mike Allen, January 26, 2009

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20090126/pl_politico/17964

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday will name Todd D. Stern, a trusted top aide in her husband’s White House, to serve as a special envoy for climate change. Stern’s appointment shows it will be a priority throughout President Barack Obama’s administration. Stern was staff secretary, a sensitive job that makes him the gatekeeper to every piece of paper the President sees and signs. Also for Clinton, he was senior White House negotiator at the Kyoto and Buenos Aires climate negotiations. So Stern is an authority on the issue, knows the inner workings of the White House and has a close relationship with the secretary of State.

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7.) Obama Green Energy May Lag Growth Pace of Bush Years:

Bloomberg, by Jim Efstathiou Jr., January 26, 2009

http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20090126/pl_bloomberg/aqsoxwtzussm_1

President Barack Obama may find it harder to double renewable power capacity in three years during a financial crisis. The U.S. had renewable-energy generators capable of producing 28,721 megawatts of power in 2007. Doubling that may cost $150 billion. It costs about $2 million to install 1 megawatt of wind power. Solar power costs about $4 million to $8 million a megawatt. Wind developers added 7,500 megawatts in 2008 to bring total generating capacity to 24,000 megawatts but projects in 2009 could fall by half without the right financial aid from Congress. Solar power more than tripled in the past three years to 4,400 megawatts. Solar-energy developers already have projects under way to produce about 5,400 megawatts in three to five years.

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8.) U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Releases Highlights of American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan:

U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, January 23, 2009

http://appropriations.senate.gov/Press/2009_01_23_Senate_Appropriations_...

The bill provides investments in areas critical to the development of clean, efficient, American energy, including modernizing energy transmission, research and development of renewable energy technologies, and modernizing and upgrading government buildings and vehicles. Highlights include:

Top line spending of approximately $51 Billion:

• $40 billion to the Department of Energy for development of clean, efficient, American energy.

• GSA Federal Fleet: $2.6 billion to replace older motor fleet vehicles owned by the Federal Government with alternative fuel automobiles that will save on fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions.

• Green Buildings: $6 billion for repair of federal buildings to increase energy efficiency using green technology. This funding will help eliminate the backlog of $8.4 billion in building repair projects.

• $1.3 billion for grants or loans to owners for energy and green retrofit investments.

• $613 million for Department of Defense energy efficiency upgrades and construction of alternative energy projects, including wind and solar power and photovoltaic system installation.

• $400 million for rural businesses initiatives including development of renewable energy.

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9.) More California Commercial Sites Add Solar PV Power Systems:

World of Renewables, Jauary 26, 2009

http://www.worldofrenewables.com/index.php?do=viewarticle&artid=2939&tit...

The number of commercial solar PV power systems in California continues to increase, with the recent activation of several new installations throughout the state. About 150 MW or more of new panels were installed in California last year, compared to 81 MW the previous year. With more than half of the solar capacity in the United States, California ranks as the world's number-four solar entity after Germany, Spain, and Japan. The largest of the new installations can be found in Fresno, where SunPower teamed with Grundfos Pumps on a 1.1-MW plant at the customer's site. In another example of the photovoltaic revolution in California viticulture, Premier Power designed, built, and commissioned a $5.3 million 825.4-KW solar system at two locations owned by the Trinchero Family Estates winemaking concern.

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10.) Analysts Warn Greenhouse Gas Emissions Are Growing:

New York Times, by James Kanter, January 26, 2009

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/analysts-warn-emissions-are...

Planet-warming emissions from industry are on track to grow faster than previous estimates, and delaying reduction measures beyond 2010 would risk triggering dangerous levels of climate change, according to McKinsey & Company, a leading consultancy. Delaying action by 10 years would almost certainly push temperatures higher than 2 degrees Celsius — the level many environmental groups have identified as the maximum allowable before widespread irreversible environmental damage kicks in — according to McKinsey. In the last study of its kind in 2006, the group estimated that total emissions would be 60 gigatons each year by 2030 if current practices went unchanged. Now that amount is likely to be 70 gigatons without changes.

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11.) Report Says Cost of Rapid CO2 Cuts "Manageable":

Associated Press, by Aoife White, January 26, 2009

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090126/ap_on_bi_ge/eu_eu_climate_change

Rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade to curb global warming could cost less than 1 percent of world gross domestic product by 2030, according to a report sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and produced by management consultants McKinsey & Co. It put the price at $256 billion to $448 billion annually by 2030 when they calculate total world GDP to hit US$77 trillion. They advocate massive energy savings by making vehicles, buildings and machinery far more efficient — saying this could eventually halve global electricity demand.

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12.) Climate Bill Expected to Pass Maryland Assembly - Compromise Plan Has Backing of Industry, Labor, Governor:

Baltimore Sun, by Timothy B. Wheeler, January 24, 2009

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.greenhouse24jan24...

Legislation that would commit Maryland to reducing climate-warming pollution 25 percent by 2020 appears likely to pass this year. The bill is a carefully crafted compromise worked out in recent weeks among proponents and opponents of last year's legislation. It would commit the state to achieving a 25 percent reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases - mainly carbon dioxide - by 2020. The state would have until 2012 to develop a plan for reaching the goal. But in deference to manufacturers and labor leaders, the bill says the state's plan must ensure that no manufacturing jobs would be lost, and it essentially exempts industry from state regulation of greenhouse gas emissions until 2016.

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13.) EPA Finds Fault With Planned Coal-Fired Power Plant - South Dakota Must Resubmit Air Quality Permit:

Pioneer Press, January 23, 2009

http://www.twincities.com/ci_11541681?nclick_check=1

The Environmental Protection Agency has overturned a permit for the proposed $1.6 billion Big Stone II coal-fired power plant in South Dakota. The EPA told the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources its air quality permit for the Big Stone II plant near Milbank, S.D., was deficient and needed to be resubmitted within 90 days. But whether the EPA decision kills the controversial plant was unclear. That delay could allow the EPA to enforce new regulations on carbon dioxide, which the Bush Administration did not want but the Obama Administration is promising.

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14.) U.S. Renewable Energy Production Increases by Eight Percent Over Past Year; Accounts for More than Ten Percent of Domestic Energy Production:

U.S. Energy Information Administration, January 26, 2009

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/mer/overview.html

and

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/mer/pdf/pages/sec10_3.pdf

According to the latest issue of the "Monthly Energy Review" by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, production of renewable energy between January and October 2008 was eight percent higher compared to the same time period in 2007. Moreover, renewable energy accounted for 10.04% of domestic energy production during the first ten months of 2008. By comparison, renewable energy accounted for 9.58% of domestic energy production in 2007. Renewable energy accounted for 7.47% of total energy consumption for the first ten months of 2008 compared to 6.80% in 2007.

** Renewable Energy Production [Trillion Btu] Jan-Oct'08 (Jan-Oct'07)

Biofuels: 1,149 (803) +43%

Biomass (inc. biofuels): 3,198 (2,960) +8%

Total Renewables: 6,167 (5,708) +8%

** Renewable Energy Consumption [Trillion Btu] Jan-Oct'08 (Jan-Oct'07)

Hydropower: 2,243 (2,124) +5.6%

Geothermal: 291 (294) -1%

Solar: 70 (68) +2.9%

Wind: 365 (264) +38.3%

Wood: 1,706 (1,799) -5.2%

Waste: 344 (357) -3.7%

Biofuels: 1,173 (829) +41.5%

Total Biomass: 3,223 (2,985) +8%

Total Renewables: 6,191 (5,734) +8%

Total domestic energy production for the first ten months of 2008 was 61.440 quadrillion Btus while the 10-month total domestic production for 2007 was 59.600 quads (i.e., 3% increase). Total energy consumption for the first 10-months of 2008 was 82.796 quads while the 10-month total energy consumption for 2007 was 84.283 quads (i.e., a decrease of 1.8%).

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15.) Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack Lays Out Priorities:

U.S. Department of Agriculture, January 26, 2009

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced his priorities including:

**Advancing research and development and pursuing opportunities to support the development of biofuels, wind power, and other renewable energy sources, saying that USDA needs to make sure that the biofuels industry has the necessary support to survive recent market challenges while promoting policies that will accelerate the development of next-generation biofuels that have the potential to significantly improve our energy independence.

**Making progress on major environmental challenges, including climate change. Vilsack said it's important that farmers and ranchers play a role with USDA in efforts to promote incentives for management practices that provide clean air, clean water, and wildlife habitat, and help farmers participate in markets that reward them for sequestering carbon and limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

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16.) New Day on Climate Change:

New York Times (editorial), January 26, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/opinion/27tue1.html?ref=opinion

Repudiating Mr. Bush’s passive approach to climate change, Mr. Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency to consider immediately California’s application to set its own rules on greenhouse-gas emissions from cars and trucks. Once California receives permission to move ahead 13 states, and possibly more, are expected to impose similar rules. In a companion move, Mr. Obama directed the Transportation Department to finalize the interim nationwide fuel-efficiency standards called for in the 2007 energy bill. These standards would eventually require fuel-efficiency increases in the American car and light-truck fleet to roughly 35 miles per gallon by 2020 from the current average of 27 m.p.g. After eight years of inaction, this is a wonderful start.

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17.) Obama Opens the Door to States Implementing Clean Car Law:

Union of Concerned Scientists, January 26, 2009

http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/obama-opens-the-door-to-0186.html

Current federal fuel economy regulations, passed by Congress as part of a December 2007 energy bill, requires automakers to produce new vehicles that meet a minimum of 35 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2020. The Obama administration now has the responsibility to set higher fuel economy standards that meet a "maximum feasible" level as prescribed by law. According to a UCS analysis, the Department of Transportation could set standards as high as 35 mpg by 2015 and 42 mpg by 2020. Separately, the California Air Resources Board has set a standard that will apply from now until 2016 and is creating a second standard that will last until 2020, providing a long-term signal to automakers that they will have to make cleaner vehicles over time. Meeting the bare minimum federal fuel economy standards would result in 912 million metric tons of global warming pollution reductions through 2020. By comparison, nationwide adoption of the California clean car standard would reduce global warming pollution by 1,283 million metric tons—about 40 percent more—during the same time period.

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18.) 100 Business + Organizations Offer President Obama Recommendations for First Steps on Climate:

Sustainable Energy Network, January 21, 2009

http://social.tidaltoday.com/content/press-release-116-business-organiza...

and

http://blip.tv/file/1694444

In a letter delivered to President Barack Obama on his first full day in office, 100 businesses and organizations - joined by 19 individual activists – outlined recommendations for administrative actions that the new White House can take immediately to address climate change:

** Direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to initiate a rulemaking under the Clean Air Act declaring that carbon dioxide emissions are endangering public health.

** Reverse the Bush Administration’s denial of a waiver for California of the Clean Cars Standard under the Clean Air Act and allow it to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles.

** Direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to raise fuel economy standards for cars, light trucks and SUVs to at least 45 miles per gallon over the next decade and a half.

** Direct that greenhouse gas emissions be considered whenever the federal government examines the environmental impact of its actions under the existing National Environmental Policy Act.

** Create a national carbon registry, requiring mandatory reporting of greenhouse gases.

** Begin to make the federal government a carbon-neutral enterprise.

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19.) New Study Shows Climate Change Largely Irreversible:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, January 26, 2009

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090126_climate.html

A new scientific study reaches a powerful conclusion about the climate change caused by future increases of carbon dioxide: to a large extent, there’s no going back. The pioneering study shows how changes in surface temperature, rainfall, and sea level are largely irreversible for more than 1,000 years after carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are completely stopped. The authors found that the scientific evidence is strong enough to quantify some irreversible climate impacts, including rainfall changes in certain key regions, and global sea level rise. If CO2 is allowed to peak at 450-600 parts per million, the results would include persistent decreases in dry-season rainfall that are comparable to the 1930s North American Dust Bowl in zones including southern Europe, northern Africa, southwestern North America, southern Africa and western Australia.

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20.) Economic Recovery Legislation to Move in House and Senate this Week:

Union of Concerned Scientists, January 27, 2009

http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/green-economic-recovery-plan-01...

The House bill would quadruple investment in energy efficiency for buildings and appliances and boost research and development funding for renewable sources of energy by 225 percent. A new Renewable Energy Loan Guarantee program would provide $8 billion in loan guarantees for renewable energy projects. The Senate Finance Committee bill includes such green initiatives as extending the production tax credit for wind projects through 2012, allowing businesses flexibility in claiming tax credits over a five-year period, and increasing the amount of tax credits available for residential renewable energy and energy efficiency systems.

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21.) U.S. Senators Debate Alternative Energy Tax Breaks:

Reuters, by Tom Doggett, January 28, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51366

The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday began debating some $31 billion in tax credits and financial incentives to boost alternative energy supplies and promote energy-savings steps as part of the Obama administration's much bigger U.S. economic recovery plan. The Senate tax package includes most of the $20 billion in energy tax breaks cleared last week by the House Ways and Means Committee, but the Senate measure adds more incentives to help alternative energy companies. Both the Senate and House bills would extend by three years, to the end of 2012, the date that wind facilities would have to be in place to be eligible for the federal renewable energy production tax credit. Other qualifying facilities that generate electricity from renewable energy sources, such as biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas and ocean currents, would also have an extra three years through the end of 2013 to be in service to get the same production tax credit. Both the Senate and House plans would allow such facilities in place in 2009 and 2010 to temporarily claim a 30 percent investment tax credit instead of the production tax credit that is normally paid out over 10 years. The Senate measure would do more than the House to help alternative energy companies by allowing them to carryback their business credits from 2008 and 2009 for five years instead of just one year as present law allows to offset their next income taxes. The tax break would cost $11 billion over 10 years.

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22.) Senate Proposal Would Boost "Plug-In" Incentive:

Reuters, by John Crawley, January 27, 2009

http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE50Q81520090127?fee...

Senate lawmakers on Tuesday proposed doubling the number of plug-in electric hybrids eligible for consumer tax credits as a way to stimulate sales when the vehicles hit showrooms late next year. The proposal to make up to 500,000 vehicles eligible for a credit -- mainly ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 -- was included in economic stimulus legislation considered by the Senate Finance Committee. The credit, which would expire at the end of 2011, is designed to cover the first wave of plug-in vehicles.

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23.) Congressional Budget Office Assessment of Energy & Water Provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (House Version):

Congressional Budget Office, January 26, 2009

http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/99xx/doc9968/hr1.pdf

**Title V of Division A would provide $48.9 billion in budget authority over the 2009-2019 period for programs related to energy and water resources. That amount includes $43.9 billion for the Department of Energy, $4.5 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, and $500 million for the Bureau of Reclamation. Most of the funding provided to DOE would promote nondefense activities related to energy supply and conservation, including:

● $18.5 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs (including $6.2 billion to expand existing weatherization activities and $7.9 billion for energy-related grants to states);

● $8.0 billion to cover the subsidy costs of federal loan guarantees for renewable energy systems and electric transmission projects;

● $6.5 billion for capital investments by certain federal power marketing

administrations in electric power transmission systems;

● $4.5 billion to modernize the nation’s electricity grid; and

● $6.4 billion for various other activities.

CBO expects that most funds provided under title V would ultimately be spent within seven years—a cumulative rate that is largely consistent with spending patterns for existing energy and water programs. However, the amounts provided would be significantly higher than DOE’s current funding levels for related programs. (For example, the proposed $18.5 billion appropriation for energy efficiency and renewable energy is nearly 10 times the current 2009 funding of roughly $1.9 billion.) We therefore expect that the proportion of spending that would occur in the first few years would be lower than that for existing programs, reflecting the time it would take DOE to establish new programs and to ramp up its spending from current levels. CBO estimates that about three-quarters of these funds would be spent during fiscal years 2009 through 2013.

**Extend by three years the tax credit for renewable energy production from various qualifying facilities, including wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower facilities. JCT estimates that this and other energy-related tax provisions would reduce revenues by $20 billion and increase outlays by $0.2 billion over the 2009-2019 period. The estimated revenue reductions are about $1 billion to $2 billion per year over the period.

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24.) ‘Green’ Energy a Tiny Share of Stimulus:

USA Today, by Mark Clayton, January 27, 2009

http://features.csmonitor.com/economyrebuild/2009/01/27/%E2%80%98green%E...

The share proposed to be spent on long-term “green” investments in the the stimulus package is surprisingly small. Nearly a third of the $550 billion Congress is set to allocate in direct spending is called “green,” including money to modernize electricity transmission and experiment with a “smart grid.” But just $8 billion is destined for renewable power and electricity-related spending, according to an analysis by FBR Capital Markets. Another $16 billion in tax credits – of $275 billion of overall tax credits – is devoted directly to green-energy development. Is that green investment of $24 billion enough to meet President Obama’s goals of creating tens of thousands of new jobs and doubling renewable-energy capacity in three years? No, say renewable-energy advocates.

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25.) Al Gore's Testimony Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations:

Politico, January 28, 2009

http://www.politico.com/playbook

"I urge this Congress to quickly pass the entirety of President Obama’s Recovery package. The plan’s unprecedented and critical investments in four key areas – energy efficiency, renewables, a unified national energy grid and the move to clean cars – represent an important down payment and are long overdue. These crucial investments will create millions of new jobs and hasten our economic recovery – while strengthening our national security and beginning to solve the climate crisis. Quickly building our capacity to generate clean electricity will lay the groundwork for the next major step needed: placing a price on carbon. If Congress acts right away to pass President Obama's Recovery package and then takes decisive action this year to institute a cap-and-trade system for CO2 emissions – as many of our states and many other countries have already done – the United States will regain its credibility and enter the Copenhagen treaty talks with a renewed authority to lead the world in shaping a fair and effective treaty. And this treaty must be negotiated this year. Not next year. This year."

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26.) Wind Energy Grows By Record 8,300 MW in 2008:

American Wind Energy Association, January 27, 2009

http://www.awea.org/newsroom/releases/wind_energy_growth2008_27Jan09.html

The U.S. wind energy industry shattered all previous records in 2008 by installing 8,358 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity (enough to serve over 2 million homes). The massive growth in 2008 swelled the nation’s total wind power generating capacity by 50% and channeled an investment of some $17 billion into the economy, positioning wind power as one of the leading sources of new power generation in the country today along with natural gas. The new wind projects completed in 2008 account for about 42% of the entire new power-producing capacity added nationally last year, according to initial estimates, and will avoid nearly 44 million tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent of taking over 7 million cars off of the road. The top state in terms of capacity installed is Texas with 7,116 MW. Iowa, with 2,790 MW installed, surpassed California (2,517 MW) in wind power generating capacity. Oregon moved into the club of states with more than 1,000 MW installed, which now counts seven states: Texas, Iowa, California, Minnesota, Washington, Colorado, and Oregon.

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27.) Ethanol Credit Prices Jump 28 Percent:

Reuters, by Timothy Gardner, January 28, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51373

U.S. 2009 ethanol credit prices have risen 28 percent since last week in a move that reflected anxiety about supply amid plants that have closed. Refiners and blenders can buy the credits, known as Renewable Information Numbers, and turn them into the Environmental Protection Agency to help meet their U.S. biofuel blending requirements. Prices for 2008 RINs, which expire in 2010, hit 15 to 15.5 cents, while 2009 RINs, which expire in 2011, hit 15.75 to 17.5 cents, according to an executive at the Rinxchange in New York. The price has risen as some players are buying the credits instead of actually blending the alternative motor fuel into gasoline themselves.

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28.) Corn Ethanol Production Emits 51% Less Greenhouse Gas Than Gasoline:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, January 28, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/infocus/story?id=54601

Corn ethanol directly emits an average of 51 percent less greenhouse gas than gasoline per gallon produced according to a recent study conducted by researchers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The ethanol industry currently is producing a fuel that is 48 to 59 percent lower in direct-effect lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. That's two to three times the reduction reported in earlier studies that did not take into account recent advances in corn-ethanol production. The net energy ratio, which averaged 1-1.2 in earlier studies, is 1.5-1.8 to 1 in the recent research. That means that for every unit of energy it takes to make ethanol, 1.5 to 1.8 units of energy are produced as ethanol.

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29.) Global Warming Serious, Say Americans:

Angus Reid Global Monitor, January 28, 2009

http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/global_warming_serious_say_americans/

Many people in the United States regard climate change as a real challenge, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 64 per cent of respondents say global warming is very or somewhat serious. While 41 per cent of respondents say global warming is caused mostly by human activity, 44 per cent believe it is part of long-term planetary trends. The survey consisted of telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16, 2009. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

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30.) House OKs Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Changes to Recovery Bill - Amendments Shorten Timelines, Add Transit Funds:

U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, January 28, 2009

http://transportation.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=808

The House approved amendments from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to the proposed economic recovery bill. The House adopted an amendment to add $3 billion to funding for transit projects. The Committee had recommended $12 billion for transit, but the bill, as drafted, only designated $9 billion. The amendment adds $1.5 billion to be distributed to the states by formula and $1.5 billion for New Starts. The House also accepted by voice vote an amendment to compress the time line for states and transit agencies to commit to projects to be funded under the bill from 180 days to 90 days.

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31.) Congress Takes First Step on the Road to a New Clean Energy Economy - Economic Recovery Bill Invests $80 Billion in Clean Energy and Green Transportation Projects:

Environment America, January 28, 2009

http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/new-energy-future/new-en...

The U.S. House of Representatives passed 244 to 188 the economic recovery bill which includes investments in clean energy and energy efficiency. The “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” includes at least $37.9 billion for energy efficiency, $27.8 billion for renewable energy and $14.6 billion for public transit and clean transportation, for a total of $80 billion in clean energy funding. The $6.2 billion investment in the Weatherization Assistance Program will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 12 million tons, create 465,000 new jobs over two years and meet President Obama’s goal of weatherizing two million homes. In addition to extending clean energy tax credits for three years, the bill makes an adjustment to the renewable energy production tax credits that will create or sustain 254,000 quality jobs such as in engineering, installation, construction and maintenance.

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32.) House Passes Economic Recovery Package, Makes Down Payment on Clean Energy Economy:

Natural Resources Defense Council, January 28, 2009

http://www.nrdc.org/media/2009/090128.asp

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides:

* $3.4 billion for states for clean energy projects

* A grants program for renewable energy technologies covered by the renewable energy tax incentives

* $6.2 billion for weatherization of low income homes

* $3.5 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (supports clean energy projects primarily at the city and county levels)

* $2 billion for clean energy research & development

* $6 billion for increasing energy efficiency in federal buildings

* $12 billion for transit (an amendment by Rep. Nadler (D-NY) increased transit funding from $9 to $12 billion)

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33.) House Votes Massive Federal Investment in Energy Efficiency to Aid Nation’s Economic Recovery:

Alliance to Save Energy, January 28, 2009

http://www.ase.org/content/news/detail/5346

The initiatives in the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” approved by the House include extending and enlarging consumer tax credits to help homeowners purchase new efficient furnaces, windows, doors, and insulation; instituting consumer rebates for purchases of new energy-efficient appliances; putting $7.5 billion towards efficiency upgrades of federal low-income and public housing; modernizing more than 75 percent of federal buildings to cut their energy costs, saving taxpayers $2 billion a year; and helping state and local governments invest in energy efficiency. The $50 billion energy package would create more than 500,000 jobs; provide energy efficiency grants and loans to school districts, colleges, local governments, and some hospitals; help state and local officials tackle their energy challenges; and accelerate deployment of smart grid technology to make the electric grid more efficient and reliable. The bill would also fund energy efficiency research, development, demonstration, and deployment by universities, companies, and national laboratories.

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34.) Senate Attempts to Waste up to $50 Billion in Stimulus Funds on Preemptive Bailout for Nuclear Industry:

Friends of the Earth, January 28, 2008

http://action.foe.org/t/6545/pressRelease.jsp?press_release_KEY=480

Senate appropriators have voted to add a preemptive, up-to-$50-billion bailout for the nuclear industry to economic stimulus legislation. This stealth, preemptive bailout comes in the form of a $50 billion expansion of federal loan guarantees for “advanced low-carbon technology,” much of which would likely go to helping energy firms secure financing for reactor construction. Stimulus language in the House of Representatives legislation does not include this bailout, and the disparity will be resolved in conference committee after each house passes its own legislative language.

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35.) Environmental Organizations Call For an End To Ethanol Subsidies:

Environmental News Network, January 26, 2009

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39165

The corn-based ethanol industry received $3 billion in tax credits in 2007, more than four times the $690 million in credits available to companies trying to expand all other forms of renewable energy, including solar, wind and geothermal power," according to the Environmental Working Group. EWG projects that by 2010, ethanol will cost taxpayers more than $5 billion a year. More than what the US Department of Agriculture contributes to soil protection projects and wildlife habitat put together.

EWG is one of four environment organizations reiterating their call for an end to ethanol subsidies.

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36.) U.S. Businesses Purchase Record Amount of Renewable Energy in 2008:

Center for Resource Solutions, January 27, 2009

http://www.csrwire.com/News/14376

2008 saw record voluntary purchases of Green-e Energy Certified renewable energy by businesses in the Green-e Marketplace program, led by Intel Corp, PepsiCo, and Mohawk Paper. Intel made the largest purchase of renewable energy in history, with a 1.3 million megawatt-hour (MWh) purchase in January. PepsiCo was the second-biggest purchaser. The growth in the overall voluntary market for renewable energy has been driven by large commercial purchases of renewable energy certificates (RECs), which represent electricity produced from clean, naturally renewable resources like wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass. Green power sales increased over 50% in 2007 over the previous year overall, with REC sales up 55%, according to the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

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37.) Studies Show Renewable Energy Taking Off, but Federal Policies Needed to Keep Momentum:

Union of Concerned Scientists, January 28, 2009

http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/studies-show-renewable-energy-g...

The American Wind Energy Association announced that more wind power was installed in the United States in 2008 than ever before. The more than 8,300 megawatts (MW) of wind energy capacity—enough to provide power to more than 2 million average homes—installed last year was more than a 50 percent jump from 2007. Meanwhile the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) released a report last week that found renewable energy, excluding conventional hydroelectric power, represented the largest new capacity growth in 2007 for the first time. More than 8,600 MW of capacity was installed. The EIA study noted that 2007 was the fourth year in a row that renewable energy's portion of total power generation increased, but non-hydro renewables still only accounted for 2.5 percent of total electricity generation that year.

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38.) California Green Tech Investment, Patents, Jobs Jump - New Report Documents Powerful Economic Stimulus of Energy Efficiency:

Next 10, January 26, 2009

http://yubanet.com/california/California-Green-Tech-Investment-Patents-J...

The 2009 "California Green Innovation Index" finds that energy productivity is 68 percent higher in California than the rest of the nation, which generates billions for the economy. Green tech venture capital investment nearly doubled in one year, hitting an all-time high of $3.3 billion in 2008, capturing 57 percent of the national total. Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento together accounted for over 20 percent of the nation's hybrid vehicle registrations in 2007. Other findings:

-- From 2002-07, California led all states in patent registrations for green technologies.

-- Clean technology investment in California hit an all-time high in 2008 of $3.3 billion, increasing nearly $1.5 billion over 2007.

-- Since 2005, green job growth has grown by 10 percent, while statewide jobs have increased by only 1 percent.

-- Over 1.5 million jobs have been created as a result of energy efficiency policies.

-- California's energy productivity is 68 percent higher than that of the rest of the country.

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39.) Ausra Scales Back Plans to Build Huge Solar Plants:

World of Renewables, January 29, 2009

http://www.worldofrenewables.com/index.php?do=viewarticle&artid=2953&tit...

Less than a year ago, Ausra was one of the leaders among an ambitious group of companies planning to fill California's deserts and other sunny spots in the Southwest with huge solar plants. Today, the Palo Alto company says it has responded to the financial crisis by downsizing its goals and now plans to make smaller energy-generation plants and to sell its technology and equipment to utilities and other companies. Ausra's chief executive said he now doubts the viability of the large-scale solar-thermal segment. Robert Fishman, Ausra's chairman, said Ausra will build small plants for companies that need industrial steam or electricity. "Instead of one 600-megawatt project, we'll do 12 50-megawatt projects."

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40.) Geothermal Market Update - Steady Growth in 2009:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, by Charles W. Thurston, January 29, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54597

Over 100 confirmed and unconfirmed geothermal projects alone could add 4,000 MW of power capacity within a few years time, according to the latest survey by the Geothermal Energy Association. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management says that a dozen Western states could generate 5,500 MW of geothermal energy from 110 plants by 2015, and that number could rise by another 6,600 MW by 2025, the agency reckons. BLM this year plans to open 111 million acres for geothermal leasing, along with 79 million acres in National Forests. In addition, the development of enhanced geothermal resources, or EGS, requiring the pumping of water into hot dry rock formations, could add 100,000 MW of power, according to a 2008 Massachusetts Institute of Technology study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy.

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41.) US Ethanol Capacity Slips Five Percent Since Late October:

Reuters, January 27, 2009

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN2745845120090127

U.S. capacity to make ethanol has slipped about 5 percent since late October to about 10.6 billion gallons per year as several plants out of more than 170 have shut on waning demand and poor profit margins. The United States boasted 175 distilleries on Tuesday, down from 181 in late October. The capacity is slightly above the 2009 U.S. mandate, known as the Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires refiners and blenders to mix 10.5 billion gallons of grain fuel into gasoline. The RFS calls for an increase in blending of grain-based biofuels into gasoline to peak at 15 billion gallons-per-year by 2015.

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42.) Ocean Energy Makes Waves:

Energy Central, by Fred Kesinger, January 2009

http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1937

Ocean wave energy is becoming one of the favorites for the renewable energy crowd. In 2008 FERC issued 47 preliminary permits for ocean, wave and tidal energy projects. California heads the list with nine active projects, nine in Washington, followed by five in Oregon. At least eight Alaskan ocean energy projects have received FERC preliminary permits. PG&E has announced it plans a WaveConnect project to build two 40-megawatt wave farms off the coast of California. Furthermore, funding for ocean wave energy from state, federal, public and private investors is picking up speed. For example, in early 2008, Wave Energy Ltd. raised $82 million through an offering led by First Energy Capital Corp. However, regulatory approval is still unwinding at a snail's pace and environmental issues still present a formidable obstacle for ocean wave energy.

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43.) GM To Import First Volt Engines, Plant On Hold:

Reuters, by David Bailey and Soyoung Kim, January 29, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51388

General Motors Corp has suspended work on a $370 million engine plant in Flint, Michigan, forcing it to import engines for the initial production of its all-electric Chevy Volt. The move underscores both the pressure on GM to cut costs as it struggles to restructure under federal oversight and on the money-making potential for the plug-in hybrid vehicle. Even before the decision to ship engines to the United States, GM executives said that they did not expect to make money on early sales of the highly anticipated car. It is scheduled to go into production in November 2010.

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44.) California Takes Aim At Big, Energy-Hungry TVs:

Reuters, by Steve Gorman, January 29, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51383

Having pioneered energy-efficiency rules over the past 30 years, the California Energy Commission has now turned to TVs, which account for 10 percent of home electric bills in the state. The initiative was sparked in part by the recent surge in popularity of larger, flat-screen televisions that devour, on average, at least 40 percent more electricity than the old-style cathode ray tube, or CRT, sets. Flat-panel models, mostly liquid crystal display, or LCD, account for nearly 90 percent of the 4 million new TVs sold each year. Higher-end plasma screens, which can gobble up three times more power than an average-size CRT, represent about 10 percent of the market. Converting all of California's TVs to the proposed standards would save roughly 500 megawatts of energy, the amount generated by a large-scale power plant and enough electricity for more than 300,000 homes, experts say.

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45.) US Climate Policy Could Boost Wholesale Power Rates $7.50-$45 MWh:

PJM Interconnection, January 28, 2009

http://www.pjm.com/Media/about-pjm/newsroom/2009-releases/20090128-clima...

U.S. legislation could drive up wholesale power prices in the Mid-Atlantic region, to as much as $45 a megawatt-hour, depending on the price of emission allowances, according to the region's grid operator, PJM Interconnection. PJM predicted the actual range of wholesale price increases could be from $ 7.50/mwh to as high as $45/mwh. The range in the forecast for the wholesale price increase is based on assumptions that the price of buying CO2 emissions allowances in the U.S. carbon markets would cost anywhere from $10 a short ton of carbon dioxide equivalent, to $60 a short ton of CO2. By comparison, European emission allowances settled Tuesday on the European Climate Exchange at $15.72, a metric ton (a short ton is equal to 1.1 metric ton).

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46.) USDA, DOE Announce Up to $25 Million in Funding for Biomass Research and Development Initiative:

U.S. Department of Energy, January 30, 2009

http://www.energy.gov/news_section/6888.htm

and

U.S. Department of Agriculture, January 30, 2009

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true...

The U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture announced up to $25 million in funding for research and development of technologies and processes to produce biofuels, bioenergy, and high-value biobased products, subject to annual appropriations. USDA and DOE are issuing this joint funding opportunity announcement for several types of projects aimed at increasing the availability of alternative renewable fuels and biobased products. Advanced biofuels produced from these types of sources are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 50 percent. The FOA will fund projects in the following three technical areas specified in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act (FCEA) of 2008:

Feedstocks development;

Biofuels and biobased products development; and,

Biofuels development analysis.

Award amounts are planned to range from $1 million to up to $5 million with project periods up to four years, subject to annual appropriations.

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47.) Changes to DOE Loan Guarantee Program Pass US House:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, January 30, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54630

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the first part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the economic stimulus package. H.R. 1 includes a revamping of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Guarantee Program for renewable energy projects. The bill more than doubles funding for DOE to administer the program to US $25 million. It temporarily expands the program beyond “projects that employ innovative technologies” to include commercial technology projects for renewable energy systems and electric power transmission systems, if the project will commence construction no later than September 30, 2011. It also appropriates $8 billion to cover the loan guarantee “credit subsidy costs” of such commercial projects.

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48.) US Senate Stimulus Bill Opens Nuclear Loan-Guarantee Door:

Dow Jones, January 29, 2009

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200901291713DOWJONES...

The Senate economic recovery bill as passed through the Appropriations Committee earlier this week opens the door for potentially $ 50 billion in loan guarantees for the nuclear-power industry. Although the legislative language leaves open the types of technology eligible for a government loan guarantee (as long as they substantially reduce greenhouse gases), some environmentalist organizations opposed to nuclear power are concerned that the measure could be used to fund new generation. The Congressional Budget Office has said that the risk of default on the loan guarantees, given a raft of legal, procedural and environmental hurdles, exceeds 50%. The House-passed version doesn't include loan guarantees for nuclear power and Capitol Hill watchers say the provision stands a good chance of being cut in the final legislative process.

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49.) U.S. Senators Nelson, Johanns Sponsor Biogas Bill:

Grand Island Independent, by Robert Pore, January 24, 2009

http://www.theindependent.com/articles/2009/01/24/news/ag/doc497bdf51624...

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, each year 1.37 billion tons of solid animal waste are produced in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if the U.S. used half of its waste biomass, biogas could replace about 5 percent of the natural gas currently being used, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by another 45 million to 70 million metric tons per year. Consequently, Nebraska Sens. Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns are among the sponsors of legislation promoting the development of biogas — a natural gas substitute created by converting agricultural, animal or other organic wastes — through tax incentives. The Biogas Production Incentives Act of 2009, would encourage greater production of biogas for energy purposes by providing biogas producers with a tax credit of $4.27 for every million British thermal units (mmBtu) of biogas produced.

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50.) Growing Optimism for U.S. Climate Change Bill:

Worldwatch Institute, by Ben Block, January 30, 2009

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6000

Early indications suggest that 2009 may yield the most dramatic policy response to climate change in U.S. history. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that a bill would be ready before the Copenhagen conference. Henry Waxman, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said a bill should be ready by May. The White House is also making early moves to address climate change. However, Senate Republicans prevented a cap-and-trade bill from coming to a vote last year and Democratic lawmakers are not all united. To further complicate the debate, more members of Congress now support carbon taxes after years of lawmakers focusing primarily on a cap-and-trade approach.

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51.) Plan Released for Deploying Clean Technology:

Business Council for Sustainable Energy, January 29, 2009

http://www.bcse.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=246&Itemid...

A new paper, “Moving the Nation Towards a Clean Energy Economy,” outlines critical policies that will help the United States emerge as a global leader in the new, green economy and put millions of people to work. A suite of policy options to lead the U.S. to economic recovery through deployment of clean energy technologies:

* Focus legislation on a strategy rather than individual programs;

* Adopt policies to improve energy efficiency;

* Adopt policies to restructure the recently-enacted renewable energy tax credits; establishing an aggressive renewable electricity standard, modernizing and expanding the transmission grid; and aggressively pursuing federal procurement of renewable energy resources;

* Recognize the important role of natural gas in clean technology deployment; and

* Enact climate change legislation to send clear, predictable signals to the market about the cost of carbon.

The full report can be found at: http://www.bcse.org/images/moving_the_nation_towards_a_clean_energy_econ...

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52.) Financial Recovery:

EnergyBiz Insider, by Ken Silverstein, January 30, 2009

http://www.energycentral.com/articles/energybizinsider/ebi_detail.cfm?id...

According to the United Nations, global investment in the renewable energy sector hit a record of $148 billion in 2007, which is 60 percent higher than that of 2006. Wind power attracted a third of that, although solar energy was the fastest growing segment and saw its level of investment double between those years to more than $28 billion. And while renewable energy now comprises just 2 percent of the world's electric generation mix, it is drawing 18 percent of all investment. If greenhouse gas reduction targets are to be met, then governments and industries must continue to invest heavily in renewable power and energy efficiency, the UN says. While a bit rosy, it says that such expenditures are expected to reach $450 billion a year by 2012 and $600 billion after 2020. The clean energy sector's overall performance during 2007 and beyond sets it on track to achieve those levels, it adds.

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53.) New Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Seen as Renewable Energy Ally:

Wind Energy Weekly, January 30, 2009

http://www.awea.org/windenergyweekly/WEW1323.html#Article4

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) is widely known as an enthusiastic supporter of renewable energy and energy efficiency. In his time as lieutenant governor, Quinn made renewable energy one of his signature themes. His interest in energy goes back decades to his key role in founding the Illinois Citizens Utility Board. Following the 2003 blackouts, Quinn chaired the state’s blackout task force and issued recommendations to improve grid reliability and increase the use of renewable energy. Quinn chaired the Illinois Green Government Task Force, personally attending all of the meetings and working to support state government procurement of renewable energy, among other environmental initiatives.

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54.) Oregon Set to Lead Nation in Solar, Photovoltaic Production:

World of Renewables, January 30, 2009

http://www.worldofrenewables.com/index.php?do=viewarticle&artid=2964&tit...

Oregon is focusing resources on “all things renewable.” After targeting solar and renewable energy over the past few years, the state clinched several projects, including Solar World in Hillsboro, which opened the largest solar cell manufacturing facility in North America in October; Solaicx, a silicon manufacturer for solar energy applications, in Portland; and Sanyo Solar in Salem. Governor Ted Kulongoski’s commitment to renewables is reflected in the Renewable Portfolio Standard that mandates the state to supply 25 percent of its electricity needs from new renewable sources by 2025. Another mandate directs that by 2025, 100 percent of the state’s government buildings will be run by renewable power.

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55.) Solar Panel Installations in California Through the Roof in '08:

Los Angeles Times, by Marla Dickerson, January 28, 2009

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-solar29-2009jan29,0,7157079.story

2008 was a hot year for solar power in California. Encouraged by state rebates, Golden State residents and businesses last year installed a record 158 megawatts of photovoltaic panels on their rooftops to turn the sun's rays into electricity. That's more than double the 78 megawatts installed in 2007.

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56.) Greentech Media Forecasts Producible PV Module Supply of 23.7 GW by 2012:

PRNewswire, January 29, 2009

http://sev.prnewswire.com/oil-energy/20090129/NE6447829012009-1.html

Greentech Media Inc. and the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development have announced the availability of "PV Technology, Production and Cost, 2009 Forecast," a comprehensive analysis of manufacturing capacity, production and costs across all technologies and global manufacturers. The report forecasts that global module capacity will grow from 10.4 GW presently to 27.6 GW by 2012 -- enough to produce 23.7 GW of modules. Manufacturing costs will drop below $1.50 per watt for all technologies, with thin-film costing 70 cents per watt. The report also predicts that high-efficiency monocrystalline and low-cost thin-film technologies are poised to survive the impending shakeout, with considerable uncertainty for multicrystalline manufacturers.

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57.) McCormick and Constellation Energy Celebrate Completion of Solar Power Installation:

SolarBuzz.com, January 30, 2009

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR1390.htm

Representatives from McCormick and Company, Inc, Constellation Energy and state and local government joined together recently at McCormick’s Hunt Valley Distribution Center to recognize the completion of one of the largest solar power installations in Maryland. The project was performed by Constellation Energy’s Projects & Services Group and resulted in the installation of 2,100 Solar World 175 watt crystalline solar panels and 92,000 square feet of lightweight, flexible thin-film photovoltaic material. The system is expected to generate approximately one megawatt of electricity supplying energy equivalent to the electricity used by about 110 homes in a year. It is estimated that McCormick’s electricity costs for these buildings will be reduced by approximately 30 percent in the first year alone, and the electricity produced by the system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing about 150 vehicles from the road annually.

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58.) Texas Finalizes Plan To Expand Wind Lines:

Reuters, by Eileen O'Grady, January 30, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51405

Texas utility regulators on Thursday awarded nine companies rights to build $5 billion in new electric transmission lines to move power from windy areas to big cities like Dallas and San Antonio, a move aimed at doubling renewable energy supplies. The grid expansion will add as much as 2,900 miles of new power lines. Last year, the commission identified needed transmission pathways to accommodate as much as 18,500 megawatts of wind generation in the next few years. Texas currently leads the nation with 8,005 megawatts of wind-generating capacity, an electric resource that produces no greenhouse gas. Rising production from wind farms accounted for 4.9 percent of power consumed in the state last year, up from 2.9 percent in 2007.