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January 29, 2010

1,198 State Legislators Call for Action on Clean Energy Jobs Legislation

The letter, signed by 1,198 state lawmakers from both parties and 49 states, is the clearest indication yet of broad-based, grassroots support for common sense energy reform legislation...

70 Percent of antibiotics used on animals slaughtered for food

Widespread antibiotic use in animal agriculture is drawing increasing fire as a primary cause of the growing prevalence of drug-resistant and ever more lethal superbugs.

APS Seeks Renewable Energy from Solar and Arizona-Based Wind Projects

In an effort to attract and acquire new renewable energy projects for the benefit of its retail customers, Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) announces two requests for proposals (RFP), one for new sources of photovoltaic energy and the other for Arizona-based wind.

Asteroids and Their Impact

Earth has been hit many times by asteroids and comets whose orbits bring them into the inner solar system. Some of these sites are well known such as Meteor Crater in Arizona as well as the theory that the extinction of the dinosaurs was caused by a such a collision.

Australia 'Faces Worse Bushfires Without CO2 Deal'

Australia faces a possible 300 percent increase in extreme bushfires by 2050 unless world leaders can agree to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions, a new report said on Thursday.

Biogas Plant at City of Glendale Landfill Begins Sending Energy to APS Customers

The decomposition of organic materials at landfills creates a highly-flammable gas consisting mainly of methane. Instead of simply burning the gas for safety reasons the Glendale Energy Power Plant will use the biogas as fuel for two large combustion engines, similar to automobile engines.

Blumenthal is ‘ready to listen and learn’ from Indian country

Long seen as a foe of Indian country, Blumenthal said that, if he is elected, his new role as senator will require a different approach to Indian issues.

“I view these issues as extraordinarily important, so I can talk to you a little bit about them now, but my responses will be somewhat more general than they may be in a month or two after I think through some of the implications.”

Bucking Up for Biofuels

The Obama administration is bucking up and funding research into biofuels, which can be used as power for electric generators or fuel for automobiles. Altogether, it is placing $800 million into such projects under the federal stimulus plan.

China's pollution situation still serious

China still faces a serious threat from pollution despite recent government efforts to clean up, the Cabinet said on Wednesday, adding the country would step up investment in environmentally friendly industries.

Climate bill uncertainty delaying energy investments; Obama aide

With the US Congress unable so far to pass a climate-change bill, a senior White House official on Wednesday said business leaders are privately telling her the lack of "regulatory certainty" is causing them to delay investments in energy projects that would create jobs and help the US recover.

Climate change is focus of new Kentucky council

In Kentucky, where global warming skeptics are given a warm welcome before coal-friendly legislative committees, a major effort to rein in climate change began Thursday.

Commentary - Would the Glass–Steagall Act Have Prevented the Recent Financial Meltdown

The recent announcements by President Obama seem to have sent shivers down the backs of most banking executives, especially those who have worked extremely hard to assemble the giants of banking that we have today. An unintended consequence of the recent crisis has been the creation of banking giants that, unlike what many think, are even less likely to be allowed to fail.

Concern About Global Warming Continues to Drop in the U.S

Concern about global warming among U.S. adults has dropped significantly, a new poll says, with fewer than 50 percent of Americans saying they are "somewhat" or "very worried" — a 13 percent decrease...

Debt Issues

A lot has been written in recent months about the exploding U.S. Treasury debt and how the U.S. dollar will surely suffer as a result of it. And, there is no doubt that the debt has exploded and is projected to continue rising at a relatively rapid rate for as far as the eye can see.

Don't let your baby swim in chlorinated pools

The findings, reported in the European Respiratory Journal, add to evidence that exposure to chlorinated pools may affect children's respiratory health -- particularly if they have a family history of asthma or respiratory allergies like hay fever.

Drought Blights Syrian Villages, Residents Dying of Hunger

A severe shortage of rainfall that has lasted more than three years has crippled agriculture in northeastern Syria, where residents say conditions are still deteriorating in the absence of economic alternatives and an adequate government response.

People's living conditions in the area are dire...

El Nino to boost 2010 U.S. crops

U.S. farmers grew record-large corn and soy crops in 2009 but production in 2010 could be even bigger, aided by an El Nino weather pattern that is typically a boon to the Midwest but less so for growers in Australia and southeast Asia, a forecaster said on Thursday.

Electric bills spur bills in Capitol

Confusion, shock, a resigned shrugging of shoulders, anger and near despair.

These reactions continue to surface as customers of Appalachian Power Co. receive sometimes staggering electric bills for service in December and early January...

Energy efficiency to shine in 2010

Solar and wind power may get the headlines and attention, but green-tech experts say 2010 will be dominated by energy efficiency, the mundane but critical process of cutting the amount of gas and electricity that homes and offices use.

Environmental group to sue Salem power station

The lawsuit alleges that the coal-and-oil-fired facility exceeded its "opacity" limits a total of 286 times between 2005-2009. The opacity, or density of the gas stream coming from the smokestacks, is a strong indicator of the amount of soot, or small particles of metals, chemicals and ash in the emissions, the lawsuit alleges.

EPA Increases Transparency On Chemical Risk Information

Starting today, EPA has announced its intention to reject a certain type of confidentiality claim, known as Confidential Business Information (CBI), on the identity of chemicals. The chemicals that will be affected by this action are those that are submitted to EPA...

Exelon CEO; Deal with emissions now

...ask Rowe whether Congress will pass legislation to cut carbon emissions of big polluters, such as utilities, and he says, "I'm very depressed."

Geothermal industry sees marked growth in 2009

The report identifies up to 6,442.9 MW of new geothermal power plant capacity under development in the United States in those states as well as Oregon, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. This pushes the prospects of nearly 10 GW of installed capacity in the coming years over a broad section of the nation.

Global Warming Slowed by Decline in Atmospheric Water Vapor

A sudden and unexplained drop in the amount of water vapor present high in the atmosphere almost a decade ago has substantially slowed the rate of warming at Earth's surface in recent years, scientists say.

Global Warming To Trigger More Warming

Climate change caused by mankind will release extra heat-trapping gases stored in nature into the atmosphere in a small spur to global warming, a study showed.

But the knock-on effect of the additional carbon dioxide -- stored in soils, plants and the oceans -- on top of industrial emissions building up in the atmosphere will be less severe than suggested by some recent studies, they said.

Good Fish, Bad Fish

For years, environment and health advocates have urged consumers to avoid farm-raised salmon. Two recent developments might muddy the waters around salmon aquaculture: a new study links the contaminants in those fish to insulin resistance – that's bad. But the influential Seafood Watch gave its first-ever seal of approval to one kind of salmon farming, the practices used by AquaSeed Corporation in Rochester, Washington – that's good.

Google's Quest

Google's ability to gather and disseminate information may now extend beyond the search engine and into the world of electricity. It's not a power grab; rather, it's an attempt to what it says will revolutionize energy technology and in doing so, create cleaner air for all to breathe.

Green energy funds fall slightly

International support for combating climate change has slipped only slightly during the recession, a report presented in Davos, Switzerland, said Thursday.

The unexpected resilience in funding was partly the result of economic stimulus programs that leaned on green energy initiatives and partly the result of the Copenhagen Accord

Greenhouse Gases, What Now? What Next?

The U.S. power industry is all too familiar with trendy policies and ideas, oftentimes thrust upon it by outsiders with an agenda. However, there are trends that energy companies and their vendors would do well to follow closely over the course of the next year.

Haiti's Few Trees At Risk as Survivors Flee to Rural Areas

The number of people leaving Haiti's earthquake-ravaged cities for rural areas could reach one million, putting pressure on already vulnerable communities in those areas, the UN Food and Agricultural Organization warned Monday.

Healing of ozone hole could accelerate global warming

You'd think the healing of the hole in the ozone layer would be good news, but it seems that although every cloud is said to have a silver lining, they also have a gray one as well. The Antarctic ozone hole was once regarded as one of the biggest environmental threats, but researchers now argue that the ozone hole over Antarctica helped to shield this region from carbon-induced warming over the past two decades and its repair could actually increase warming in the southern hemisphere.

Honda Begins Operation of New Solar Hydrogen Station

Honda today began operation of a next generation solar hydrogen station prototype at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., intended for ultimate use as a home refueling appliance capable of an overnight refill of fuel cell electric vehicles.

Interest in Alternative Energy Vehicles Revs up in China, while Japan and US Are Slower to Come on Board, New SSI Study Reveals

As the world narrows its focus on environmental concerns, interest in eco-friendly cars is broadening,

Japan moves to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25%

The Japanese government officially decided Tuesday that it would participate in the Copenhagen climate agreement and pledge to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, government officials said.

Jobs from Climate Control is the new mantra

Supporters of a global warming bill have failed to captivate the country with warnings of drought, disappearing polar ice caps, refugees fleeing floods and worsening disease. So, they are ramping up a more positive-sounding argument.

Manager arrested, company cited for enviro violations

The company official failed to notify the appropriate government agency of a release of coal tar sludge at the TCC facility. The sludge, released as a result of a failed decommissioning of two storage tanks, ignited.

Methane's Key Role in Global Warming

Carbon dioxide is the gas we most associate with global warming, but methane gas also plays an important role. For reasons that are not well understood, methane gas stopped increasing in the atmosphere in the 1990s. But now it appears to be once again on the rise. Scientists are trying to understand why — and what to do about it.

New Directions in Transmission

In countries around the world, there is a growing need to move what is expected to be significant amounts of wind, solar and hydro-generated electricity from sparsely populated remote regions to the cities where demand is great.

This has ignited a quest for new high-voltage and ultra-high-voltage transmission systems that can carry more electricity longer distances.

Oil Demand Has Peaked In Developed World; IEA

Oil use in rich industrialized countries will never return to 2006 and 2007 levels because of more fuel efficiency and the use of alternatives, the chief economist of the International Energy Agency said on Thursday.

Renewable Power Growth To Beat Coal; Alstom

Power equipment maker Alstom expects demand for renewable and nuclear technologies to outstrip growth in coal and gas fired electricity projects, Chief Executive Patrick Kron said on Thursday.

Russia announces major oil discovery in East Siberia

Russia's biggest oil producer Rosneft has discovered a major oil field in East Siberian Irkutsk region, with the reserves estimated at 160.2 million mt (1.17 billion barrels) of crude, Russia's natural resources ministry said Wednesday.

Solar Energy Company Offers First Colorado-Based Solar Financing Program

With the SolarSaver PPA, or power purchase agreement, customers pay only for the electricity produced by their photovoltaic systems at a fixed rate, usually at or below their current utility rate. The benefit of a PPA is that customers "pay as they go," paying only for the production of their solar electric system.

Southern Company and Ted Turner Join Forces to Explore Renewable Energy Projects

"We have said for some time that renewable energy should play an increasing role in this country's energy mix and that Southern Company would seek opportunities to expand our renewable portfolio where it makes sense. This is evidence of that commitment."

Stimulus didn't add to wind-energy jobs

Federal stimulus money rescued the U.S. wind-power industry from what could have been a disastrous 2009, but it still lost sought-after manufacturing jobs, a trade group reported Tuesday.

Texas doubles wind power of other states

Farms with a capacity of more than 2,290 megawatts of wind power began production last year, easily besting the 905 megawatts added in Indiana, the next closest competitor, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

Texas Waterway Partially Reopens After Oil Spill

A waterway in Port Arthur, Texas, used to supply oil refineries in the region was partially reopened to ship traffic on Wednesday, after a tanker collision and oil spill on Saturday had caused its closure, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The Fix

There recently was an article in the  St. Petersburg Fl. Times. The Business Section asked readers for ideas on:  "How Would You Fix the Economy?"

I think this guy nailed it!

The remarkable migratory patterns of the Arctic Tern

It’s official: the Arctic tern has the longest migration of any animal in the world. The Arctic Tern Migration Project recently discovered that the tern flies over 70,000 kilometers (43,496 miles) annually, from its breeding grounds in the Arctic to its winter quarters in the Antarctic.

The Sorry State of the Union

The state of the union is just miserable, no matter how President Obama sugarcoats it. He will claim that progress has been made in stabilizing the markets, increasing national security and advancing toward meaningful health care reform, but he will be wrong on all three counts.

Twenty Percent of US Households Struggle to Afford Food

Nearly one in five U.S. households ran out of money to buy enough food at least once during 2009, said an antihunger group on Tuesday, urging more federal action to help Americans get enough to eat.

"There are no hunger-free areas of America,..

U.S. Formally Embraces Copenhagen Climate Deal

The United States on Thursday formally notified the United Nations that it has embraced the Copenhagen Accord setting nonbinding goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that was negotiated last month.

U.S. General Urges World War On Space Debris

World powers must find ways to reduce the amount of debris in orbit, as the collision risk it poses to spacecraft is increasing, the head of the U.S. Strategic Command said on Wednesday.

U.S. Navy Sued Over Anti-Sub Training Range Where Rare Whales Calve

Conservation groups today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Navy over its decision to build an Undersea Warfare Training Range next to the only known calving ground for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Only about 350 whales of this species remain today.

The range is set for a location 50 nautical miles offshore of Jacksonville, on Florida's northeast coast.

U.S. Wind Energy Industry Breaks All Records, Installs Nearly 10,000 MW in 2009

The U.S. wind industry broke all previous records by installing nearly 10,000 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity in 2009 (enough to serve over 2.4 million homes), but still lags in manufacturing, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said today in its Q4 report.

Venture Capitalist Bullish On Green Startups

The U.S. recession and slow global economy have created big opportunities for investments in promising green startups, an area that at one time had lofty valuations, Silicon Valley venture capitalist Steve Westly said.

VTOL Flying-Wing; a new take on UAV design

The age of UAVs has well and truly dawned but designers aren't resting on their laurels when it comes to improving the capabilities of these multi-talented aircraft.

Waste_Inbox 012810

Single-stream recycling has become enormously popular in recent years. It makes things so much easier for the average consumer, who honestly doesn't want to make the organizational effort...

Wind, Solar, and Ocean Power Manufacturers Will Require $17 Billion of Investor Capital Through 2012

Rapid growth has come to alternative energy. Wind power generation grew more than tenfold in the U.S. in the 2000s, while funding for solar startups soared past many information technology sectors. But in the 2010s, feed-in tariffs will decrease, and many renewable electricity sources will approach cost parity with fossil-fuel sources.

World's glaciers continue to melt at historic rates

Latest figures show the world's glaciers are continuing to melt so fast that many will disappear by the middle of this century

Yucca project assailed; NRC board hears Nevada's challenges

Nevada's lead attorney took a stab Tuesday at killing the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project, arguing before a licensing board that the Department of Energy neglected to consider the failure or absence of a key safety feature.

January 26, 2010

2009 Second Warmest Year of Warmest Decade on Record

The year 2009 was tied for the second warmest year in the modern record, shows a new analysis of global surface temperature from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Conducted by NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York City, the analysis also shows that in the Southern Hemisphere, 2009 was the warmest year since modern records began in 1880.

ANALYSIS; US presidential address to link climate, job creation

Observers expect President Barack Obama to address climate change in his annual State of the Union address Wednesday, but the long-held legislative priority is likely to take a back seat to issues seen to be at the forefront of voters' minds, especially job creation and national security.

Bucking Up for Biofuels

The Obama administration is bucking up and funding research into biofuels, which can be used as power for electric generators or fuel for automobiles. Altogether, it is placing $800 million into such projects under the federal stimulus plan.

Climate change activists work to regain momentum

The climate surrounding climate change has changed, and not for the better for those seeking to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Climate Talks Bigger Threat To Saudi Than Oil Rivals

United Nations climate talks are a bigger threat to top oil exporter Saudi Arabia than increased oil supplies from rival producers, its lead climate negotiator said on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia's economy depends on oil exports so stands to be one of the biggest losers in any pact that curbs oil demand by penalizing carbon emissions.

Coal-slurry lagoon site awaits OK

When one of Ohio's largest coal-mining companies asked if it could turn a Belmont County stream into a 2-billion-gallon lagoon for toxic waste, state and federal officials said no.

But faced with the fear that Ohio's two largest mines would close, putting about 1,000 miners out of work, those same state officials offered to help the coal company find a better way to handle the waste.

Dominion argues against golf course coal-ash suits

Lawyers for Dominion Virginia Power on Thursday argued to have two coal- ash lawsuits dismissed, saying a group of residents lacks the legal grounds to sue over waste and potential pollution at Battlefield Golf Club.

Earthquakes and the Future of Haiti

The aftershock sequence of the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Jan. 12, 2010, will continue for months, if not years. The frequency of events will diminish with time, but damaging earthquakes will remain a threat.

Haiti's Energy Crisis, Before and After the Earthquake

Earthquake embattled Haiti continues to require search and rescue efforts and recent news reports are showing the desperate need to disburse food, water, and emergency medical attention. The aftermath has also seen increased violence, looting, and unrest, making all efforts to help more difficult. This natural disaster provides an opportunity to help rebuild Haiti's infrastructure.

Here comes the sun; The bright side of solar energy

Joe Morinville says a "perfect storm" is brewing for acceptance of solar energy in Western Pennsylvania.

Interest in solar power is generating some educational programs

Community College of Allegheny County has begun a program to train installers of solar modules in an effort to "conserve and be part of the solution," says Judy Savolskis, interim vice president for work-force development.

Is the Environment to Blame for the Rise in Autism Cases?

Autism cases are on the rise. Or so the most recent data would have us believe.

Legacy of War; Iraq Littered With High Levels of Nuclear and Dioxin Contamination, Study Finds

More than 40 sites across Iraq are contaminated with high levels or radiation and dioxins, with three decades of war and neglect having left environmental ruin in large parts of the country, an official Iraqi study has found.

Lobbying, global warming portend U.S. nuclear renaissance

The Obama administration soon may guarantee as much as $18.5 billion in loans to build new nuclear reactors to generate electricity, and Congress is considering whether to add billions more to support an expansion of nuclear power.

Newly installed wind turbines idled by Minnesota's winter

Last year, about a dozen Minnesota communities dreamed of clean, green energy: spinning windmills powering hundreds of homes. Now, months after the deadline, the windmills stand largely immobile, and communities are still waiting for the power to flow.

NM Indian Tribe Hopes to Profit From Solar Energy

A poverty-stricken Indian tribe that holds the sun and nature's other gifts sacred sees a brighter future for itself in solar power.

NRC to review nuclear plant tritium monitoring

Health physicists from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be in Vermont next week to review the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's methods of checking for groundwater contamination.

The move comes less than three weeks after radioactive tritium was found in a groundwater monitoring well at the Vernon reactor.

Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, has been linked in high amounts to cancer, birth defects and genetic mutations.

NREL Is Helping Scale Up Biofuels Operations

When it comes to fostering new biofuels technology during a recession, a big barrier can simply be cash. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu recently gave the industry a boost when he announced the selection of 19 integrated biorefinery projects that are eligible to receive up to $564 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to accelerate the construction and operation of pilot, demonstration and commercial scale biofuel facilities.

Nuclear power's licensing demands create 'tsunami' for feds

The commission's beleaguered staffers call the cause of all this uproar "the tsunami." It's been 25 years since a new nuclear power plant was licensed in the United States, but applications started arriving again in 2007, spurred by incentives launched during President George W. Bush's administration. By the end of this year, the Energy Department expects to have applications in hand for 31 new reactors.

Past Decade Warmest on Record, NASA Data Shows

The decade ending in 2009 was the warmest on record, new surface temperature figures released Thursday by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration show.

Plans for large solar farms sprouting in Mass.

Solar energy systems could grow in a big way this year in Massachusetts — and not just in number.

Plug-in Electric Cars Can Lower Global Warming Emissions, Oil Consumption and Unhealthy Air Pollution

Increasing America’s use of  plug-in electric (PEV) and plug in hybrid vehicles (PEHV) would dramatically reduce emissions that cause global warming and air pollution and would curb our dependence on oil, according to a new white paper released today by Environment America, at the North American International Auto Show.  

Poll gauges willingness to pay for wind power

A new poll released this week found that support for a wind farm in Nantucket Sound drops if customers' electric bills go up by $100 or more per year.

Rebuilding a solar energy 'loss'

With enough enthusiasm, it seemed, to power the sun, David Blumenfeld announced in May the creation of a start-up that would offer Philadelphia homeowners the option of leasing solar systems -- an energy alternative considered by many too costly to purchase.

He is now pronouncing his Urban Eco Electric (UEE) venture "a loss," a casualty not of insufficient interest from city residents, he said, but a lack of government subsidies for a concept new to this region.

Sen.-Elect Brown's Win Adds More Question Marks to Senate Climate Debate

At his victory rally in Boston, Brown warned that his election puts Democrats on notice that they may pay a political price come November if they do not take a second look as they work through the major pieces of President Obama's legislative agenda.

Solar panels in the stores but installation's not for novices

He said many consumers looking for energy efficiency already were buying insulation, compact fluorescent bulbs, water heaters and other equipment at Lowe's. "Why not solar panels?"

Study; Nuclear plant radiation may be to blame for cancer spike

Thyroid cancer rates in Pennsylvania soared in recent decades and radiation from nuclear power plants may be the cause, a study released Thursday said.

Tanker collision sends oil into Texas waterway

Vapors from the estimated 450,000 gallons of spilled crude oil triggered warnings of a hydrogen sulfide release near the port where three refineries are located, leading authorities to recommend nearby residents leave their homes.

U.S. Climate Envoy Urges Nations Pledge Carbon Cuts

The top U.S. climate envoy on Thursday urged other countries to set carbon emission targets to fight global warming by the end of this month as a crucial step toward a global legally binding agreement.

U.S. Feeds One Quarter of its Grain to Cars While Hunger is on the Rise

The 107 million tons of grain that went to U.S. ethanol distilleries in 2009 was enough to feed 330 million people for one year at average world consumption levels. More than a quarter of the total U.S. grain crop was turned into ethanol to fuel cars last year.

US Existing Homes Sales Drop as Annual Prices Rise

Existing home sales in the United States declined 16.7% month-over-month in December to 5.45 million annualized units. The prior month’s 6.54 million figure remained unrevised. Home prices, however, rose 1.5% relative to December 2008.

US imported 63 percent of oil from overseas in 2009, Pickens

The US imported 63 percent of its oil, or 4.35 billion barrels in 2009, sending nearly $265bn, or $502,473 per minute, to foreign governments, according to energy tycoon T Boone Pickens, based on the latest figures from the US Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA).

US Renewable Energy Industry Needs the Heat in Biomass

The U.S. biomass thermal industry is poised to offer significant carbon and financial savings for consumers. Biomass for thermal energy is up to 90% efficient; in contrast, using biomass for the production of electricity is up to 40% efficient...

Used nuclear fuel arrives from abroad

Spent nuclear fuel shipped under heavy guard from Israel and Turkey is the latest batch of weapons-grade material now stored at Savannah River Site.

The shipment -- four casks with 131 spent fuel assemblies -- entered the U.S. through the Charleston Naval Weapons Station and was moved by truck to SRS last week.

UVa Engineers Study Environmental Impacts of Algae-based Biofuel

With many companies investing heavily in algae-based biofuels, researchers from the University of Virginia's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have found there are significant environmental hurdles to overcome before fuel production ramps up.

Will Global Warming Increase Natural Disasters, or Not?

The United Nations climate science panel faces new controversy for wrongly linking global warming to an increase in the number and severity of natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

It based the claims on an unpublished report that had not been subjected to routine scientific scrutiny — and ignored warnings from scientific advisers that the evidence supporting the link too weak. The report's own authors later withdrew the claim because they felt the evidence was not strong enough. 

January 22, 2010

AGA gas supply report paints a rosy picture

In its analysis of the US natural gas supplies released Wednesday, the American Gas Association asserted that its data should "quell any doubts about the ability of natural gas to supply the country well into the next century."

Are Western RPS Standards Technically Feasible? Yes, but...

This article discusses renewable portfolio standards in the Western U.S. and compares the incremental generation required to meet them to the West’s developable renewable energy resources.

Brazil seen leading renewable energy production

In a speech at the inauguration of the Usina Termeletrica Juiz de Fora - the world's first ethanol-run thermal electric plant - Brazil's Chief-of-Staff Dilma Rousseff said that the country in on the way to becoming the world's leading renewable energy producer

Death knell for the dentist's drill?

...a new invention may soon make that device obsolete - in many situations, at least. When it comes to the treatment of cavities, the current approach is to treat small ones with fluoride therapy, then wait for anything larger to reach the stage where it needs to be drilled. Now, dental technology company DMG is offering a cavity infiltration system called Icon, that allows dentists to treat no-longer-small cavities before drilling becomes necessary.

Does Geothermal Drilling Cause Earthquakes?

The answer is no, geothermal drilling does not cause earthquakes.  Geothermal energy facilities have been providing clean renewable power to America’s electricity grid for nearly fifty years without any significant earthquake events.  Unlike other renewable energy sources, geothermal energy is available night and day, regardless of whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. 

Fact or Fiction; Turbine Bird Death

Wind energy! Clean, renewable, economical. Humans have been using wind energy for generations, from moving boats across the water to grinding grain, pumping water and with increasing popularity for producing electrical energy. Wind turbines appeal to the desire of many who use them to lessen their impact on the environment, while they do ease the environmental impact they are not completely without some impact no matter how small it may be. One of the perceived problems with wind energy and more pointedly with wind turbines is their affect on bird mortality. Unfortunately this issue has been exaggerated greatly.

Haiti Recovery Begins with Population’s Direct Involvement

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) employed nearly 400 Haitians in cash-for-work activities to jump start the local economy and facilitate the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance. By the end of the week, this programme will expand to include another 700 people working on rubble removal and the rehabilitation of essential social infrastructure, such as street repairs and electricity.

Haiti's environment needs long-term help

Long-term efforts to help Haiti recover from the earthquake will have to reverse environmental damage such as near-total deforestation that threatens food and water supplies for the Caribbean nation, experts say.

The focus is now on emergency aid -- Haitian officials estimate that between 100,000 and 200,000 people died in the January 12 quake. But President Rene Preval urged donors on Monday also to remember the country's long-term needs.

Investors Bullish on Markets, Wary of Regulation

The world’s most influential investors are gaining confidence in the global outlook, and are concerned about a bubble in China and over-regulation in the U.S., according to the Bloomberg Global Poll...

Leading Experts Predict 2010 to be Marked by Global Recovery, US Dollar Strength and Rising Company Earnings

Both developed and emerging market economies are expected to continue to recover from the global recession of the past two years, as the U.S. dollar recovers against other major currencies, share prices of global equities rise and the public perception of U.S. economic stimulus efforts remains underestimated...

Mixed Water Portfolio Helps Thirsty Cities

Computer simulations for drought-prone areas reveal that when urban water planners combine three approaches of buying water -- permanent rights, options and leases -- the city avoids surplus water and high costs, and reduces shortages, according to civil engineers.

NREL Study Shows 20 Percent Wind is Possible by 2024

This unprecedented two-and-a-half year technical study of future high-penetration wind scenarios was designed to analyze the economic, operational, and technical implications of shifting 20 percent or more of the Eastern Interconnection’s electrical load to wind energy by the year 2024.

“Twenty percent wind is an ambitious goal, but this study shows that there are multiple scenarios through which it can be achieved,” said David Corbus, NREL project manager for the study.

Portable Air Traffic Control Tower Flown to Haiti, 1,400 Planes in Line

The 44-foot-long, 12.5 ton replacement tower is being transported aboard a chartered cargo aircraft and FAA technicians will install and prepare it for service, a 48 hour process once the tower arrives at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

Positioning of solar at COP15

With our simple but catchy motto “solar power, more energy, less CO2”, we intended to increase the overall awareness on the huge potential of solar energy to mitigate climate change.

What we can highlight from this summit, apart from the exhausting “obstacle course” and major access restrictions, is summarised below.

Radioactive tools missing at Prairie Island nuclear power plant

A half-dozen tools containing radioactive material have gone missing at the Prairie Island nuclear power plant.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 012110

Region 1041 (S21E61) produced several C-class flares, the largest being a C4 at 21/0120Z. Region 1041 also produced a long duration B4 flare.  The geomagnetic field has been at quiet to unsettled levels with isolated active conditions at high latitudes...

Scott Brown on Energy and the Environment

Scott Brown’s election to the United States Senate will not only influence the future of health care policy, but pending national energy legislation as well. During his electoral campaign, Brown made his stance clear on some aspects of the Senate’s current energy bill clear, in particular his view of cap-and-trade.

Seattle to increase 'garbage power'

Seattle, which gets a small amount of electricity from its own trash, plans to increase its garbage power significantly, city officials say.

The city of 602,000 plans to outfit a second landfill to pump methane gas from refuse by 2012...

Thirst for Oil Imperils South America's Most Biodiverse Wilderness

An agreement between the Ecuadorian government and the United Nations for a $3 billion trust fund that would compensate Ecuador for protecting the most vulnerable area of Yasuní by leaving the oil underground has begun to unravel.

US 30-Year Rates Down for Third Consecutive 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 4.99 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending January 21, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 5.06 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.12 percent.

US copper futures plunge as dollar strengthens

Copper futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange plunged Wednesday as the dollar strengthened and concerns arose over reports of the Chinese trying to tighten their monetary policy.

Utility Interests Varied

But a central message that runs through the assorted arguments is that any final laws should keep cost under control. As such, most utility groups favor giving away most of the initial allocations that would allow them to exceed carbon emission limits while at the same time, passing along any revenue gains from the sale of those credits to consumers

Waste_Inbox 012110

The power industry contends that the EPA´s proposal to reclassify coal ash as a hazardous material subject to federal regulation would devastate the recycling market and "could trigger burdensome new investments." The NYT editors disagree with that line of reasoning.

Wind Energy could be big in eastern US

Wind energy could generate 20 percent of the electricity needed by households and businesses in the eastern half of the United States by 2024, but it would require up to $90 billion in investment, according to a government report released on Wednesday.

Winds carry Asian smog component to Western U.S., study finds

Ozone from Asia is wafting across the Pacific on springtime winds and boosting the amount of the smog-producing gas found in the skies above the Western United States, researchers said in a study released Wednesday.

World Bank sees oil averaging $76/b in 2010, $76.60/b in 2011

Oil prices are likely to average $76/barrel this year and $76.60/b in 2011, up from an estimated $61.80/b in 2009, the World Bank said Thursday in its annual Global Economic Prospects report.

The bank had forecast in December 2008 that oil prices would average $75/b in 2009, but slashed that figure in March 2009 to $47/b.

World must unite to produce renewable energy

All countries, including oil-producing nations, must unite to develop renewable energies and reduce carbon emissions, said the head of IRENA, on Tuesday.

January 19, 2010

Algae Research Expected to Yield Green Jet Fuel, Diesel, Gas

To create green aviation fuels, diesel, and gasoline that can be transported and sold using existing fueling infrastructure, the Obama administration is investing up to $78 million of economic stimulus money in biomass technologies, including algae, says Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

Alzheimer’s Disease; new research offers hope

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, the insidious fatal disease which slowly kills all your brain cells. Already the seventh leading cause of death in the US, it is soon to reach epidemic levels as the boomers becomes senior citizens. There are more than 30 million people with dementia worldwide, but by 2050, this figure will increase to over 100 million.

Antarctic Wind Farm Reduces Bases' Reliance On Diesel

The world's southernmost wind farm has been opened in Antarctica, the first in what could be a number of renewable energy projects aimed to lower the frozen continent's reliance on diesel for power.

The construction of the three-turbine Ross Island wind farm was a huge challenge in an environment where the temperature can fall as low as -57 degrees Celsius.

API reports US oil, gas well completions sank by 37% last year

The number of US oil and natural gas wells and dry holes completed in 2009 declined by 37% from completions in 2008, the American Petroleum Institute has estimated.

Beaches Trapping Some Oil From Exxon Valdez Spill

A lack of oxygen and nutrients below the surface of beaches in Alaska's Prince William Sound is slowing the dissipation of oil remaining from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill, U.S. researchers said on Sunday.

CDC Announces Adult Vaccine Schedule

Total Mercury Exposure from Vaccines:

233** - 5825*** micrograms

How much is safe? None

China's Leap

With global climate change talks in the hot seat, lots of attention is now on China. But what most don't know is that the country has become a world leader with respect to the development of renewable power.

Disaster Declared; Alaska's Yukon River Chinook Salmon Run Fails

There has been a commercial "fishery failure" for Alaska's Yukon River Chinook salmon due to low salmon returns, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has formally determined.

Donors Open Their Hearts and Their Wallets for Quake Victims

The United Nations is appealing for $562 million to help victims of the catastrophic earthquake which struck Haiti this week, as the world body scales up its assistance efforts.

Dow Chemical agrees to clean up dioxin contamination

Dow Chemical Co. has signed an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Michigan to evaluate dioxin contamination in the Tittabasassee River and the Saginaw River and Bay and their floodplains.

Environmentalists push for uranium cleanup legislation

"It is common sense to require all uranium operations to clean up their toxic messes. Period," Parsons said.

Because higher uranium prices and increasing demand for nuclear power are driving a renewed uranium mining boom, and Cotter Corp. has announced plans to reopen its mill just south of Canon City, the environmentalists want to ensure, "Uranium companies have a clean working record in Colorado prior to getting new permits to renew or expand uranium operations."

Fast Tracking Green Projects

In an effort to move 31 renewable energy and transmission projects into high gear, the Obama administration has put them on a fast track permitting process. But such deals, which would take place on federal lands, have some opposition -- and it's coming from those in green corners, who say that certain ones should be relocated.

Final fly ash clean-up begins

Nearly five years after fly ash and other debris flowed down Rostosky Ridge Road in Forward Township, work was expected to begin to remove the final remains of that slide.

Green jobs grow slowly

Government rebates promised last year under the Obama administration's green jobs initiative never won final approval, so consumers didn't buy.

Iraq's 2009 gasoline imports rise despite self-sufficiency claims

Iraqi imports of gasoline rose slightly in 2009 over the previous year on declining domestic production, with the country continuing to import all refined products despite repeated claims by its oil ministry that it was becoming self-sufficient in all products.

OPEC members monitor inventories; US legislation sanctions petroleum sales to Iran; gasoil sees a draw-down

Senior Editor Kevin Saville discusses OPEC production figures. Output is on the rise, with OPEC members still producing above their agreed-upon limits. The cartel will need to monitor global product inventories especially as the market exits heating oil season, and may need to lower output when it next meets in March.

OPEC; A year in numbers

OPEC's 24.845 million b/d ceiling, which covers 11 members but not Iraq, has been in place since January 2009. Over the past year, there has sometimes been talk of new cuts possibly being needed. At other times, the talk has been of a possible need to increase quotas.

And as the talk veered between quota cuts and increases, actual production was rising.

Outcry over solar cuts

On Monday, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority reduced the state's cash incentive for solar electric, or photovoltaic, installations from $2.50 per watt to $1.75 per watt. It also made solar installations ineligible for a special loan program.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 011810

Region 1040 (N26W83) produced a C2.1 flare at 17/2233Z. Sunspot observations decayed as Region 1040 continued to rotate off the west limb.The geomagnetic field is
expected to be predominantly quiet on day one (19 January). Quiet to unsettled levels, with isolated active conditions at high latitudes, are expected on day 2 (20 January) as a coronal hole moves into a geoeffective position.

Schapiro on Financial Crisis

The following is testimony concerning the state of the financial crisis by Chairman Mary L. Schapiro, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, before the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission.

Ski property faces meltdown as global warming chills the market

There may be a global freeze on at the moment but Britons who own and let flats and chalets at ski resorts could face a threat to their investments — thanks to a long-term shortage of snow.

U.N. Panel Re-Examines Himalayan Glacier Thaw Report

Other experts have said the 10 major Asian rivers the glaciers feed could go dry in the next five decades.

Hundreds of millions of people in India, Pakistan and China would be affected.

UK nuclear waste experts challenge government on new nuclear

"Technical problems associated with a disposal facility are legion and most are recognized by the Environment Agency, thereby making any assertion of confidence in the disposability of radioactive waste premature," the group wrote.

Upping the Ante on the Climate Crisis

Just about one year ago today, Barack Obama was inaugurated as President. Hopes were high among progressive-minded people, including climate activists. Finally, we had a President who got it on the need for action to address the deepening climate crisis.

But here we are a year later and things look very different.

US Fixed-Rates Down Slightly While ARMs Are Mixed

Veterans hospital joins partnership to recycle batteries

The voluntary program has 262 public and private members nationwide and has a goal to reduce, reuse or recycle 31 different chemicals and metals.

Western Wind Energy wins approval for turbine locations in Arizona

Canada-based Western Wind Energy has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for 15 turbine locations at 399ft per turbine for Steel Park Wind Energy - Solar Energy project near Kingman, Arizona.

What Were They Drinking? Researchers Investigate Radioactive Water

Radioactive toothpaste, suppositories, makeup: Would-be inventors seeking to capitalize on the discovery of radioactivity in the late 19th century produced a plethora of questionable medical devices and treatments.

Wind turbines don't operate in cold (?)

Though wind turbines utilize North Dakota's plentiful gusts to generate energy, some agency officials say they are shut down in times of extreme temperature.

January 15, 2010

A warm feeling on solar subsidies

Solar energy advocates are trying to convince state regulators to create a state incentive program for solar thermal systems that make hot water in homes.

Adobe turns to the wind for power

What's that on the sixth-floor deck of Adobe headquarters in downtown San Jose? Those slender silver spires, spinning quietly in the breeze, are actually turbines producing environmentally friendly electrical power.

America Slides Deeper into Depression as Wall Street Revels

The labour force contracted by 661,000. This did not show up in the headline jobless rate because so many Americans dropped out of the system. The broad U6 category of unemployment rose to 17.3pc. That is the one that matters.

Wall Street rallied. Bulls hope that weak jobs data will postpone monetary tightening: a silver lining in every catastrophe, or perhaps a further exhibit of market infantilism.

Biomass seen fueling California economic revival

California could tap the energy stored in wood, garbage, plants and animal waste to fuel a job creation engine that could pull the state out of its economic doldrums, biomass energy advocates said Tuesday.

Bodies Pile Up After Haiti Quake; Aid Jams Airport

Troops and planeloads of food and medicine streamed into Haiti on Thursday to aid a traumatized nation still rattled by aftershocks from the catastrophic earthquake that flattened homes and government buildings and buried countless people.

California mandates greener buildings

California's new green-leaning building code would reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions substantially, a state environmental board said.

The statewide building code adopted this week would cut greenhouse emissions by 3 million metric tons by 2020, the California Air Resources Board estimated.

Carbon, Carbon Everywhere But What About the Water?

Everybody's talking about carbon footprints. And how fossil fuels spew carbon into places where it probably should not be spewed. O.K.: We get it.

China to up coal, gas imports and output to tackle power shortage

China has called on its power producers and related departments to boost supply of coal and natural gas by hiking production and imports as the country faces severe winter weather and resulting power shortages, the official Xinhua news agency reported Thursday.

Coal Power, Up Close and Personal

Every day when I sit down to work on my book about renewable energy, I try to keep in mind my central premise: that energy is, for most people, largely invisible, and that a main purpose of the book is to make energy visible.

Collins; U.S. should back wind energy

Developing wind energy - notably large-scale, floating wind farms far off the coast - represents one of Maine's best opportunities for a prosperous economic future, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said here Tuesday.

"Our state needs a game changer," Collins said.

Conservation Groups Cash In On Cheap Land

When a property developer pulled out of a planned 65-home subdivision in Portland Oregon in 2008 because of the collapsing real estate market, a conservation group saw an opportunity.

Crude futures trade lower for seventh consecutive session

Global crude futures traded lower for a seventh consecutive session Friday with technical indicators continuing to look bearish, sources said. Compounding the downward momentum was a weaker euro versus the US dollar, sources said.

Don't Think of a Solar Panel

For all the recent discussion about climate and carbon, I think we're missing a critical point. Climate is only one part of the larger global economic, energy, and environmental picture. To accurately depict the challenges and opportunities that we face, both politically and economically, we shouldn't be focused solely on climate.

E. Coli, Salmonella and Other Deadly Bacteria and Pathogens; Factory Farms Are the Reason

After reading "Bird Flu: A Virus of Our Own Hatching", by Michael Greger, M.D., I was stunned to realize the extent to which we have endangered our health by allowing factory farms to flourish and produce 99% of the meat, dairy, and eggs we eat. Not only are dangerous flu viruses mutating because of these concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO's), but we are also being exposed to some other very serious bacteria and pathogens. It seems that things have gotten out of hand in our food production...

Electric cars; Race is on, and the road is jammed

The road for electric vehicles is starting to get jammed -- and no one's sure where it leads.

Electric companies need upgrades for plug-in cars

Preparing America's neighborhoods to handle the additional power load that electric vehicles are expected to require is among the challenges facing the utility and automotive industries as plug-in electric vehicles are introduced, DTE Energy Chairman Tony Early said today.

Energy lawyer; Boulder should let contract with Xcel expire

If Boulder wants to radically reduce its carbon footprint, the city should let its contract with Xcel Energy expire, according to a Denver renewable energy lawyer.

EPA Strengthens Smog Standard

The United States Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed the strictest health standards to date for smog. Smog, also known as ground-level ozone, is linked to a number of serious health problems, ranging from aggravation of asthma to increased risk of premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Ozone can even harm healthy people who work and play outdoors.

Glitter-sized solar photovoltaics produce competitive results

Sandia National Laboratories scientists have developed tiny glitter-sized photovoltaic cells that could revolutionize the way solar energy is collected and used.

Growth in World Economic Output Slows

The world’s total output of goods and services, known as the gross world product (GWP), rose by 5.4 percent in 2008, to $69 trillion. The rate of growth, a deceleration from the heated 7.5 percent annual average of the previous five years, was dampened by the global recession that emerged during the year.

Haiti Earthquake; Why did it Happen?

The major earthquake that struck Haiti Tuesday may have shocked a region unaccustomed to such temblors, but the devastating quake was not unusual in that it was caused by the same forces that generate earthquakes the world over. In this case, the shaking was triggered by much the same mechanism that shakes cities along California's San Andreas fault.

Harris plant leak contaminates soil

Progress Energy's Shearon Harris nuclear plant in Wake County leaked about 1,000 gallons of water contaminated with tritium, a low-level source of radiation, nuclear safety regulators reported Wednesday.

Investors Representing $13 Trillion Call for Climate Action Now

The world's largest investors today issued a statement calling on the United States and other governments to "act now to catalyze development of a low-carbon economy and to attract the vast amount of private capital necessary for such a transformation.

Is Antarctica melting, or not?

NASA notes that one new paper states there has been less surface melting recently than in past years, and has been cited as "proof" that there’s no global warming. Other evidence that the amount of sea ice around Antarctica seems to be increasing slightly is being used in the same way. But both of these data points are misleading.

Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Hits Haiti

The earthquake that has hit Haiti, raising fears that thousands have been killed, is the latest in a long line of natural disasters to befall a country ill equipped to deal with such events.

Massey violations more frequent since record fine, greens allege

"Remarkably, Massey's violations have grown more frequent after the settlement with EPA than they were before EPA brought its enforcement action," said the formal notice of intent to sue sent to Massey by the Sierra Club, the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Coal River Mountain Watch and the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy.

Melting Tundra Creating Vast River Of Waste Into Arctic Ocean

The increase in temperature in the Arctic has already caused the sea-ice there to melt. According to research conducted by the University of Gothenburg, if the Arctic tundra also melts, vast amounts of organic material will be carried by the rivers straight into the Arctic Ocean, resulting in additional emissions of carbon dioxide.

PGE to Pursue Plan to Eliminate Coal at Boardman Plant

Portland General Electric Company (NYSE:POR) today informed the Oregon Public Utility Commission that it intends to pursue an alternative operating plan for the utility's Boardman Power Plant, under which the plant will cease operations in 2020 or discontinue the use of coal as a fuel source.

Prospects Fading for U.S. Climate Legislation in 2010

Last summer, clean energy advocates were confident that the U.S. Congress would pass a comprehensive energy and climate bill by the time the Copenhagen conference rolled around. Now, as energy issues slip further down the policy priority list in the wake of that failed meeting, advocates are left wondering if the U.S. will see any significant piece of clean energy legislation in 2010.

Rain Water Catchment

Rainwater harvesting is an interesting business. As a writer, designer, consultant and installer I am always amazed at the state of the business and that it is growing at all.

Rendell gets tough on energy bill

Gov. Rendell today called for an all-out "war" to win passage of long-delayed legislation that would increase Pennsylvania's requirements for alternative-energy use.

Report finds region ripe for green economic future

Buffalo Niagara Enterprise on Tuesday rolled out what it called "third-party validation" that the alternative energy industry can hold the key to turning this part of the Rust Belt green.

Scientists Push 'Doomsday Clock' Back A Minute

Scientists pushed back the hands on the symbolic Doomsday Clock by one minute citing hopeful developments in nuclear weapons and climate changes.

T. Boone Pickens cuts GE wind turbine order in half

The energy investor, who made wind power a key part of his plan to wean Americans off of foreign oil, said Tuesday that he will now take delivery of 300 turbines. He will use the turbines for wind farms in Canada and Minnesota.

The Refinishing Touch Launches TV Recycling Program To Combat Growing Problem Of Electronic Waste

The Refinishing Touch's new program will recycle older television sets that are replaced during such renovation projects.

US Department of Labor announces $150 million in 'Pathways Out of Poverty' training grants for green jobs

"Green jobs present tremendous opportunities for people who have the core skills and competencies needed in such well-paying and rapidly growing industries as energy efficiency and renewable energy."

Through the 38 grants awards announced today...

US oil demand averaged 18.68 million b/d in 2009; EIA

Demand for liquid fuels in the US fell in 2009 by 810,000 b/d, or 4.2%, to 18.68 million b/d, the second consecutive annual decline, the Energy Information Administration said Tuesday in its Short-Term Energy Outlook.

US senators urge defeat of proposal to block EPA GHG regulation

Majority members of the US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee are urging their colleagues in the chamber to join them in trying to defeat a potential amendment from Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican-Alaska, that would block federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Utilities can't seem to get consumers to track electricity use

The so-called "smart grid" approach has been lauded as a way to give consumers more freedom and control over their energy use, but in Ohio, where the devices are being tested incrementally, consumers "don't want another thing to worry about," said Ted Schultz, vice president of marketing and energy efficiency for Duke Energy.

WEEE…Driving Demand For Recycling Firm

"It is increasingly difficult and costly to send waste to landfill sites as well as environmentally undesirable", said Mr Wilkinson.

When Will Renewable Energy Companies Overtake Traditional Energy Companies?

Renewable energy has got buzz, growth and growing government support. But it's no secret that it still makes up a small portion of the overall energy mix. As interest in renewables increases, the question has begun coming up more and more often: When will renewable energy companies catch up to conventional energy companies? That is, when will we see an Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. or ConocoPhilips of renewables?

Worldwide 2009 Earthquake Death Toll; 1,783 People

At least 1,783 deaths resulted from earthquake activity in 2009, according to a new global report issued today by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The deadliest earthquake of the year was a magnitude 7.5 event that killed 1,117 people on the Indonesian island of Sumatra on September 30...

January 12, 2010

6 U.S. Baby Bottle Firms Agree to Stop Using BPA

"All six major baby bottle companies - Avent, Disney First Years, Gerber, Dr. Brown, Playtex and Evenflow - have agreed to voluntarily ban BPA from bottles in a major public health victory," Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said in a statement.

AEP leader prepares for successor, changes in emission laws and technology

The era of cheap electricity might be drawing to a close.

American Farm Bureau Continues to Deny Climate Change

It’s not just mountaintop removal mining that’s making activists of scientists. Now a group of 40 climate scientists backed by the Union of Concerned Scientists has written a letter demanding a meeting with American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman to discuss his group’s continued endorsement of climate denial and refusal to acknowledge the reality of anthropogenic climate change.

'Are We There Yet'

Children on long trips often cry out, "Are we there yet?" Economists and the public at large have been asking the same question about when the recession will end. With economic growth in the third quarter, signs of a stronger fourth quarter, a sharp decrease in monthly job losses, low interest rates and a stabilization of financial markets, the outlook has been improving steadily since early summer.

Clean tech venture capital off 36 percent in '09

Venture capital investors spent 36 percent less this year on clean technology for a total of nearly $5 billion, an industry group reported on Wednesday.

The solar power sector continued to pull in the most investment, with 84 deals worth $1.4 billion...

Congress and Wall Street Are Blamed the Most for Americans’ Current Financial Situation

As the New Year dawns, many people take stock of their financial situation and, as other Harris Polls have shown, do not feel secure about their household’s financial situation. One issue when it comes to finances is who to blame for the current situation -- and considering the past 18 months, there is a lot of blame to go around.

Crude futures hit 15-month high on weaker dollar, stronger shares

"The market seems again to be concentrating on the economic indicators," a market source said, noting that "although supplies of oil are lower than previously due to the cold spell, they remain very high."

Electric car costs to stay high

As General Motors pushed the start button Thursday on batteries for its Chevrolet Volt to whet appetites for the Detroit auto show, a new study finds that absent a big tech breakthrough, electric vehicles such as the Volt will stay too costly to snag most consumers around the world.

Electric rates could rise 13%

Black Hills Energy will seek close to a 13 percent rate hike on its electricity customers in Pueblo and other areas of Southeastern Colorado by mid-summer, executives said Wednesday.

Every Year 25 Percent of Americans, 33 Percent of Canadians Get Sick from What They Eat

When it comes to agriculture, America is indeed the land of plenty. Foods raised here and imported from around the world provide greater abundance and choice than ever before. But while our foods are bountiful, they're also inconsistently regulated.

Experts hack new power meters

As California's utilities roll out millions of "smart meters" in the coming years, they're creating, for the first time, the possibility that the electricity infrastructure could be hacked through a home, security consultants say.

Feedback Accelerates Arctic Ice Melt — Canada, Alaska Most Pronounced

Scientists at NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center published research last week in the Journal of Geophysical Research based on satellite microwave data of seasonal Arctic ice thaw from 1970 to 2009. The study indicates the seasonal Arctic sea ice melt melt season is now about 20 days longer than it was 30 years ago.

Icy Seas Continue in Antarctica

Sea water under an East Antarctic ice shelf showed no sign of higher temperatures despite fears of a thaw linked to global warming that could bring higher world ocean levels, first tests showed on Monday.

Indoor Air Quality

Smog in urban areas often makes the news. But truth be told, air quality is often much worse inside our homes than outside. That’s because tens of thousands of chemicals, some synthetic and some found in nature, are used to make products commonly found in buildings. Many of these chemicals are benign, some are highly toxic, and most fall in that wide gray area in between.

Industries ready to ride the wind

Ohio is chasing the wind -- and the dollars it can produce.

Around the world, wind is a booming, $40 billion-a-year industry that is growing at 30 percent a year, energy expert Richard Stuebi of the Cleveland Foundation said.

Largest U.S. Farm Group Rallies Against Climate Bill

The largest U.S. farm group will oppose aggressively "misguided" climate legislation pending in Congress and fight animal rights activists, said American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman on Sunday.

New homes in Hawaii must have solar water heaters

With the new year, Hawaii has become the first state requiring solar water heaters in new homes.

Nuclear’s Next Round

Round One of the Copenhagen Accord is now finished. And so the real work must be done -- to hammer out the details on just how global temperatures can be kept in check. One issue that must be resolved is that of nuclear energy and the role it will play.

Obama unveils $2.3 bil in clean energy tax credit winners

The Obama administration on Friday touted $2.3 billion in economic stimulus funding for clean energy manufacturing tax credits, even as the Department of Labor earlier in the day reported a loss of 85,000 jobs across the US economy.

Ohio Governor Hails Energy Rebirth in America's Industrial Heartland

America’s former rust belt is capitalizing on new energy technologies to spur robust economic development, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will tell a national audience of energy industry leaders and policy makers in Washington.

President Obama Awards $2.3 Billion for New Clean-Tech Manufacturing Jobs

One hundred eighty three projects in 43 states will create tens of thousands of high quality clean energy jobs and the domestic manufacturing of advanced clean energy technologies including solar, wind and efficiency and energy management technologies.

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 011010

There is a slight chance for an isolated M-class event from Region 1040. The geomagnetic field was quiet.

Researchers show off tiny piezoelectric energy capture sensor

Working within the Holst Centre program on Micropower Generation and Storage, researchers have developed a small piezoelectric device capable of harvesting 85 microwatts of electricity from vibrations.

River turbine project advances

Plans to put underwater turbines in the St. Lawrence River are starting to flow, slowly.

Roller coaster year for gas prices

According to the people who play watchdog on the gasoline industry and at-the-pump prices in Arizona, the year has been one of ups and downs.

Russian nuclear plant shut down

A Russian nuclear power plant is showing normal background radiation after undergoing an emergency shutdown Sunday, officials said.

Senator Sylvia Allen will join protest against 'carbon crooks'

Sen. Allen recently held ad hoc committee meetings on climate initiatives that featured many prominent speakers and nationally renowned scientist Dr. Craig Idso, who clearly showed the flawed science behind claims of man-caused climate change. They supported the report by 32,000 scientists, "Climate Change Reconsidered:

Tesla Wraps Up Historic Roadster Road Trip on Schedule

Tesla Motors concluded its historic Roadster Road Trip Friday when the electric sports car arrived in Detroit on schedule and in advance of the North American International Auto Show.

The Planet Versus Monsanto

[Editor's Note: It is absolutely ridiculous and yet predictable that Forbes Magazine has named Monsanto the Company of the Year for 2009. Monsanto has been a bit more high profile in the last year, I'll give them that, but it's because the public is finally getting educated about Monsanto's role in ruining our world by its company contributions to climate change, pollution and injustice.

Thousands of jobs could be created in renewable-fuels industry

A full-scale system to produce fuel for power plants and vehicles made from renewable sources such as grass and wood chips could create 10,000 lasting jobs in 15 years, many in farming areas of the state, and generate billions in economic activity, the task force said in a report.

Turbine company proposes Mississippi River study

One of the companies planning to generate electricity from the Mississippi River's natural current has proposed a wide-ranging study to answer concerns that its project could interfere with other river users, including barge operators, fishermen and even sand- and gravel-mining firms.

US Mortgage Rates Start the New Year Slightly Lower Than They Ended the Old Year

Where the Action Is on Climate

Even as many members of Congress resist as too hard or too costly the steps necessary to address global warming, American cities and states — the largest of which have carbon footprints bigger than those of most nations — have quietly been making serious commitments to curb emissions. Instead of finding reasons to do nothing, Congress should build on these actions to fashion a national response to climate change.

January 8, 2010

A cold, hard reality for federal drilling policy

Public policy is often driven by economics and political considerations. Sometimes, it can be driven by the weather.

After Scary Year, Will Food in 2010 Be Any Safer?

Here's a holiday menu that we'd all like to forget:

For the appetizer: San Antonio Bay oysters polluted with Noroviruses. For the main course: grilled beef infected with E. coli from contaminated tenderizing needles; chicken with Campylobacter or imported ham with Listeria monocytogenes. Then there's a side dish of stuffing loaded with salmonella-contaminated hazelnuts. And for those watching their weight: a popular nutritional drink fouled with the food poison Bacillus cereus.

All were recalled this month by the federal government or were the subjects of warnings by food safety experts. And 2010 isn't shaping up to set a safer table, according to some of the country's leading food safety experts.

Ag secretary announces $116M for rural water projects

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of $116.9 million in water and environmental project loans and grants that are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Altogether, USDA has announced $ 2.08 billion for Recovery Act water and environmental project loans and grants, benefiting people throughout the country.

API, automakers ask US to delay decision on use of E15 fuel

Organizations representing nearly all of the retail gasoline providers and automakers in the US asked the Environmental Protection Agency Thursday to reconsider its apparent inclination to authorize a higher ethanol content in gasoline.

Best Among Equals! Choosing Tax Incentives for Wind Projects

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) included several provisions intended to stimulate the development of wind power projects. In particular, ARRA not only extended the deadline for production tax credit (PTC) eligibility, but also granted developers the ability to choose between the $21/MWh PTC and the 30 percent investment tax credit (ITC).

Beyss Go-One Evolution; the next step in the Evolution of human-powered vehicles

Picture it: You’re zipping down the road in a sleek, exotic vehicle that looks like it came straight out of Blade Runner. You pull up at a red light, and a gawking onlooker asks what sort of an engine it has. To their amazement, you open the top to reveal that it’s propelled by nothing but the superhuman power of your own body.

California processing 244 proposals for renewable energy facilities

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says the projects represent 70,000 MW of capacity that will help the state meet its 2020 goal of one-third of power from renewables.

City Of Knoxville To Save Millions Of Dollars While Reducing Energy Consumption And Carbon Emissions In Energy Services Agreement With Ameresco

City Council approved an ambitious energy services agreement with Ameresco Tuesday night providing for improvements that will save the City of Knoxville millions of dollars while reducing its energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Clean tech; Venture capital firms invest at least $5.6 billion in 2009

Venture capital firms invested at least $5.6 billion in clean technology in 2009 in North America, Europe, China and India, according to a preliminary tally announced Wednesday by the Cleantech Group and Deloitte.

Cold weather putting dent in coal stockpiles at power plants

The sagging international economy is still having an adverse impact on U.S. coal consumption, but the head of the West Virginia Coal Association said Tuesday that the recent cold snap appears to be having an impact on coal stockpiles around at least some coal-fired power plants.

Community-owned wind projects seen gaining from stimulus policies

Changes in US policy to stimulate wind power development during the current economic slump are more valuable to local, community-owned wind projects than to larger commercial ones, according to a US Department of Energy report released Tuesday.

Crude futures drift lower following rise to 15-month high

Crude futures drifted lower during European morning trading while continuing to retrace Wednesday's unexpected surge in buying which followed the release of the bearish US Energy Information Administration's weekly stock report.

El Niño is expected to continue at least into the Northern Hemisphere spring 2010

El Niño strengthened during December 2009, with above-average sea surface temperatures (SST) encompassing the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT UPDATE

Energy CFOs Say Employment Levels Will Remain Steady in 2010

According to a new study by BDO, one of the nation’s leading accounting and consulting organizations, 65 percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) at oil and gas exploration and production companies say employment levels will remain stable at their company in 2010. Another 27 percent said they plan to hire more people.

Energy Use Surges As Cold Shocks Northern Hemisphere

Severe weather, partly due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, has frozen parts of northwest Europe that usually escape the coldest winter temperatures, driving gas demand to records in Britain [ID:nWLA2033] and straining French power systems. In China there are energy rations

Extended cold could set bullish tone for US gas in 2010

Listing their top-10 potential surprises for the year, the team tagged winter weather as number one on their list. "Even a market with surplus storage can fall to undersupply if weather is cold enough,"..

Feasibility of Seawater Treatment in the United States; Domestic Challenges and Solutions for Implementation

Limited water availability has regulators, water management districts and municipalities looking for drought-proof, reliable water supplies. Seawater desalination is a technically viable solution to the water shortages in the United States; however, this technical viability has to be considered along with the water costs associated with the treatment of seawater.

Glacial Watersheds May Contribute To Oceanic Food Web

A study recently completed in the gulf coast of Alaska by federal and university researchers has found that as glacial ice disappears, the production and export of high- quality food from glacial watersheds to marine ecosystems may disappear too. This trend could have serious consequences for marine food webs.

GM Builds First Lithium-ion Battery for Chevrolet Volt

In just five months, the Brownstown plant was converted from an empty building to a production-ready battery manufacturing site. New machinery and specialized equipment have been installed and three primary assembly areas have been completed: battery module pre-assembly, final assembly and the battery pack main line.

GrassRoots Activist Brings Clean Water To Afghanistan

Aldo Magazzeni leans across the table in his farmhouse kitchen and explains why, when it comes to supplying clean water to thousands of impoverished Afghanis, small really is beautiful.

Growing demand for soybeans threatens Amazon rainforest

"Some 3,000 years ago, farmers in eastern China domesticated the soybean. In 1765, the first soybeans were planted in North America. Today the soybean occupies more US cropland than wheat. And in Brazil, where it spread even more rapidly, the soybean is invading the Amazon rainforest," writes Lester R. Brown, president of the Earth Policy Institute, in a December commentary.

Highway Barriers Stifle Pollution

In a study by NOAA and the US Environmental Protection Agency, researchers released harmless “tracers” to measure the potential movement of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. The results showed a significant reduction for those neighborhoods in pollutants as a result of the barriers.

More Convincing Evidence That the Economic Recovery is Underway Sets the Stage for Higher Government Yields

The run of data over the past few weeks has largely produced upside surprises relative to market forecasts resulting in a sustained pickup in equity markets and a relatively sharp rise in government bond yields. In the US, the data continues to paint a picture of an economy in recovery mode, albeit still grappling with the effects of the credit market crisis.

Nano-magnets in metamaterials pave the way to invisibility cloaks

A Harry Potter-style invisibility cloak is one more step closer to reality thanks to the work of a research team at the FOM Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMOLF) in the Netherlands, which has successfully harnessed the magnetic field of light to develop meta-materials that can deflect light in every possible direction.

New coal-fired power plant fuels debate

Critics argue the plant, which will be the second-largest coal-fired power plant in Illinois, will pump an estimated 10 million tons of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere each year for decades to come at the very time many scientists are urging immediate action to curb emissions of heat-trapping gases.
 

 On the other hand, the project is providing jobs for 2,500 people...

Reinventing Carbon Dioxide - December 04, 2009

I concluded that the place to intervene is at the CO -- carbon monoxide -- stage. Carbon monoxide is much less stable than CO2 and takes much less energy to convert it to something else. It may be physically possible and economically viable to do something with carbon monoxide.

Soil's Role in Carbon Sequestration

Could soil engineered specifically to maximize carbon storage dampen some effects of climate change? Very possibly.

Solar pond could produce fresh water

Salty lakes worldwide could produce valuable freshwater using a low-cost solar process developed at the University of Nevada, researchers said.

Study Turns Up 10 Autism Clusters In California

U.S. researchers have identified 10 locations in California that have double the rates of autism found in surrounding areas, and these clusters were located in neighborhoods with high concentrations of white, highly educated parents.

The Defense; Raising the Bar on Security

A smarter grid will bring Oncor numerous benefits, but it will also create security challenges. "Unfortunately, we have some very smart, innovative, creative people who want to cause mayhem," said Jim Greer...

The key to Obesity? Mayo researchers find mechanism that adjusts fat burning

Mayo researchers collaborating with investigators at the University of Iowa, University of Connecticut and New York University (NYU) have discovered a molecular mechanism that controls energy expenditure in muscles and helps determine body weight.

The Offense; Smart Meter + Slot Machine Security

Las Vegas was the scene last July where the supposed security flaws of smart meters were unmasked. That event still has meter makers, utilities, standards organizations and federal regulators talking or hard at work improving security.

The Water Is Life Straw; A Global Clean Water Solution

Water Is Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an accessible clean water solution to the poorest and neediest nations, announces a global initiative to provide millions of people (specifically children) instant access to safe, clean water – through the ease of an oversized drinking straw.

U.S. Auto Fleet Shrinks as Youth Lose Interest in Cars

"America's century-old love affair with the automobile may be coming to an end," says Lester Brown, president of the Earth Policy Institute, a nonprofit environmental research organization.

U.S. Bird Listing To Hit Energy, Wind Industries

Efforts to protect an iconic bird could disrupt oil, natural gas and wind energy development in the U.S. West and add to the Democratic Party's green woes ahead of the 2010 congressional elections.

Upgraded wastewater treatment plant will be source of renewable energy for National Grid

One of the UK’s largest wastewater treatment works (WwTW) is set to become a valuable source of renewable energy. The benefits of a major upgrade at Davyhulme WwTW in Manchester include the generation of electricity from biogas and the potential to provide a sustainable source of soil improver.

US shipment of solar modules jumps 13-fold in less than a decade

The shipment of solar electric cells and modules in the United States is close to one million peak kilowatts, compared with 77,000 kW in 1999.

US study is critical of ethanol biofuel

The United States needs to rethink its promotion of ethanol as a means to enhance energy security, because production of the fuel is costly for taxpayers and poses economic and environmental risks, according to a study from Rice University.

Waste_Inbox 010710

Garbage to Gas: Waste Management Inc. received some nice coverage from ABCNews.com the other day with this story about its plant in Livermore, Calif., that makes liquefied natural gas from methane produced at its Altamont landfill to fuel its trash trucks

When We’re 65

The utility industry is getting older. By some estimates, nearly half of today's workforce will be eligible for retirement in the next decade. Years of hard-won knowledge seem doomed to disappear just as utilities are implementing smart grid initiatives...

January 5, 2010

2009 Ends With US Mortgage Rates Just Over 5 Percent

Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) last week released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.14 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending December 31, 2009, up from last week when it averaged 5.05 percent.  Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.10 percent. 

A DECADE OF RADICAL ISLAM; Will the West wake up to the threat in time?

Chilling details are now emerging of a wider plot, with possibly hundreds of suicide bombers coming to the U.S. Yemen's foreign minister told a British paper,

Ammonia-Treated Pink Slime Now in Most U.S. Ground Beef

You're not going to believe what you've been eating the last few years (thanks, Bush! thanks meat industry lobbyists!) when you eat a McDonald's burger (or the hamburger patties in kids' school lunches) or buy conventional ground meat at your supermarket:

Annual Program To Store Winter River Flows Begins

The ASR project diverts excess water from the Carmel River that would otherwise flow to the Pacific Ocean, and stores the water in the Seaside groundwater basin.

Appliance rebates off to slow start

Rebates to buy energy-efficient appliances, announced by the U.S. government in July, are so far available only in Delaware and won't be offered in many states until spring.

Appliance rebates to start soon in Arizona

But the number of appliances eligible for the rebate is slim, with only clothes washers, dishwashers and water heaters on the list.

With limited funds available, Arizona selected those appliances because other energy-efficient items, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, are eligible for rebates from utilities and manufacturers, said Jim Arwood, director of the Arizona Commerce Department Energy Office.

Appliance rebates, Texas-sized

Texans will get some of the country's most generous rebates for new appliance purchases under a federal stimulus program, including up to $315 for a new energy-efficient refrigerator.

Arab World in Water Crisis

There are people in over 17 Arab countries living well below the water poverty line of 500 cubic metres annually, said Arab decision makers from around the Arab world, meeting on water insecurity this past Monday, in Jordan, reports the Jordan Times. They recognized climate change in the Middle East as an issue that will further impact their poorly-available water resources, noting that 75% of the surface water in the Arab world, originates from outside its borders.

Barclays surprises; Shale 'keeps on giving,' LNG doesn't arrive (again)

Natural gas prices spent the year in a rut, with no hurricanes to halt supplies that started spilling out of storage. Hard to be surprised. But James Crandall and his team of analysts at Barclays said 2009 offered more than a couple of surprises.

Beef Group Challenges U.S. EPA Climate Finding

A beef industry group has challenged a ruling by U.S. environmental regulators that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health, saying the move would hurt agriculture.

BLM Concentrating on Renewable Energy Projects That Could Meet Stimulus Funding Deadline

With the December 2010 deadline for obtaining incentive funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act only a year off, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Bob Abbey today reaffirmed the agency's commitment to helping the nation reach its "green energy future" by guaranteeing full environmental analysis and public review for the 31 renewable energy projects that have met the required milestones to remain on the fast-track list for expedited processing.

Cash for appliances to kick off in Illinois, Iowa to follow

The first phase of a spin-off of the popular Cash for Clunkers program that will allow Illinoisans to get money back for old appliances is set to start in late January.

Chemicals of Concern

For the first time, EPA intends to establish a Chemicals of Concern list and is beginning a process that may lead to regulations requiring significant risk reduction measures to protect human health and the environment.

China eases overcapacity concern on solar PV, wind power

China's central government has eased its concern on overcapacity in multi-crystalline silicon and wind equipment manufacturing based on latest survey, said China Economic Observer on Monday.

China to become the world's third largest wind power producer

China will become the world's third largest wind power producer this year, an official with the National Energy Administration (NEA) said Wednesday.

Coal trips India's electric car revolution

With pressure growing globally on the automobile industry to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, it's no coincidence that the 10th edition of India's Auto Expo will open on Tuesday with the biggest-ever showing of electric, hybrid and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles:

Coal under fire; Coal feels heat of politicians, environmentalists

Coal keeps the lights on and homes heated for 53 percent of the nation, but this was the year it became the Rodney Dangerfield of American industry.

Not only has its respect been diminished, but King Coal has been under siege from environmental forces and politicians alike.

Coal's future discussed at forum

While coal may be a four-letter word in Washington, D.C., at the moment, it will be coal that will fuel the nation's future energy economy, according to William C. Anderson, former assistant secretary of Air Force Installations, Environment and Logistics.

Copenhagen Accord (1); 'A wilingness to move forward'

What do you get when the leaders of the United States, China, India, Brazil and South Africa spend the better part of a day together in the same room?

Copenhagen Accord (2); The long, uncertain road ahead

When it became apparent late this year that achieving a legally binding agreement at the just concluded UN climate conference in Copenhagen was not in the cards, expectations were tamped down and the new goal was a political agreement that could form the basis for further negotiations.

Depositions reveal nuke plant concerns

The depositions revealed that Institute of Nuclear Power Operations trainer Colleen Ware noted indicators showing the positions of the nuclear control rods were very old, the report said.

Earth-Friendly Elements, Mined Destructively

Just one problem: These elements come almost entirely from China, from some of the most environmentally damaging mines in the country, in an industry dominated by criminal gangs.

Energy Star appliance rebates, announced in July, won't be available for months in many states

The $300 million "cash for appliances" program, funded by the federal economic stimulus, is being rolled out gradually, state-by-state. In contrast, the popular "cash for clunkers" car trade-in program was national, so all buyers were eligible the same day.

Feinstein bill threatens some 5,000 MW of desert solar projects

A bill recently introduced by US Senator Diane Feinstein to conserve large parts of the Mojave desert could derail plans for large-scale solar power projects totaling more than 5000 MW.

Firm sees hybrids holding onto electric car market

Despite their hype and early sales, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and all-electric vehicles make up only a tiny part of the car market. And hybrids, those electric cars that also rely on gasoline, will continue to dominate the electric vehicle niche in coming years.

For Amity winery, buying solar panels a good investment

Three years ago, Darvin Levengood made what turned out to be a prophetic move.

Levengood, president of Manatawny Creek Winery in Amity Township, installed solar panels on the winery's roof to power the operation.

Irrigation Decreases, Urbanization Increases Monsoon Rains

A Purdue University scientist has shown man-made changes to the landscape have affected Indian monsoon rains, suggesting that land-use decisions play an important role in climate change.

Kamakura Reports 8th Improvement in Corporate Credit Quality in Last 9 Months

Kamakura Corporation reported Monday that the Kamakura index of troubled public companies improved in December for the eighth time in the last nine months.

Mexico City battles water crisis with taxes, pleas

Lake Avandaro has long been the emblem of leisure in this wealthy, colonial town west of Mexico City, but the capital sucked it half-dry last spring.

More Americans Give Green Light to Energy-Saving Bulbs, But Are Dim About Urgency to Switch

A new study by Osram Sylvania found that while adoption of more energy efficient lighting and awareness of advanced green lighting options are growing, Americans are nevertheless largely in the dark about the need to switch from traditional bulbs.

New Hampshire homeowners can still grab energy rebate

More than half a megawatt of solar and wind power could be generated at homes throughout New Hampshire due to a rebate program designed to spread alternative energy.

New Labs to Concentrate on Solar Thermal Energy

As the market for clean solar power rapidly expands, NREL researchers are investigating advanced concepts in concentrating solar power (CSP) with $5.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding awarded from the U.S. Department of Energy.

New Loan-Guarantee Bailout for New Nuclear Reactors Puts U.S. Taxpayers at Risk as Department of Energy Hands Over Billions of Dollars to 'Poster Child for Cost Overruns'

First it was insurance companies, then it was banks and that was followed by auto companies. Now, the federal government is putting U.S. taxpayers and utility customers at new risk under a controversial U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee program that is slated to award $18.5 billion, with Atlanta-based Southern Company...

Nigeria awaits fresh 13 fuel cargoes as shortage bites hard

Despite producing more than two million b/d of crude oil, Nigeria imports more than 85% of its petroleum product needs due to production problems at the four state-owned refineries.

No New Coal Plants Started in 2009

No new coal plants broke ground in 2009, a result of a combination of widespread public opposition, rising costs, increasing financial risks and concerns over future carbon regulations. In 2009 twenty-six coal-fired power plants—which would have emitted 146 million tons of carbon dioxide annually-- were defeated or abandoned.  This progress opens the way for a transition to a clean energy economy, including a 22.5% increase in electricity generated from wind between 2008 and 2009.

North America Hydro Development

It seems one measurable effect of global warming -- or the fear of global warming -- has been a thaw in the chilly relations between U.S. politicians and the hydroelectric industry.

Nuclear commission upgrades safety regulations

Commercial nuclear power plants -- including Plant Vogtle -- might be asked to tighten security for spent nuclear fuel stored onsite, according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Nuclear Waste Pools in North Carolina

One of the most lethal patches of ground in North America is located in the backwoods of North Carolina, where Shearon Harris nuclear plant is housed and owned by Progress Energy. The plant contains the largest radioactive waste storage pools in the country. It is not just a nuclear-power-generating station, but also a repository for highly radioactive spent fuel rods from two other nuclear plants

Obama's EPA Faces Legal Minefield Over CO2 Regulation

Environmental lawyers say the Obama Administration is walking through a legal minefield as it plans to regulate greenhouse gases.

Organic Food is Far Healthier Than Conventional

“This critical literature review indicates that organic agriculture, as developed until now, has the potential to produce high-quality products with some relevant improvements in terms of anti-oxidant phytomicronutrients, nitrate accumulation in vegetables and toxic residue levels,” the researchers wrote.

Pope Benedict; think globally, act locally, urges lifestyle changes to save environment

Pope urges lifestyle changes to save environment

Pope Benedict used his traditional New Year address on Friday to call on people to change their lifestyles to save the planet, saying environmental responsibility was essential for global peace.

Renewable energy projects will get swift U.S. permitting

The Bureau of Land Management has chosen 31 renewable energy and transmission projects, including one in Oregon, for expedited permitting in order to make them eligible for stimulus funding.

"They represent the first generation of large-scale renewable energy projects to be carefully sited on public lands over the next several years,"..

Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 010410

Solar activity was low. Region 1039 (S28W72) produced one C-class flare during the forecast period. This region remains a D-type sunspot group with a beta magnetic classification. here is a likely chance of a C-class flare from Region 1039.The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet for the next three days (05 - 07 January).

Ritalin Linked With Sudden Death of Children

Research from The National Institute of Mental Health has revealed that popular Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) drugs like Ritalin are responsible for causing sudden death in many children. Study numbers indicate a 500 percent increased risk in childhood death from taking such mental health drugs.

S.D. wind supporters want unified renewable electricity standard

South Dakota wind energy supporters are urging Congress to establish a national renewable electricity standard they say will lead to less uncertainty about demand, more jobs and a higher likelihood of private investors willing to get involved in projects.

About 10 percent of South Dakota energy comes from the wind -- third most in the country,..

Senate Bill Could Block Solar & Wind Projects in California

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) last week introduced a bill that she says will improve the federal permitting process to advance large-scale wind and solar development on suitable lands. But opponents argue that it will simply block renewable energy development on some federal lands in California.

Senate Democrats to W.H.; Drop cap and trade

Bruised by the health care debate and worried about what 2010 will bring, moderate Senate Democrats are urging the White House to give up now on any effort to pass a cap-and-trade bill next year.

Solar Financing Finally Reaches Colorado Non-Profits

Solar financing for non- profits and faith communities is often hard to find in these tough economic times. Thanks to a new program, developed by Colorado- based solar integrator Bella Energy, non-profit solar financing has finally reached Colorado.

The Copenhagen Talks

The New Year is ringing in renewed hope. And so it is with the framers of the most recent global climate change accord. And while those advocates for change have fallen short of winning approval to make immediate and deep cuts in carbon emissions, they are vowing to continue their fight into 2010.

The Year in Pot; Top Ten Events That Will Change the Way We Think About Marijuana

This Year in Wind Power

Over 7,000 MW of wind power are expected to be installed this year in the U.S. That's down from 2008's record 8,545 MW, but that still would make it the second best year in the history of the industry. Not bad, at a time when the rest of the economy tanked and the value of your primary financial policy driver became all but worthless.

Toxic Burden; Women Put 515 Chemicals on Their Faces Every Day

A study published by Bionsen, a company in the United Kingdom that sells aluminum-free body products, found that the average woman applies 515 chemicals to her face a day. Makeup, perfumes, lotions, mascara, and other beauty products all contribute to the toxic brew that is causing health problems for many women.

US-China Relations Heads the Top Risks List for 2010

Dr. Bremmer and Dr. Gordon write, "with the world now coming out of recession, the risks are starting to shift to the challenges created by the emergence of a new global order - developed vs. developing states, the old unipolar system vs. the emerging non-polar one, and the old dominant globalized system of regulated free market capitalism vs. the growing strength of state capitalism."

Use of Potentially Harmful Chemicals Kept Secret Under Law

Of the 84,000 chemicals in commercial use in the United States -- from flame retardants in furniture to household cleaners -- nearly 20 percent are secret, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, their names and physical properties guarded from consumers and virtually all public officials under a little-known federal provision.

Utilities Race To Prepare For Electric Cars

Many utilities, particularly on the West Coast, are scrambling to prepare for all the electric cars set to hit U.S. showrooms in 2010 as the power companies attempt to avoid any technical snafus.

California regulators predict about 33,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will occupy the state's roads by 2011, growing to 1.6 million by 2020.