News 2008:

Footnote:  We always attempt to get the news to you AND obey copyright laws.  We apologize if, in our haste to get the news out, we miss a notice that it was copyright protected. We are a non-profit foundation therefore  we do not reprint for profit.  Our sole motivation is to keep our public informed.  If you have an article reprinted here and desire us to eliminate it, just let us know and we will immediately delete it, without question, with apologies.  arizonaenergy on copyright law   FAIR USE NOTICE

*******************************************************

 

##

World CO2 since 1750 (cubic feet)

*******************************************************

September 30, 2008

AEP Wants to Ask Customers to Chip in; The Plan Would Ask People to Volunteer to Pay for Green Energy

Colorado customers may soon be able to write a larger check for the monthly bill to support the generation of electricity with wind, water and other renewable sources.

AEP wants you to pick up storm's tab

With the government's storm-response tab topping $34 million and hundreds of thousands of people struggling to clear trees and replace spoiled food after the Sept. 14 wind storm, American Electric Power is thinking about billing its customers for the cost of restoring their power.

Bank rescues spread as Bush pushes bailout

Bank rescues spread in Europe on Tuesday and President George W. Bush gave assurances that a $700 billion bailout plan for the financial sector was not dead, giving markets around the world a boost.

Bodman plans last appeal for nuclear power at IAEA meeting

US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman will attend the International Atomic Energy Agency's general conference next week, advocating again for expansion of civilian nuclear energy and increased protection of nuclear materials worldwide.

Britain Leads Way in Race to Harness Wave Power

Three sites are under investigation - two off Scotland and one off the coast of Northern Ireland - for up to 60 underwater turbines, generating 60 mega watts of power for 40,000 homes.

ScottishPower, the energy firm behind the plans, said the technology could make Scotland the global leader in the field.

Buffett Makes Bid for Constellation

The turmoil in the financial sector is now rattling the utility world. Constellation Energy was about to become the first such casualty, but Warren Buffett's MidAmerican Energy Holdings came to the rescue, finding a fundamentally good company at a garage sale price.

Carbon Capture and Storage; a Very Expensive Silver Bullet?

Scottish Power recently unveiled plans to liquefy CO2 emissions from its coal fired plant at Longannet, and transport the waste gas to burial rocks beneath the North Sea, which it claims have the potential to store all of Europe's CO2 emissions for the next six hundred years. Although doubts over carbon capture and storage technology remain, these concerns are looking increasingly tenuous.

Chairman Gordon Calls For A National Water Initiative To Help Ensure Water Supply

Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) recently introduced H.R. 6997 a bill to create a national Water Initiative. The Initiative will coordinate and support federal water research, education, and technology transfer activities to address changes in water use, supply, and demand in the U.S.

Colorado Could Become Solar Leader

Solar power accounts for a fraction of the megawatts wind generates, but as technology improves and costs fall, solar panels could catch up in a big way.

Conservatives stand firm on opposition to bailout

The failure of a massive Wall Street bailout bill and a steep fall in the stock market was a price worth paying to stand up for principle, some conservatives said on talk radio shows on Tuesday.

Dutch Venture Plans Cheap, Powerful Electric Cars

A Dutch-based company announced plans to produce affordable electric cars by the end of 2009, promising they would be much more powerful than existing models and have zero emissions.

Energy Risk - Informing Congress

Energy is arguably the hottest topic in Congress nowadays.

In July, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was pushing his bill to stop excessive energy speculation through the upper house as lawmakers reacted to the sharp rise in oil and gas prices. In January, the new Congress under a new administration is expected to tackle carbon emissions through a cap-and-trade program or a carbon tax.

Europe Warms Fast; Med Drier, North Ever Wetter

Europe is warming faster than the world average and governments need to invest to adapt to a changing climate set to turn the Mediterranean region arid and the north ever wetter, a study showed on Monday.

Flagstaff unlikely to meet 2012 emissions goal

Flagstaff as a community is unlikely to meet goals to cut global-warming gases below 1990 levels in the next few years, even with aggressive proposals like a carbon tax.

Global energy slowdown nigh in tight-credit environment; analyst

Energy companies unable to make back costs at $60/barrel oil or $6/Mcf natural gas will fail in an emerging environment of tight credit and slower global growth

Gorbachev to form new Russian party

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev will join forces with Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev to launch a new political party independent of the Kremlin, the billionaire businessman said on Tuesday.

Herd mentality rules in financial crisis

Herd mentality rules during a financial crisis because people are wired to follow the crowd when times are uncertain, experts say.

House approves renewable energy tax incentives

The Democratic-led House today approved a $60 billion tax package designed largely to spur investment in renewable energy, and funded in part by assessing higher taxes on oil and gas companies.

House Restores Yucca Mountain Funding in Bill

Faced with a White House veto threat, Congress this week is restoring a part of Yucca Mountain funding that had been cut from a major defense bill.

IMF Says Credit Crisis Marks Tectonic Shift in Financial Markets

The upheaval from the U.S. financial crisis is like a tectonic shift on a scale not seen in financial systems around the world, IMF First Deputy Managing Director John Lipsky said.

Impacts of Climate Change in Europe

Europe is warming faster than the world average and governments need to invest to help citizens adapt to a global warming, according to a study on Monday.

Investors return to gold 'in a major way'; LBMA Chairman

The Chairman of the London Bullion Market Association, Jeremy Charles, said that due to chaotic market conditions over the past two weeks, investors are returning to gold, "in a major way."

Meltdown unlikely, says Stanford economist

A general economic slowdown is the most likely result of the current woes on Wall Street, according to a leading economist.

Microsoft urges House to rethink bailout vote

Microsoft Corp., the world's largest software maker, urged the House of Representatives to reconsider its vote against the $700 billion financial bailout plan Monday.

More to Outages Than Wind ; AEP's Lower Maintenance Goals, Outdated System Made Bad Situation Worse, Critics Say

American Electric Power's policies for maintaining equipment and a lax regulatory system might have combined to make unprecedented winds in Ohio a perfect storm for about 700,000 customers left in the dark for days.

Japan to Provide Solar Energy Subsidy

Japan plans to provide subsidies to households that buy solar power systems to promote solar power and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Nikkei business daily said Sunday.

NASA delays repair mission to Hubble telescope

Space shuttle Atlantis had been scheduled to blast off in just two weeks, but an unexpected problem with the Hubble appeared on Saturday night when the telescope stopped sending science data.

New Group Seeks to Fortify Nuclear Sites

A new organization is being unveiled Monday in Vienna that seeks to bolster security at thousands of nuclear sites around the globe in an effort to block atomic theft and terrorism. Its aim is to promote the best security practices, eliminate weak links in the global security chain and, ultimately, keep terrorists from getting the bomb

New Solar Generation report; Solar Energy can bring clean energy to over 4 billion people by 2030

With the publication of its up-dated Report "Solar Generation V", EPIA and Greenpeace confirm that solar electricity can contribute largely to the energy needs of two-thirds of the world’s population - including those in remote areas - by 2030.

Northeast Puts on the Carbon Cap

For the first time, a carbon market is opening for business in the United States. The long-awaited Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), takes effect on January 1, 2009. Utilities in ten states—Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont—will be required to purchase carbon emission rights or find themselves unable to operate.

Offshore Wind Power Considered

Visitors to Rehoboth Beach, Del., soon may be greeted by more than sand dunes, seagulls and beach umbrellas. If offshore wind advocates have their way, scores of 140-foot blades will be spinning in the ocean breeze nearly a dozen miles away, barely visible to the sunbathers.

PNM fly-ash release gets local attention

Electric company PNM will have to explain to the state's Environmental Department why a release of fly ash at its San Juan Generating Station happened Thursday.

Pump prices unfazed amid oil hikes, tight inventories

Despite the recent oil trading fury on Wall Street and a report that gasoline supplies are stretched thin in many parts of the country, pump prices resumed their downward trend

Quote of the Day 093008

"The oil market is linked to whatever is happening in the financial market as opposed to oil fundamentals. After the biggest one day drop, Dow Jones futures are up a couple of hundred points and this is bringing a bit of stability to some commodities including oil this morning,"
a London-based broker said regarding the recent market volatility following the US $700 billion bailout rejection.

"We suspect that Congress will eventually come up with a plan that all sides can live with. There is simply too much at stake by failing to pass a massive cash injection."
Ed Meir of MF Global said in a report regarding the failed US bailout proposal.

Regional and Larger Banks Get Boost as US Businesses Seek Stability

Turmoil in global credit markets and the economic slowdown are prompting many U.S. businesses to establish additional relationships with a wide variety of banks as a means of securing access to credit. As they do so, middle market businesses are turning to a host of large national, regional banks and smaller institutions “perceived” as survivors.

Report calls for international arrangement for spent nuclear fuel

Assurances on disposition of spent nuclear fuel could be more important than guarantees of fresh fuel in convincing new nuclear countries to rely on international supply arrangements rather than pursuing their own uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing programs, according to a study released Tuesday by the US and Russian national science academies.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092908

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels with a slight chance for
isolated active conditions at high latitudes for day one (30 September) of the forecast period. On day two (01 October) activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels with a chance for minor storm periods

Rich Nations' Greenhouse Gases Fell in 2006 - Survey

Rich nations' greenhouse gas emissions dipped for the first time in five years in 2006, easing 0.1 percent despite robust economic growth, a Reuters survey of the latest available information showed on Friday.

Scientists Demand Climate Action From Australia PM

Top Australian climate scientists on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd calling for courageous moves to tackle global warming, as a poll showed economic upheaval sapping public support for the climate fight.

Section-by-Section of the Bailout Legislation

“Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.”

Severe fuel shortage grips parts of southeast

A severe fuel shortage has gripped parts of the southeastern United States, causing long lines at filling stations and symbolizing for some people their fears about the wider economy.

Supplying 12% of Europe’s Electricity by 2020

The European Photovoltaic Industry closed the last 23rd European Solar Photovoltaic Conference and Exhibition in Valencia with breaking news: it announced to the whole sector that it was committing to supply 12% of Europe’s electricity demand by 2020.

Tax credit to aid first-time home-buyers, must be repaid over 15 years

First-time home-buyers should begin planning now to take advantage of a new tax credit included in the recently enacted Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

Town of Union Might Approve Construction of Wind Tower Despite Moratorium

Despite local opposition and a moratorium on wind farm development, the town of Union might approve construction of a wind- measurement tower.

U.S. invests in solar photovoltaic project

The U.S. Department of Energy says it intends to invest up to $17.6 million for six early stage solar photovoltaic module incubator projects.

U.S. to study effects of wind energy industry on habitats

The Great Plains region, often described as the Saudi Arabia of wind energy, has caught the eye of so many wind developers that the federal government is launching an extensive environmental analysis of the alternative energy source.

Urgent action needed to see 50% global emissions cut by 2050; IEA

Governments around the world need to take urgent action to develop policies to increase the use of renewable energy if they want to meet their pledged reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the International Energy Agency said Monday.

US ban on most offshore oil, gas drilling set to end Weds

A 26-year-old congressional ban on oil and gas drilling in most US waters outside the Gulf of Mexico is set to end on Wednesday, following Senate passage Saturday of a temporary funding bill for the government.

US House offers stand-alone renewable energy tax credit bill

In another attempt to extend renewable energy tax credits before they expire at the end of this year, a member of the US House of Representatives is offering a new bill that contains only the energy tax breaks and budget offsets from a version recently passed by the US Senate.

US ready to help finance global nuclear power expansion; Bush

The US is prepared to help other countries develop nuclear energy, including by "assisting with the necessary financing," President Bush told the International Atomic Energy Agency's General Conference in Vienna Monday.

US Treasury Announces Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds

The U.S. Treasury Department yesterday opened its Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds. The U.S. Treasury will guarantee the share price of any publicly offered eligible money market mutual fund – both retail and institutional – that applies for and pays a fee to participate in the program.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 093008

•Global crude futures recovered from an early selloff in European trading Tuesday, following Monday's plunge across the oil complex and global stock markets, sources said.

•"The oil market is linked to whatever is happening in the financial market as opposed to oil fundamentals.

Wind Jobs in Colorado Expected to Boom

Colorado's northern and eastern plains are some of the best places in the country to site wind farms, comprising 300-foot-tall wind turbines capable of generating 1.5 megawatts of electricity each when the wind blows.

Erecting the turbines creates hundreds of temporary construction jobs, along with lease payments and taxes that pump millions into the rural economy.

World's CO2 emissions increase

U.S. scientists say annual carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels and manufacturing worldwide have grown 38 percent since 1992.

September 26, 2008

11 senior US Senate Republicans urge House to accept energy bill

Eleven senior US Senate Republicans have asked the House of Representatives to pass a $17 billion, bipartisan package to extend renewable energy tax breaks that overwhelmingly cleared the upper chamber.

40,000 Ohioans Without Power

For all but about 40,000 electricity users in Ohio, one of the largest outages in state history is history.

Acciona Delivers Two Solar Gardens to 1,200 Investors in Navarra, Spain

The installations are connected to the grid and have been producing power since July, said Acciona Solar.

Arizona regulators give initial OK for 280-MW solar power project

The Arizona Corporation Commission late Wednesday gave initial approval of Arizona Public Service's Solana project, a proposed 280-MW solar facility to be built by Arizona Solar One, a subsidiary of Spain's Abengoa.

APS plans to purchase under a 30-year contract the output of the solar facility that would be built near Gila Bend, Arizona.

Australia's Wong Warns of Ongoing Water Shortage

Farmers in Australia's food bowl Murray-Darling river basin need to adapt to ongoing water shortages as climate change prolongs the worst drought in a century, Climate Change Minister Penny Wong said on Tuesday.

Bernanke, Economic Outlook

The following is testimony before the Joint Economic Committee, U.S. Congress.

Can the Silver State Become the Solar State?

Now a land rush is under way to locate and stake out solar collector sites on the public lands of Southern Nevada.

Chrysler to Sell Electric Cars in U.S. as Early as 2010

Chrysler has announced that it is working on an electric powered version of its Voyager MPV, which could be put into commercial production as early as 2010.

Cleantech Investments Counter Environmental Deficits

Today, in this mostly urbanized society, over 1 billion people live without clean drinking water. As grain prices continue to rise, hundreds of millions of others barely have enough money to pay for food. Meanwhile, global oil production may have peaked, atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions are reaching alarming levels and there are billions of emerging middle-class workers in developing nations who are getting turned on to American-style consumerism

Clickjacking; Researchers raise alert for scary new cross-browser exploit

Researchers are beginning to raise an alarm for what looks like a scary new browser exploit/threat affecting all the major desktop platforms — Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Adobe Flash.

Coal-related gaffe stirs up US presidential race

The politics of "clean coal" took center stage in the US presidential race Tuesday, as supporters of Senator John McCain, the Republican candidate, seized on a coal-related comment by Senator Joseph Biden, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee.

Cox on the Turmoil in US Credit Markets

The following is testimony by Christopher Cox, before the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the United States Senate, on recent actions regarding US credit markets, government sponsored entities, investment banks and other financial institutions.

Crude futures off around $3b as downward momentum continues

NYMEX light sweet crude and ICE Brent futures were down over $3/barrel Friday, as the debate in the US over the proposed $700 billion bailout of financial markets dragged on, prolonging the uncertainty, market sources said

Crude oil price spike this week was 'anomaly'; Bodman

US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Wednesday that the $25/barrel price spike in crude oil on Monday was not the work of speculation.

Cutting emissions has costs, economist warns

Cutting greenhouse gases in the United States could cost each Kansas family thousands of dollars and the state of Kansas thousands of jobs.

Energy Efficiency is the Only Way to Reduce Fuel Bills

As news emerges that more people than ever will face increased financial pressures in the wake of rising fuel bills, the call for household energy efficiency measures have never been greater.

Even If Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hold Steady, Warmer World Faces Loss Of Biodiversity, Glaciers

The earth will warm about 2.4° C (4.3° F) above pre-industrial levels even under extremely conservative greenhouse-gas emission scenarios and under the assumption that efforts to clean up particulate pollution continue to be successful, according to a new analysis by a pair of researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.

Eyes on the Wrong Prize, Leadership Lapses That Fueled Wall Street's Fall

AIG, Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac needed government bailouts or takeovers to survive. Lehman Brothers is in bankruptcy. Merrill Lynch has been sold. The shocking succession of corporate meltdowns signals a massive leadership failure across the financial services landscape, according to Wharton faculty.

Financial turmoil no bar to climate deal; UN

Global financial turmoil should not hamper a new world climate deal because high energy prices remain an incentive to improve energy efficiency, the U.N.'s top climate official said on Friday.

Global Carbon Emissions Soar

Global carbon emissions are rising rapidly, an international study says, with production of carbon dioxide in 2007 up sharply from the year before through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and cement making.

GM To Build Engine Plant For Volt In Flint

A new General Motors Corp. engine plant to be built in Flint is good news for the struggling state of Michigan, which has seen massive job losses as the auto industry has contracted under a slumping economy and high gasoline prices.

Gore Urges Civil Disobedience to Stop Coal Plants

Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmental crusader Al Gore urged young people on Wednesday to engage in civil disobedience to stop the construction of coal plants without the ability to store carbon.

House to vote on extending energy tax credits

The House tax package, which may be voted on later on Thursday, is slightly different from legislation passed by the Senate Tuesday, throwing into question whether there is time to reach a final deal.

How Long Will It Take to Apply Enhanced Geothermal Systems?

While reaching the full potential of EGS may take a decade or more to realize, there are many aspects of EGS that are already being applied and that will provide expanded geothermal energy in the years immediately ahead.

Hydrogen Engine Center Announces Commissioning Of Hydrogen Power Generation System At Startech Environmental Corp.

We think it is important to appreciate the fact that the HEC engine-generator is not a fuel cell; it is a robust internal-combustion reciprocal-engine, much like the well-proven one in your vehicle. A pound of hydrogen contains more than twice as much energy as a pound of jet fuel. Hydrogen produced by Startech's Plasma Converters can be used in HEC's engines to produce absolutely pristine carbonless power."

Iberdrola Renovables Brings Three US Wind Farms on Stream

The company currently has 781MW in wind capacity in advanced stages of construction in the US. Iberdrola Renovables's 2008-12 Strategic Plan foresees investing E9.4 billion or 50% of its total investment outlay in the US.

McCain and Obama Supporters Largely Agree on Approaches to Energy, Climate Change

Asked whether the government should require utilities to use more alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar, even if this increases costs in the short-run, seventy-five percent of Obama voters and sixty percent of McCain voters say that it should.

New Process Derives 'Green Gasoline' From Plant Sugars

Alternative energy doesn't always mean solar or wind power. In fact, the alternative fuels developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison chemical and biological engineering professor James Dumesic look a lot like the gasoline and diesel fuel used in vehicles today.

New Report Finds Green Economy Could Create Millions of Jobs

A new study says tackling climate change could create millions of new jobs in both developed and developing countries. At the same time, the report warns there will be job losses in certain sectors as countries adjust to the shift from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

NYISO Readies the Grid for More Wind

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has introduced system and operating changes to better utilize New York State's existing wind resources, and pave the way for continued growth of economical, emission-free, renewable power resources in the Empire State.

Ocean Offers Hope for Green Energy

Five miles off the southern tip of Long Beach Island, an oversize yellow buoy floats alone, purposefully mounting the waves and occasionally phoning home.

Off Oregon's coast, wave power makes a splash

Two years ago, coastal residents had a gold rush on their hands.

Pakistan to Set Up 10 Nuclear Power Plants

Pakistan will install 10 nuclear power plants in toto for which six sites have been selected to make possible "the mission impossible" to increase capacity to generate 8,800 MW of nuclear energy in over 22 years time, a senior government official told The News

Pasadena Man Seeking Backyard Wind Power

A Pasadena man is seeking permission to put two wind turbines on his property near Downs Memorial Park, apparently the first such request to come before the county.

Passaconaway’s descendants struggle to protect sacred site

When oral tradition and spiritual practice come up against the dominant society’s ideas about property rights and land use, who gets to decide what is historical fact, what is legend and what is sacred?

Paulson on Turmoil in US Credit Markets

The following is testimony by Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. before the Senate Banking Committee on turmoil in US credit markets, recent actions regarding Government Sponsored Entities, Investment Banks and other financial institutions.

Peak oil theory advocates doubt shale gas can replace oil

If the world oil production is to decline within the next decade, as advocates of the peak oil theory espouse, don't count on the natural gas reserves at US shale plays to fill the supply gap, participants at a peak oil conference said Tuesday.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles Excel on MPG and Emissions Reductions, SDG&E Study Confirms

A year-long study by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has confirmed the viability of electricity as a clean and low-cost transportation fuel and the advantages that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offer over standard hybrid electric vehicles for increased gas mileage and lower tailpipe emissions.

Power 'Police' On The Hunt For Electricity Thieves

John Hammerberg drives past a house on a dark street off Nebraska Avenue. He notices that the house lights are on.

Hammerberg, the chief theft investigator for Tampa Electric Co. suspects a crime is under way and returns a few minutes later with two Tampa police officers. Hammerberg is pretty sure the property owner is stealing electricity. Power to the home was cut off in May.

Rhode Island sets course to map its waters for wind farms

As coastal states race to build the country's first offshore wind farms, it is clear that Rhode Island is following a unique path.

RI awards offshore wind farm rights to NJ firm

Rhode Island has granted a New Jersey-based renewable energy firm the right to develop a wind farm miles off the coast that would generate 15 percent of the state's electricity needs in the coming decade, officials said.

Russia wants to influence world oil prices; energy minister

Russia wants to use its position as a major oil producer to exert influence on world oil prices and expects to prepare proposals on how it can be "more actively engaged" in global oil markets by OPEC's December meeting...

Russia, Venezuela sign energy, military MOUs

"The dynamic of our relationship has indicated how strong [our fundamental] ties are," Medvedev told Chavez in televised comments.

Sahara Solar Scheme Could Power Poor West Africa

West African legislators worried by climate change and soaring energy costs want regional leaders to back plans to harness sun and wind energy that experts say could bring electricity to some of the poorest people on earth.

Spain rains on solar market

Nation cuts support for photovoltaic installations; can Germany, Italy and the U.S. compensate?

SUN DAY Campaign

According to the latest "Monthly Energy Review" issued by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (September 24, 2008), renewable energy accounted for more than 10 percent of the domestically-produced energy used in the United States in the first half of 2008.

Tempers rising as outages drag on

As a third of Houston-area residents enter an 11th day without power, they face a slowing pace of recovery and what seems to many an inexplicable process that restores electricity to some homes while others nearby remain dark.

Texas co-op sues Sierra Club, US agency on anti-coal activities

"During the past year, the Sierra Club has launched an assault against RUS -- using litigation, communications to Congress and threats of lawsuits -- which is designed to stop the construction of all coal plants nationwide," the co-op said in announcing its suit.

The Future of Hydrogen Is Now

The real surprise for most is learning how many different ways hydrogen is being used already for everyday applications and how linked hydrogen technologies are with the deployment of traditional renewable technologies.

The State of U.S. Geothermal Production and Development

With 2,957.94 megawatts (MW) of installed geothermal capacity, the United States remains the world leader with 30% of the online capacity total.

Two Groups of Researchers Make Gasoline from Sugar

Following independent paths of investigation, two research teams are announcing this month that they have successfully converted sugar -- potentially derived from agricultural waste and non-food plants -- into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and a range of other valuable chemicals.

US House tax chairman updates renewable package, Senate unmoved

The tax committee chairman of the US House of Representatives introduced Thursday a bill to extend federal tax credits to develop renewable energy.

Senate leaders said, however, that the House should take up the Senate-passed legislation or risk allowing these credits to expire.

US Presidential Campaigns Debate Climate Issue

Senior advisers to presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain debated how the United States should tackle climate change at a conference in New York on Monday.

Utility IT; The Case for Going Green

As Congress and politicians debate legislation to curb greenhouse gas emissions and put the United States on a path toward energy independence, some businesses and households aren’t sitting idle. Energy efficiency efforts are on the rise throughout the country.

Utility May Reduce Service After All

Rocky Mountain Power is backtracking on its retraction last week of some of the service cutback plans that it had announced after the utility didn't get the rate hike it wanted from the Utah Public Service Commission.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 092608

•NYMEX light sweet crude and ICE Brent futures were down over $3/barrel Friday, as the debate in the US over the proposed $700 billion bailout of financial markets dragged on, prolonging the uncertainty, market sources said. Political wrangling in Washington held up the proposed $700 billion bailout package for the US financial system despite earlier hopes that a deal was near, AFP reported.

•"It is just the movement of money, people are liquidating their positions. There is not a lot of hope out there--where is the extra demand going to come from?" a London-based broker said. "This plan is a rescue plan to prevent a collapse of the financial system and not a plan to boost the economy," analyst Olivier Jakob at Petromatrix said in a daily report. "The rescue plan's impact on the economy will be a lengthy process and will not immediately put the US driver back on the road," he added.

•Crude oil as well as equities jumped Thursday on signs a deal was near for the US government's plan to buy toxic mortgage-related assets from financial companies at the heart of the global credit crisis. However, discussions about the proposal were gridlocked late on Thursday, with Democrats accusing the Republicans of dragging their feet, AFP said.

Will Congress Extend Solar and Wind Tax Credits?

With the tax credits set to expire at the end of 2008, "(Solar installers) don't want to go beyond the December 31st deadline, so everybody's trying to jam-pack their orders in before the end of the year," said Kenedi of Sharp Electronics, the largest U.S. producer of solar panels.

September 23, 2008

154 Ike-Related Oil Spills, None Major - USCG

There were 154 oil spills reported after Hurricane Ike, killing uncounted wildlife, but none of the spills appeared to be major, the US Coast Guard said Friday.

After the Bailout, How Can the Fed Clean Up the Fannie and Freddie Mess?

When federal officials met with top Wall Street executives the weekend of September 13, they made one thing clear: The collapsing securities firm Lehman Brothers would not get the kind of taxpayer-backed bailout given to another Wall Street firm, Bear Stearns, just a few months earlier.

Amish turn to solar power for electricity; They draw a line in how they use it for work and in the home

On the porch of a white Lancaster County farmhouse set between corn and soy bean fields, an Amish woman makes apple sauce the old-fashioned way: She crushes fruit in a manual press. Chickens run across the yard. A long line of laundry dries in the sun.

But at her husband's dairy-equipment shop next door, the scene is quite different. Energy-saving fluorescent bulbs light the basement. And wiring has just been installed to run heavy machinery off the sun.

Average fuel efficiency increases to 20.8 mpg, EPA reports

This year´s projection is a 0.2 mile per gallon uptick over last year´s value and marks the fourth consecutive year of increases.

BINGAMAN; Tax Incentives Bill Will Encourage Clean, Efficient Energy   September 18th, 2008

After months of partisan gridlock on the issue, it appears that Congress is (finally) poised to pass a tax package that includes incentives for clean renewable energy and energy efficiency.

California ISO Will Help Track Renewable Energy

Its goal is to track renewable energy production and procurement and facilitate the growth of renewable energy throughout the Western U.S.

Calling for Clean Coal Stations in North East England

Calls were last night made for the development of clean coal plants overseas to be quickly copied in the region.

The world's first coal-fired power station, which emits virtually no pollution, opened in Germany earlier this month.

Can Rubber Ducks Help Track a Melting Glacier?

The common yellow plastic bath toys are one part of a sophisticated experiment to determine why glaciers speed up in the summer in their march to the sea, said Alberto Behar of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.

Chattanooga; Electric rate shock big for business

Power bills for most electric users will jump by nearly 20 percent next month, but major commercial and industrial customers will face even bigger increases, EPB said today.

China Power Coal Reserves in Major Plants Hit 'New High'

China's coal reserves in 353 major power plants have hit a record 29.33m tonnes, according to Ministry of Railways (MOR) figures on Friday.

Coal price hikes likely if mine ruling sticks

The price of coal will rise sharply if a U.S. appeals court upholds a ruling restricting surface mining in the Appalachian mountains, analysts and industry observers say.

Common Birds in Decline, Signal Biodiversity Crisis

Many of the world's most common birds suffered steep population drops over recent decades, a sign of a deteriorating global environment and a biodiversity crisis, BirdLife International said on Monday.

Companies could face class action on climate

COMPANIES could face class actions from shareholders unless the companies adequately report the risks that climate change poses to their businesses.

Dousing the Coal-Fired Plant

In a report compiled in early 2007, the Department of Energy listed 151 coal-fired power plants in the planning stages and talked about a resurgence in coal-fired electricity. However, over the next several months, 59 proposed coal-fired power plants either were refused licenses by state governments or quietly abandoned.

Drinking Water; The Need For Constant Innovation

Switzerland's drinking water is of excellent quality, but there is no room for complacency. The challenges are growing: undesirable contaminants are found in rivers, lakes and groundwater. Climate change is also warming waterbodies, with implications for water quality, and in developing countries more and more people are reliant on groundwater containing natural contaminants

Economic Slowdown Won't Ease Carbon Emissions

Tumbling factory output following an economic slowdown will not be enough to curb rising industrial carbon emissions in Europe, analysts said on Friday.

EFF Sues President Bush Over Internet Surveillance

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has filed a lawsuit against President George W. Bush and others in his administration for the illegal surveillance of emails and telephone calls without a warrant.

Electric car's march into the mainstream gathers pace

The emergence of hybrid and electric cars as a mainstream alternative to conventional vehicles moved a step closer yesterday, as General Motors (GM) debuted its long anticipated plug in hybrid, the Chevy Volt, and Tesla Motors released further details of its expansion plans.

Energy Bill May Stall In Senate; Mortgage Mess, Drilling Issue Could Keep Congress at Work

A massive mortgage bailout will command Congress' attention early this week, but New Mexico lawmakers said oil production and clean energy still could get boosts from Capitol Hill before lawmakers head home for November elections.

EPA Provides Septic System Information

Homeowners with septic systems need to take special precautions and actions in the aftermath of hurricanes. What follows is a "how to" concerning the steps homeowners should take to ensure a safe return to normal septic system operation. Septic systems should not be used immediately after floods.

EPA Provides Water Well Precautions And Actions

Homeowners with water wells need to take special precautions and actions in the aftermath of hurricanes. What follows is a "how to" concerning the steps homeowners should take to ensure a safe return to water well operation.

Fed Approves Rules For More Market Liquidity

The Federal Reserve Board on Friday approved two interim final rules in connection with its initiative to provide liquidity to markets by extending loans to banking organizations to finance their purchases of high-quality asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) from money market mutual funds.

Green energy's cost drives off customers

With the high cost of electricity and a shaky economy, convincing customers to voluntarily pay more than they have to is a challenge, according to energy company officials who attended an industry conference in Boston yesterday.

Green Is Gold for New Homeowners

Home ownership is once again becoming a reality for thousands of Americans.

Idaho Republicans going green in red state; Lt. Gov. Jim Risch and other GOP candidates are bucking tradition to earn the votes of environmental voters

Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Risch ticks off a list of environmental accomplishments he made in his short term -- seven months -- as governor.

The candidate for U.S. Senate said he stopped a coal-fired power plant in the Magic Valley,..

Ike could increase power bills for years to come; Houston customers may have to help cover electricity grid repairs

If Hurricane Rita is any guide, Houston-area customers could be paying higher electricity bills for years to cover the cost of repairing the battered Gulf Coast power grid in the wake of Hurricane Ike.

India Has Big Plans for N-Power Utilisation

With the nuclear deal squeezing past the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), India can finally make some realistic projections about the use of nuclear power in its energy mix.

More to Come in Busy Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 10 tropical storms and hurricanes that ripped through the Atlantic and Caribbean during this busy hurricane season savaged Haiti, Cuba and the US Gulf coast, and conditions are now ripe for more.

Nanomaterials Could Harm Fish, Environment - Study

Buckyballs, tiny soccer ball-shaped carbon molecules that hold promise for uses ranging from novel drug-delivery systems to fuel cells, may threaten health by building up in fat, researchers said on Friday.

Neither US presidential candidate has a good energy plan; Pickens

Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens said Monday that neither US presidential candidate--Democratic Senator Barack Obama or Republican Senator John McCain--has a viable plan to allow the US escape its reliance on imported oil.

Nuclear's Power Play; Give Us Subsidies or Give Us Death

Most energy analysts in the early- and mid-1990s assumed nuclear power in the United States was dying a slow death. Utilities were saddled with unmanageable debt, mainly from the $60 billion in cost overruns and plant shutdowns due to the industry's misadventures in the 1970s

NYMEX crude pulls back after Monday's record run-up

NYMEX's front-month crude futures contract on the CME's Globex system was $1.89/barrel lower at $107.48/b on Tuesday, a minor pullback after Monday's record-setting run-up in prices.

Obama and McCain; No Climate Doubt

That the threat posed by the buildup of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activities is sufficient to justify a concerted, sustained effort to curb, and eventually deeply cut, such emissions.

The candidates’ platforms on climate and energy make this clear,..

Officials say evacuations near Tricastin not needed

He was responding September 22 to media queries after the antinuclear organization Sortir du Nucleaire, or SdN, issued a press release saying there was the possibility of imminent danger connected with a fuel handling mishap at Electricite de France's Tricastin-2 on September 8. SdN said that the two fuel assemblies that remained stuck in the reactor's upper internals during refueling operations could fall into the reactor core and
"potentially trigger an uncontrolled nuclear reaction."

Oil, gas prices could plunge if Goldman and Morgan fail; analyst

Oil and gas prices could plunge, one analyst forecast Monday, if investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are caught in the financial storm that has enveloped some other Wall Street investment banks.

Power outage sparks customer frustration

After more than four days without power, Judy Nych blew an emotional fuse Friday morning.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 092208

No flares were observed during the past 24 hours. There is a chance for isolated
C-class activity with continued growth from new Region 1002. The geomagnetic field was predominately quiet. A brief period of unsettled activity was observed early on 22 September...

SEC Approves Amended Order Requiring Reporting of Short Positions by Certain Investment Managers

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday approved amendments to its emergency order of September 18 (Release No. 58591) requiring that certain institutional money managers report their new short sales of certain publicly traded securities.

Solar panel field sought; Wilkowski; $5M investment could power 112 homes

Likely Toledo mayoral candidate Keith Wilkowski yesterday proposed putting a $5 million solar panel field atop the Dura Avenue Landfill that could generate electricity for the city while further energizing northwest Ohio's burgeoning solar energy industry.

System would protect power grid in event of electromagnetic pulse

Manto said that by taking action now, local governments could save a lot of money so "critical infrastructure would still work" whereas the damage to the power grid might not be repaired for up to two years.

The Case Against Coal

ENGLAND-The Prime Minister has to make one of the most important decisions of his premiership so far. It is not one he can ignore. Once he has made up his mind, he won't be able to go back: there is no room for dithering. If he makes the wrong choice, he will give up the UK's battle against climate change.

The Greening of the Economy

As global economic uncertainty underlines the need to combat climate change and ensure energy security, the UK must position itself for the post-oil era, writes Gordon Brown

The methane time bomb

Arctic scientists discover new global warming threat as melting permafrost releases millions of tons of a gas 20 times more damaging than carbon dioxide

US Agriculture Squeezed by Demand, Climate

US agriculture faces the daunting task of growing enough crops to meet the demands of both a hungry world and the booming new biofuels industry while reducing its impact on climate change.

US Companies See Climate Risk, But Lack Plan

US companies judge climate change a risk to their business, but lag global companies in setting targets to cut emissions, according to a global survey.

US voters split on bailout, most doubt Congress can fix crisis

As the national financial crisis gripping both Wall Street and Main Street moves into the halls of the US Congress this week, American voters are divided on support for the government rescue plan that some say could cost as much at $1 trillion, a new Zogby Interactive survey shows.

Utilities Shrink the Role of Coal

The power industry is stepping up its shift away from coal-fired electricity amid global-warming concerns, as some utilities shut down generators early or terminate contracts to buy coal-based energy.

So far, the trend involves just a handful of utilities that are generally closing older, smaller plants. Coal still generates half of U.S. electricity and about 30 new coal plants are under construction, the most in a generation.

Utility Urged to Back Off Coal Plant Plans

State officials want Nevada Power Co. to back off developing a giant coal-fired power plant at Ely and consider building a smaller coal-fired power plant instead.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 092308

•Global crude futures fell in early European trading Tuesday, on the back of a slump in global stock markets and concerns about the Federal Reserve's proposed $700 billion bailout, sources said

•"The market is so illiquid and is tied to the financial picture. Both the stock markets and currency are having excessive moves," a London-based broker said.

White House objects to language cutting oil industry tax breaks

The White House Tuesday came out in support of "prompt passage" of a Senate amendment that would extend a series of tax credits for renewable energy, but urged Congress to remove provisions that use the oil and gas industry to pay for the extension.

Yucca Fight Reaffirmed

No matter what happens with the embattled director of Nevada's Nuclear Projects Agency, the state will not give up the fight against Yucca Mountain, Nevada's senators vowed Thursday.

Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign insisted the Energy Department's plans for a nuclear waste repository are still more dead than alive, even as the department made progress this summer moving it toward construction.

September 19, 2008

33 Turbines Would Dot Coos Ridges ; Wind Farm Aired for Dixville, Millsfield

Forested ridgelines in Coos County could soon sprout a new source of electricity for the state and the region: 33 wind turbines generating enough power for 33,000 homes.

A Magnetic Power Overview

Magnetic Power, Inc. is a developer of breakthrough distributed, self-contained, pollution free, electric power generation technologies that operate continuously without fuel. These are stand-alone devices, scalable from consumer electronics to vehicles.

Affordable Electric Cars are Many Years Away

General Motors Corp's plug-in Chevy Volt and other electric vehicles have generated widespread consumer fervor for cleaner, less fuel-dependent cars, but the high battery cost means it will be years before those cars are affordable to most Americans.

All-Electric Vehicles No Magic Bullet - US Scientist

A future of all-electric cars coasting along streets and highways may be illusory, given that their range may be cut in half by aggressive drivers speeding along with the air conditioning blasting, US scientists said on Monday.

American Universities Lack R&D Funds to Meet Global Warming Challenge

In Congressional testimony yesterday, representatives from several of the nation’s leading universities warned that research and development money dedicated to solving the climate crisis was woefully lacking on our college campuses.

Antarctic Ozone Hole Already Larger Than in 2007 - WMO

The hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica has already surpassed its 2007 size this year, and is set to keep growing for another few weeks, the UN weather agency said on Tuesday.

Arctic sea ice at second lowest extent ever recorded

Arctic sea ice has reached the second lowest extent ever recorded, according to the US national snow and ice centre, and a new map shows how far the 2008 melt has receded compared to the historical average.

Beacon Power Announces Testing of First Megawatt of Flywheel Energy Storage

Beacon Power Corporation (Nasdaq: BCON), a company that designs and develops advanced products and services to support more stable, reliable and efficient electricity grid operation, announced that it has built and tested an integrated matrix of ten high-power flywheels that operated together to absorb and supply a full megawatt of electricity.

Capital markets squeeze has US coal industry feeling pinched

The capital markets squeeze that led to Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy filing earlier this week is drying up credit in the US coal industry, including funding for new mining operations, industry officials said this week

China Taps Emergency Water for 'Grim' Beijing

China's capital started pumping "emergency" water from its long-parched neighbouring province on Thursday, with officials speaking of a "grim" shortfall weeks after the Olympics when they said the city had enough water.

CITGO pleads guilty for failing to maintain tanks, capacity

The company negligently failed to maintain storm water tanks and adequate storm water storage capacity at its Sulphur, La., petroleum refinery. As a result, some 53,000 barrels of oil discharged into the Indian Marais and Calcasieu Rivers following a heavy rain storm between June 19 and June 20, 2006.

Coal Company Prepares To Blast Away Proposed Wind Farm

Community members are asking West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin to halt the mountaintop removal operation and act on his commitment to renewable energy and to the citizens of West Virginia.

Comverge Signs 15 Year C&I Contract with Arizona Public Service To Utilize Demand Response Technology

Comverge is setting up a program that will allow APS to immediately reduce the amount of electricity that is required by certain commercial and industrial customers at peak demand times.

Could Nanotechnology Solve The Water Crisis?

Nanotechnology could be the answer to ensuring a safe supply of drinking water for regions of the world stricken by periodic drought or where water contamination is rife.

Dartmouth Researchers Advance Cellulosic Ethanol Production

For the first time, the group has genetically engineered a thermophilic bacterium, meaning it's able to grow at high temperatures, and this new microorganism makes ethanol as the only product of its fermentation.

Days getting sunnier for solar in Silicon Valley

When it comes to the emerging U.S. solar technology industry, there's no contest: Silicon Valley shines the brightest.

"It's in the midst of the revolution," according to Gartner analyst Al Velosa.

Demand for solar panels exceeds supply

The sun may set early on anyone trying to take advantage of expiring solar-energy tax credits this year.

Dems propose more drilling off America´s coasts

House Democrats, fending off months of criticism from their Republican colleagues, hope to schedule a vote this week on legislation that they said would boost drilling for oil off America´s coasts.

Drilling For Clean Energy

The controversial bans on drilling offshore and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge have preserved precious oil and natural gas reserves owned by the public. Thank environmentalists for this unintended gift.

Environment a Growing Driver in Displacement of People

Trends show that the international community faces special challenges in meeting the needs of refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and those who are relocating because of environmental change.

Environmentalists urge caution over nuclear power plant

The Jordan Environment Society ... argued that it is irresponsible not to include environmentalists on the committee entrusted with finding a suitable location for the reactor.

EPA to research use of methane from coal mines in China

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has committed more than $1 million to assess the feasibility of recovering and using methane from coal mines in China.

EU committee gives vote of confidence in renewables

The Industry and Energy Committee (ITRE) of the European Parliament has voted in favour of an amended version of the proposed Framework Directive for Renewable Energy Sources, paving the way for it to move onto the next stage of the ratification process.

Explosive Growth Reshuffles Top 10 Solar Ranking

The explosion of photovoltaics production across the globe completely reshuffled the top companies in Nomura Securities' annual ranking of the leading companies, knocking long established Japanese players out of the top spots and putting four Asian suppliers in the Top 10.

Firms Line Up to Get in on Brazil Oil 'Gold Rush'

The discovery of huge offshore oil reserves has made Brazil one of the world's hottest energy markets, with firms that make everything from planning software for wells to floating "hotels" for platform workers clamoring for a piece of the action.

Friedman urges massive push for renewable energy

If Thomas Friedman were in charge of Michigan, "drill baby drill" and fighting for gas-guzzlers would go the way of the dinosaur.

Funds to take biggest hits as banks unwind hedges; Gheit

Oil price volatility is set to continue and pension and hedge funds will be the biggest casualties as troubled investment banks unwind hedging positions, oil analyst Fadel Gheit said Thursday.

GM reveals Chevrolet Volt, new details

An overnight charge is expected to cost less than "your favorite" cup of coffee, and annually use less energy than a typical home refrigerator, the company said in a statement today, revealing more details about the car.

High Costs Could Prompt Premature End to Oil Production

Consider what's now happening at the major mining companies as a harbinger of what we can expect to see with oil production companies....

The cost of energy to run mining trucks and other equipment has skyrocketed. In addition, certain materials needed to make mining buildings and related infrastructure, materials like steel, have also become considerably more expensive.

Honda cuts amount of waste generated by almost 80%

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. has cut the amount of waste generated for each automobile produced by almost 80 percent since 2001, the company said.

House approves energy bill to allow off-shore drilling

The House approved an energy bill last night by a vote of 236-189 to open additional waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to oil and gas drilling and exploration.

House OKs energy bill; Senate still eyeing own legislation; Bush vows veto

The U.S. House of Representatives gave its approval late Tuesday to open up new oil and natural gas exploration along the Outer Continental Shelf in a bill that excluded much of the Gulf of Mexico off Florida's coast.

How much does the Federal Government spend on energy-specific subsidies and support?

The Federal Government spent an estimated $16.6 billion in energy-specific subsidies and support programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2007. Energy-specific subsidies have more than doubled since FY 1999.

Ice-Cream Mogul Calls for GBP 10m Wind Power Investment

THE founder of Scotland's biggest independent ice-cream firm yesterday urged Britain's farmers and landowners to unite in forming the country's biggest windpower company.

If Congress Extends ITC, 440,000 Solar Jobs Will Be Created, Study Says

"By extending the solar investment tax credits, Congress can provide an immediate boost to the floundering U.S. economy by creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and injecting billions of dollars of new investment capital into the economy, while at the same time driving down energy costs for consumers,"

Inbox 091608

Wal-Mart officials may have a different opinion on the subject. Reuters reports that the retail giant has closed a store built atop a former landfill in Garfield Heights, Ohio,

Inbox 091808

Yucky Muck: Also like Katrina, Ike has left behind a toxic sludge of mud, human waste, asbestos, lead and gasoline that must be removed before residents can return, the International Herald Tribune reports.

Japan, India Agree to Strengthen Cooperation on Energy Saving

Japan is expected to offer training programmes and expertise for the setup, the officials said, adding that the two countries are planning to carry out a wide range of model projects in key energy consuming industries, including the power and coal sectors, they said.

Keeping Wind Turbines Spinning

Maintenance routines for wind farms differ greatly compared with those for fossil, hydro and nuclear plants Today's typical wind farm consists of several hundred relatively thin towers about 35 stories tall, each supporting more than 65 tons of sophisticated mechanical and electrical equipment inside a nacelle on top of the structure.

Kickapoo Nation Sets Sights On Energy Independence

"We have undertaken this ambitious program in order to protect our natural resources, to assure continuous and low-priced power for the reservation and to allow the Kickapoo Reservation to develop in a sustainable and responsible manner."

-- Steve Cadue, Kickapoo Tribal Chairman

Midwest unveils new plant

During the course of 330 working days, a hilltop northwest of Hays was transformed from windswept prairie to a high-tech facility capable of flexing its massive power to produce enough electricity to light every home in Ellis County.

Money Could Grow on Trees ; Biomass Fuel Big Opportunity for the North

Forestry Commission regional director Brendan Callaghan said: "The findings confirm what many in the forest industry have known for some time - that there is considerable potential to increase the use of wood fuel to help boost the economy and meet the region's renewable energy targets.

New Report; Green Investment Will Yield Two Million New Jobs in Two Years

As America confronts the current energy crisis, a new report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and partner labor and environmental groups shows that the U.S. can create two million jobs by investing in clean energy technologies that will strengthen the economy and fight global warming. The report finds that investing in clean energy would create four times as many jobs as spending the same amount of money within the oil industry.

Nuclear Denial

Nuclear power plants have a productive life of at least forty years. Unfortunately unlike other power plants, after forty years they cannot simply be decommissioned, razed and the site redeveloped into other uses.

Today, the fuel rods have to stay in the ponds on the site because there is no other place for them to go.

PPL plans another solar project; Facility to be built near Martins Creek power plant

PPL Renewable Energy is getting ready to build a large-scale solar project in New Jersey, a facility that eventually would toss enough electricity onto the grid to power several thousand homes, company officials said Monday

Precious metals rally continues on New York exchanges

Investors were flocking to precious metals Thursday for the second consecutive day in the wake of the virtual collapse of Wall Street titans, which has shaken the very foundation of the US financial system.

Renewable Energy Policies Should Put Rural Communities First

By some estimates, the next 20 years could generate as much as US $1 trillion in new investment in renewable energy for rural America, but a new Ford Foundation-sponsored study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) argues that current federal policies minimize the benefit of that investment to rural economies.

Senate to decide fate of off-shore drilling energy bill

The debate now moves to the Senate over a Democratic proposal to allow increased oil and gas drilling in some offshore areas as the House approved the measure along mostly party lines Sept. 16.

Senators want EPA to study soot emissions, climate

Three Democratic senators from the Northeast want the U.S. EPA to study the role soot emissions play in global warming and to identify technologies and strategies to reduce those emissions.

'Surging Electricity Rates; What's Next'?

Residential electricity prices nationwide are expected to climb by 10 percent in the next year, according to the Energy Information Administration

Surpassing expectations; State of the US wind power market

Surpassing even optimistic projections from years past, the US wind industry experienced unprecedented growth in 2007.

Survey Says Better Risk Management Would Have Lessened Credit Crisis

With the current credit crisis triggering more than $400 billion in asset write-downs among the financial services industry, enterprise risk management (ERM) programs and components are in high-demand now more than ever to help institutions aggregate risk and treat it holistically.

The Future for Hydrogen in Automotive Transportation

Ten years ago, the dream of a hydrogen economy, with hydrogen used to power vehicles and homes, was 10-20 years away. Ten years later and a hydrogen economy is still decades away.  

Thin-Film Solar Set to Take Market Share From Crystalline Solar PV

Thin-film solar production is expected to double in each of the next three years to reach 4.18 gigawatts worth of equipment in 2010,..

Turn White House Green! Consider the Palin Factor

Who's best equipped to turn the White House green -- John McCain or Barack Obama?


Both have made energy security and environmental stewardship part of their presidential campaigns. Both favor curbing the greenhouse gas emissions that spur climate change. Both say they want to stop US "addiction" to imported oil.

Uranium Supply Questions

Party candidate for U.S. president, in June called for the construction of 45 new nuclear plants by 2030. The bold statement cheered an industry experiencing a renaissance of interest in the wake of growing concerns for rising energy costs and global warming.

Yet, the optimistic goal is rife with uncertainties, not the least of which is whether enough uranium is available to fuel that many plants. It’s a question vexing some energy experts.

US Congress Faces Big Push on Offshore Drilling

America's pain at the gasoline pump has been years in the making, but there will be a big push in Congress next week, when lawmakers return from summer break, to fix the problem by expanding offshore oil drilling.

US Energy and Environmental Policy Missing in Action

It's sad to take a hard look and observe the lack of any effective or comprehensive energy policy over the last 30 years, since the oil shocks of the 1970s. While energy continues to be in the headlines, the solutions proposed by both Republicans and Democrats are piecemeal, self- serving and ineffective.

US Mortgage 30-Year Fixed Rates Fall For Fifth Straight Week

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 5.78 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending September 18, down from last week when it averaged 5.93 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.34 percent.  The last time the 30-year FRM was lower was the week ending February 14, 2008, when it averaged 5.72 percent.

US Senate to vote Tuesday on energy tax package, policy bill

The US Senate is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a $17 billion bipartisan package of incentives for renewable energy -- including an eight-year extension of credits for new solar power projects -- and separate energy policy legislation that would allow more exploration of domestic oil and gas.

US$60.9bn into US wind in 2013

The US domestic market for wind turbine components and systems will be worth US$60.9 billion in 2013, according to a market research report from BCC Research.

Utility Unplugs Ultimatum

Rocky Mountain Power has dropped plans to make sweeping customer- service cuts in protest of a rate denial, but the utility still needs more money to meet demand for electricity in Utah, the company's top executive said Wednesday.

Winslow, Ariz., to pay civil penalty for asbestos violation

In 2002, the city declared the apartment buildings uninhabitable and proceeded to demolish four of the nine buildings. The city failed to conduct a required inspection for asbestos and failed to notify the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality of its plans to demolish the buildings, according to the EPA

September 16, 2008

A Shining Example of Renewable Energy

On the first business day after Gov. David Paterson signed net metering bills into law, officials at C.W. Brown Inc. ignored massing storm clouds and flipped the switch on a meter that allows the company to spin excess electricity generated by its 13.6- kilowatt system of rooftop photovoltaic panels into Consolidated Edison Co.'s supply grid.

API warns Congress on impact of two energy proposals

The American Petroleum Institute, an oil industry association, warned members of the House of Representatives and Senate Monday that two of the main energy proposals the chambers are considering this month would have negative affects on domestic fossil fuels production.

Birds and Windmills Don't Mix

While the open sky is big enough for 400-foot-high wind turbines and migratory birds, animal conservationists are airing their concerns about the threat windmills pose to wildlife.

Brazil Seeks Full Role in Nuclear Fusion Consortium

Supported by the EU, the Brazilian Government has decided to negotiate its full membership in the international consortium developing so-called technology of the future in the energy area: the generation of electricity by nuclear fusion.

Brown's GBP1bn Fuel Aid Plans Meet Icy Response Fears Consumers Will Pay

GORDON Brown's GBP1bn energy aid package ran into trouble last night after it was derided as "too little, too late" and fears were raised that funding costs would ultimately be passed from the energy companies to consumers.

Businessman Makes His Own Electricity

A local man would like to get Otero County residents fired up about solar energy. ..He said at that time he had money in the stock market, which he cashed out and put into a photovoltaic solar system. The solar panels seemed to be a good way to make some money, he said, so he bought them off the Internet.

Caroline man generating his own electrical power

Whenever the breeze picks up, Roger Cavendish saves money.

Coal Exec Says Energy Crunch Needs Nuke Boost In 15 Years

As global energy demand continues to grow, higher energy costs are undoubtedly on the horizon, Alpha Natural Resources CEO Michael Quillen said Thursday.

Credit Crisis Hurting Clean Energy Sector - Bankers.

The renewable energy sector will see a 21 billion euro (US$29.43 billion) shortfall in debt finance by 2020, following the credit crisis and a brake on lending, a senior banker said on Monday.

Crude futures off around $3b as downward momentum continues

It was the first time Brent has traded under $90/b since February 8. The October NYMEX light sweet crude contract traded at $93.11/b, down $2.60/b, off a low of $91.54/b.

Decoupling plan is splittling fans and foes of the strategy

Imagine a company where, no matter how much business falls off, revenue never does.

DOE says Citgo asks for crude from Strategic Petroleum Reserve

The US Department of Energy Monday confirmed Citgo Petroleum has requested crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve due to supply disruptions caused by hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Economic slowdown to push 100m into poverty

Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, warns in a new report that the gains made in reducing extreme poverty are under threat from the rise in global food and fuel prices and global economic slowdown.

Energy ministers wrap up meeting in Saskatoon

"Our discussions today were framed by our recognition of Canada's status as a major supplier of energy to global markets, a major contributor to continental energy security and a country with a rich tradition of energy research," Boyd said.

Gamesa hopeful about renewable energy tax credits

"Gamesa supports a long-term extension of the production tax credit because of the vital role it plays in long-term development," said Michael Peck, director of media relations.

Germany, Korea eclipse California in solar

It's a sunnier climate for solar equipment makers in Germany and South Korea than in the beach state of California, according to presentations from leaders of the three hot spots competing for global investment from the emerging green tech industry.

GE's Dakota Wind Rush

GE Energy Financial Services in Stamford has partnered with ACCIONA, a wind farm development, and is investing $141 million in the Tatanka Wind Farm on the North Dakota-South Dakota border.

GM unveils electric Chevy Volt

Chief Executive Rick Wagoner introduced the small, curvy vehicle at the automaker's Detroit headquarters during an event to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Group Plans to Sue EPA Over Sewage Sludge on Farms

The Center for Food Safety, a private advocacy group, said Thursday it plans to sue the US Environmental Protection Agency over its refusal to put a moratorium on dumping sewage sludge on farmland.

Ike is damaging, but not as bad as feared, officials say

Hurricane Ike's punch left most of Texas Gulf Coast, including much of the sprawling Houston metropolitan area, without electricity after its early Saturday landfall, and while many energy companies had yet to begin or had started only preliminary assessments on the state of their infrastructure, some government officials said the storm's effects were not as horrific as initially feared.

Ike remnants knock out power to more than 3 million in US Midwest

Ohio was hard hit with about two million Duke Energy, American Electric Power and FirstEnergy customers losing power.

India Dreams Big on Biofuel But Can it Deliver?

India's drive to ramp up biofuels use within a decade offers hope to a struggling biodiesel sector, but without a clear roadmap, commercial production will remain years away, a top trade official said.

Loggers Still Advance on Amazon Indians - Official

Isolated native Indians in the Amazon forest of Brazil and Peru remain threatened by advancing loggers despite growing international attention to their plight, a senior Brazilian official said on Thursday.

N.M. Senators Say Energy Package Unlikely; Hope for Wind, Solar Incentives

"It's too late to have any big impact -- we're not going to get a comprehensive bill this year," Domenici, the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said in an interview.

Navajos want full control of canyon

Since 1931, the National Park Service has been charged with preserving thousands of artifacts and ruins within the monument's towering red sandstone walls, while the land revered by the Navajos as sacred remained tribally owned.

New Options for Home Wind Power

Utility-scale windpower is an important and growing part of the US energy portfolio. Farms ranging in size from dozens to hundreds of turbines can produce in excess of 60 megawatts of power. Plans for gigawatts of wind power are being proposed all over the globe, and new wind farms are regularly being proposed that outstrip one another to be the largest in their respective locations, or in the world.

New Study Shows Extending Solar Tax Credits Will Create Jobs, Increase Investment

A new economic study issued today by Navigant Consulting, Inc., shows that more than 1.2 million employment opportunities, including 440,000 permanent jobs, and $232 billion in investment would be supported in the U.S. by the solar energy sector alone through 2016 if Congress extends the solar investment tax credit (ITC) for 8 years.

Nuclear Industry Looking for New Hires

The man in charge of the country's nuclear regulatory agency says the United States needs a generation of new scientists, engineers and skilled workers to staff, build and monitor what could be dozens new power plants.

Palin, Alaska and Oil

Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential contender Sarah Palin has clashed with big oil but she is also a staunch advocate of expanded drilling.


Following are some facts and figures about Alaska, Palin and oil.

Polar bears 'could become extinct' because of melting ice, scientists claim

Experts say this not only means a loss of habitat to species like polar bears and loss of livelihood for indigenous peoples but could speed up global warming as water absorbs heat rather than reflecting the sun's rays back into space.

Quote of the Day 091508

"Catastrophic as Ike was, particularly for low-lying costal areas in Texas, the system appeared to miss vital concentrations of oil and petrochemical refineries in the state,"
MF Global's Ed Meir said in a report regarding the Hurricane damage casued by Hurricane Ike.

Renewable Energy Projects Moves to Top of Rural Alaska Wish List

If you live in rural Alaska, the news about a $40 billion natural gas pipeline and a $10 billion dam resurrection are a big deal. But for those who live in rural Alaska, the bigger issue is renewable rural energy.

Renewable, Efficient Energy Touted to US Lawmakers

Energy experts urged US lawmakers on Friday to focus on efficiency and renewable energy, as well as increased domestic production, as they consider legislation to address volatile fuel prices.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091408

the recurrent coronal hole high speed stream approaches, speeds have increased from about 285 km/s to around 350 km/s over the last 24 hours. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high levels today.

SDG&E Likely Won't Meet Deadline As Stirling Project Awaits OK

Osborn says Phoenix-based Stirling expects, but does not guarantee, that 300 megawatts of the project's 750-megawatt capacity will be online and producing energy by 2010.

Senate Finance Committee unveils energy tax legislation

The bill´s tax measures are designed to reduce America´s dependence on foreign oil and create clean energy jobs by providing credits and incentives to develop wind, solar, biofuel and carbon sequestration technologies. The cost of the package would be offset in part with reductions in tax breaks for major oil and gas companies. Existing tax breaks would remain in place for smaller independent oil and gas producers, Baucus and Grassley said.

Senate floats tax bill with breaks for advanced coal projects

Leaders of the Senate Finance Committee unveiled tax legislation on Thursday that would extend financial incentives for renewable energy projects as well as provide up to $2.5 billion in new tax credits for the coal industry.

Solar joint venture to target 30 MW capacity

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Asola will build a 30 megawatt (MW) solar production facility to manufacture and distribute German-designed solar modules in South Korea

States Aim to Cut Gases by Making Polluters Pay

Ten states from Maryland to Maine are about to undertake the nation’s most serious effort yet to tackle climate change, putting limits on carbon dioxide emissions from utilities and making them pay for each ton of pollutants.

Storing Green Energy

By making a $20 million investment in energy storage, Public Service Enterprise Group hopes to breathe new life into green energy.

Summit speakers prod Senate to boost coal, nuclear; pass credits

In the first half of a long anticipated energy summit Friday, US Senate members heard testimony from academic and industry representatives on the best way to bring down the cost of gasoline and eventually wean the country off of petroleum.

The Politics of Energy Independence

"Young man, that's the thing. You have it - the self contained unit carrying its own fuel with it! Keep at it!"

Thomas Edison to Henry Ford during August 1886 meeting at the Oriental Hotel, Manhattan Beach, NY, as recalled by C.J. Cameron.

US sees Gulf oil, gas output restart 'pretty soon; DOE official

Texas Gulf Coast refineries shut ahead of Hurricane Ike should be operating in a "week or so," a senior Department of Energy official said Tuesday.

US Senate leader sees vote next week on renewable energy tax bill

Reid said he still plans to bring three comprehensive energy bills to floor -- a Democratic version, Republican a bill and bipartisan compromise measure.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 091508

•Crude futures slumped Monday on news that oil infrastructure in the US Gulf had escaped significant damage in the wake of Hurricane Ike, as well as the impact of financial markets feeding into commodities.

•Despite the shut-ins and disruptions to refinery output, refined products markets fell heavily with particular weakness in NYMEX gasoline

What's Moving the Oil Markets 091608

•"Yesterday's decline was mainly about taking off some of the [Hurricane] Ike premium,"

•More negative news from the financial markets has the potential to filter into oil commodities: The European Central Bank injected a second tranche of funds into money markets releasing a further Eur70 billion ($99.8 billion); and the Bank of England also injected GBP20 billion (Eur25.2 billion, $35.9 billion) into money markets, four times the amount it had offered Monday after the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers, the news agency reported.

Where Have All the Bahamian Flamingos Gone?

The southern Bahamian island of Great Inagua is known for two things -- its old salt plant and a 60,000-strong flamingo flock.


Now some Bahamians wonder if they might end up losing both after Hurricane Ike ripped across the island last week causing millions of dollars in damage.

September 12, 2008

2M U.S. jobs seen in clean energy

A green jobs plan paid for with auctions of carbon permits could net North Carolina $2.9 billion over the next two years and 62,015 new jobs, according to a just-released report.

A bidding war for engineers Power plant construction boom creates a labor shortage

Even though the economy is cooling, engineers are in high demand, and the competition to hire them has grown fierce. The experienced ones are the most sought-after, but with graduation rates down 20 percent over the past two decades, there aren't enough to go around.

African Renewable Energy Gains Attention

The potential for renewable energy development in Africa is experiencing an increase in attention lately as investors and world leaders seek a new clean energy frontier.

Agency says radioactivity levels around IRE are normal

All measurements around the Institute for Radio-Elements, or IRE, facility in Fleurus, Belgium are normal, with radioactivity content well below levels considered harmless by the World Health Organization

Alaska, Russia Forests Overlooked in Climate Fight

Old forests from Alaska to Russia soak up vast amount of greenhouse gases as they age and are wrongly overlooked as a weapon in a UN-led fight against global warming, a study said on Wednesday.

Antarctic winter ice gets bigger; Arctic shrinks

The amount of sea ice around Antarctica has grown in recent Septembers in what could be an unusual side-effect of global warming, experts said on Friday.

Brown Unveils Billion-Pound Energy Saving Plan

LONDON - Gordon Brown has unveiled a one billion pound, three-year energy-saving initiative to help those struggling to pay soaring fuel bills.

County OKs loans for home solar systems; Loan payments included in property tax bills

Homeowners in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County will soon be able to borrow money from the county to pay for solar panels and other alternative energy systems...

Crude prices up on hurricane watch but Brent remains below $100/b

Global crude futures were trading at a premium to Thursday's settle in Europe Friday morning, with market participants on hurricane watch as Ike continues to tear through the Gulf of Mexico.

DOE Helps States Foster Gigawatt-level Renewable Energy Developments

With no federal renewable portfolio standard (RPS) in place and the status of the federal renewable energy tax credits in flux, states are leading the way towards implementing frameworks for the development of renewables. This week the U.S. government took a step forward in helping nine states foster the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

Electric bills going up, and Peco feels your pain

Peco Energy yesterday filed a comprehensive plan with the state that could change the way the company buys power and that it says will help consumers cope with higher electricity bills after the current rate cap expires in December 2010.

Energy Playing Big Role in U.S. Election

Energy issues are more prevalent in this year's U.S. presidential election than at any time since the 1970s oil shocks, analysts say.

ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to continue through the end of 2008

Although ENSO-neutral conditions have been in place since June 2008, the atmospheric circulation over the western and central tropical Pacific continues to reflect lingering aspects of La Niña. Enhanced low-level easterly winds and upper-level westerly winds persist in this region, while convection remains generally suppressed over the central Pacific.

Environmental Compatibility Clean Coal Technology

Coal represents the United States’ most abundant energy resource. Coal-fired power plants provide 50 percent of our country’s electricity. The U.S. coal resource could satisfy energy demands for the next 200 years

Federal Solar Energy System is Inaugurated

The new system involves a 205 kilowatt photovoltaic solar array placed on the roof of the building. The photovoltaic system is 40- to 50 times the size of a typical residential PV system and is one of the largest in the Washington area..

Going green may bring job boom in state

The report shows that the development of wind, solar and other clean energy plants and other facilities in the state could create jobs for electricians, carpenters, computer software personnel, installers, mechanics and metal fabricators...

Google CEO Eric Schmidt offers energy plan

Move over, Al Gore. Step aside, T. Boone Pickens.

Google's Eric Schmidt has an energy plan he says will solve many of America's problems.

The plan -- a mix of conservation, new sources of generation and plug-in cars -- ties together a recent string of Google investments in energy start-ups.

Grant will pay for teaching students about energy

The grant will be used to give students more awareness of energy efficiency and conservation along with other energy-related topics.

'Green' Projects Create Jobs, Report Says Federal Incentives Would Help Cities Like Milwaukee Boost Employment

A $100 billion U.S. investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy could add more than 37,000 jobs to Wisconsin over two years, a new report says.

Greenpeace Protestors Cleared Over Coal Protest

LONDON - Six activists from environmental group Greenpeace were cleared by a court on Wednesday of causing criminal damage when they closed down a coal-fired power station in Kent last year in a climate change protest.

House Democrats Unveil Bill to End Drilling Ban

Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives unveiled legislation on Wednesday that, if passed, would significantly expand domestic oil production by permitting offshore drilling at least 50 miles from US coasts.

IMF Sees Gradual Global Rebound During 2009

• Economic slowdown is near low point, gradual recovery seen for 2009
• Recovery will not be sharp enough to avoid further financial sector stress
• Financial sector restructuring, multilateral policy efforts still needed

Iran Plans Power Projects in 10 Countries

The Iranian energy ministry has announced plans for the construction of hydroelectric dams and power stations in 10 countries...

ITT Pumps Stand Up To Hurricane Gustav

ITT Corporation pumps and systems helped keep the New Orleans area free of floodwater during the onslaught of Hurricane Gustav. Positioned at 25 different pumping stations in Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Bernard and New Orleans parishes, ITT pumps have a total pumping capacity of 20 million gallons of water per minute.

Japan keen on boosting energy ties with Russia

The official noted that, given the instability in the Middle East and the rapidly rising energy consumption in Central Asian countries, Japan needed to diversify its fuel supply sources and consider importing energy from Russia's Far East and Siberia.

Living Sensor Can Warn Of Arsenic Pollution

Scientists studying arsenic pollution have discovered a living sensor that can spot contamination. They have also discovered new bacteria that can clean up arsenic spills even in previously untreatable cold areas...

Loggers still a threat to Amazon Indians

Isolated native Indians in the Amazon forest of Brazil and Peru remain threatened by advancing loggers despite growing international attention to their plight, a senior Brazilian official said on Thursday.

Mitsubishi to quadruple PV by 2012

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation plans to quadruple its annual photovoltaic (PV) cell production to 600 MW by 2012, investing ¥50 billion.

Parties Accused of Failing on Green Policies

London (UK)--All three main political parties are backsliding on their commitment to green policies in the economic downturn, a coalition of nine environmental groups warns today. The organisations, including Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and WWF, call for far greater leadership, vision and courage than we have seen from any of the three main parties in recent months.

Photovoltech to double PV cell production capacity

Photovoltech has announced that it will expand the photovoltaic (PV) cell production capacity at its plant in Tienen, Belgium from 140 megawatt-peak (MWp) by the end of 2009 to 260 MWp by the end 2010.

Power Plant Costs Increase By $100 Million

The cost of a proposed coal-fired power plant in southwestern Wisconsin has risen by $100 million because of rising equipment and labor costs, Alliant Energy Corp. (LNT) said today.

Power plant proposal wins coalition backing; But opponents still skeptical

A coalition of union, farm and environmental groups threw their support behind Alliant Energy Corp.'s proposed coal-fired power plant during a rally Wednesday.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 091108

Geophysical Activity Forecast: The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet levels for 12 September. Quiet to unsettled conditions are forecast for 13 September, with unsettled to active conditions expected for 14 September.

Russia Decries U.S. Accord Withdrawal

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that a U.S. decision to freeze a civil nuclear agreement with Russia was a mistake.

Solar mirror improvements enable lower cost, more efficient solar concentrators

The Arch parabolic mirrors optically focus sunlight onto a concentrator containing active solar cell materials that convert the intense light into electricity. The paint backing for these techniques are lead free, which allows Arch to mass produce environmentally-friendly, lead-free mirrors capable of withstanding high temperatures.

Study says green shift means jobs

"Wind is competitive now with traditional forms of energy," Mr. Shoener said Tuesday. "Wind is not a pie-in-the-sky environmental technology."

Swiss researchers fabricate borosilicate glass nanoparticles

Researchers from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) claimed they have developed a novel way to produce and characterize borosilicate glass nanoparticles, opening the door to new applications in biomedical, optical and electronic sectors.

To Win the Race, It Takes Energy

Record-high prices for gasoline, heating and electricity and growing concern about global warming have pushed energy issues to the forefront of the 2008 presidential campaign.

U.S.-Mexico Environmental Partnership Bringing Cleaner Water And Air To Border Communities

At a ceremony concluding this year's Border 2012 National Coordinators meeting held in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the U.S. and Mexico pledged to continue removing millions of abandoned tires, provide additional water and sanitation, promote biodiesel, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from diesel trucks operating along the border.

UK gets new renewables department

The office, which should be up and running in the spring of 2009, pending the outcome of the Renewable Energy Strategy consultation, will address "barriers to renewables deployment including helping to develop the UK supply chain".

'Up close and personal' with the sun; Traveling exhibit aims to build interest in solar power

What if Santa Feans decided their city should be powered completely by the sun? Could it find enough space for enough solar panels, and how much would it cost?

US House curbs schedule due to Ike, delays vote on energy bill

With Hurricane Ike threatening the Gulf of Mexico, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi canceled the chamber's business for Friday and put off until Monday a vote on a comprehensive energy bill.

US House Democrats may propose drilling in large areas of OCS

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to offer a broad energy bill this week or early next that would call for opening millions of acres of the US Outer Continental Shelf to oil and gas drilling, a move most Democrats have resisted for years.

US Interior Secretary vows to clean house at MMS after IG report

Kempthorne's announcement comes in the wake of scathing inspector general reports detailing unethical relationships between MMS personnel and the oil and gas industry.

US Senate $40-bil energy plan to boost renewables; tax oil cos

Key US Senate tax lawmakers on Thursday unveiled a roughly $40 billion bipartisan package that would extend incentives for renewables, advance carbon control technologies and boost alternative fuels for vehicles by repealing tax breaks for oil and gas and an Outer Continental Shelf excise tax.

Utility's ultimatum jolts customers; Groups representing big electricity users protest a threat to curtail service

Rocky Mountain Power's recent threat that it might curtail its service and let power outages linger longer than necessary is not sitting well with the company's biggest customers.

Vestas expands in Colorado

The nacelle factory will be Vestas’ first of its kind in the USA, and the new blade factory will supplement the existing blade factory in Windsor, Colorado.

September 9, 2008

Bush withdraws nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia

In a statement, Bush said the presidential determination that he made in May when he submitted the agreement to Congress was no longer in effect because of recent Russian military actions that are "incompatible with peaceful relations with its sovereign and democratic neighbor Georgia."

Calif. Eyes Fire Danger From Pole Wires

California utility regulators ordered an investigation into the risk of wires breaking on utility poles that hold large numbers of cables and power lines.

California's Laws

California's trend-setting energy and environmental laws are a noble but risky effort. While they are serving to create a new economy, the rules may also be hamstringing some utilities and businesses.

Cheney Cautions Europe on Russian Energy

Vice President Dick Cheney repeated a warning Monday that an aggressive Russia should not be allowed to dominate Europe's energy supply.

Customers get early start on energy saving

Fall isn't officially here, but that hasn't stopped residents from hunkering down for winter.

Daniels Pushes for Lead on Clean Coal

The Duke Energy power plant under construction in Edwardsport, Ind., that will convert coal into gas to produce electricity, also could be the test site for a new technology to capture carbon dioxide emissions.

EPA Announces Safe Drinking Water Research

Let's raise our water glasses and toast to America's health! Water is essential to life, and one of EPA's highest priorities is ensuring America has drinking water safe from pathogens and other waterborne contaminants.

Hurricane Ike Pummels Cuba, Aims for US Gulf Coast

Hurricane Ike remained a powerful Category 2 hurricane as it briefly moves back over water south of Cuba before charging on toward the oil-rich Texas-Louisiana coast later in the week

Making Gore's Switch Isn't Quite So Simple

The former vice president, now in his second career as a climate Cassandra, has spent the past few weeks pushing the notion that the United States can be "repowered" -- that all its electricity needs can be met without producing greenhouse gases. He says it can be done within a decade.

Millions of Households Already in Recession, Warns TUC Brown Told He Risks Alienating Public Further If Calls for Windfall Tax Ignored

Gordon Brown is facing mounting anger for dithering over imposing a windfall tax on energy giants as trade union chiefs claimed millions of households in Britain were "already in recession".

Mortgage Applications Increase During Week of August 29

The Mortgage Bankers Association’s Market Composite Index for the week ended Aug. 29 was 453.1, an increase of 7.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis from 421.6 one week earlier

Mortgage Loan Delinquency Rates Rise for Sixth Straight Quarter

Mortgage loan delinquency rates increased 9% during the second quarter ended June 30 from the previous quarter, according to a report released yesterday by TransUnion, a Chicago-based credit bureau.

Naimi says oil inventories are in a 'healthy position'

Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali Naimi said Tuesday that oil markets were "fairly well balanced" and the kingdom had worked "very hard" since June to bring oil prices down to their current levels.

Nation Switches On to Solar Power

The huge increases in electricity tariffs and soaring fuel prices experienced recently are causing many Namibians to rethink their energy needs and where to cut costs in order to save money as southern Africa is also experiencing a power crunch due to increased demand for electricity against dwindling supply capacity.

Oceans of Opportunity

Ocean Renewable Power Co. says that the waters off Maine's coastline will provide the foundation by which it can spawn a new generation of electricity. Its project there will start small and build over time. In the long term they say that the plant, to be placed in the Passamaquoddy Bay, would produce as much as 20 megawatts.

OPEC ministers set to leave official output targets unchanged

OPEC ministers meeting in Vienna later Tuesday are widely expected to leave official output targets unchanged at a collective 29.673 million b/d.  But...

Powered by waste; Solid Waste Authority turns trash into electricity

Trash is rarely environmentally friendly.

In fact, it's usually the opposite.

But in York County, putting a trash bag on the curb is greener than you might realize.

Progress Rates May Rise 11.5 Percent

The Raleigh-based electric utility had sought a larger rate increase but agreed to spread out the increase over three years.

Quote of the Day 090908

"The market is fairly well balanced and we have worked very hard since the June meeting to bring prices to where they are now,"
Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali Naimi said Tuesday that oil markets were "fairly well balanced" and the kingdom had worked "very hard" since June to bring oil prices down to their current levels.

"Any time the cartel gets together, one is never quite sure about the outcome...But most ministers are also quick to point out (rightly) that supply is running well ahead of demand. Therefore, a surprise cut cannot be ruled out either."
Energy analyst Edward Meir on the OPEC meeting. He also added trying to decipher what OPEC will do at its meeting is almost as treacherous as hurricane forecasting.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 090708

Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet to unsettled levels. ACE solar wind observations indicated Earth remained within a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream.

Senate Forges a Compromise Energy Bill

The measure is winning adherents from both sides of the aisle—and upsetting ideologues of both parties

Serbian Parliament approves Russian energy agreement

Serbia's Parliament on Tuesday adopted a wide-reaching energy agreement with Russia that Serbia hopes will cement its energy supply for decades to come.

Solar energy could employ 10 million by 2030

Solar energy can make a large contribution to the energy needs of two-thirds of the world’s population by 2030, including those in remote areas. That’s according to Solar Generation, a report from Greenpeace and the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

The car of the perpetual future

Mass-produced hydrogen fuel-cell cars have been promised for a decade. Where are they?

The World Spends $300 Billion Subsidizing Fossil Fuels

The world is spending $300 billion every year to subsidize fossil fuels that pollute the air, wreck the climate ... and run the world's economy.

Traveling America's Electrified Road to Power Generation

In 1879, inventor and self-promoter Thomas Edison strung two copper wires from a small steam-powered dynamo at his Menlo Park laboratory to a curious carbon-coated fiber, sealed in a glass bulb.

Turning Waste Material Into Ethanol

By combining gasification with high-tech nanoscale porous catalysts, they hope to create ethanol from a wide range of biomass, including distiller's grain left over from ethanol production, corn stover from the field, grass, wood pulp, animal waste, and garbage.

US gas prices headed lower on oversupply; Raymond James analyst

With US oil and gas companies producing more and more natural gas, US gas prices are headed for a "train wreck," Raymond James energy analyst Marshall Adkins said Monday

US NRC accepts Yucca Mountain repository application for review

NRC's docketing of the document means the agency's staff has found the application sufficiently complete to undergo a technical, or licensing, review.

US Senate Democrats plan to bring energy bill to floor next week

The energy bill will be brought to the floor after a Friday energy "summit" coordinated by Reid and Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman, Democrat-New Mexico.

Utility to consider biomass for fuel; Board votes to fund $50,000 study into possibilities for future plant conversion

Utility Service Board member Tom Slusser called it "one of the most important things we as a board have ever done."

Wall Street and Developers Gather to Explore Solar Investment Opportunities in Phoenix, AZ

With analysts predicting a $51 billion market for the solar industry by 2015, coupled with declining manufacturing costs, the industry’s upward momentum is giving way to a very bright future. Solar investors need to have an understanding of both these technological developments and investment opportunities when making their next big deal.

Want a Better Way to Power Your Car! It's a Breeze.

Legendary Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens is half right. We do need to harness this country's wind resources for a homegrown source of electricity, as he has been urging this summer in expensive television ads. And we do need to reduce the $700 billion we may soon be paying annually for imported oil. But part two of Pickens's plan—to move natural gas out of electricity production and use it to fuel cars instead—just doesn't make sense.

'Water bears' are first animal to survive space vacuum

Tiny invertebrates called 'water bears' can survive in the vacuum of space, a European Space Agency experiment has shown. They are the first animals known to be able to survive the harsh combination of low pressure and intense radiation found in space.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 090908

•Global crude oil futures continued to fall towards $100/barrel in early European trade Tuesday, with the OPEC meeting in Vienna taking center stage and hurricane concerns in the US easing, sources said.

•Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali Naimi told reporters as he arrived in Vienna on Tuesday for OPEC's meeting that oil markets were "fairly well balanced" and that the kingdom had worked "very hard" since June to bring oil prices down to their current levels.

•On a technical basis, a downtrend seems to be establishing itself.

Wind, solar energy built on temporary tax breaks

Some $500 million in investment and production tax credits will expire Dec. 31 unless Congress renews them. Without that help, solar and wind power companies say they will reverse planned expansions and, in many cases, cut payrolls and capital investment.

September 5, 2008

92% of regional business leaders say UAE should invest in alternative energy

As the impending energy crunch presents a looming challenge to the Middle East and the climate crisis calls for action, a recent poll conducted by Leaders Presents reports that 92% of regional business leaders believe the UAE should invest in the research and implementation of alternative and renewable energy in the form of solar or wind power, bio-fuels or other sources.

Analysts skeptical of Pickens' plan

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday that Pickens' plan would substitute one expensive fossil fuel for another -- oil for natural gas.

Arctic Melting Shows Global Warming Serious - Expert

The incredibly rapid rate at which Canada's Arctic ice shelves are disappearing is an early indicator of the "very substantial changes" that global warming will impose on all mankind, a top scientist said on Wednesday.

Asian pollution could spur U.S., European warming

Asian pollution from Asian power plants, cooking and heating could create summer hot spots in the central United States and southern Europe by mid-century, U.S. climate scientists reported on Thursday.

Big turbine sent to aid project in Afghanistan

Thousands of British, U.S. and Canadian forces successfully escorted a new turbine through some of Afghanistan's most dangerous Taliban territory to an American aid project that hopes to increase electrical production to the country's south.

Some 4,000 troops guarded the turbine as it traveled 110 miles from Kandahar city to the site of the Kajaki dam project...

California Utility violations led to deadly Oct. fires

Improperly maintained utility lines were to blame for three wildfires that swept through San Diego County last fall, killing two people and destroying 1,347 homes, state regulators said.

California 'Water Bank' in Works Amid Drought

California's state government is forming a "water bank" to buy water for local water agencies at risk of shortages next year should a current drought persist, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Thursday.

Cat 4 Hurricane Ike Fiercer, Hanna Strengthens

Hurricane Ike strengthened rapidly into an fiercely dangerous Category 4 hurricane in the open Atlantic on Wednesday and Tropical Storm Hanna intensified to a lesser degree as it swirled over the Bahamas toward the southeast US Coast.

Child Mortality Rates Continue Dramatic Fall

In 2006, the latest year with data available, the world's child mortality rate-the number of children who die before the age of five per 1,000 live births-dropped to 72, a 20-percent decline since 1990...

China's energy law stalled amid government reorganization

China's long-awaited new energy law has not yet been submitted to the State Council due to the reorganization of government's institutions early this year,...

Crunch Time for Renewable Energy Tax Credits

Congress comes back to Washington next week and in the tradition of election-year politics, there's a good chance that much won't get done before November. That means there are very few chances left to extend the Production and Investment Tax credits before they expire at the end of the year.

Duke Energy to install solar panels at 850 sites in N.C.

Duke Energy Corp. is plans to install photovoltaic solar panels next year at up to 850 sites in North Carolina as part of a proposed $100 million solar plan.

Ending Coal; Climate Science That Matters

Leading climate science Dr. James Hansen, who heads NASA's noted Goddard Institute for Space Studies, has called for an immediate halt in the construction of coal-fired power stations.

Energy Department to speed technology

The U.S. Department of Energy is making up to $7 million available to speed up clean energy technologies from seven national laboratories into the marketplace.

EPA adds six new hazardous waste sites to national list

The U.S EPA is adding six new hazardous waste sites that pose risks to human health and the environment to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites.

EU Lawmakers Approve Rules for Hydrogen Cars

Cars contribute about 14 percent of the European Union's CO2 emissions and hydrogen is seen helping the EU meet its ambitious goals of curbing emissions by a fifth by 2020, compared to 1990 levels.

Financing The World Energy Industry Requires $22 Trillion

Meeting the world's energy needs over the next several decades represents incredibly complex challenges on many fronts. These include access to the resource base for fossil fuels; availability of an adequate workforce, specifically engineers and skilled tradesmen; siting every variety of energy facility; dealing with climate change challenges; stability and predictability of regulation; and attracting $22 trillion ($22,000,000,000,000) into the sector.

Geothermal Energy's Potential

The presidential candidates are stumping hard. And while energy and environmental issues are getting frequent mentions, both the Republican and Democratic leaders are neglecting one area: geothermal energy.

Global warming; Western U.S. feels the heat

As pilot Bruce Gordon lifts up from the local airport, the distant perspective of the Teton Range raises the spirits, but the unfolding sight of dying forests sears the soul.

Greenpeace Proposes Giant North Sea Windfarm Grid

North Sea nations could link their offshore windfarms via a giant electricity grid on the sea bed and bring huge benefits for Europe, according to a Greenpeace report gaining interest from the European Commission.

Kansas Firm To Commercialize MSU Biotuel Technology

A Kansas company has licensed Michigan State University technology that uses enzymes from a microbe in a cow’s stomach to create plants that can be more efficiently turned into biofuel.

Massive Canada Arctic Ice Shelf Breaks Away

A huge 19 square mile (55 square km) ice shelf in Canada's northern Arctic broke away last month and the remaining shelves have shrunk at a "massive and disturbing" rate, the latest sign of accelerating climate change in the remote region, scientists said on Tuesday.

Native 'first dude' holds power

There is precedent for positive developments happening for Indian country at times when powerful federal officials have had Native spouses.

Polycrystalline price affects thin film solar growth

During the time through 2015, the global solar cell market will exhibit a breathtaking growth — from a market volume of 5.6 GW in 2008 to 79.5 GW in 2015. The market for the materials required will grow accordingly. But not all materials will benefit in equal measure.

Rates Drift Lower on Reports of Economic Weakness

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 6.35 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending September 04, down from last week when it averaged 6.40 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.46 percent.

Report suggests renewables can meet half of global energy

Renewable energy and energy efficiency can meet half of the world's energy needs by 2050, but time is running out, warn the European Renewable Energy Council and Greenpeace.

Sea level rise limited to two metres

What is the maximum amount that sea levels could rise by 2100? Much attention has been given to the numbers issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007, and the fact that they are absolute minimums.

Now, a team of researchers has said that there may be a way of nailing the fixed upper limit...

Securing the Grid

The public may be aware of increased efforts to beef up grid reliability, but it isn't focused on the work being done to secure the bulk power system from cyber attacks.

Silicon prices to drop 43% in 2009

The price of polysilicon is set to drop by up to 43% next year, according to the New Energy Finance Silicon and Wafer Price Index...

Surpassing expectations; State of the US wind power market

Surpassing even optimistic projections from years past, the US wind industry experienced unprecedented growth in 2007.

Sustainable Cities key to fighting 'ecological credit crunch'

"Today humanity is using 25 per cent more resources annually than the earth is able to renew. With the urban population expected to double between now and the year 2050 to 6.4 billion, we must find ways in which to provide housing, food and transport that donot provoke a complete collapse of our ecosystems,"

The Elephant Under the Rug; Denial and Failed Energy Projects

Groupthink is a strange phenomenon resulting from our deep genetic programming as herd animals: If our peer group is ignoring the giant lump in the living room rug, we will naturally imitate their behavior and walk around the elephant hidden there.

U.S. Treasury Dept. names environment, energy secretary

Pizer will help oversee initiatives such as the multi-billion dollar Clean Technology Fund -- established by the federal government to help developing countries adopt clean energy technologies. Pizer also will help oversee federal financing for the Tropical Forest Conservation Act...

U.S. wind energy capacity surpasses 2-gigawatt mark

Installed U.S. wind energy capacity has blown past the 2-gigawatt milestone, achieving in two years what had taken two decades.

University of California, San Diego Selects Borrego Solar to Install a 1.2 Megawatt Solar Electric System As Part of Its Comprehensive Sustainable Energy Program

Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., a leading designer and installer of grid-connected solar electric power systems, today announced that the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) has selected Borrego to install a 1.2 megawatt solar electric system -- consisting of Kyocera Solar photovoltaic modules -- as a central component to the university's robust sustainable energy program

Warming Oceans Make Strongest Storms Stronger - Study

"If the seas continue to warm, we can expect to see stronger storms in the future," James Elsner of Florida State University said.

Watch Green Happen in Kansas

Greensburg, Kansas was already dying when a powerful tornado finally finished it off last year. But its thousand citizens decided to come back as a town worthy of its name.

Why Are Utilities Increasingly Announcing New Solar Initiatives?

In the past year, utilities have started to embrace solar as part of their business at an unprecedented rate. The same attributes that make solar a high value distributed generation technology, such as modularity and quick construction time, also make it appealing to utilities that rely largely on centralized generation.

September 2, 2008

4,000 Seek Rejection of License

The petition urges the nuclear safety agency to reject a Department of Energy application to build the nuclear waste complex 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

12 States Sue EPA Over Refinery Carbon Emissions

New York and 11 other states are suing federal environmental regulators over greenhouse gas emissions from oil refineries, the New York attorney general's office said on Monday.

Almost Half of Australia Untouched by Humans; Study

More than 40 percent of Australia, an area the size of India, remains untouched by humans, making the country as critical to the world's environment as the Amazon rainforests, a study said on Wednesday.

Antarctic Ozone Hole May Be Larger in 2008 - UN

he hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica may be larger this year than in 2007, the United Nations weather agency said on Friday.


The ozone layer shields the Earth from damaging ultra-violet rays that can cause skin cancer. The Antarctic ozone hole is normally about the size of North America but its ultimate size depends on weather conditions.

APS offers loans for customers to install solar panels

Arizona Public Service Co. is introducing a new loan program that would allow customers to install solar panels on their houses at virtually no up-front charge.

Are You Giving Your Child a Daily Dose of Toxins?

Every day you're exposed to more than 123 chemicals through your skin and mouth -- the vast majority of which have never been screened for safety by the FDA! They're even in your children's personal care products.

Australia Approves Uranium Mine Expansion Plan

Australia, which is looking to sell more uranium overseas to meet growing demand for nuclear power, on Thursday approved a proposal by Heathgate Resources to expand its outback Beverley uranium mine.

Australia's Carbon Footprint

The Australian government is seeking to introduce one of the world's most inclusive carbon trading schemes by 2010 but needs the support of big business, which fears emissions trading will make them less competitive.

Automatic utility rate increases stall

A plan to make rate increases for utilities more automatic when natural gas and coal prices soar won't be in place by year's end, a victory for customer groups that opposed the change.

Beyond Carbon; Scientists Worry About Nitrogen’s Effects

Public discussion of complicated climate change is largely reduced to carbon: carbon emissions, carbon footprints, carbon trading. But other chemicals have large roles in the planet’s health, and the one Dr. Giblin is looking for in Arctic mud, one that a growing number of other researchers are also concentrating on, is nitrogen.

Bush Ready to Scrap Nuclear Deal With Russia

Three months ago, President George W. Bush reached a long-sought agreement with Russia intended to open a new era of civilian nuclear cooperation and sent it to Congress for review.

Now, according to administration officials, Bush is preparing to scrap his own deal.

California Climate Land-Use Bill Passes Assembly, Next Step is the State Senate

“Household car and truck pollution accounts for 30 percent of California’s global warming pollution.  The amount that Californians drive is increasing faster than our population growth rate and we need to act now to offer people choices to drive less.

California Takes 5th Place in Race To Develop Renewable Energy, Groups Call for RPS Increase

According to the newest data, California is falling behind other states in terms of building new renewable energy projects such as wind farms and solar power plants.

China approves law to promote sustainable economy

China's legislature passed a law calling for fiscal spending, tax breaks and other measures to promote sustainable economic growth via resource conservation and pollution control, official media said on Saturday.

Coal Back-Up for Wind Power 'Will Cost GBP 100bn'

A LEADING power company has claimed wind energy is so unreliable that even if 13,000 turbines are built to meet EU renewable energy targets, they could be relied on to provide only 7 per cent of the country's peak winter electricity demand.

Coalition Launches Clean Energy NOW Campaign

More than 175 companies and organizations from across the political spectrum have started the Clean Energy NOW campaign, which is calling for Congressional action to extend the federal investment and production tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency when the legislators return for the September session. The tax credits are currently set to expire at the end of this year.

Cogeneration Can Slash Carbon and Costs

Cogeneration of electricity and heat is one of the most promising means of using existing technologies for sustainable ends, but it is also one of the most neglected and least understood.

Drought in Australia food bowl worsens

Drought in Australia's main food growing region of the Murray-Darling river system has worsened, with water inflows over the past two years at an all-time low, the government's top water official said on Tuesday.

Electricity Hunters Sniff the Wind; Arizona Seems to Have Few Sites Capable of Generation Scale Utilities Will Need

Wind power may have as much potential as those ads on television promise, but don't expect to see giant turbines dwarfing saguaros on the skyline of the Sonoran Desert.

Experts call the wind in Southern Arizona "marginal", and say Arizona overall has few hot spots for wind power.

Ener1 Sees Hybrid Battery Costs Halving

Ener1 Inc will be able to cut the cost of batteries for hybrid electric vehicles by 50 percent once its lithium-ion technology amasses scale, Chief Executive Charles Gassenheimer said on Friday.

Entergy says Gustav wreaks havoc on electric system in Louisiana

Hurricane Gustav inflicted "extensive damage" to Entergy's electricity transmission and distribution system in Louisiana, the utility said late Monday night, leaving more than 780,000 customers without power.

EU Lawmakers Move Towards Phased CO2 Cuts for Cars

Curbs on carbon dioxide emissions from new cars sold in the European Union could be phased in slowly through 2015 after two political groups in a key EU parliamentary committee agreed a compromise.

Federal Court Allows USDA to Suppress Testing for Mad Cow Disease

The Agriculture Department is within bounds to bar meatpackers from testing slaughter cattle for mad cow disease, a U.S. Court of Appeals panel said in a 2-1 ruling on Friday.

First Mass US Crossing for Hydrogen Cars Completed

Hydrogen fuel cell cars from nine automakers completed a 13-day cross-country trip this weekend, in the first such mass US crossing for vehicles powered by a zero-emission technology still in its infancy.

Five Largest European Countries and US Believe Their Governments Are To Blame for Bad Economic Times

According to a Financial Times/Harris Poll conducted online by Harris Interactive®, most people in France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and the United States believe their economies are getting worse.

FPL Says Nuclear Power Should Be Considered a Renewable Energy Supply

In the massive discussion that's starting to shape the future of electric power in the state for decades to come, an executive of Florida Power & Light insists that the best way to reduce greenhouse gases is to define nuclear as a renewable energy source.

Geothermal Company Set to Open First Plants

Five years after going public, geothermal company Raser Technologies Inc is on the verge of a major milestone: earning real revenue.

Glaciers Need Closer Watch in Poor Countries - UNEP

Scientists are not paying enough attention to glacial melting in the Andes, the Himalayas and peaks in other developing countries, a United Nations-backed report found on Monday.

Global warming greatest in past decade

Researchers confirm that surface temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere were warmer over the last 10 years than any time during the last 1300 years, and, if the climate scientists include the somewhat controversial data derived from tree-ring records, the warming is anomalous for at least 1700 years.

Grand Canyon uranium mining temporarily on hold

Rising oil and natural gas prices have led to a resurgence of interest in nuclear power in the United States. ...But new or old, nuclear power plants here and around the world require fuel. The Four Corners area is the prime location for mining uranium in the United States.

Hawaii's Conversion of Coal Plant to Biomass Marks a New Trend

A coal-fired power plant in Pepeekeo, Hawaii, that formerly provided electricity to a sugar mill is now being converted into a 24-megawatt (MW) biomass power plant.

Hurricane Gustav fails to halt fall in oil prices

Despite the imminent arrival of Hurricane Gustav, crude oil futures have failed to fully respond during the morning session, market sources said.

Israel's First Solar Power Station Up and Running in South

Israel's first solar power station is up and running in the south desert Negev, which is expected to provide 220,000 shekels (about 61,452 U.S.dollars) of electricity a year to the national power grid.

Military Analyst Warns of Coming 'Climate Wars' Unless Global Warming is Reversed

The prospect of global wars driven by climate change is not something often discussed publicly by our political leaders.

But according to one of America's top military analysts, governments in the US and UK are already being briefed by their own military strategists about how to prepare for a world of mass famine, floods of refugees and even nuclear conflicts over resources.

Peruvian forest laws overturned

Native advocates and their allies had asserted that the laws made it easier for big companies to purchase their land, against the wishes of the communities...

Planning For Power Plants

Many utilities are once again in a position to invest in new power plants. But will regulatory impediments and community concerns stifle those efforts?

The skepticism is healthy

Quote of the Day 090208

"We decided that we will postpone our discussions on the new strategic partnership. This crisis means we have to re-examine our relationship with Russia."
The EU has frozen talks on a new partnership agreement with Russia until it withdraws its troops in Georgia to pre-August 7 positions, French president and current president of the EU, Nicolas Sarkozy, told reporters in Brussels after EU leaders met to discuss the Russia-Georgia crisis.

"The oil supply should be proportionate to the demand and control of excess supply is an issue which should be addressed at the upcoming OPEC meeting. Some OPEC members are providing the market with excess supply and producing more than their OPEC quota, therefore at the next meeting the members will request a stop to this excess supply."
Iran oil minister Gholamhossein Nozari said Tuesday his country will ask OPEC members to stick to their production targets when the group meets in Vienna on September 9, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Republicans repudiate McCain on GHG curbs, call for more drilling

The Republican Party is poised to adopt later on Monday an election-year platform that repudiates its presumptive presidential nominee's federal solution to curbing greenhouse gas emissions and calls for "accelerated exploration, drilling and development" of oil and natural gas offshore and onshore the US.

Sea level rises could far exceed IPCC estimates

Could our coastlines disappear underwater much sooner than we think? The controversial view that sea levels could rise at a rate of more than 1 metre per century has found support from a new study of a long-melted ice sheet.

Slow Food Movement Picks Up Momentum in the USA

A lush, under-the-stars spread of handmade bread, gourmet olives and fine wine makes an unlikely launch for a weekend dedicated to ending hunger, empowering poor nations and transforming farming as we know it.

Solar panels could meet large share of world energy needs; study

Solar photovoltaic panels could supply electricity to more than 4 billion
people worldwide by 2030 and could meet all of Europe's energy requirements,
while occupying less than 1% of European lands...

Toyota Cuts 2009 Sales F'cast, Speeds Up Electric Cars

Toyota Motor Corp cut its 2009 vehicle sales forecast by nearly 7 percent as high fuel prices hammer demand for large cars and pickup trucks, and said it will speed up the rollout of hybrid and electric cars as their popularity grows.

UN Chief Says Insufficient Progress Made on Water

One billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water and countries must try harder to reach their goals on sanitation, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said on Monday.

UN Chief Warns Against Waiting for Climate Deal

Delaying major advances until the end of 2009, when a Copenhagen summit will aim to finalise an accord to tackle rising global temperatures, may be ill-advised, Ban told the event in Geneva.

What are biofuels and how much do we use?

Biofuels are liquid fuels produced from biomass materials and are used primarily for transportation. The term biofuels most commonly refers to ethanol and biodiesel.

What's Moving the Oil Markets 090208

•Despite the imminent arrival of Hurricane Gustav, crude oil futures have failed to fully respond during the morning session, market sources said.

•Nearly all US Gulf of Mexico oil production was shut Sunday in preparation for the storm, with 96.26% of oil output and 82.3% of gas production lost as of midday Sunday

Wind Credit Blown Off Course

Congress is playing games. But in doing so it has dropped the ball. The U.S. Senate has failed to advance the production tax credit given to wind power -- all at a time when the nation is trying to wean itself from fossil fuels

Wyoming Wind Transfer Line Comes Closer to Reality

The challenge for renewable energy is to find a spot to plug into the power grid. Waddington said the transmission lines that drivers see posted along various roadways are already fully committed to other energy users.