News 2008:

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World CO2 since 1750 (cubic feet)

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March 28, 2008

Arctic Pollution's Surprising History

Scientists know that air pollution particles from mid-latitude cities migrate to the Arctic and form an ugly haze, but a new University of Utah study finds surprising evidence that polar explorers saw the same phenomenon as early as 1870.

Asia Must Reverse Massive Deforestation Trend -- UN

Parts of Asia are losing more than 28,000 square kilometres (10,800 square miles) of forest every year, a trend that must to be reversed immediately to fight climate change, a United Nations report said on Thursday.

Black Carbon Pollution Emerges As Major Player In Global Warming

Black carbon, a form of particulate air pollution most often produced from biomass burning, cooking with solid fuels and diesel exhaust, has a warming effect in the atmosphere three to four times greater than prevailing estimates, according to scientists in an upcoming review article in the journal Nature Geoscience

China's Huaneng Group to boost development of renewable energy

China Huaneng Group, the country's largest power producer, said it will boost the development of new energy such as wind and solar power, in line with the government's thrust for renewable energy.

Clearing the Air-- Wind Power and Reliability

Wind power, often regarded as too intermittent to be reliable as a major player in the electricity generation game is in fact proving to be an important part of the worldwide energy mix. In question and answer format, see the answers below to some of the most pressing questions and misunderstood issues about the reality of wind power today.

Colourful idea sparks renewable electricity from paint

Paint is applied to steel when it is passed through rollers during the manufacturing process, and it is hoped that the same approach can be used to build up layers of the solar cell system. The researchers' aim is to produce cells that can be painted onto a flexible steel surface at a rate of 30-40m2 a minute.

Dealers pull the rug out from under energy rally

Futures traders have pulled the rug out from under a rally in energy futures that has dominated the year so far, pulling money out of the commodity markets at a prodigious rate last week amid the shocking collapse of US banking group Bear Stearns, fears that other banks could follow Bear Stearns into the black hole of the US credit crisis, and a feeling that interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve might not succeed in pulling the US economy away from a disastrous recession.

Democrats Say White House Stalling to Avoid Decision on Climate Rules

Federal environmental regulators will propose the first rules designed to limit global warming gases from U.S. vehicles and factories later this spring, a move Democratic critics called an attempt by the Bush administration to avoid setting greenhouse gas limits before the end of President Bush's term.

EU politicians want more funding for energy

The European Parliament supports a plan to create a global fund to boost renewables and energy efficiency, but warns that the target budget of Euro 100 million is ‘woefully inadequate.'

European Bank loans €2 billion to renewables in 2007

The EIB quadrupled its support last year for clean energy sources, for projects located both inside and outside the European Union.

Future energy sources to vary

It's not science fiction.

In the future, a vast array of alternative energy sources will change the way people live, scientists say.

'Green collar' jobs have growth potential

The green-collar job sector is growing in the United States and could include more than 14 million workers by 2017 industry, analysts said Wednesday.

Greenspan’s Legacy of Debt

Although it is true that under Alan Greenspan’s command of the Fed the U.S. economy has experienced unusually low volatility, this low volatility may turn out to have been a Faustian bargain. That is, the low volatility was achieved by increasing the indebtedness of the U.S. economy, especially the household sector, to record levels. And increasingly, the debt is owed to foreign entities, not ourselves.

Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Assessment

What is the true economic viability of the hydrogen-powered vehicle? Can a fueling infrastructure actually be created in the United States that supports the front-loaded demands of such a fledgling industry, while still being feasible on the supply side?

Hype Machine-- Searching for ZAP's Fleet of No-Show Green Cars

 "If ZAP was in any other business, the company would have been dead long ago. But they keep taking advantage of how much environmentalists — like me — want to see electric cars come to market."

Japan eyes planting grass in Southeast Asia to make ethanol

A government-led council called for planting grasses such as Erianthus both in Japan and Southeast Asia to produce 100,000-200,000 kiloliters/year (628,980-1.26 million barrels/year) of cellulose-based ethano...

Letter from 'Global Action'

We must hope that the Earth’s forests can soak up our excess carbon and solve our greenhouse problems.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide while they grow and trap it for years; trees are on the job 24 hours every day working for all of us to improve our environment and quality of life.

Losses Resulting From Mortgage Fraud in US Will Reach $2.5 Billion in 2008

Falling home prices and inappropriate mortgage underwriting have grabbed the headlines and much of the blame for mortgage credit woes in recent months. But the significant rise in mortgage fraud over the past 10 years is another important trend.

Markets Nervous-- Will US Plant Enough Corn?

Kansas farmer Ken McCauley wants to help keep the world from going hungry next year, so he's planting corn: lots and lots of corn.

Navajo Nation To Develop 500 MW Of Wind Power

The Navajo Nation, which has struggled for years to build a coal-fired power plant, said on Thursday it has formed a joint venture with a Boston company to develop 500 megawatts of wind energy on its lands in the US West.

New England falling behind in emission reduction race

New England states are not on track to meet targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that governors announced seven years ago, according to a report prepared by environmental groups.

New US Monthly House Price Index Estimates 1.1 Percent Price Decline in January

U.S. home prices fell approximately 1.1 percent on a seasonally-adjusted basis between December 2007 and January 2008, according to OFHEO’s new monthly House Price Index. For the 12 months ending in January, U.S. prices fell 3.0 percent. Since its peak in April 2007, the monthly index is down 4.1 percent.

NRG's Estimate for Texas Nuclear Reactors Still Climbing-- NRG Says Its Plans for South Texas Will Now Cost $8 Billion

NRG Energy Inc.'s estimate of the cost to build two nuclear reactors in South Texas keeps climbing.

Pharmaceuticals In Drinking Water Concern Two Thirds Of Americans

According to a scientific survey conducted nationwide for the Water Quality Association, a large majority of Americans are concerned about the presence of pharmaceutical products in their drinking water.

Policymakers must promote renewables, says REEEP

The emission of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels are leading to changes in climate “which threaten economic growth, social stability and human life,” explains the ‘Renewable Energy Regional Policy Analysis Report'

Quote of the Day 032708

"The oil pipeline linking Zubair with Fao has been bombed."
A key oil export pipeline feeding Iraq's Basra oil terminal has been damaged in a bomb attack by insurgents, an Iraqi industry source said Thursday.

Rail Wind Power Plan is on Track

Scotland is set to get its first train station run on wind power.

'Rainman' of Free Energy

Autistic Candian, Daniel Pomerlou, has given numerous demonstrations of free energy generation using only coils of wires; and mind/psychic power.

Reducing Carbon Emissions Could Help -- Not Harm -- US Economy

A national policy to cut carbon emissions by as much as 40 percent over the next 20 years could still result in increased economic growth, according to an interactive website that reviews 25 of the leading economic models used to predict the economic impacts of reducing emissions.

Renewable energy groups tout savings, other benefits

Many a town administrator would like to be in Adm. Rick Gurnon's shoes.

The president of Massachusetts Maritime Academy estimates his school saved $250,000 over the past year in electric bills because of power generated by a 660-kilowatt, 242-foot wind turbine installed in June 2006. And that's with a relatively low average wind speed last year, he said.

Renewable Energy in Florida Part 1-- Why Solar Makes Sense

Financial markets have seen the future: All solar companies' stock value grew from $3 billion in 2004 to $140 billion in 2007. Several are already comparable in size to Florida's largest utilities. This matters to us because of jobs, energy security and the environment.

Renewable Energy in Florida Part 2-- Achieving Green Florida Energy

In my first post, I explained how investing in green energy will stimulate Florida's economy. Here, I'd like to offer a brief blueprint for how we might do that.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 032708

Saving Private Renewables

Private renewables have entered the same economic war zone as all other investments. They may be receiving superficial exaltation - the equivalent of green ribbon bow decals affixed to the windshields of hybrid cars, but the new American casbah of clean is rapidly turning into an orange zone of lurking uncertainty.

Solar, wind tax credits may expire

Federal wind and solar tax credits will expire this year and cost the Bay Area much-needed jobs and economic investment unless the Senate and the president act quickly on a renewable energy bill passed in the House, warned Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton.

Southern California Edison Launches Nation's Largest Solar Panel Installation

Southern California Edison (SCE) today launched the nation's largest solar cell installation, a project that will place 250 megawatts of advanced photovoltaic generating technology on 65 million square feet of roofs of Southern California commercial buildings - enough power to serve approximately 162,000 homes

State to start issuing energy grants, loans-- $15 million a year available from new fund

Wisconsin-Businesses and researchers may soon apply for state grants and loans aimed at developing renewable energy, Gov. Jim Doyle said Tuesday.

The Future Ain't What Is Used to Be

Anyone still not convinced about the economic strength and viability of clean energy need look no further than the latest numbers in our annual Clean Energy Trends 2008 report.

The Growing Risk of US Ethanol Fuel Program to the Global Economy

While using ethanol as an alternatives to gasoline makes sense, the current U.S. program of using corn to make E85 does not. Based on the data widely available, the startling fact is that the U.S.’s corn-fed E85 program, while well intentioned, will have a major negative repercussion to the World Economy.

U.S. report outlines four key policies for boosting solar use

Four policies are central to ensuring the wide-scale deployment of solar energy in the United States, according to a report from the Center for American Progress.

U.S. to propose CO2 rules this spring

The Bush administration, which has resisted regulating carbon dioxide emissions, this spring will propose rules that could affect everything from vehicles to power plants and oil refineries, the top U.S. environmental official told Congress on Thursday.

U.S. West warming faster than rest of world-- study

The U.S. West is heating up at nearly twice the rate of the rest of the world and is likely to face more drought conditions in many of its fast-growing cities, an environmental group said on Thursday.

US Mortgage Rates Experience No Drastic Changes

Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.85 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending March 27, down from last week when it averaged 5.87 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.16 percent.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 032608

•"The dollar changes are still moving crude prices," a trader said.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 032708

•Crude futures markets firmed significantly Thursday prompted by concerns of a possible cut in Iraqi export crude following a bomb attack on a oil pipeline in the south of the country, sources said.

•There is technical support for crude prices, underpinned by the ever-present weak dollar.

Wind Farm Proposed in Shenandoah

An unnamed company has started the application process to build 131 of the massive wind turbines in the national forest in Rockingham County and along the border between Virginia's Shenandoah County and Hardy County in West Virginia.

Windfarms would reduce tourism to Scotland, study concludes

Scotland could lose GBP 12.8 in tourism income and 727jobs as a result of windfarms, according to a report prepared for the Scottish Executive.

March 25, 2008

Carbon credits aimed at helping save climate

The walnut and sweet gum trees growing on Duane Snow's property don't provide much shade, nor do they yield enough firewood to warm his house through a bone-chilling winter.

But the trees, planted on about 51 acres south of Salem, are trapping about 230 tons of carbon a year in the black, hardpan Illinois soil.

China to spend $6b on clean, energy efficient schemes, up 78%

China plans to spend Yuan 41.8 billion ($5.89 billion) on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction schemes this year, an increase in funding of 78% from 2007, the Ministry of Finance said Monday.

Climate at core of London election

London's Labour Mayor Ken Livingstone put climate at the core of his re-election campaign on Tuesday, trying for the first time in Britain to make the environment a key electoral issue.

Countering An Approaching Water Crisis

As growing demand for clean water stretches even the resources of the world's largest industrialized nations, scientists and engineers are turning to new technology and novel ideas to find solutions.

Due diligence for renewable energy projects

Professionals in the renewable energy industry have long searched for a simple way to evaluate energy assets in a way that makes it possible to compare their operational performance assumptions with projects of similar technologies.

Environmental groups say Virginia coal plant law unconstitutional

Five environmental groups opposed to Dominion Virginia Power's plan to build a 585-MW coal plant in Wise County, Virginia, are arguing that the 2004 state law encouraging the project's development is unconstitutional because it discriminates against out-of-state coal providers.

EPA official a convert on climate change

Elin Miller, a high-level administrator with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Seattle, said Thursday she has gone from being a doubter to a believer in the risks of climate change...

Falling exports seen dragging China's 2008 GDP growth to 10.5%

A decline in exports, notably affected by the US credit crunch, is likely to drag China's economic growth down to 10.5% this year, though still above the official target of 8%, according to a leading university research paper, the Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday.

Germany could suffer power supply shortage from 2012-- agency

Germany will not have enough generation capacity to cover peak demand by 2012, the country's energy agency Deutsche Energie-Agentur said Wednesday.

Green house effect-- Developers hope environmentally friendly town homes will inspire others

You may have passed by an out-of-the-ordinary residential development in midtown recently, but it is no mere anomaly.

Gulf Crossing pipeline wins final environmental OK from US FERC

Boardwalk Pipeline Partners' planned natural gas pipeline to deliver up to 1.73 Bcf/d from Texas and Oklahoma to the US Midwest, Northeast and Southeast can be built with minimal environmental harm if mitigating measures are taken, US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff said Friday.

Higher bills cut customer satisfaction with gas utilities-- survey

Big increases in the utility bills paid by business customers contributed to an overall decline in satisfaction with their gas utility service, JD Power and Associates said in its 2008 Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study.

Kansas governor vetos bill supporting coal-fired power generation

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius on Friday vetoed a bill (SB 327) that would have barred the state's Secretary of Health and Environment from denying an air permit to a coal-fired power plant because of the project's greenhouse gas emissions.

New bill on coal-fired plants emerges in Kansas House

A new proposal for allowing two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas emerged Monday from a House committee, only three days after Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed a previous bill.

North American Commission Pushes for Green Building Design

An organization led by North America's top environmental officials has issued a new report calling for greater international collaboration to build green.

OPEC president sees $80-$100b oil price range for rest of year

OPEC president Chakib Khelil said Sunday that he expected oil prices to remain within a range of $80-$110/barrel for the rest of the year although prices might weaken slightly during the second quarter from current levels because of an expected fall in demand.

PetroSun says algae-to-biofuels plant to start next week in Texas

Alternative fuels developer PetroSun said Monday its first algae-to-biofuels facility will begin operations on April 1 in Rio Honda, Texas.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 032408

Solar activity was at very low levels. Region 987 (S08E36) has grown in area and spot number over the summary period. There is a chance for isolated C-class flares.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at mostly quiet to unsettled levels on day one (25
March). On days two and three (26 and 27 March) an increase to unsettled to active levels is expected due to a coronal hole high speed stream rotating into a geoeffective position.

Revival of the Electric Car

The electric car has risen again.

Within four years, at least two Japanese automakers plan to have all-electric cars on American roads. Several other automakers from around the world, including Ford Motor Co., are mulling similar vehicles.

Saudis keeping word on oil output, but US needs to do more- Cheney

US Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday that Saudi Arabia was on track to meet its commitment to produce at least 12.5 million b/d of crude by the end of 2009, but that the US needs to increase domestic production if it wants to ease record high prices.

Tiny buckyballs squeeze hydrogen like giant Jupiter

Hydrogen could be a clean, abundant energy source, but it's difficult to store in bulk. In new research, materials scientists at Rice University have made the surprising discovery that tiny carbon capsules called buckyballs are so strong they can hold volumes of hydrogen nearly as dense as those at the center of Jupiter.

US economic woes to have limited effect on energy-- Anadarko CEO

The current slowdown in the US economy should have a relatively limited impact on the energy sector, Anadarko Chairman, President and CEO James Hackett said Tuesday.

US Jaguars Threatened By Mexico Border Fence

Scrolling through images of bobcats and deer snapped by the camera, he explains how the habitat for one of the United States' most elusive predators is being pressured by illegal immigration from Mexico and the controversial remedies sought by the US government to curb it: building fences.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 032408

•On Wednesday, the energy complex had collapsed once again, with crude losing nearly $5, the largest fall (in dollar terms) since the Gulf War in January 1991 and surpassing Monday's $4.53 drop.

•The collapse came as the US stock data was released by the Energy Information Administration which upon initial viewing was bullish. However, upon further digestion of the data, the sluggish demand figures seemed to push traders into a selling spree.

When Science Fiction Becomes Science Fact

Stephen Hawking (A Brief History of Time)-“Electromagnetism Controls All Chemical Reactions, All Biological Response. Life Itself”

Wind Farms a New Threat for Rare Whooping Cranes

Whooping cranes, one of the world's rarest birds, have waged a valiant battle against extinction. But federal officials warn of a new potential threat to the endangered whoopers: wind farms.

With Fidel Castro gone, US oil sector shows interest in Cuba

Nearly a month after Fidel Castro officially stepped down as Cuba's president and his younger brother Raul was anointed his successor, the US oil industry appears watchful of the transition, but remains hemmed in by the 46-year-old US embargo against the island state.

Wood-burning plant embroiled in politics

As a controversial wood-burning power plant proposed for south Minneapolis nears a key deadline, the project faces critical questions.

March 21, 2008

America is Running Out of Electricity

The provision of electrical power nationwide has become the chosen battleground for environmental groups laboring night and day to insure there will not be enough of it to meet our needs.

The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that overall energy demand will grow by 45% between now and 2030.

APS encouraging customers to 'Go Paperless, Save a Tree'

Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) is encouraging its customers to go paperless – to just drop that old habit of receiving monthly bills in the mail and receive an online version instead.

Asian Energy Surge Hits America

To keep the Industrial Revolution humming in Asia in 2006 and 2007, China and India needed to build new coal-fired power plants. In fact, the number of power plants developed in Asia is so staggering that its impact is being felt by U.S. utilities.

CFLs require new twist in disposal-- Mercury in energy-wise light bulbs poses threat of hazardous waste

Cool, efficient and environmentally correct, compact fluorescent light bulbs are selling by the hundreds of millions.

But even as they're cutting utility bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the bulbs are also creating a new environmental headache.

China Unveils Renewable Energy Development Plan for 2006-2010

China's annual consumption of renewable energy will reach the equivalent of 300 million tons of standard coal by 2010, which would be 10 per cent of its total annual energy consumption, under the renewable energy development plan for 2006-2010.

Chrysler to host wind energy test site at Chelsea proving grounds

Automobile manufacturer Chrysler will be constructing a 26-storey meteorological tower at its Chelsea proving grounds to test the winds in the western Washtenaw County, Michigan, for clean energy potential over the course of 2008.

Climatologist says global warming not alarming, carbon fuels not to blame

The Earth is getting warmer, but Alabama's state climatologist says carbon fuels aren't to blame.

Compound Removes Radioactive Material From Power Plant Waste

Strontium 90 is a common radioactive by-product of fission in nuclear power plants. When extracted from the reactor along with other isotopes, a mixture is created made up of the radioactive material and inert ions like sodium and calcium.

Cost of Coal Power is Rising

Electric bills are poised to soar for customers of utilities building coal-fired power plants.

Dutch Minister Sees No Need For Biofuels Moratorium

A national moratorium on the use of biofuels would not stop other countries producing unsustainably and a better strategy would be to develop industry standards, the Dutch environment minister said on Wednesday.

EIA-- New Energy Act to Yield More Renewable Energy by 2020

The U.S. outlook for the growth in renewable energy use by 2020 has improved considerably in just three months, thanks to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which President Bush signed into law in December.

Electric Cooperatives Take Action on Climate

As a whole, the power industry hasn't exactly rushed into the forefront of action on global warming, but now Montana's electric cooperatives are taking the initiative.

Energy Thinking at the World Sustainable Energy Days

While ministerial-level energy leaders from around the globe were in Washington, DC at WIREC last week, many of those who put national-level plans into action -- or indeed lead by example and cajole their national governments to follow -- traveled to Wels, Austria.

Europe's Renewables Lead Stirs US Concern-Germany

The United States' resistance to international efforts to fight climate change is linked to Europe's growing competitive advantage in the renewable energies sector, Germany's deputy environment minister said on Monday.

Federal Agencies to Use $200 Billion to Restore Liquidity in Mortgage Market

The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, along with mortgage guarantors Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, on Wednesday announced an initiative to increase liquidity by $200 billion in support of the U.S. mortgage-backed securities market.

Florida supports solar power

The Sunshine State loves solar, a new poll says.

Groups join forces to protest power plant

A pair of environmental groups from Waterloo and Marshalltown will gather in Des Moines this afternoon to urge Gov. Chet Culver to place a moratorium on construction of coal-fired power plants in Iowa.

Hybrid cars may affect power distribution

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers examined how an expected increase in ownership of hybrid electric cars and trucks will affect the nation's power grid depending on the time of day or night the vehicles are charged.

Icy Start, But 2008 May Be In Top 10 Warmest Years

Bucking the trend of global warming, the start of 2008 saw icy weather around the world from China to Greece. But despite its chilly start, 2008 is expected to end up among the top 10 warmest years since records began in the 1860s.

Inbox 031808

Increased Carbon Dioxide In Atmosphere Linked To Decreased Soil Organic Matter

A recent study at the University of Illinois created a bit of a mystery for soil scientist Michelle Wander – increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was expected to increase plant growth, increase plant biomass and ultimately beef up the organic matter in the soil -- but it didn’t.

Low-cost Solar Thermal Plants at Heart of Algerian-German Research Push

The development of a new generation of large-scale, low-cost solar thermal power plants is the focus of a joint research agreement signed between Algeria and Germany.

Luxim's tiny but powerful plasma lightbulb

Silicon Valley's Luxim Corporation has developed a solid-state plasma light bulb called Luxim LIFI™. It is the size of a Tic Tac and gives off as much light as a streetlight.

Marathon to sell only ethanol-blend fuel at 16 Midwest terminals

Large US integrated Marathon Oil plans to offer only ethanol-blended fuel (E-10 gasohol) at 16 of its Midwest terminals beginning May 1, the company said Wednesday.

Meredith passes law banning turbines

Applause filled the room Tuesday night after a vote by the Meredith Town Board to adopt a local law banning industrial wind turbines.

Mitsubishi claims record polysilicon PV conversion

Mitsubishi Electric Corp. (Tokyo, Japan) has claimed to have achieved a world record in photoelectric conversion efficiency in a 150-millimeter square practical-use polycrystalline silicon solar cell, with a rate of 18.6 percent. This represents an improvement of 0.6 percent over the company's previous record.

Nation's First Large-Scale Desalination Plant Delivers Drought-Proof Water Supply

The nation's first large-scale seawater desalination plant is delivering drinking water to more than 2.5 million residents of the Tampa Bay area. It's a timely solution as continued drought is forecast across the southeastern United States.

New Standards Drastically Cut Locomotive And Marine Diesel Pollution

Washington, DC - New tough emissions standards will slash pollution from locomotive and marine diesel engines by up to 90 percent, helping Americans to breathe cleaner air as soon as this year.

Norco votes for study of turning manure into power

Norco officials should know in about three months whether the city can realistically build a plant that turns horse manure into power, after the City Council on Wednesday voted to study the idea.

Nuclear watchdog group raises alarm over Seabrook plant

A local watchdog group is raising new concerns about the safety of the Seabrook Power Plant after the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission found cracked weld alloys on water pressurizers similar to those at Seabrook Station.

Oregon and South Dakota Approve Renewable Energy Tax Incentives

Oregon and South Dakota are the latest states to encourage renewable energy development in their state through tax incentives.

Ottawa Lays Charges Against CN Rail For Oil Spill

Ottawa has laid three charges against Canadian National Railway Co over a 2005 oil spill into a lake near Edmonton, Alberta, the federal government said Tuesday.

Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell Breaks Ground in Bucks County for Nations 4th Largest Solar Power Facility

Governor Edward G. Rendell said multi-million-dollar renewable energy projects, like the solar electricity generation plant he helped break ground on today in Bucks County, reinforce Pennsylvanias leadership in one of the nations fastest growing industries and highlight the potential for jobs and economic development.

Poland plans at least two new CCS power plants-- economy minister

Poland is planning to build at least two new power plants using Carbon Capture and Storage technology, economy minister Waldemar Pawlak said late Tuesday.

Polysilicon supply catches up

After years of shortages in the solar-cell sector, polysilicon supply should catch up with the demand this year, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Power plant faces day of reckoning-- 50-year-old Oak Creek coal facility in need of updating

State regulators will soon decide whether Wisconsin's largest utility should fix up or shut down its 50-year-old coal-fired power plant in Oak Creek, a decision that could cost ratepayers $750 million or more.

Presidential Energy Dance

On climate change, both Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton espouse a cap-and-trade emissions program with an auction of 100 percent of emission credits so that “all polluters pay for every ton of emissions they release,” as the Obama plan puts it.

Promote Green Buildings For Cuts In North American CO2 Emissions

Promoting the green design, construction, renovation and operation of buildings could cut North American greenhouse gas emissions that are fuelling climate change more deeply, quickly and cheaply than any other available measure, according to a new report issued by the trinational Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).

Rapid rise in state RPS programs poses utility credit concerns

The rapid increase over the last five years in the number of states approving renewable portfolio standards has raised key credit rating concerns for electric utilities, Standard & Poor's Director Anne Selting said on Tuesday.

Rate increase scheduled

For area residents who notice a slight jump in their electricity bills next month, the extra cost is not a mistake but a scheduled increase by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Reincarnated material turns waste heat into power

A major boost in the effectiveness of a material that transforms waste heat into electricity could significantly boost energy efficiency in anything from air conditioners to car engines. It is the first major improvement in such "thermoelectric" materials in 50 years, say researchers.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 032008

The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled, with a brief active period ...

Salt Could Shake Up World Energy Supply

Only up to powering light bulbs so far, "salt power" is a tantalising if distant prospect as high oil prices make alternative energy sources look more economical.

Solar market grew 62% in 2007

Despite ongoing polysilicon shortages in the market, world solar photovoltaic (PV) market installations reached a record high of 2,826 megawatts (MW) in 2007, a 62 percent jump over 2006, according to Solarbuzz LLC, a San Francisco-based solar energy consultancy.

States vs. Feds

Two lawsuits intend to deenergize parts of the energy act of 2005. Environmental and conservation groups are saying that broad transmission corridors that have been authorized by the law are illegal, claiming they allow utilities to bypass state jurisdiction, environmental standards and private property rights.

Still Another Look at Global Warming

David Stipp of Fortune has referred to climate change as “the mother of all national security issues (2004.” I see no reason to disagree,...

Tax Breaks Turn Solar Power into Cold Cash

Tax breaks and cash rebates have done what the most gung-ho green talk has not: ignited a solar power boom in Oregon.

The Reality of Renewables

In the 1970s they were called “new and renewable energies” a grouping that allowed energy planners to lump nuclear energy (relatively new) in with hydro, solar, wind and biomass.

Thousands hail campaign of resistance to Mexican energy reform

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the firebrand politician leading opposition to energy reform, ordered thousands of his supporters Tuesday to join a campaign of "peaceful resistance" to the proposal.

U.S. on the Verge of a Small Hydro Boom?

While the U.S. has seen a slight decline in total energy production from hydro resources over the last two decades, the industry is gearing up to reverse that trend and ride the wave of growth seen throughout the other renewable energy industries.

U.S. Representative Doggett Receives Ground Water Protector Award

The Ground Water Protector Award honors people in government, industry, and the private sector for their public service efforts in conjunction with ground water conservation, protection, and use. Rep. Doggett is being recognized for his leadership in supporting tax credits for geothermal heat pumps as an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly tool to help address the nation’s energy needs.

UK Government-- Designs for new nuclear power stations clear first hurdle

Nuclear regulators, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA), today announced that the first step of 'Generic Design Assessment' (GDA) carried out on four designs submitted for new nuclear power stations had found no shortfalls at this stage - in terms of safety, security or the environment - that would prevent any of them from ultimately being constructed on licensed sites in the UK.

UK to miss renewable energy goal-- study

Britain is likely to miss targets proposed by the European Union (EU) for renewable energy use "by a wide margin," according to a Cambridge University study.

US EIA to offer GHG bill assessment in 'about two weeks'-- Caruso

The US Energy Information Administration will release in "about two weeks" its assessment of climate legislation currently pending before the US Senate, EIA Administrator Guy Caruso said Tuesday.

US power sector sees biggest CO2 emissions jump since 1998-- study

The US power sector's carbon dioxide production jumped 2.9% in 2007, compared with 2006, 5.9% compared with 2002's, and 11.7% compared with 1997's, according to a report issued Tuesday by the Environmental Integrity Project.

Wal-Mart introduces most efficient store plan

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has introduced its most efficient U.S. store, a prototype that will use up to 45 percent less energy than a typical Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Water Sustainability-- A Looming Global Challenge

Water Technopreneur With Groundbreaking Solution Awarded The First Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize

His membrane technology has allowed for clean water to be produced almost anywhere in the world

What's Moving the Oil Markets 032008

•On Wednesday, the energy complex had collapsed once again, with crude losing nearly $5, the largest fall (in dollar terms) since the Gulf War in January 1991 and surpassing Monday's $4.53 drop.

White House influence over EPA being investigated

Suspicions that the White House inappropriately influenced the EPA´s latest ozone ruling has prompted Rep. Henry Waxman to investigate the situation.

Will Wyoming's Future Be Black or Green?

Wyoming may choose to put a bucking bronco on its license plates rather than a strip mine, and call itself "the Cowboy State," but "the Energy State" is certainly the more accurate label. Natural gas and oil are pumped from our high plains and increasingly from our scenic mountain areas, but coal contains the greatest quantity of carbon energy found in the state. An astounding 38% of all the electricity now generated in the USA comes from burning Wyoming coal.

World’s Largest 38500-meal Solar Kitchen in India

India is well-known for delicious food, and the kitchen is considered to be a sacred place in any Indian home. And now India has something else to be proud of: the world’s largest solar kitchen.

March 18, 2008

Australia commits $1 billion to renewable, clean energy projects

Australia's government has set aside A$1 billion ($0.93 billion) for the
development, commercialization and deployment of various renewable and
low-emission energy technology initiatives...

Bear Stearns, To Be a Part of JPMorgan

Isn’t it ironic that Bear Sterns, which had refused to go along with other Wall Street firms to save Long Term Capital Management (LTCM) in 1998, is now faced with the same problem?

Business Optimism Index Rises Slightly

The survey found that confidence amongst U.S. business leaders was up slightly as it related to their outlook for the U.S. economy for next six months, and optimism for their own businesses over the next six months.

Climate Change Could Turn Ireland's Green To Brown

Forty shades of beige? - Climate change could turn Ireland's legendary emerald landscape a dusty tan, with profound effects on its society and culture, a new study released in time for St. Patrick's Day reported.

Co-authors say global warming bill supported by science

Co-authors of bipartisan global warming legislation destined for Senate debate in June emphasize that a recent EPA analysis reinforces supporters´ claims that their bill makes scientific and economic sense.

Co-gen official extends hand to environmentalists

More problems may be on the horizon for the financially strapped Western Greenbrier Co-Generation plant as officials met with citizens for the second time in as many weeks Thursday to announce what they termed a pending agreement with an environmental group that has opposed the coal waste-powered electrical plant.

Company Hoping to Turn Some Coal Plant Pollutants into Baking Soda

It cleans your teeth, makes your biscuits rise and kills odors in your fridge. Could baking soda also fight global warming?

Deadlock Over India-US Nuclear Deal Unresolved

India's government and its communist allies failed on Monday to break a deadlock over a controversial nuclear deal with the United States, but said they would meet again next month to discuss the pact.

DOE-- Expect License Application After All

The Energy Department has readjusted its Yucca Mountain work plans after a deep budget cut and will be ready after all to apply for a license in June to build a Nevada nuclear waste repository, the program director said Thursday.

Egypt says gas pipeline to Israel being tested-- report

Under a 2005 MOU between the two countries, Egypt is expected to supply gas to Israel via a 100 km (60 mile) pipeline linking from al-Arish on the Mediterranean Sea to Ashkelon in southern Israel for a reportedly low price of $2.75/MMBtu, lower than the average price of Egyptian gas sales.

El Paso, New Mexico ask Texas agency to revoke Asarco air permit

The city of El Paso and the New Mexico Environment Department have petitioned the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Monday to revoke an air quality permit for US copper producer Asarco's long-idled copper smelter in El Paso.

EU leaders plan to agree climate protection laws by end-2008

EU leaders plan to reach political agreement on the European Commission's proposed climate protection package by end-2008, Slovenian Prime Minister and current EU president Janez Jansa told reporters late Thursday.

'Green' bills get states' attention

Kansas and Missouri lawmakers are trying to go green this year but, so far anyway, it looks to be a pretty pale shade.

In experiment, hydrogen power fuels Miami house

A switch was pulled and the shelves of equipment murmured softly and turned on the lights. A house in Miami's Bay Heights quietly went off the grid and onto hydrogen power.

Indian State Faces Famine After Plague Of Rats

About a million people in India's north-eastern state of Mizoram are facing famine after a plague of rats ate the region's entire paddy crop, officials and aid agencies said on Monday.

Inside the Chilean Energy Crisis

'Chile's current water deficit, combined with further disruptions in the supply of Argentine natural gas, has raised concerns about possible power shortages beginning as soon as March...

Long-Term Growth for Coal Demand Expected

Alliance Resource Partners will invest $600 million over the next three to four years to bring three new coal mines online, bringing its inventory to 11.

That move reflects anticipated long-term growth for both U.S. and world demand for coal, driven by increased electrical generation needs...

New Poll Finds 54% Of Americans Reject Proposal To Expand Clean Water Act

A majority of Americans oppose a proposal to expand the Clean Water Act, according to a new nationwide survey released today by the National Center for Public Policy Research.

Nuclear Energy Slows Down

No one ever said that the re-emergence of nuclear power would take the fast lane. The road, in fact, is filled with potholes that include some high profile deferments and ever-increasing capital costs.

Quote of the Day 031708

"The current financial crisis in the US is likely to be judged in retrospect as the most wrenching since the end of the Second World War. It will end eventually when home prices stabilise and with them the value of equity in homes supporting troubled mortgage securities."
The current crisis rocking the markets and global economy could turn out to be the worst since World War II, former US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan said in remarks published Monday by AFP.

Recycle or go to hell

"You offend God not only by stealing, blaspheming or coveting your neighbour's wife, but also by ruining the environment, carrying out morally debatable scientific experiments, or allowing genetic manipulations...

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 031708

Solar activity was at very low levels. Region 986 (S04W71) has decayed to a single alpha spot. A slow-moving coronal mass ejection was observed

The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels.

Rhode Island legislation would spur 'green' industries

A coalition of labor unions, environmental advocates and antipoverty groups are collaborating to promote legislation that would help spark new renewable-energy industries in Rhode Island.

RLC receives $1.6 million grant for coal workers

"It's an energy-based grant, which will allow us to educate 420 participants in three years as coal-mine welders or production miners," Kern explained.

Senate CO2 bill could cost 4% of GDP if technology available-- EPA

The US Environmental Protection Agency said Friday that a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade bill pending in the US Senate could cost up to 4% of the country's gross national product, increase power prices by 44% and raise CO2 emissions prices up to $83/ton, all by 2030, if carbon capture technology is widely available.

Senate Democrats urge Bush to halt SPR fill for rest of year

All 49 Democrats in the US Senate, along with two independents who caucus with them, stepped up pressure on President Bush Friday to stop filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the end of the year unless oil prices fall below $75/barrel.

Ship Pilot Charged In San Francisco Oil Spill

The pilot of a container ship that hit the San Francisco Bay Bridge last year and spilled 58,000 gallons of oil was charged on Monday with violating federal pollution laws.

Southern Baptist leaders urge climate change action

Influential Southern Baptist leaders are seeking to move the country's largest Protestant denomination – and one of its more conservative – beyond its skeptical stance on climate change to keep step with a growing 'green' awareness in the evangelical community.

SRP considers alternatives-- Initial plan to boost July-August rate met with criticism

In response to protests from consumers, Salt River Project's managers are offering alternatives that would reduce their proposed 9.3 percent July and August electric rate increase.

Stunning Solar Building Will Generate More Power Than It Needs

The Masdar Headquarters building will produce more power than it needs (an energy positive building). In fact, the solar roof (one of the largest in the world) will be constructed first, and it will power the construction of the rest of the building.

Thaw Of World's Glaciers Quickens To New Record-UN

A thaw of the world's glaciers has accelerated to a new record with some of the biggest losses within Europe, in a worrying sign of climate change, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said on Sunday.

US Fed Cuts Lending Rate and Promotes Orderly Market Functioning

The Federal Reserve on Sunday announced two initiatives designed to bolster market liquidity and promote orderly market functioning. Liquid, well-functioning markets are essential for the promotion of economic growth.

Waterways Saved By Smart Sponge Technology After Grease Spill

A recent grease spill from a local restaurant is having officials praising a new preventative technology called the Smart Sponge® Plus, a filtration system ..

What's Moving the Oil Markets 031708

•Crude futures moved higher Monday as the emergency interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve Sunday caused financial markets around the world to react sharply in all directions.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 031808

•"Monday's sell-off was so violent, this bounce back was to be expected today," said a London-based trader. "Equity markets have also recovered a little." "People are waiting for the Fed to cut interest rates. It has been fairly quiet so far," said a London-base broker. "Oil is still expensive though--it's still above $100."

March 14, 2008

Alarming Growth In Expected CO2 Emissions In China

The growth in China's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is far outpacing previous estimates, making the goal of stabilizing atmospheric greenhouse gases even more difficult, according to a new analysis by economists at the University of California, Berkeley, and UC San Diego.

Bodman foresees uranium inventory release to meet 10pct of US need

Releasing the US Department of Energy's uranium into the marketplace in quantities representing about 10% of total annual fuel requirements "should not have an adverse material impact on the domestic uranium industry," Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Wednesday.

British, German ministers warn of climate change security dangers

German and British foreign ministers Frank-Walter Steinmeier and David Miliband have called for a European and multilateral strategy to deal with the consequences climate change will have on international security, they said Thursday.

Bush administration set to issue major air-quality regulation

The Bush administration on Wednesday is set to finalize a major air-quality rule that could have major financial implications for coal-fired power plants, oil refineries and other industries.

Bush administration tightens US ozone standard

The Bush administration strengthened the US air-quality standard for ground-level ozone Wednesday, dealing a potentially expensive financial blow to electric utilities, oil refineries and other industries that may have to install billions of dollars of new pollution controls to comply with the measure.

Climate plan phases approach

The first pass at a greenhouse gas reduction plan for Oregon and the rest of the western United States and Canada doesn't include autos, agriculture, forestry or natural gas use, leaving out more than half the emissions generated in the West.

Crude futures move to new records as US dollar weakens again

Major crude futures benchmarks continued to explore uncharted territory Tuesday, a US dollar weakness allowed investors to continue buying into dollar-based commodities, such as oil, and ignore signs of slowing demand, brokers said.

Does retail gasoline have to 'catch up' to crude?

With NYMEX crude breaking through $109/barrel earlier today, but retail gasoline climbing at a far less dramatic rate, the airwaves have been filled with predictions that pump prices will need to rise dramatically to make up for the rise in crude.

Energy Efficiency-- A Passing Fad?

After years of consuming ever more gasoline and other petroleum products, Americans are slowly starting to change their ways.

EPA enacts new strict ozone law for first time in decade

U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson on March 12 signed into law a new, more stringent ozone standard for the first time in more than a decade.

European Initiative to Include Support for Renewables at Local Level

The European Commission has launched "the most ambitious initiative to date involving the citizens in the fight against global warming."

Experts Debate Costs of Climate Control

A study released by the National Association of Manufacturers and the American Council for Capital Formation warns the Lieberman-Warner climate change bill might have a larger impact on the U.S. economy than previously expected.

February US Foreclosures Rise 60 Percent From a Year Ago

Nevada continued to record the highest foreclosure rate among the states, with one in every 165 households receiving a foreclosure filing, more than three times the national average. (that's 0.6%)

Fitch Says US Fed Actions Positive For Financial Institutions

Fitch Ratings is encouraged by yesterday's announcement by the Federal Reserve (Fed) as Fitch believes it has potential positive implications for U.S. financial institutions.

Five Trends to Watch in the Renewable Energy Industry

Growth in the renewable energy industry is set to reach more than US $250 billion by the year 2017 with the electric car, sustainable cities, non-U.S.-based energy firms, geothermal energy and the greening of the shipping industry helping to lead the way. That's the prediction made by Clean Edge in its Clean Energy Trends 2008 report released on Wednesday.

Global Clean-Energy Markets Skyrocketing

Global clean-energy markets are expanding rapidly, with revenues in four benchmark sectors — biofuels, wind power, solar photovoltaics, and fuel cells — up 40 percent from $55 billion in 2006 to $77.3 billion in 2007...

Groups say US climate bill could boost gas demand 20% in decade

US natural gas consumption could jump by as much as 20% over the next 10 years if climate change legislation under consideration in Congress becomes law, several gas trade groups said on Tuesday.

House Democrats introduce coal-fired power plant moratorium bill

Two prominent Democrats in the US House of Representatives introduced legislation Tuesday that would stop coal-fired power plants from being built unless they are equipped with carbon capture and storage.

House energy panel calls majors to April 1 hearing on oil profits

The heads of the five major oil companies will be invited to testify on April 1 before the House Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, committee Chairman Edward Markey said Tuesday.

Inbox 031308

Amid all the current fervor about finding a solution to global warming, an interesting report quietly came out last month that doesn't follow the current political fashion.

Key senator predicts strong global-warming measure

Leaders from more than a dozen U.S. environmental groups stood beside Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., in solidarity Wednesday when she announced that the Senate will have a good chance in June to strengthen and pass a landmark bill to slash greenhouse-gas emissions.

Law would require more emissions capture at power plants

Two well-known Democrats from opposite sides of the country share the same aggressive view on subduing global warming.

Loss of green power incentive would prevent 116,000 US jobs

Allowing the U.S. tax credit for wind and solar PV to expire could result in the loss of US$19 billion of investment and 116,000 cases of lost employment opportunity.

Major Groups buy 8.8 bn kWh of green power in the USA

The 25 largest purchasers of renewable electricity in the United States account for 8.8 billion kWh of green power a year.

Most People believe that Wave Energy is Really going to Happen

The potential of wave power as a renewable energy is staggering. Future Energy Solutions recently highlighted that the global potential for wave power is estimated to be around 8,000 - 80,000 TWh/y (1 - 10TW). This is the same order of magnitude as world electrical consumption.

Nuclear Reactors' Cost-- $17 Billion

Building two nuclear reactors in Florida would cost Progress Energy $17 billion, which would increase the bills of the company's customers in that state by an average of 3 percent to 4 percent a year for 10 years.

Observations of polarised RF radiation catalysis of dissociation of H2O–NaCl solutions

The authors have shown that NaCl–H2O solutions of concentrations ranging from 1 to 30%, when exposed to a polarised radiofrequency beam at 13.56 MHz at room temperature, generate an intimate mixture of hydrogen and oxygen which can be ignited and burned with a steady flame.

Paulson's Remarks on Recommendations From the PWG

The following is a speech by Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. on Recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets in Washington, DC.

Pharmaceuticals In Drinking Water Raise Awareness Of Need To Increase Monitoring Of Municipal Water Supplies

Responding to the highly publicized, independent investigation of a wide variety of pharmaceuticals found in drinking water across the United States, Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX is providing a water testing “application note” to help municipal water supply operators improve the monitoring of water for contaminants.

Rail, barge improvements could cut coal supply drain-- executive

The recent spike in coal exports is draining supply for US utilities, but improved railroad and barge capacity will make it easier to seek out new coal supplies, Southern Company Vice President of Fuel Services Jeff Wallace said Wednesday.

Renewables Conference extracts commitments to renewables

The administration of President George Bush has spent $12 billion to research, develop and promote alternative energy sources.

"America has got to change its habits; we've got to get off oil," he told the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 031308

The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to active levels under the continued influence of a high speed stream. Solar wind speed measured at the ACE satellite ranged from 685 km/s...

Residents rally with Sebelius against coal plants

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has vowed to veto the bill, but legislative leaders have said they will try to override her veto.

News_Mar08/Smaller Families, More Crowded World

The latest Vital Signs Update explains important population trends

Solar Energy Technologies-- What's in Store?

According to the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, the number of states that have adopted renewable portfolio standards stands at 26, with more states poised to jump on the bandwagon.

Trash Today, Ethanol Tomorrow-- Invention Promises Major Advance in BioFuel Production

University of Maryland research that started with bacteria from the Chesapeake Bay has led to a process that may be able to convert large volumes of all kinds of plant products, from leftover brewer’s mash to paper trash, into ethanol and other biofuel alternatives to gasoline.

UK Government gives green light to micro wind

BWEA, the trade association representing the UK’s micro- and small-wind industry, today welcomed the Govt’s decision to relax planning rules for onsite household wind turbines.

US lawmaker would give away CO2 emissions credits to polluters

US Representative Rick Boucher, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, on Tuesday said he supports a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system that would provide nearly all emission credits for free to industrial companies, utilities and other major CO2 emitters.

US Mortgage Rates Rise Slightly

US report examines impact of RPS before it was dropped

Stronger US support for renewable energies would have allowed that country’s power sector to reduce its CO2 emissions by up to 91% by 2030.

US report tracks cost of renewables

By 2015, solar PV will cost four times more than the cost of conventional power generation, according to the president of the United States.

US scientist says EPA bowed to industry on air quality regulation

The Bush administration bowed to pressure from coal-fired electric utilities and other industries in setting a new air-quality standard for ground-level ozone, a key scientist involved in the process said Wednesday.

US trade deficit widens $300 mil as oil imports, costs climb

The US trade deficit in January widened by $300 million to $58.2 billion as oil imports and costs climbed, according to data released Tuesday by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

US utilities to boost use of gas as generation fuel-- Moody's

Moody's Investors Service Thursday said it expects US electric utilities to increase their reliance on natural gas as a generating fuel as they are forced to build new plants to meet growing demand while complying with programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Wave farm to be established off the west coast of Ireland

The Irish Times reported that the "Mullet peninsula is expected to be the location for the full-scale wave energy generator."

What the Fed's Latest Intervention Means For Risk

The Federal Reserve, trying valiantly to stem the market forces for sometime, has now taken an extraordinary step of expanding their role in the current credit crisis. With the announcement that the Fed will lend $200 billion in cash and US Treasuries and extend the lending term from overnight to 28 days, the risk meter, which was already at High Alert, just went to Critical.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 031308

•The rally Wednesday, which ignored the stock data, was attributed to yet further weakness in the US dollar

What's Moving the Oil Markets 031408

•Trading this week has been dominated by the unusual relationship between distillates and gasoline futures, which saw the April NYMEX RBOB/heating oil spread slip into unseen negative territory, reaching minus 45.55 cents at 11:08 GMT, on the back of divergent fundamentals in the gasoline and middle-distillate markets globally. "While the focus is on the dollar there has been yesterday an extra-ordinary destruction of oil economics," analysts for Petromatrix said in a report Friday.

March 11, 2008

Australian ratification of Kyoto Protocol comes into force

"From today, Australia is officially part of the global solution on climate change," said Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Water.

Battle over solar panels has statewide ramifications

The town's new ordinance regulating free-standing solar installations isn't restrictive enough to do what some of its proponents hoped, but could be stretching the town's legal authority just the same.

Bill could be boon for wind energy

Lodi Assemblyman Alan Nakanishi wants to blow down any roadblocks to installing a new, smaller breed of wind-energy turbines on commercial buildings all over California.

British Government Pulls Plug On Bottled Water

Bottles of water will no longer be served at British government meetings under a "tap water only" policy announced on Thursday to protect the environment.

Bus-Sized Batteries May Help Efficiency Of US Grid

The next time some US utility customers collectively pump up their air conditioners on a sweltering summer day, that power may be coming from a battery the size of a double decker bus.

Canadians Nearing Record-Breaking Winter For Snow

Eastern Canada closed in on record snowfall levels this weekend, after a late-season storm dumped up to half a metre (20 inches) of snow on a region that has already been battered by a series of winter storms.

Cape man markets mini wind turbines

For more than two decades, Brian Braginton-Smith has had big dreams for wind energy on the Cape.

Cheney to bring energy message to Saudi Arabia-- White House

Vice President Dick Cheney will bring the Bush administration's "message" on energy to Saudi Arabia when he visits this week, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said Monday.

Coal company cited for polluting

Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials this week cited the Ohio Valley Coal Co. for allowing coal slurry -- water contaminated with coal dust -- to get into Captina Creek from a large holding pond.

The slurry blackened the stream for 10 miles on its way to the Ohio River.

Company says its battery will change future of cars

At the labs of A123 Systems, technicians assemble an electric heart for the Chevrolet Volt, a battery pack that will be shipped to General Motors Corp. for testing as the company races to build an electric vehicle by 2010.

Corn-Based Ethanol Could Worsen 'Dead Zone' - Study

Growing more corn to meet the projected US demand for ethanol could worsen an expanding "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico that is bad for crawfish, shrimp and local fisheries, researchers reported on Monday.

Could Arctic Ice Melt Spawn New Kind Of Cold War?

With oil above $100 a barrel and Arctic ice melting faster than ever, some of the world's most powerful countries -- including the United States and Russia -- are looking north to a possible energy bonanza.

Despite Exxon battle, Citgo CEO touts Venezuela heavy oil sector

Venezuela's Orinoco heavy oil belt continues to draw the interest of foreign investors, even in the wake of altered ownership of joint venture development projects..

Diesel Fumes Can Affect Your Brain, Scientists Say

Inhaling diesel exhaust triggers a stress response in the brain that may have damaging long-term effects on brain function, Dutch researchers said on Tuesday.

European companies hazy on how to go green

Two-thirds of European companies already have or are developing plans to tackle energy and carbon footprint is the encouraging news from a European green survey by BEA.

GE And Algerian Government Inaugurate Africa’s Largest Seawater Desalination Plant

Completed on time and on budget in 24 months, the Hamma SWDP uses GE’s advanced ecomagination-certified reverse osmosis membranes to purify up to 200,000 cubic meters (53 million gallons) of seawater per day -- providing as many as two million residents of Algiers with a reliable and drought-proof supply of fresh water.

GHG emissions declined from 2005 to 2006, report states

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions declined by 1.5 percent between 2005 and 2006, according to a draft report released March 7 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Greener Cars In Spotlight As Carmakers Change Gear

When Lamborghini and Hummer try getting in on the action, you know greener cars have come of age.

High coal price may cost you-- Soaring costs paid by utilities to generate power could mean higher monthly electric bills

An upward trend in coal prices could mean higher electricity bills for consumers.

Kansas House passes bill modifying state agency authority

The Kansas House of Representatives late Wednesday approved a compromise
energy bill that says Kansas' Secretary of Health and Environment does not
have authority to deny a power plant air permit based on greenhouse-gas
emissions.

Lawmakers push for clean energy department

A group of lawmakers, including state Rep. Terry Backer, D-Stratford, yesterday called for the creation of a new Department of Clean Energy to help the state reduce its dependence on oil.

Local lawmakers split on coal-plant bill

A legislative battle over a coal-burning power project 300 miles away has split the Douglas County delegation and is sure to spill over into this year's elections.

Mexico Farmers Quietly Plant Banned GM Corn

In the dry state of Chihuahua, south of the Texas border, 68-year-old Amado Trevizo became an accidental outlaw last year when his son planted 10 sacks of seeds of GM corn, banned in Mexico.

Nigerian troops seize oil rebels' weapons cache

The violence has reduced Nigeria's oil output by 1 million b/d, contributing to the rise in global prices.

No alternative to CCS to fight climate change-- UK energy minister

UK energy minister Malcom Wicks on Tuesday said there was no alternative to carbon capture and storage due to the amounts of fossil fuel that will be burned in the world in the mid-term future.

Ontario Takes Next Step To Ensure Clean, Affordable And Reliable Energy Supply For Generations To Come

Ontario is moving forward in its plan to bring on replacement nuclear generation by way of a competitive procurement process.

Ontario’s Roadmap

Energy policy isn't just consuming U.S. lawmakers. It's also dominating the Canadian agenda as well and particularly the province of Ontario.

Pacificorp will defend coal-fired plant's air pollution permit

Backers of a proposed coal-fired power plant in central Utah won the right last week to defend their air-pollution permit.

Peabody signs on for wind power

Through an energy-credit system, the wind turbines are expected to supply 1.8 percent of Peabody's annual energy usage while reducing carbon dioxide emissions attributed to the city's energy consumption by 2.5 percent.

PepsiCo Announces Initiatives With Earth Institute And H2O Africa To Drive Sustainable Water Practices

PepsiCo has announced a major new grant made by the PepsiCo Foundation to the Earth Institute at Columbia University, one of the world's premier institutions dedicated to global sustainable development. In addition, the company announced a partnership with H2O Africa, a foundation focused on clean water initiatives in Africa. Both initiatives are targeted to drive sustainable water practices..

Pouring Fuel on Green Energy

State policies are the force behind the surge in green energy use. But if those efforts are to be optimized they must be complemented with the appropriate federal research, tax and regulatory policies.

Quote of the Day 030708

"Driving our outlook for prices of crude oil are fundamental factors involving the economics of supply and demand and geopolitical positions as well...Crude at $85/b is needed for the industry to get a capital return of 12%."
US investment bank Morgan Stanley has set its 2008 outlook for WTI crude at $80/barrel, up from its previous forecast of $65/b

Renewable Energy Starts at Home

Imagine a house that gets all of its energy for heating, cooling, and cooking from batteries that never require changing – batteries as reliable as the sun. That’s the way Mike Strizki describes the system he uses at his home in Hopewell, N.J.

Renewable Resources Are Rising Stars

At the three-day Washington International Conference on Renewable Energy (WIREC), participants from public, corporate and private sectors repeatedly stressed the importance of quickly harnessing the earth's sustainable natural resources for energy.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 030908

Scientist says clean energy is 'achievable'

Imagine a world where people can count on getting the energy they need to live well without trashing the environment and throwing the global climate out of balance.

Southern California Edison Starts Construction on the Nation's Largest Wind Transmission Project

In the most recent demonstration of its national leadership role in renewable and alternative energy, Southern California Edison (SCE) has begun construction of the largest wind transmission project in the United States.

Southern Utah developer builds zero-energy houses

A Southern Utah developer is building zero-energy houses -- homes he believes will offset utility bills and give cash back to owners over the years.

The biofuel hoax is causing a world food crisis!

On December 19th, 2007, President George W. Bush signed into law the "Energy Independence and Security Act", which mandates that 36 billion gallons of biofuels be produced in America every year by 2022, a nearly fivefold increase over current production levels.

The great battery race

Dramatic developments in stored-power technology make electric cars more viable than ever.

Treasury Economic Update

"Today's job market report reflects the impacts of the housing correction, credit market strains, and high energy prices. We have known for some time that these factors have been weighing on the economy, and this is why the President took action with the stimulus package. We expect the stimulus to start taking effect in the second quarter;..

Tribe remembers nation's largest massacre

On Jan. 29, 1863, almost 500 Northwestern Shoshone men, women and children perished in the Bear River Massacre. Federal troops trapped and decimated the tribe at the site of its annual ''Warm Dance'' in present-day Franklin County, Idaho.

UK climate levy has had little effect since early stages-- EAC

The UK's climate change levy policy--a tax on energy--produced significant savings of carbon, according to a report from parliament's Environmental Audit Committee Monday. But the savings were "strongly front-end loaded and have eased off since soon after its introduction," the report said.

US Researchers Hope to Tap Ocean Flows for Electricity

Researchers in the United States are set to begin testing underwater turbine systems that can produce electricity from ocean water flows. The projects in Florida are the latest efforts to find alternative forms of energy to reduce the nation's dependence on oil and other fossil fuels.

Vatican lists 'new sins,' including pollution

Thou shall not pollute the Earth. Thou shall beware genetic manipulation.

Modern times bring with them modern sins. So the Vatican has told the faithful that they should be aware of "new" sins such as causing environmental blight.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 031108

 •Front-month ICE Brent futures traded above $105/barrel and NYMEX WTI moved above $109/b for the first time in European morning trading as the US dollar continued to decline against other currencies, sources said.

•"The dollar is getting hammered," one London-based broker said. "It's all about the dollar this morning." The US Dollar Index slumped in early morning trading moving to around 72.5 points as the Euro moved to a new high against the US greenback of 1.5499.

White House 'quite concerned' by high energy prices-- Lazear

The Bush administration is "quite concerned" about rising energy prices and acknowledges high prices have negatively affected consumers, the chairman of the president's Council of Economic Advisors said Friday.

Wind energy firm touts offshore alternatives

 In what one Cape Wind official called an "eyebrow-raising" development, plans for a deep-water wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts will be unveiled only hours before the start of a public hearing Monday on Cape Wind's proposal to build 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound.

World oil supply rises to 87.5 million bd in February-- IEA

The International Energy Agency Tuesday trimmed its estimates of world oil demand and non-OPEC oil supply for 2008 by around 100,000 b/d each.

WorldWater & Solar Technologies Receives Order To Provide 10 Solar Pumping, Purifying Units For Darfur, Africa

Thousands are dying each month in Darfur, mainly women and children, and the WorldWater Mobile Max systems will supply fresh water for approximately 60,000 persons per day. Deliveries are scheduled for late September/October with installation in October/November.

March 7, 2008

A real apology means you won't do it again-- Coulter

Congress is considering an apology to American Indians for the wrongs done by this country - forced relocation, takings of lands, violating treaties, destroying sacred sites, and outlawing Native religions and languages, to name a few. But a real apology means you won't do it again - and there is the problem.

Assessing the past and future of self-determination

The self-determination policy is a period of major social movement among tribal leaders, communities and activists. It is a period characterized by an increase of Native self-identity, community mobilization, cultural revival, uneven economic development and greater national attention to tribal sovereignty.

Ban the Plastic Bag Campaign Takes UK by Storm

The Daily Mail, one of the top national newspapers in the UK, launched a “banish the plastic bag”� campaign on its front page last week. It included 10 pages building the case against plastic bags with articles and photos of the damage done to wildlife.

C02 storage needs new rules, legal structure-- environmentalist

A managing director of a top environmental group called Tuesday for a new "regulatory and legal structure" that would guide the development of
underground CO2 storage in the US.

California Cities Explore Garbage-to-Energy Proposals

Climbing energy prices, shrinking landfills and looming global-warming mandates are spurring several California cities to solicit garbage-to-energy proposals such as one under negotiation for Sacramento.

'Clean' Power Plants Get State OK

The city should soon be home to a "clean energy" fuel cell power plant as the project this week gained final approval from state utility regulators.

Clean-coal tax credits going to federal court-- Environmentalists' suit contests $1 billion in credits for power plants

Two N.C. environmental groups have sued federal officials over $1 billion in "clean coal" tax credits for nine power plants, including two of Duke Energy's.

Climate change won't wait for Oregon, task force says

Oregon must immediately plan for a rapidly changing climate and develop an economy that produces far less greenhouse gases if the state is to withstand wrenching changes in its economy and landscape, a special task force reported to the governor.

Climate Study Deepens Rift

In a simmering feud among major players in the power industry, eight utility executives, including Lew Hay of FPL Group, have politely but firmly told their own national trade association to fix exaggerations in a study intended to warn Congress about the cost of fighting global warming.

Climate-focused start-up gets funding

Climos, a San Francisco company, says it can mitigate climate change by putting small amounts of iron in the ocean to spur the growth of carbon-dioxide-absorbing plankton, an idea that has left some environmentalists wary.

Cold Fusion Matures

The company JET Thermal Products, under the direction of Mitchell Swartz, ScD, MD is in the process of developing cold fusion technology to the point that it could be commercialized. They have been instrumental in bringing the technology through many generations of advancement.

Congress analyzes cap-and-trade system for carbon dioxide

A program to control carbon dioxide emissions through a cap with an emissions-allowance trading program that includes a "safety valve" would be "significantly more efficient" than an inflexible annual cap on CO2, the Congressional Budget Office said in a new study in February.

Dollar, geopolitics, speculation behind oil price spike--Exxon CEO

A weak dollar, geopolitical concerns and market speculation are driving the disconnect between oil supply/demand fundamentals and record high prices, ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson said Wednesday.

Electronic structure of DNA revealed, claim scientists

Scientists from Israel, Italy and Germany have claimed to have revealed the electronic structures of DNA molecules, by utilizing a technique that combines low-temperature measurements and theoretical calculations.

EPA chief takes another beating over waiver decision

That´s the recent routine for EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson as Democrats on Capitol Hill continue to excoriate him for denying California a Clean Air Act waiver to curb heat-trapping emissions from motor vehicles.

EPA Unsure When It Will Obey Directive

Nearly a year after being told to do so, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday he couldn't say when he would comply with a Supreme Court directive and determine whether greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles should be regulated.

EU Warned of Climate-Induced Polar Security Threat

European Union leaders will receive a stark warning next week of potential conflict with Russia over energy resources at the North Pole as global warning melts the ice cap and aggravates international security threats.

Existing vehicles could handle more ethanol

Existing vehicles could safely run on gasoline containing 20 percent renewable ethanol instead of the typical 10 percent, according to a study released March 5 by the state of Minnesota.

Expansion of APS' Yucca Power Plant on schedule

Workers last week installed the engine that will power one of two 48-megawatt generators being placed into service at APS' Yucca Power Plant on the northwest side of Yuma.

Exxon says to spend more than $125 bil in capex over next 5 years

ExxonMobil said Wednesday it intends to spend more than $125 billion in
capital expenditures from 2008 through 2012.

FPL Group Sues Government For Wind Site Cleanup Costs

The suit seeks a judgment declaring that the government is liable for cleanup costs associated with FPL's site because it was contaminated while owned by the government and through government actions.

Fuel Cells Make Power for Homes in Japan

Masanori Naruse jogs every day, collects miniature cars and feeds birds in his backyard, but he's proudest of the way his home and 2,200 others in Japan get electricity and heat water - with power generated by a hydrogen fuel cell.

GE Lands Another $1 Billion Wind Contract

General Electric Co said Thursday that it had obtained a $1 billion contract to supply electricity-generating wind turbines to Invenergy Wind LLC, its second billion-dollar contract with that company this year.

General Motors Created The EV1--General Motors Destroyed The EV1

Apparently GM had a significant motive for scrapping the EV1. They intend to prolong the use of gasoline system engines in cooperation and collaboration with the International Oil Companies.

Glass recycling plant could save cities big bucks

A new glass recycling plant could save five Toronto-area municipalities $10 million over the next seven years.

Global Solar opens new PV module plant

Thin-film photovoltaic manufacturer Global Solar Energy said Wednesday (March 5) it is opening a new solar-cell manufacturing plant.

Greed In the Name Of Green

Let us buy Anna Sova Luxury Organics Turkish towels, 900 grams per square meter, $58 apiece. Let us buy the eco-friendly 600-thread-count bed sheets, milled in Switzerland with U.S. cotton, $570 for queen-size.

Inbox 030608

No Free Rides: President Bush -- remember him? -- had some interesting things to say about climate change and related matters at an International Renewable Energy Conference in Washington yesterday.

Investors file record number of eco-resolutions

Investors have filed a record 54 global warming shareholder resolutions with U.S. companies during the 2008 proxy season, according to Ceres, a group that advocates socially responsible investing. That´s nearly double the number filed two years ago.

Kansas House approves coal compromise

The Kansas House today again endorsed legislation designed to allow a expansion of a coal-burning power plant, inching closer to a veto showdown with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

La Niña is expected to continue through the Northern Hemisphere spring 2008

Atmospheric and oceanic conditions during February 2008 continued to reflect a strong La Niña. Equatorial SSTs were more than 2.0°C below average across large portions of the central and east-central equatorial Pacific...

Latin America may become major biofuel source-- study

Latin America could produce up to six times the current output of ethanol by 2017, according to a study from the US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory announced Tuesday.

N.C. groups sue over mountaintop coal mining

Two North Carolina groups opposed to mountaintop coal mining have filed a lawsuit to block federal subsidies for developing a new generation of cleaner coal-burning power plants.

New Mexico Act Requires Utilities to Save Energy

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed a bill last week that requires the state's electric and natural gas utilities to provide their customers with cost-effective energy efficiency resources.

Norfolk Southern Q2 2008 coal busts through $100/st in OTC market

The US over-the-counter coal market breached the $100/short ton mark at about 3:30 pm EST Thursday...

Not All Bioenergies are Created Equal

Bioenergy is emerging as one of the most reliable, diverse and cost-effective forms of renewable energy. The seemingly ubiquitous industry encompasses a whole range of technologies and feedstocks, from advanced pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion to wood pellets and firewood.

NRDC-- 32 Coal-Fired Power Plants In 13 States Now Up In The Air After Major Court Ruling On Mercury

The prospects for 32 coal-fired power plants in 13 states have been shaken up in the wake of a February 8, 2008 federal appeals court ruling that requires each new coal-fired power plant in the U.S. to adopt stringent toxic air pollution control measures meeting the most rigorous standards under the Clean Air Act, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRD).

Nuclear plants running into snags in application process-- 2 companies slow their application process so they can address issues

Nearly every U.S. power company applying to operate new nuclear power reactors faces delays or snags in the application process.

Nuclear Reactor Involved In Outage Returned To Full Power

A nuclear reactor owned by FPL Group (NYSE: FPL) that was shut down as part of a chain reaction that led to a massive Florida power outage has been returned to full power.

Oceans to fall over millions of years

Sea levels are set to fall over millions of years, making the current rise blamed on climate change a brief interruption of an ancient geological trend, scientists said on Thursday.

Palo Verde-3 stays under increased NRC scrutiny

Palo Verde-3 remained in column 4 of NRC's action matrix, requiring the
highest level of agency oversight short of a plant shutdown, at the end of
2007. The other two Palo Verde units stayed in Column 3, which indicates
degraded performance in one of seven safety cornerstones

News_Mar08/PG&E and BioEnergy Solutions Turn the Valve on California's First 'Cow Power' Project

Pacific Gas and Electric Company and BioEnergy Solutions today announced that their biogas-to-pipeline injection project in Fresno County has begun production of renewable natural gas derived from animal waste. It is the first project in California that will deliver pipeline-quality, renewable natural gas to a utility.

Polysilicon shortage stirs activity in Russia

Seven new polysilicon and feedstock plants to address the worldwide polysilicon shortage are planned for construction in Russia, reports the SEMI organization.

PSC OK's customers selling excess power

State regulators Tuesday morning approved a rule that will allow customers to sell excess power back to utilities.

Quote of the Day 030808

"Driving our outlook for prices of crude oil are fundamental factors involving the economics of supply and demand and geopolitical positions as well...Crude at $85/b is needed for the industry to get a capital return of 12%."
US investment bank Morgan Stanley has set its 2008 outlook for WTI crude at $80/barrel, up from its previous forecast of $65/b

Rehabilitating Aging Water Distribution Infrastructure Focus At AWWA Seminar

Water managers, planners and operators will explore how to keep aging water distribution infrastructure reliable and efficient at the "Distribution System Assessment and Rehabilitation" seminar hosted by The American Water Works Association (AWWA) April 3-4 in Chicago.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 030608

Geophysical Activity Forecast: The geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to minor storm levels over the next three days.

Research Shows Fear is Driving Recessionary Trend

Increasing pessimism about the U.S. economy is causing many CEOs to preemptively lower growth goals expectations and plan conservatively for 2008 – but is this a smart strategy? With phrases such as “darkening outlook”, “market freeze”, and “economic meltdown” dominating the financial headlines, companies are electing to implement a cautious approach.

Russia Urges Iran To Comply On Nuclear Programme

Russia urged Iran on Tuesday to comply with demands by the United Nations Security Council to curb its nuclear programme, but Tehran was defiant.

Scientists Find Hibernating Fish In Antarctic

Scientists have found an Antarctic fish that hibernates to conserve energy during the long southern winters.

Senate panel clears climate change bill

The Senate Resources and Conservation Committee voted 6 to 3 on Monday in favor of a resolution that would ask two state agencies to submit a report on climate change to the Legislature, with support from GOP senators split over the controversial subject matter.

Solar House is Wave of the Future

I am sitting in the future as I write this story, one of many possible American futures in the 21st century like some sci-fi story about parallel universes. It's a place that is difficult for me to believe and, like any good sci-fi story, when I tell others about it they express disbelief.

Solar power makes Habitat homes even more affordable

A couple of new homes in Oklahoma City built by Habitat for Humanity are even more affordable thanks to the inclusion of solar energy.

Solution To Chemical Mystery Could Yield More Efficient Hydrogen Cars

Environmentally friendly vehicles that use hydrogen gas can dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions and lessen the country's dependence on fossil fuels. While several hydrogen-fueled vehicles are currently on the market, there is still much room for improvement in the way they store and utilize hydrogen gas.

Spot gold opens sharply lower in Asia on weaker oil price

The spot price of gold in Hong Kong Wednesday slipped below $970/oz to open significantly lower at $965.50-966/oz, compared with Tuesday's close of $981.50-982/oz.

State Senate OKs climate change bill

The Washington Senate passed a climate change bill Wednesday that supporters called "historic."

Study links radiation to heart trouble

A research team studied nearly 65,000 workers at four British power stations and found nuclear plant workers were more likely to die of a heart attack than of cancer caused by occupational radiation, The Daily Telegraph reported Tuesday.

Technology Advancements Allow Batteries To Store More Wind Energy

The gigantic wind turbines in Donegal on the west coast of Ireland are not only standing on the geographical limits of Europe -- they are also on the cutting edge of a revolutionary technology for storing large amounts of energy from wind power.

Testing the Limits of Solar Power

Swiss company Sputnik Engineering has committed to ramping up production of its SolarMax inverters to 400 megawatts (MW) of capacity by the end of 2008.

The Market is Still Well Supplied With Oil

The OPEC President, HE Dr Chakib Khelil, Minister of Energy and Mines of Algeria said yesterday that he, as Algeria, believed that OPEC would like to reduce output as Iran and Venezuela had suggested...

The Use of Fuel Cells in the Home

The electric generating power of the Household Fuel Cell Cogeneration System product described here is 1kW. In terms of output, it is a small generator, but let us look at what effect it has when used in the home.

US House Bill Lets California Restrict Car Emissions

A bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives on Thursday that would overturn the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to prevent California from limiting the amount of greenhouse gas emissions spewed by cars.

US lawmakers won't force energy tax vote in budget bills

Democrats in the US Congress have decided against using budget rules to push through the Senate an energy tax package that would offset the cost of extending renewable energy production tax credits by eliminating or scaling back oil and natural gas industry tax credits.

US Mortgage Rates Driven Downward by Weak Economic Reports

Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) yesterday released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.03 percent with an average 0.5 point for the week ending March 6, down from last week when it averaged 6.24 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.14 percent.

US Won't Meet Ethanol Goal Due Cellulosic Shortfall

The United States will not meet Congress' mandate to produce more ethanol from waste products over the next 15 years, resulting in an overall shortfall in ethanol production requirements contained in a new energy law, a government forecaster said Tuesday.

Wave power is making waves, politically

The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved 47 permits for companies to turn water currents into electricity, it was reported Tuesday.

But, the permit process has caught some officials, environmentalists and community members unaware.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 030608

•Following WTI's first fresh record on Thursday at 10:11 GMT, triggered by reports on several news wires about a small explosion in central New York City early this morning local time, prices quickly retreated again to the downside--only to pop up again to even higher level

• "The fundamentals are still miles away from providing a clear justification for the current price level,..

What's Moving the Oil Markets 030708

•Front-month April ICE Brent futures hit $103/barrel at 11:17 GMT Friday, setting a new record-high trade as market players viewed further weakness in the US dollar...

•Traders will be looking ahead to Friday's US employment report as another guide to price direction.

March 4, 2008

Air Force considering building nuclear plant

The US Air Force is considering building a power reactor at one or more of its bases, said Kevin Billings, assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy, environment, safety and occupational health.

Alaska To Sue BP Over 2006 Prudhoe Spill - Report

The state of Alaska is planning to sue BP Plc for "several hundred million dollars" to recover oil revenue lost when the major partially shut down the giant Prudhoe Bay oil field because of pipeline leaks in 2006, The Anchorage Daily News reported on Friday.

Antarctic Boulders May Point To Sea Level Rise

Boulders as big as soccer balls show that a thinning of West Antarctic glaciers has become 20 times faster in recent decades and may hold clues to future sea level rise, scientists said on Friday.

Australia's Wet Summer Does Little For Drought

A wet Australian summer, with floods in the tropical north and drenching rains down the east coast, has done little to ease drought conditions in Australia's food bowl along the Murray River, officials said on Monday.

Billions for 'Green' Power, but is the Spending Misguided?

Long considered marginal and even quixotic, energy from sources like the wind, sun and plants is turning into one of the world's most highly valued industries. And while power generated by "green" sources remains tiny compared with fossil fuels, the sector has begun to attract the attention of big-league investors seeking to profit from a new wave of growth in alternative energy.

Change sought in pollution bill-- O'Malley pares requirement to cut gases

The O'Malley administration is proposing to pare back a bill aimed at reducing global-warming pollution after Maryland industries warned that the legislation could put them out of business.

Chile facing energy crisis

Chile faces the prospect of electrical power rationing in the South American nation for the first time in a decade, it was reported Friday.

China's Killer 'Yellow Dust' Hits Korea, Japan

South Korea closed schools on Monday and its factories producing memory chips stepped up safeguards, as a choking pall of sand mixed with toxic dust from China covered most of the country and other parts of Asia.

Clean-energy bills aim to create jobs

State lawmakers Thursday unveiled a package of bills designed to spur investment in clean-energy research and help California compete with other states and nations for green jobs.

Climate Change Accelerates

The year 2007 tied with 1998 as the second warmest year on record, with an average global temperature of 14.57 degrees Celsius, according to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Climate Skeptics Roast Gore On Global Warming

Al Gore, who won the Nobel Peace Prize and an Oscar for his environmental advocacy, was the main target on Monday at a conference of dissident scientists skeptical of his views on global warming.

Crude futures retreat from record highs as US dollar stabilizes

Global crude futures moved lower during European morning trading Tuesday, retreating from Monday's fresh records as the US dollar recovered from its all-time low.

DOE Nuke Waste Priorities Criticized

Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman was scolded Thursday by a House Republican who said the Department of Energy is "ignoring political realities" by pressing ahead at Yucca Mountain in the face of forceful opposition from Nevada.

Energy execs believe sustainability is critical, but companies not embracing concept

Many energy executives say sustainability is critical to the success of their operations, but far fewer believe that their companies have embraced the concept, a new survey shows.

Financing Green Projects

Without public financing, key infrastructure would not get built. Now, green energy pioneers want to use this same municipal bonding capacity to pay for clean energy projects

FP&L says Tuesday's outage caused by 'human error'

Florida Power & Light on Friday said the preliminary findings of its investigation into the cause of Tuesday's outage "indicate that human error was the primary factor immediately responsible for the event,"..

Green energy costs concern businesses

The debate over going green has leaped miles beyond whether to pursue such options to the bedeviling question of how.

GreenShift's CO2 Bioreactor

GreenShift's patented CO2 Bioreactor reduces greenhouse gas emissions while creating an additional feedstock for renewable fuel production.

Patented process uses algae to consume greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fueled combustion processes such as power plants.

Helping developers map out renewable energy source

Remember the thrill of checking out your house from outer space with Google Earth? Now a Seattle company wants you to know whether there's enough wind to power it with renewable energy.

House OKs Bill to Extend Tax Credits for Renewables

The House kept alive prospects for further growth among renewable energy industries in Nevada and elsewhere by passing a bill Wednesday that extends valuable tax credits set to expire at the end of the year.

Learning to cook without electricity

It's even better to know how to make dinner without endangering the family or the home.

Major Water Utilities Join In Climate Alliance

Eight of the nation's largest water utilities announced the formation of a coalition to improve research into the impacts of climate change on water utilities and as their first act provided comment on the federal climate change research plan summary.

MIT Fights for Clean Power With Holy Grail of Fusion in Reach

In the first part of a week-long series at the breakthrough university, our resident geek looks down the belly of extreme machines with forces some 100,000 times stronger than the Earth's—and forecasts the future of efficient energy.

Nanoparticles could make hydrogen cheaper than gasoline

The hydrogen economy is getting a shot in the arm from a start-up that says its nanoparticle coatings could make hydrogen easy to produce at home from distilled water, and ultimately bring the cost of hydrogen fuel cells in line with that of fossil fuels.

Nuclear, coal must be part of energy mix-- Mississippi governor

Nuclear power and coal must be part of the future energy mix, along with other energy sources, but coal has to be burned more cleanly, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour said Monday.

Omaha firm takes risks to pursue cutting-edge 'clean coal' plant

An Omaha company's plan for the nation's first large-scale "clean coal" power plant faces technical, financial and environmental hurdles, including challenges from groups that want to restrict the burning of coal whenever possible.

PGE seeks 8.9 percent rate increase

The benchmark price of oil isn't the only thing levitating above $100.

Power Blowin' in the Wind

The deserts of the Middle East may be the cradle of petroleum-based energy, but the Mojave Desert is a hotbed for renewable carbon-free power.

Progress Sees Shift to Renewables

Half of Progress Energy's customers in North Carolina say the company isn't doing enough to develop renewable energy, and a whopping 79 percent say that global warming requires immediate and drastic action.

Project generates ill wind

The same areas along the North Carolina coast recognized for the winds that can generate power are also prone to hurricane-force winds that generate a force of their own.

Record oil prices, lower demand forecasts, pose dilemma for OPEC

OPEC oil ministers meeting in Vienna this week have, in theory, three options on output: Raise production, cut production, or do nothing at all.

Seeds of Destruction

If you already know about the dangers of eating (and growing) GM foods, please pass these data on to others.

Solar Interest Shines; Incentives a Bit Dull

On a bright, cloudless winter afternoon, Beezer Molten dons sunglasses as he looks at the year-old solar panels on his warehouse in North Charleston.

Solar-energy customers hope to receive credit on power bill-- Next week's vote will determine whether they can sell surplus energy to utility companies

Florida's solar-energy advocates are eagerly awaiting a state Public Service Commission vote next week on rules that would require electric utilities to buy power at market rates from customers who install solar-generating systems.

Tough Times For US Ethanol To Force Shake-Out

US ethanol producers likely face an industry shake-out as record corn prices driven by the alternative fuel boom are set to last into the foreseeable future, squeezing profits for small distillers.

US Formally Blocks California Emissions Waiver

The Bush administration Friday formally rejected California's bid for a waiver from US law to set its own tailpipe emissions standard to reduce global warming.

US Southeast states fail to meet water use agreement deadline

Negotiations in the US Southeast have failed to produce an agreement by a Department of the Interior deadline on how to manage water use during a drought that threatens hydroelectric power along with other uses.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 030408

•Crude futures moved lower on Tuesday, retreating from Monday's fresh records as the US dollar recovered from its all-time low. However, sentiment remained bullish on technical factors as well as ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine surrounding the latest gas dispute.

•Moreover, expectations that OPEC is likely to leave its output unchanged at its Vienna meeting, could also lend some support to prices.

Whistle-blowers will be contacted

Nuclear industry workers who inform the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission of a specific problem at a plant should expect to be approached by the agency regardless if the person has requested not to be contacted.

Why Energy Companies Are Not Investing in the Future

The underinvestment in clean energy and clean technology is mind boggling, considering the market opportunity. Capital outlays on research and development seem not to be focused on the approaching carbon constrained world and the myriad opportunities presented.

Yemen Sleepwalks Into Water Nightmare

...a collapse of national water resources so severe it cannot be reversed, only delayed at best.

"This is almost inevitable because of the geography and climate of Yemen, coupled with uncontrolled population growth and very low capacity for managing resources...