Sustainable Energy News Summaries – February 9, 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. If you are interested in becoming a member of the SUN DAY Campaign, please see the information following the stories below.

1.) Oil Price Slump A Challenge To Obama Energy Agenda:
Reuters, by Matthew Robinson and Richard Valdmanis, February 2, 2009
http://planetark.org/wen/51420

President Barack Obama's ambitious plan to revolutionize America's energy use -- outlined during the campaign last year when oil prices hit a record $147 a barrel -- calls for doubling U.S. alternative energy use within three years while easing reliance on foreign oil. Oil prices have tumbled to around $40 a barrel, easing the urgency to solve America's energy crisis. Analysts now say bigger government subsidies will be needed to lure private investment into less economical green fuel projects. The slowing economy has already started to take a toll on alternative energy projects that looked promising in 2008 when oil costs were soaring. U.S. wind power capacity in 2008 grew by its fastest rate ever, but development slowed to a trickle late in 2008 as the credit crunch hit. Several ethanol plants have been closed as profits turned to losses with falling oil prices and volatile prices for corn, the main feedstock for U.S. ethanol.

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2.) Solar Industry Calls on Congress to Pass Solar Policies in Economic Stimulus:

Solar Energy Industries Association, February 2, 2009

http://seia.org/cs/news_detail?pressrelease.id=336

The solar industry is calling on Congress to quickly pass the economic recovery package with key solar provisions that will have an immediate impact on job creation in America and keep the solar economic engine humming. If Congress passes a stimulus bill with the solar policies supported by the industry, the indsutry projects creating more than 67,000 jobs, installing a gigawatt of solar power and avoiding more than 1 million tons of carbon emissions in 2009 alone. These figures will more than double in 2010,There are 3,400 solar energy companies across the nation.

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3.) Feed-in Tariffs Touted in Florida:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, by Stephen Lacey, February 2, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54633

Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) -- also called Renewable Energy Payments -- seem to be gaining more traction around the U.S. FITs are long-term payments to owners of qualified renewable energy systems for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity they produce. Instead of relying on tax payers for funding, the payments come from utilities, which spread the cost of the program to all ratepayers. There are now 14 states considering FITs as a way to rapidly expand deployment of renewables. Last week, both Indiana and Wisconsin introduced FIT legislation. Leading the pack, the city of Gainesville, Florida has decided to implement a FIT for solar photovoltaics (PV). In October of last year, Gainesville Regional Utilities announced support for a solar FIT that will pay PV-system owners US $0.32 for every kWh of electricity they feed into the grid. The estimated cost to ratepayers will be about $1.30 each month.

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4.) Washington State Introduces Feed-in Tariff:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, by Paul Gipe, February 2, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54645

Washington State legislators have upped the ante on the West Coast's march toward renewable energy feed laws with the introduction of HB 1086. It calls for a full system of feed-in tariffs for all renewable energy technologies. The bill is modeled after Germany's highly successful Renewable Energy Sources Act and includes differentiated tariffs not only for solar energy but also for wind energy as well. Washington State is among only three states with any form of feed-in tariffs. The existing Washington State program uses a sliding scale of payments based on the degree of domestic content in the renewable energy system. The program has resulted in the installation of about 1 MW of solar PV in the state. Several Wisconsin utilities offer limited feed-in tariffs for certain technologies. California offers a basic feed-in tariff that has been largely ineffective, according to data from the California Energy Commission. Several states have introduced or will re-introduce feed-in tariff legislation this legislative session, including Minneosta, Michigan, and Indiana.

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5.) Green Business Is Growing, But Not Fast Enough:

GreenBiz, February 2, 2009

http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2009/02/02/green-business-growing-but-not-f...

Green business activity has continued to grow, even during a down economy, but the aggregate environmental progress being made is marginal, according to a new report, titled "State of Green Business 2009." Among the findings:

• Greenhouse gas emissions in the United States rose in 2007 by 1.4 percent in absolute terms over 2006, but shrank 0.6 percent in intensity.

• U.S. patents for clean-energy technologies -- wind, fuel cells, hydroelectric, tidal, and geothermal -- in 2008 were at their highest level in seven years.

• The amount of energy required -- in the form of electricity and fuel -- per dollar of GDP has dropped more than 75 percent since 1950.

• The growth of certified green buildings, which for years had been growing from 10 to 90 percent, slowed dramatically in 2008.

• Generation of non-hydro renewable energy -- including solar, wind, and biomass -- grew nearly 7 percent in 2007 from the year before, outpacing the 2.3 percent annual growth in all electricity generation during the same period.

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6.) Texas Lawmakers Look for Ways to Build Solar Industry - While State Leads in Wind, It Lags in Solar Power:

American Statesman, by Asher Price, February 2, 2009

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/02/02/0...

While Texas leads the nation in wind power capacity, it has fewer than a dozen installed megawatts for solar in its 72,000-megawatt system. Only one company in the state — Austin's HelioVolt — manufactures solar power products. Consequently, state lawmakers are unveiling plans to spur the research and manufacture of solar power in the state. A measure proposed by state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, sets a goal of 3,000 megawatts from solar sources by 2019. She has also proposed sales tax exemptions related to the sale, use, installation, construction, assembly and maintenance, or other consumption, of solar panels. Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay has filed a measure that aims to build a statewide fund to give subsidies to homeowners who put solar panels on their roofs. The $50 million for the fund would be raised by a surcharge of 10 cents per month on homeowners' electric bills, a $1-per-month charge on commercial business electric bills and a $10-per-month charge for industrial users

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7.) Duke Power Says Solar Rooftops Plan in Jeopardy:

Charlotte Observer, by Bruce Henderson, January 29, 2009

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/breaking/story/504526.html

Duke Energy's $50 million solar-rooftops initiative could be jeopardized by terms of the N.C. Utilities Commission order that approved it. the commission ruled that Duke could not recover its full costs under the state's new renewable-energy portfolio standard. If that stands, Duke now says, it may run afoul of federal tax law and could cost Duke more than $250 million in tax credits for solar and other projects. However, the commission ruled that Duke could not recover its full costs under the state's new renewable-energy portfolio standard. If that stands, Duke now says, it may run afoul of federal tax law and could cost Duke more than $250 million in tax credits for solar and other projects.

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8.) 330 MW of Wind Power Go Online in New York:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, February 2, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54646

The Altona, Chateaugay and Wethersfield Wind Parks in Upstate New York have been completed, bringing a total of 330 megawatts (MW) of power online for the upstate New York power grid. The projects produce 97.5, 106.5 and 124 MW each respectively. The Altona Wind Park is comprised of 65 turbines and 21.1 miles of collector lines, Chateaugay has 71 turbines and 33 miles of collector lines and Wethersfield is the largest wind park with 84 turbines and 60 miles of collector system.

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9.) The Next Step on Warming:

New York Times (editorial), January 30, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/opinion/31sat2.html?_r=1

The logical next step to address the problem of climate change would be for Mr. Obama to quickly address the Supreme Court’s 2007 decision ordering the Environmental Protection Agency to examine the effects of greenhouse gases and to regulate them if necessary. The court instructed the agency to first determine whether global warming pollution threatened public health and welfare — known as an “endangerment finding” under the Clean Air Act — and, if so, to devise emissions standards for vehicles. For starters, it would force industry to look for ways to make cars that are much more fuel-efficient. It would help goad Congress into action. It is also, as the Supreme Court has pointed out, the law.

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10.) White House Task Force Will Examine Green Job Creation:

SustainableBusiness.com, February 2, 2009

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/17590

President Barack Obama announced the creation of a task force, headed by Vice President Joe Biden, that will work to create middle-class jobs that reduce pollution and dependence on foreign oil. The task force will hold monthly meetings beginning in Philadelphia on February 27. Green jobs will be the topic of the first meeting. The task force, which includes representatives from Cabinet Agencies, is welcoming ideas from the public on its website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/strongmiddleclass.

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11.) Summary of the Energy Provisions of the U.S. Senate's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:

U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, February 2, 2009

http://appropriations.senate.gov/News/2009_02_02_Summary_of_the_American...

Job-Creating Investments and Tax Incentives in Energy include:

- $33 billion in green energy tax incentives will grow jobs in the renewable energy sector by encouraging private-sector investments in research and production of green energy with wind, biomass, hydropower, and other renewable sources

- $6 billion for repair of federal buildings to increase energy efficiency using green technology.

- $5.4 billion in tax incentives for conservation and green energy use will encourage and reward energy efficiency and the building of alternative fueling stations, and facilitate the funding of conservation projects to improve America’s energy independence and grow jobs in these sectors as well.

- $4.6 billion for Fossil Energy research and development.

- $4.5 billion for smart-grid related activities, including work to modernize the electric grid.

- $4.2 billion for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants.

- $2.9 billion is available for the Weatherization Assistance Program.

- $2.6 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy research.

- $2 billion is provided in grant funding for the manufacturing of advanced batteries systems and components and vehicle batteries that are produced in the United States.

- $1.6 billion is provided for grants to make schools and hospitals, significant users of energy, more energy efficient.

- $10 billion is provided for new loan guarantees aimed at standard renewable projects such as wind or solar projects and for electricity transmission projects.

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12.) U.S. Senator Bingaman Promotes New Financing Plan For Producers of Renewable Energy - Proposal Would Protect Taxpayers, Create/Preserve Jobs:

U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, February 3, 2009

http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detai...

To help meet President Obama’s goal of doubling renewable energy production in three years, U.S. Senator Bingaman plans to advance a proposal to enable renewable energy producers to claim a 30 percent cash grant from the U.S. Treasury Department in lieu of the 30 percent investment tax credit. Under this plan, the Treasury Secretary would award the grant only after determining that the producer has taken adequate actions to protect American taxpayers. Bingaman contrasted his approach with a provision in the House stimulus bill, which would allow for similar grants, but would be administered through the Department of Energy and not require participating firms to make tradeoffs to participate.

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13.) U.S. Senator Reid & Boone Pickens to Offer Strategy on Transition to Clean Energy:

Bloomberg, by Daniel Whitten, February 2, 2009

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aWOlgSEz6EWE

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and billionaire investor Boone Pickens - joined by John Podesta, who headed President Barack Obama’s transition team - say they will hold a forum Feb. 23 on developing wind and solar energy and improving the grid that moves electricity around the country. The purpose of the forum is to put policies in place to increase private investment in the transmission grid so that renewable energy can be brought to urban areas from wind-rich rural country. Among participants in the forum, to be held in Washington, will be Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Representative Edward Markey. Carol Browner, Obama’s designated czar on energy and environmental issues, is also invited.

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14.) U.S. Is #1 in Wind Energy Global Market Report:

American Wind Energy Association, February 2, 2009

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

The United States passed Germany to become world #1 in wind power installations, and China’s total capacity doubled for the fourth year in a row. Global wind energy capacity grew by 28.8% last year, even higher than the average over the past decade, to reach total global installations of more than 120, 800 MW (120.8 gigawatts (GW) at the end of 2008. Over 27,000 MW (27 GW) of new wind power generation capacity came online in 2008, 36% more than in 2007, dominated by the three main markets in Europe, North America and Asia. The global wind market for turbine installations in 2008 was worth about $47.5 billion. New US wind energy installations totaled 8,358 MW for a total installed capacity of 25,170 MW. The US has now officially overtaken Germany (23,902 MW) as number one in wind power. Europe and North America are running neck-to-neck, with about 8,900 MW (8.9 GW) each of new installed capacity in 2008, with Asia closely following with 8,600 MW (8.6 GW).

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15.) "2009 Green Scores" for Vehicles Announced:

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, February 3, 2009

http://www.aceee.org/press/0902gb.htm

This year’s greenest title goes once again to Honda’s natural gas-powered Civic GX. The Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid claim spots two and three, while the Smart Fortwo Convertible, the Toyota Yaris, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid complete the top six. The Meanest Vehicles list, dominated by heavy American models and European imports, is topped by the Hummer H2 flex-fuel vehicle this year. Following closely behind are the Lamborghini Murcielago, the GMC Yukon 2500, the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG, and the Lincoln Navigator. This continues to be an exciting time for green vehicle technology. Manufacturers are fine-tuning their engines and transmissions, improving materials, and adding emissions control technologies to complete the phase-in of Tier 2 tailpipe standards and get a head start on meeting tightened federal fuel economy standards.

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16.) Despite $1.90 Pump Price, a Large Majority of Americans Remain Concerned about Gas Prices and Oil Import Dependence:

Consumer Federation of America, February 3, 2009

http://www.consumerfed.org/pdfs/fuelsurvey09.pdf

Despite the decline of pump prices from $3.50 in April 2008 to $1.90 today, a large majority of Americans remain concerned, most greatly so, about gas prices (76%) and dependence on Middle-Eastern oil (76%). Moreover, in their next car purchase, they intend to buy a vehicle with fuel economy averaging five miles per gallon greater than the mileage of their current vehicle. One reason they intend to purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle is their attitude towards future gas prices. Future car purchasers estimated that gas would be $3.07 per gallon (sample average) when they made their purchase, with only 7 percent saying it would be under $2.00. When asked whether they are driving more or less than a year ago, despite much lower gas prices today, 37 percent said less, and only 15 percent more, with 44 percent saying "about the same."

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17.) Raise the Gas Tax - A Revenue-Neutral Way to Treat Our Oil Addiction:

Washington Post, by U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar, February 1, 2009

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR200901...

A "net-zero gas tax" proposal that would match, dollar for dollar, an increase in the federal gas tax with a decrease in payroll tax, which is paid by every working American. A gasoline tax is transparent, easy to administer and targeted at the one sector that burns most of our oil. It would cut imports - Americans sent nearly $430 billion to other countries in 2008 for the cost of imported oil. The auto industry would benefit from knowing that it could invest aggressively in high-mileage technology without worrying that consumers might turn back to inefficient gas guzzlers. We would cut our greenhouse gas emissions, 30 percent of which come from transportation. A revenue-neutral oil security tax would take every penny collected at the pump and put it right back into the pockets of consumers. Options for doing so include cutting the payroll tax, which disproportionately affects the lowest-paid employees, so workers would see extra money every payday.

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18.) Biggest Ever Civil Disobedience on Climate Planned for March 2 at Congressional Power Plant:

Greenpeace, February 3, 2009

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/press-center/releases2/1000-already-signed...

A national coalition of more than 40 environmental, public health, labor, social justice, faith-based and other advocacy groups today announce plans to engage in civil disobedience at the Capitol Power Plant in Washington D.C. on the afternoon of March 2, 2009. The Capitol Power Plant, which is owned by Congress and sits just blocks from the American seat of power, burns coal to heat and cool numerous buildings on Capitol Hill. In response to public pressure, the House of Representatives converted half of the plant’s fuel to cleaner natural gas. But attempts to remove coal from the fuel mix entirely have been blocked by powerful coal-state Senators Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY). For a list of sponsors and more information about the Capitol Climate Action, visit www.capitolclimateaction.org

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19.) EPA May Seek New Comment On California Waiver This Week:

Reuters, by Tom Doggett and Ayesha Rascoe, February 4, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51458

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday she hopes to reopen the public comment period this week on California's request to be given the authority to cut greenhouse gas emissions spewed from vehicle tailpipes. President Barrack Obama last week ordered the EPA to reconsider a request to the federal government from California to impose its own strict limits on vehicle carbon dioxide emissions, blamed for contributing to global warming.

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20.) US Senate Panel To Review Draft Renewable Energy Bill:

Dow Jones, February 3, 2009

http://www.emissionstrading.com/MarketNews/?Source=http://news.morningst...

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., whose committee is responsible for writing energy legislation, will next week review a draft bill that could require that 20% to 25% of the nation's electricity comes from renewable energy sources. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will review next Tuesday draft legislation to create a standard. President Barack Obama has already pledged to push for a 25% mandate, with a 10% standard achieved early in the next decade, and enacting such a standard would help Democrats accelerate their clean energy program they say is essential not only for cutting greenhouse gases and reducing the nation's dependence on oil imports, but also to stimulating an ailing economy.

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21.) U.S. Senator Boxer Says Climate Bill Possible "In Weeks":

Reuters, by Deborah Zabarenko, February 4, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51453

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, outlined principles for global warming legislation including:

-- set "certain and enforceable" short and long-term emissions targets;

-- ensure state and local entities keep working to address global warming;

-- establish a market-based system that cuts carbon emissions;

-- use revenues from this carbon market to help consumers make the transition to clean energy and invest in new technology and efficiency measures;

-- ensure a level global playing field with incentives for polluting countries to give their share to the international effort to curb climate change.

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22.) Michigan Governor Calls for Clean Energy Before Coal:

Sierra Club, February 3, 2009

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=89181.0

In her State of the State address, Michigan’s Gov. Jennifer Granholm called for sweeping changes that will position Michigan to lead on clean, alternative energy. The Governor’s new plan will effectively put the brakes on Michigan’s new coal plants, while also spurring renewable energy and efficiency for homes and schools. Some specifics of the plan include:

- Reducing dependence on fossil fuels 45% by 2020

- Requiring all new coal plant developers to go back to the drawing board and consider clean energy alternatives to the coal plants

- Weatherization of at least 100,000 homes and 1,000 schools

- Promotion of distributive generation, including wind and solar on schools

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23.) Not All "Green" Jobs Pay Well:

Reuters, by Tom Doggett, February 4, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51457

The Obama administration has high hopes that millions of "green" jobs will be created by investing billions of dollars in renewable energy, but a report commissioned by the Sierra Club, Change to Win, the Laborers International Union of North America and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters warned not all those workers would earn good pay. Wage rates at many wind and solar manufacturing facilities are below the national average for workers employed in the manufacture of durable goods of $18.88 an hour, and average pay rates at some locations fall short of income levels needed to support a single adult with one child. The lowest wage found was $8.25 an hour at a recycling processing plant, while manufacturing jobs related to renewable energy pay as little as $11 an hour.

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24.) Alternative Energy's Banner Year Ends With a Clang:

Associated Press, by Sandy Shore, February 3, 2009

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/business/20090203_ap_alternativeen...

Venture capitalists poured money into alternative energy projects until the recession hit in October. Fourth-quarter venture capital investment totaled $954 million, down 44 percent from $1.7 billion invested in the third quarter of 2008, according to an analysis by Ernst & Young LLP. For the year, venture capital investment hit a record $4.7 billion. Venture capital investment has grown steadily since 2002 when just 43 U.S. clean energy companies raised $234 million. Investment has increased at a compound annual growth rate of 65 percent through the $4.7 billion invested in 171 companies in 2008. During the fourth quarter, the U.S. electricity generation segment, led by solar companies, received $539 million, or 57 percent of all capital invested. Alternative fuels garnered $236 million, or about 24 percent of the quarter's total capital, the report showed. Biofuels raised $140 million and the natural gas segment raised $96 million. About $68 million, or 7 percent, was invested in energy efficiency.

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25.) Biofuels More Harmful to Humans Than Petrol and Diesel, Warn Scientists:

The Guardian, February 3, 2009

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39227

Some biofuels cause more health problems than petrol and diesel, according to scientists who have calculated the health costs associated with different types of fuel. The study shows that corn-based bioethanol, which is produced extensively in the US, has a higher combined environmental and health burden than conventional fuels. However, there are high hopes for the next generation of biofuels, which can be made from organic waste or plants grown on marginal land that is not used to grow foods. They have less than half the combined health and environmental costs of standard gasoline and a third of current biofuels.

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26.) Obama Sets New Efficiency Standards for Household Appliances:

Bloomberg, by Hans Nichols and Roger Runningen, February 5, 2009

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=alyOEpbPJJn8

President Obama today announced that he signed a presidential memorandum earlier today to set new efficiency standards for common household appliances. The department under President George W. Bush missed all 34 congressional deadlines for setting energy efficiency standards, a January 2007 study by the Government Accountability Office found. Delays in setting standards for refrigerators, freezers, central air conditioners, water heaters and clothes washers will cost $28 billion in lost energy savings by 2030, the report concluded.

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27.) Comparison of Energy Provisions in House & Senate Stimulus Bills:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, February 5, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54686

Differences between the House-passed bill and the Senate version in debate involve different funding levels for various technologies and programs. Renewable Energy World has provided a side-by-side comparison; the following is a short summary:

* Energy, Efficiency and Transmission ($53.8 billion Senate, $48.9 billion House)

* Renewable Energy Tax Credit Extensions ($13 billion Senate and House)

* Tax Breaks for Large-scale Renewable Projects ($11 billion Senate and House)

* Renewable Energy Manufacturing ($1.4 billion Senate)

* Energy Efficiency Improvements ($10.7 billion Senate, $8.7 billion House)

* Defense Energy and Efficiency Programs ($3.4 billion Senate, $4.5 billion House)

* Advanced vehicle grants ($2 billion Senate)

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28.) Stimulus Will Fight Global Warming - Recovery Package Would Cut At Least 61 Million Tons of CO2 Every Year:

Greenpeace, February 5, 2009

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/press-center/releases2/greenpeace-icf-stim...

A new Greenpeace-commissioned carbon footprint analysis of the economic recovery package projects that the bill’s energy efficiency and conservation provisions alone could cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 61 million metric tons annually, equivalent to the greenhouse gases from electricity use in 7.9 million American homes or taking over 13 million cars off the road. However, the transportation provisions of the bill, if spent on new highway construction instead of highway repair or public transit, could reduce the benefits by up to 5 million tons annually. The analysis was conducted by ICF International. Across the board, of the measures analyzed, energy efficiency offers the biggest potential for carbon reductions. For example, $2.5 billion spent on energy efficiency upgrades to homes could reduce carbon emissions by 7.3 million metric tons and save $1.25 billion in annual utility costs. Similarly, a $6.9 billion investment to help state and local governments invest in energy efficiency could generate $3 billion in savings every single year and cut carbon emissions by over 20 million tons per year.

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29.) Stimulus Changes May Roil Environmental Groups:

Politico, by Erika Lovley, February 5, 2009

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18451.html

Backed by the business lobby, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) is proposing an economic stimulus amendment to streamline environmental regulations for projects funded by the stimulus. The amendment would give the government a tight, 270-day deadline to complete environmental reviews of stimulus projects required under the National Environmental Policy Act. Usually there are no time limits on NEPA reviews. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) is currently working on a counter-amendment that would mandate all stimulus funded projects comply with NEPA or not be funded.

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30.) U.S. Representatives Markey, Platts Introduce Renewable Energy Legislation; Markey Also Introduces Energy-Saving National Efficiency Plan:

U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Energy Independence & Global Warming, February 4, 2009

http://globalwarming.house.gov/mediacenter/pressreleases_2008?id=0086#ma...

Reps. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Todd Platts (R-PA) today introduced the American Renewable Energy Act which mandates a renewable electricity standard that would ensure that America is generating a quarter of its electricity from clean energy sources by 2025. To compliment this expansion of clean energy with effective energy efficiency measures, Rep. Markey also introduced the Save American Energy Act which would institute an energy efficiency resource standard that reduces electricity demand by fifteen percent by 2020. The two measures will create more than a half million jobs and will save consumers more than $180 billion.

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31.) New Markey-Platts Bill Would Dramatically Boost Clean Energy Development:

Union of Concerned Scientists, February 4, 2009

http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/new-20-by-2025-RES-bill-0193.html

The 25-percent-by-2025 renewable electricity standard bill introduced today by Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA) would boost renewable energy generation by 135 percent above and beyond current policies between now and 2025. Beginning in 2012, the legislation would require large electric utilities to gradually increase their reliance on renewable energy sources for the following 13 years until they amounted to 25 percent. Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia currently have state standards. UCS calculates that the federal standard would create enough clean electricity to power roughly 150 million typical homes by 2025.

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32.) Energy Efficiency Resource Standard’ Would Reduce Energy Costs, Global Warming Pollution, Avoid New Power Plants:

Alliance to Save Energy, February 4, 2009

http://www.ase.org/content/news/detail/5371

The new Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS) legislation, introduced by Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), would require electric and gas utilities to reduce demand by 15 and 10 percent, respectively, by 2020. Utilities could count savings from helping their customers to make their homes and businesses more energy efficient, as well as from appliance standards, building codes, and other government programs. And while utilities would be responsible for meeting the energy efficiency requirements, they would be allowed to buy savings from states and other third parties that could be used to demonstrate compliance. The Save American Energy Act would create more than a half million jobs and save U.S. consumers more than $180 billion.

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33.) Dark Days for Green Energy:

New York Times, by Kate Galbraith, February 4, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/business/04windsolar.html?ex=139149000...

Because of the credit crisis and the broader economic downturn, installation of wind and solar power is plummeting. Factories building parts for these industries have announced a wave of layoffs in recent weeks, and trade groups are projecting 30 to 50 percent declines this year in installation of new equipment, barring more help from the government. Once, as many as 18 big banks and financial institutions were willing to help finance installation of wind turbines and solar arrays; that number has dropped to four. Renewable energy sources like biomass, which involves making electricity from wood chips, and geothermal, which harnesses underground heat for power, have also been slowed by the financial crisis, but the effects have been more pronounced on once fast-growing wind and solar.

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34.) Renewable Energy Project Finance - Cause for Optimism Amidst Turmoil:

RenewableEnergyWorld.com, by Andrew Burger, February 5, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54650

Promising signs and valid cause for optimism for improving renewable energy corporate financing remain. Long fought over extensions and expansions of renewable energy investment and production tax credits were included in the US $700 billion financial rescue and economic stimulus package passed in October. Adding to that, "green" economic stimulus is a core aspect of President Barrack Obama's "American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009," which could inject as much as $126 billion worth of government capital and additional private sector incentives into the economy over the next two years. In addition, power utilities being willing and able to sign long-term power purchase agreements with renewable energy project developers continue to be integral to financing projects. A national Renewable Portfolio Standard and emissions cap-and-trade system are other proposed elements of a national "green" economic plan.

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35.) Clear Skies Solar Plans 3.2 MW Solar Farm in California:

SolarBuzz.com, February 4, 2009

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR1398.htm

Clear Skies Solar has initiated project engineering on a 3.2MW solar farm in Cantil, CA, to be built on 34 acres of company-owned land. Less than three months ago Clear Skies Solar stated that a California project was stalled due to a lack of funding. Since that time, Clear Skies Solar says module prices have fallen as much as 30 percent, reigniting stalled projects such as Clear Skies’ Cantil solar farm. Decreasing upfront capital costs and a higher revenue stream now offer investors a higher return than ever before. Clear Skies Solar is currently entertaining offers from several panel manufacturers who have approached the company to partner on this project, and plans to announce its chosen partner in the coming weeks; ground breaking is expected in the third quarter of 2009.

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36.) Why Aren't More Geothermal Projects Moving Forward in California?

Geothermal Energy Association, by Karl Gawell, February 4, 2009

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/recolumnists/story?id=54659

Geothermal energy produces more power in California than wind and solar combined, comprising almost 5% of the state's electricity. So why aren't more projects moving forward in California? Because leases and permits are simply not being issued. Today, there are only about 50,000 acres of federal geothermal leases in production nationwide which support about 1200 MW of power capacity. However, the U.S. Department of Interior now proposes to amend land-use plans in 11 California BLM planning areas to open 10 million acres to possible geothermal leasing. If ten percent of the land now being opened to leasing is eventually developed at the same proportion to existing leased acreage, geothermal production would increase 2000%.

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37.) Former NATO Commander Clark Joins Ethanol Group:

The Hill, by Jim Snyder, February 5, 2009

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/former-nato-commander-clark-joins-et...

Former NATO Commander and Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark was introduced today as co-chairman of Growth Energy, a new organization designed to promote corn ethanol. Since its founding last summer, Growth Energy has mounted a vigorous defense against the Grocery Manufacturers Association over whether new production mandates for ethanol have raised the price of corn, and therefore the price of food, in grocery stores.

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38.) Georgia Bill Proposes Moratorium On New Coal Plants:

Reuters, by Eileen O'Grady, February 5, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51479

Georgia legislators introduced a bill on Tuesday that, if passed, could limit utility use of certain Appalachian coal beginning in 2011 and place a moratorium on new coal-plant construction in the state. House Bill 276 calls for utilities to eliminate the burning of Central Appalachian coal mined by "mountaintop removal" by mid-2016 and would suspend permits filed before July 2009 to build new coal-fired generation. Two new coal plants are under development in Georgia and more coal plants are under construction in the U.S. than in the previous two decades.

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39.) Obama Orders More Efficiency for Appliances:

SustainableBusiness.com, February 6, 2009

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/17625

and

Natural Resources Defense Council, February 5, 2009

http://www.nrdc.org/media/2009/090205.asp

President Obama yesterday ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to move quicker in establishing higher energy efficiency standards for common household appliances. In a presidential memorandum, he instructed the DOE to set rules by August for nine appliances, among them: ovens (including microwave ones), lamps, beverage vending machines, residential dishwashers, commercial boilers and commercial air conditioners. The DOE also must issue new standards for fluorescent tube light bulbs and reflector light bulbs by June 30. If strong, these standards could save about 60 billion kilowatt hours per year by 2020--enough to meet the annual needs of about 5 million households. These standards would in turn save consumers between 30 and 67 billion dollars net over 30 years. The president explained that through this action DOE will save in 30 years the amount of energy produced by all the coal-fired power plants in America over a two-year period.

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40.) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Revisits California Waiver Decision:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, February 6, 2009

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69...

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will reconsider its decision denying California permission to set standards controlling greenhouse gases from motor vehicles. The waiver request was made by California on December 21, 2005, to allow the state the right to control greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. The request was denied by then-EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson on March 6, 2008. On January 26, shortly after taking office, President Barack Obama requested that EPA revisit the matter of the denial. EPA will take public comment concerning the reconsideration of the waiver for a period of 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. There will also be a public hearing to be held in March in Washington, D.C.

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41.) Automakers Lobby Top Obama Officials for One Emissions Standard:

Bloomberg, by John Hughes, February 3, 2009

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601209&sid=a64G_mPIkcIA

Automakers, pushing for a nationwide U.S. auto-emissions standard, buttonholed EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Climate Czar Carol Browner, and other top Obama administration officials at the Washington Auto Show to lobby against letting California set its own rules. Automakers are pressing their case after Obama directed Jackson last month to reconsider California’s request for a waiver on a state program aimed at cutting auto emissions tied to global warming 30 percent by 2016. Carmakers say permitting the standards would add billions of dollars in costs to an industry struggling after sales plunged last year.

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42.) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Near 100 Percent Of Finance Effects Will Come In First Two Years:

U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, February 6, 2009

http://finance.senate.gov/press/Bpress/2009press/prb020609.pdf

Job-creating incentives for new energy technology and development:

In 2008, the United States spent $475 billion on foreign oil, which makes up nearly 70% of our total consumption. The energy provisions in the Finance plan reward companies for working on projects to advance energy independence, energy security, and clean energy. Measures to give an immediate boost to renewable energy development and energy job creation in the U.S. include:

o 20 percent R&D credit for companies doing research and developing new renewable energy technology

o New manufacturing incentive for companies to locate their factories for clean technology in the United States

o Provision designed to jumpstart the tight tax equity market for investment in alternative energy

o Expanding wind power across the country is estimated to create 138,000 jobs in the first year and as many as 3.5 million jobs over a 10 year period

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43.) 243 Groups Urge Senate to Drop $50B in Nuclear/Coal Pork From Stimulus Bill:

Nuclear Information & Resource Service, February 4, 2009

http://www.nirs.org/neconomics/finalsenateletteronstimulusbill.pdf

Reflecting deepening public and Congressional concern that the Senate economic stimulus bill contains too much traditional pork barrel spending with no stimulative effect, 243 organizations and small businesses, and including musicians Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash and Paul Winter, urged the Senate to remove a provision from the bill that would allow $50 Billion in taxpayer loan guarantees to fund construction of new nuclear reactors and “clean coal” projects. The provision was added to the original bill by the Senate Appropriations Committee, at the urging of Utah Senator Robert Bennett, who ironically has announced he will vote against the bill in any case. The groups noted that the Congressional Budget Office has predicted a 50% default rate among utilities that would use the loan guarantee program to build new reactors. And the groups also pointed out the little-known fact that the loans would not come from the private sector, but from the U.S. Treasury itself.

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44.) Timex Group Flips the Switch on Solar Array - One of the Largest Ground-Mounted Systems in Northeast:

World of Renewables, February 6, 2009

http://www.worldofrenewables.com/index.php?do=viewarticle&artid=2986&tit...

Timex Group USA has dedicated its recently completed installation of 800 solar panels outside its Middlebury headquarters in what is one of the largest, if not the largest, ground-mounted solar electric installation. It is also one of the largest solar power installations in the northeastern United States. As part of the $2.5 million project, 27 rows of 244kW solar panels were installed on the eastern side of the watchmaker’s property. This photovoltaic (PV) system is designed to generate 285,439 kilowatt-hours a year – enough electricity annually to power nearly 32 average Connecticut homes. The system output will avoid over 6.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide, 28,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 11,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide over the 25-year life of the system.

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45.) Electric Transmission Investments Needed to Unlock Enormous Wind Power Resources in US:

Emerging Energy Research, February 2, 2009

http://www.emerging-energy.com/news/PressRelease.aspx?id=31

Emerging Energy Research’s high-growth wind power forecast -- which factors in a national renewable portfolio standard and stepped up investment in transmission – estimates 187 GW of wind power capacity by 2020, accounting for nearly 14% of total US power consumption. EER has recently profiled nine of the largest transmission initiatives under development in the western United States, which alone are set to unlock 57 GW of new wind power -- more than tripling the existing wind power capacity in the US. While most of these large-scale projects are not scheduled for completion until after 2015, hundreds of smaller transmission lines and grid upgrades can provide a more immediate impact on wind power development in the US. However, with none of the large-scale transmission initiatives expected to come online between 2008 and 2012, annual growth in the US wind market may stall at 8-9 GW per year

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46.) Scientists To Provide Xcel With U.S. Wind Forecasts:

Reuters, by Timothy Gardner, February 5, 2009

http://planetark.org/wen/51477

The National Center for Atmospheric Research will provide Xcel Energy Inc with detailed wind forecasts every three hours to help maximize power generation from the alternative energy source. Under the agreement, NCAR will develop a prototype wind forecast system over the next 18 months and generate predictions for Xcel wind farms in Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming in six months. NCAR will use atmospheric observations from a variety of sources, including satellites, aircraft, weather radars, ground-based weather stations, and sensors on wind turbines. The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory will support the project with formulas to calculate the amount of energy that turbines generate when winds blow at various speeds.

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47.) Ethanol Industry Critiques Hill et al Research on the Health Impacts of Gasoline, Ethanol:

Renewable Fuels Association, February 5, 2009

http://www.ethanolrfa.org/objects/documents//u_of_m_-_ethanol_worse_than...

The report’s erroneous finding that modern corn ethanol actually increases greenhouse gas emissions relative to gasoline is completely predicated on the baseless assumption that additional corn demand for inreased ethanol production will cause conversion of large amounts of grassland enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Thus, like several other highly controversial studies published recently, the conclusion that corn ethanol does not offer climate change benefits relative to gasoline is based almost entirely upon insufficient and extremely uncertain analysis of potential land use changes.

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48.) Farmers Relax (a Little) After Cow Tax Scare:

New York Times, by Kate Galbraith, February 6, 2009

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/farmers-relax-a-little-afte...

Last year, rumors that the Environmental Protection Agency was considering a tax on methane in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused angst in the farming community. The hysteria, however, is now dying down — largely as the ranching and farming communities have come to realize that the E.P.A. was never seriously pursuing a methane tax. Still, some farmers remain worried that the Obama administration, which has signaled that climate change will be one of its signature issues, will regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

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49.) Landmark Global Warming Lawsuit Settled:

Friends of the Earth, February 6, 2009

http://action.foe.org/t/6545/pressRelease.jsp?press_release_KEY=486

Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and the city of Boulder, Colorado, filed a lawsuit (Friends of the Earth, Inc., et al. v. Spinelli, et al.) in August 2002 and were later joined by the California cities of Arcata, Santa Monica and Oakland. The plaintiffs alleged that Export-Import Bank of the United States and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation illegally provided more than $32 billion in financing and insurance to fossil fuel projects over 10 years without assessing whether the projects contributed to global warming. Under today's settlement, the Export-Import Bank will begin taking carbon dioxide emissions into account in evaluating fossil fuel projects and create an organization-wide carbon policy. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation will establish a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with projects by 20 percent over the next ten years. Both agencies will commit to increasing financing for renewable energy.

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50.) Collapse Of Antarctic Ice Sheet Would Likely Put Washington, D.C. Largely Underwater:

ScienceDaily, February 6, 2009

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090205142132.htm

University of Toronto and Oregon State University geophysicists have shown that should the West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapse and melt in a warming world – as many scientists are concerned it will – it is the coastlines of North America and of nations in the southern Indian Ocean that will face the greatest threats from rising sea levels. The catastrophic increase in sea level, already projected to average between 16 and 17 feet around the world, would be almost 21 feet in such places as Washington, D.C., putting it largely underwater. Many coastal areas would be devastated. Much of Southern Florida would disappear.

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SUN DAY CAMPAIGN

(for Energy Efficient and Renewable Energy Technologies)

6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite #340; Takoma Park, MD 20912

301-270-6477, x.23; fax: 301-270-4291

SUN-DAY-Campaign@hotmail.com

INVITATION TO JOIN THE SUN DAY CAMPAIGN

FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Dear Sustainable Energy Advocate:

We are writing to invite you or your organization to become a member of the SUN DAY Campaign.

Founded in 1992, the SUN DAY Campaign is a non-profit research and educational

organization supporting the aggressive development of renewable energy and energy

efficiency technologies.

The mission of the SUN DAY Campaign is to compile, and provide citizens with,

information that demonstrates the near-term potential of sustainable energy technologies to:

* phase out the use of nuclear power;

* eliminate the need for oil, natural gas, and other energy imports;

* stabilize climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60-80%; and

* enhance national security, provide good-quality jobs, and improve environmental and

public health

Specific issues addressed include biofuels/biomass, geothermal, solar, water, and wind

energy as well as fuel cells, combined heat & power, renewable hydrogen, and the full

cross-section of building, industrial, transportation, appliance, lighting, and utility

efficiency technologies.

Members of the SUN DAY Campaign receive:

** a daily compilation of 10-15 news stories and/or news headlines (+ URLs) on:

(a) national legislative and political activities affecting sustainable energy;

(b) state and local renewable energy & energy efficiency developments;

(c) new findings on, and solutions to, climate change.

** one or two summaries and/or news releases each week on new studies from governmental, academic, business, and non-profit sources documenting the technical and economic potential of sustainable energy technologies to address domestic energy needs

** periodic original short reports prepared by the SUN DAY Campaign staff on national sustainable energy policy developments.

If you or your organization would like to join the SUN DAY Campaign, please complete the Membership Form that follows this letter of invitation.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Ken Bossong, Executive Director

SUN DAY Campaign

# # # # # # #

SUN DAY Campaign Board of Directors:

Bill Holmberg, Chair - New Uses Council

Scott Sklar, President - The Stella Group, Ltd.

Carol Werner, Executive Director - Environmental & Energy Study Institute