Solar Projects In Google News

GERC's tariffs for solar projects announced - Daily News & Analysis

Sat, 01/28/2012 - 07:00 AM

Hindu Business Line

GERC's tariffs for solar projects announcedBy DNA Correspondent | Place: Gandhinagar | Agency: DNA The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) on Friday announced tariffs for solar projects to be commissioned after January 28, 2012, for the second Control Period from January 29 to GERC refuses to extend deadline for solar projectsEconomic TimesGERC dismisses solar developers' petitionsLivemintGERC fixes tariff for solar power projectsIBNLive.comBusiness Standard -Ahmedabad Mirrorall 9

GERC refuses to extend deadline for solar projects - Economic Times

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 11:18 PM

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) on Friday refused to extend the deadline for commissioning of solar projects that had signed a power purchase agreement at a tariff of Rs 12.54 a unit with a state utility. These projects, which had GERC's tariffs for solar projects announcedDaily BhaskarGERC dismisses solar developers' petitionsLivemintGERC fixes tariff for solar power projectsIBNLive.comBusiness Standard -Ahmedabad Mirrorall 7

GERC's tariffs for solar projects announced - Daily Bhaskar

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 10:45 PM

GERC's tariffs for solar projects announcedGandhinagar: The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) on Friday announced tariffs for solar projects to be commissioned after January 28, 2012, for the second Control Period from January 29 to March 31, 2015. It has kept the tariffs for the GERC fixes tariff for solar power projectsIBNLive.comGERC dismisses solar developers' petitionsLivemintGERC dismisses 'control period' extension plea of solar developersBusiness StandardAhmedabad Mirrorall 6

Psst! Solar Fred Marketing Tip: Film Your Solar Projects in Time Lapse - RenewableEnergyWorld.com (blog)

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 09:05 PM

By Tor 'Solar Fred' Valenza I have no idea why people love time-lapse videos. Our eyes are certainly attracted to things that move quickly, and for some reason it's fun to see people in hardhats and machines building a solar project from nothing,

City Seeks Bids for Community Solar Projects - Exit 133

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 08:37 PM

The City of Tacoma invites you to submit a bid or proposal response to a recently issued solicitation. This looks to be an interesting project. Who's in? Comments are allowed for two weeks from the posted date. If you have something to say, say it now!

Federal government poised to decide on 'road map' for large-scale solar on ... - 89.3 KPCC

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 08:20 PM

Federal government poised to decide on 'road map' for large-scale solar on The federal government is wrapping up a process of collecting public views on national guidelines for siting large-scale solar projects on public lands. Friday, the comment period for the solar programmatic environmental impact statement closes.AS SUN SETS ON SOLAR PROCESS, NATIONAL PARKS, WILDLIFE STILL AT RISKElectroIQall 2

Wells Fargo creates $100 million fund to support Enfinity solar projects - Clean Energy Authority

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 06:12 PM

With the loss of 1603 Treasury Cash Grant program, developers of smaller solar projects must in 2012 start seeking mechanisms to ease access to low-interest rate funding. That's what's happening through a $100 million fund that Wells Fargo & Co.

GERC fixes tariff for solar power projects - IBNLive.com

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 05:04 PM

In order to promote KW scale rooftop solar projects, no wheeling charges shall apply for wheeling of power, generated by rooftop power projects, it said. No cross-subsidy surcharges shall be levied in case of third-party sale by the solar power GERC dismisses 'control period' extension plea of solar developersBusiness Standardall 2

GERC dismisses 'control period' extension plea of solar developers - Business Standard

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 04:10 PM

GERC dismisses 'control period' extension plea of solar developersSome raised land related issues, flooding of land due to unusual and excessive rainfall in the areas where most of the solar projects are proposed to be located. Change in design of sub-station and connected equipment directed by GETCO.

SunEnergy1 solar project may become NC's largest - Charlotte Business Journal

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 11:08 AM

SunEnergy1 solar project may become NC's largestChief Executive Kenny Habul says the first phase was built to take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit and 35% state tax credit available for solar projects. “We had a good year last year,” he said noting SunEnergy1 installed 12 megawatts of solar

California Solar Projects In Google News

The market for residential solar installations has changed dramatically in ... - GetSolar.com

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 09:07 PM

As prices for solar systems drop and electricity rates continue to rise, the appeal of solar power has steadily grown for households around the country, particularly in areas with sizable solar incentives like California and New Jersey.

Regulators question NV Energy plan to export renewable power to California - Las Vegas Sun

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 08:59 PM

By Cy Ryan (contact) CARSON CITY -- NV Energy is studying shipping solar and geothermal power to California. But regulators and consumer advocates are questioning the mammoth project. "It's a risk to your shareholders," Public Utilities Commissioner

Alien worlds abound! NASA scope finds 26 alien planets - Fox News

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 08:44 PM

The findings nearly double the number of bona fide planets found outside our solar system by the Kepler space observatory. "Prior to the Kepler mission, we knew of perhaps 500 exoplanets across the whole sky," Doug Hudgins, Kepler program scientist at Recommended: NASA mission piles on the planetsmsnbc.comKepler telescope team finds 11 new solar systemsChicago TribuneKepler finds 11 new solar systems beyond our ownSpaceflight NowRedOrbit -The State Columnall 229

Solar Decathlon will move to Orange County in 2013 - Los Angeles Times

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 08:43 PM

89.3 KPCC (blog)

"California has been at the forefront in leading America toward a clean energy future, developing and showcasing energy efficiency and renewable technologies like solar energy for many years," Stutsman said. "We're excited to have the state once again SCI-Arc and Caltech Selected Again to Compete in Energy Department's Solar ArchinectTwo Vermont collegiate teams to compete in Solar Decathlon 2013vtdigger.orgUniversity of Calgary: New solar home to address Fort McMurray housing needsMarketwire (press release)CBS News -OCRegister -89.3 KPCC (blog)all 168

Powerful Solar Financing Program For Homeowners Gets Reprieve - Forbes

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 08:30 PM

On January 20, a federal district court in California ordered the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to initiate a “full-blown” rulemaking process on PACE financing. Yesterday, the notice of the proposed rulemaking was published in the Federal

Two Vermont collegiate teams to compete in Solar Decathlon 2013 - vtdigger.org

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 07:09 PM

89.3 KPCC (blog)

by Press Release | January 27, 2012 WASHINGTON, DC – US Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that two schools from Vermont—Middlebury College and Norwich University—have been selected to compete in the US Department of Energy University of Calgary: New solar home to address Fort McMurray housing needsMarketwire (press release)Chu: National energy standard would broaden marketCBS NewsGreat Park to host Solar DecathlonOCRegister89.3 KPCC (blog) -Sacramento Bee -Solar Industryall 165

Chu: National energy standard would broaden market - CBS News

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 03:20 PM

Mother Nature Network (blog)

He pointed to Solyndra, the California solar panel manufacturer that received a half-billion dollar loan from the federal government before declaring bankruptcy. During his visit to Sandia, Chu said the key is encouraging private investment in proven Great Park Selected as Site of U.S. Department of Energy 2013 Solar DecathlonSacramento BeeAu revoir D.C.! Solar Decathlon relocates to sunny Southern CaliforniaMother Nature Network (blog)US Department of Energy Selects Santa Clara University to Compete in 2013 MarketWatch (press release)U.S. News & World Report (blog) -Inhabitatall 114

Solar CEOs See Boom in China Will Ease Glut in 2012: Energy - BusinessWeek

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 01:09 PM

Bloomberg

27 (Bloomberg) -- China may double its installations of solar panels this year, absorbing excess production that depressed prices and margins in 2011, chief executive officers from two of the industry's top five manufactures said.Solar CEOs Predict Boom in China Will Ease Glut in 2012: EnergyBloombergChinese Producers Flood US Market with Solar Cells and Modules Ahead of MarketWatch (press release)all 52

Wells Fargo, Enfinity announce USD 100 million fund for PV projects - solarserver.com

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 12:18 PM

On January 25th, 2012 Wells Fargo & Company (San Francisco, California, US) and Enfinity America Corporation (Atlanta, Georgia, US) announced a joint program through which Wells Fargo will supply USD 100 million in funding for PV projects developed by Clean Links: Solar for Agriculture, New Solar Inverters, Chinese Solar CleanTechnicaWells Fargo and Enfinity Announce $100 Million Solar FundAltEnergyMag (press release)Wells Fargo Creates $100 Million Solar Fund for Enfinity AmericaBloombergAlternative Energy Retailer magazineall 13

Great Park Selected as Site of U.S. Department of Energy 2013 Solar Decathlon - Sacramento Bee

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 10:20 AM

Mother Nature Network (blog)

"Staging the 2013 Solar Decathlon at the Great Park will focus worldwide attention on the entire solar renewable energy industry in Orange County and throughout California. The event will also greatly stimulate the local economy by bringing in tourism Au revoir D.C.! Solar Decathlon relocates to sunny Southern CaliforniaMother Nature Network (blog)US Department of Energy Selects Santa Clara University to Compete in 2013 MarketWatch (press release)Solar Decathlon Contest to Move to California in 2013U.S. News & World Report (blog)Inhabitatall 93

New Jersey Solar Projects In Google News

EnterSolar completes 228kW rooftop PV system in New Jersey - PV-Tech

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 07:21 PM

EnterSolar has finished a 228kW solar PV system for Ontel Productions New Jersey headquarters. The rooftop system was officially placed into service in December 2011 and takes advantage of several renewable energy incentives, including the Section 48 EnterSolar Announces Completion of Solar Project for Ontel Products Corp.AltEnergyMag (press release)all 2

EnterSolar Announces Completion of Solar Project for Ontel Products Corp. - AltEnergyMag (press release)

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 03:57 PM

Ontel's solar project incorporated a number of renewable energy incentives, including the Section 48 Investment Tax Credit and the PSE&G Solar Loan Program, while also taking advantage of special Bonus Depreciation benefits for solar projects.

Duke Energy, Integrys complete 1.5 MW of PV for New Jersey school - solarserver.com

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 01:08 AM

Duke Energy Renewables, Integrys Energy Services and Smart Energy Capital committed to jointly pursue the development of rooftop and smaller ground-mounted solar projects for customers throughout the United States.

Petra Solar and Enviromena Announce Partnership to Develop Solar and Smart ... - ElectroIQ

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 06:29 AM

Collaborating with Enviromena, the leading developer of solar projects in the Middle East and North Africa, will facilitate the international expansion of our products and business development in the region," said Dr. Shihab Kuran, President and CEO of

CDB funding solar plants in US - eco-business.com

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 01:23 PM

In addition, SPI, a California-based company majority owned by LDK, received $44 million from CDB to pay for the construction of solar projects it is working on jointly with KDC Solar LLC in New Jersey. Established in 2005, LDK is a supplier of solar

Petra, Enviromena Team Up On Middle East Solar Projects - Law360 (subscription)

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 02:20 AM

The National

By Roxanne Palmer Law360, New York (January 17, 2012, 9:12 PM ET) -- New Jersey-based Petra Solar is allying with Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-based Enviromena Power Systems in order to develop solar and smart grid projects in North Africa and the Petra Solar, Enviromena Launch Solar Energy-Smart Grid Systems Project CleanTechnicaPetra Solar and Enviromena Join Forces on MENA Solar ProjectsSolar Novus Todayall 33

For N.J. solar, tax equity deals are a plausible next round of financing - newjerseynewsroom.com

Tue, 01/17/2012 - 04:12 PM

We have said in the past that we would like the opportunity to build solar projects that align with the state's new Energy Master Plan,” commented PSE&G spokesperson Francis Sullivan. PSE&G decided early on to invest in their own factors of solar

Petra Solar and Enviromena announce partnership to develop solar and smart ... - Zawya (registration) (press release)

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 11:42 AM

Collaborating with EnviromenaEnviromena, the leading developer of solar projects in the Middle East and North Africa, will facilitate the international expansion of our products and business development in the region," said Dr. Shihab Kuran,

Energy in Industry - environmentalresearchweb (blog)

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 12:02 AM

PV arrays have been installed on company warehouse roof-tops, like the German discount store LIDL, with 1.2 MW on its Logistics centre, and the 2.42MW PV FedEx Ground Woodbridge distribution hub in New Jersey in the USA. Google is also moving into PV

Solar power issues in Passaic County delay energy industry overhaul - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com

Sat, 01/14/2012 - 07:47 PM

- NJ.com

- NJ.comChristie blocked the measure late Thursday with his own proposal, which would trim the solar production mandate and remove a clause that exempts current solar projects from a level of oversight otherwise required for new projects, according to state The next round of financing for New Jersey solar projectsClean Energy Authorityall 9

Colorado Solar Projects In Google News

Visions of Solar Energy's Future Compete in Colorado's San Luis Valley - Circle of Blue WaterNews (blog)

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 03:06 PM

Visions of Solar Energy's Future Compete in Colorado's San Luis ValleyBut the government’s plan to turn large expanses of the American West into clean energy production zones is confronting considerable challenges, not the least of which is growing public resistance to big wind and solar projects that are popping up

Sandwich weighs energy proposition - RenewablesBiz

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 12:56 AM

The town has eight solar projects before the Cape & Vineyard Electric Cooperative. One of those projects is a 6-megawatt solar array proposed by the Sandwich Water District, but that faces the added hurdle of being on conservation land,

Correcting Loose, Off-Target Wired Magazine Claims Regarding Clean Energy - CleanTechnica

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 12:52 AM

The piece also highlight some of the industry's bright spots, including the fact that cheaper conventional PV panels has made the expansion of distributed solar generation and utility-scale solar projects affordable. As many magazine readers would

Which guests are sitting with Michelle Obama for State of the Union? - msnbc.com (blog)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 12:40 AM

This is expected to be one of the nation's largest solar projects resulting in 400 megawatts of zero-emissions solar energy. Bruce Cochrane of Lincolnton, NC, president and CEO of Lincolnton Furniture, which is producing furniture again in his home

Latino mayor, Apple co-founder's widow, others to be in First Lady box for ... - Knickerbocker Ledger

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 11:53 PM

Latino mayor, Apple co-founder's widow, others to be in First Lady box for This is expected to be one of the nation's largest solar projects resulting in 400 megawatts of zero-emissions solar energy. Bruce Cochrane comes from a family that has manufactured furniture in North Carolina for decades, but when Cochrane Furniture

State of the union guest list includes Buffett's secretary, Jobs's widow - The Guardian

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 10:58 PM

State of the union guest list includes Buffett's secretary, Jobs's widowFirst elected in 2009, Castro was recently in the news for entering negotiations with CPS Energy to bring one of the nation's largest solar projects to San Antonio in a move that is expected to create hundreds of jobs for the city.

State of the union guestlist includes Buffett's secretary, Jobs's widow - The Guardian

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 10:52 PM

State of the union guestlist includes Buffett's secretary, Jobs's widowFirst elected in 2009, Castro was recently in the news for entering negotiations with CPS Energy to bring one of the nation's largest solar projects to San Antonio in a move that is expected to create hundreds of jobs for the city.

What Michelle Obama's guests tell us about the State of the Union - Washington Post (blog)

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 10:36 PM

NewsNet5.com

What Michelle Obama's guests tell us about the State of the UnionThis is expected to be one of the nation's largest solar projects resulting in 400 megawatts of zero-emissions solar energy. Bruce Cochrane President and CEO of Lincolnton Furniture Lincolnton, North Carolina Bruce Cochrane comes from a family that has Michelle Obama's State of the Union guest list releasedCBS NewsGuests sit with First Lady Obama during State of the Union AddressExaminer.comall 50

What Michelle Obama's guest list tells us about the State of the Union - Washington Post (blog)

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 08:58 PM

What Michelle Obama's guest list tells us about the State of the UnionThis is expected to be one of the nation's largest solar projects resulting in 400 megawatts of zero-emissions solar energy. Bruce Cochrane President and CEO of Lincolnton Furniture Lincolnton, North Carolina Bruce Cochrane comes from a family that has

Michelle Obama's State of the Union guest list released - CBS News

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 07:47 PM

Michelle Obama's State of the Union guest list releasedThis is expected to be one of the nation's largest solar projects resulting in 400 megawatts of zero-emissions solar energy. Bruce Cochrane comes from a family that has manufactured furniture in North Carolina for decades, but when Cochrane Furniture

Department of Energy Solar Projects

Taxpayers Take Hit as Layoffs, Bankruptcies Plague Green Firms - National Legal and Policy Center

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 04:48 PM

Yesterday Indiana-based Ener1, an energy storage company that received $118.5 million from DOE, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Despite plans to have 1400 employees in Indiana by 2015, the company had downsized in the state from 380 to approximately

Gathering to home in on SA's solar jobs potential - Creamer Media's Engineering News

Fri, 01/20/2012 - 08:30 AM

Gathering to home in on SA's solar jobs potentialIn December, the DoE named the first 28 preferred bidders, representing wind and solar projects with a combined nameplate capacity of 1415.52 MW. SolarPlaza, an international platform for solar industry stakeholders, will host the event,

Tucson's closed landfills selected for solar feasibility assessment - Examiner.com

Tue, 01/17/2012 - 12:39 AM

Tucson's closed landfills selected for solar feasibility assessmentHowever, these old landfills may prove ideal for the development of solar projects, as noted by Bruce Plenk, City of Tucson Solar Energy Coordinator. "This study will help our city prepare for solar development on some wonderful solar sites.

Renewable energy project monitor - Renewable Energy Focus

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 10:04 AM

Over 40% of the total potential investment value of projects came from solar projects, with 17 solar power plant projects added to the database. In South Africa a lot of activity surrounded the announcement of preferred bidders to supply the South

Buffett Buys Into Another Solar Project - Expect More To Follow - Alternative Energy Stocks

Thu, 12/22/2011 - 04:10 PM

- Alternative Energy StocksHowever, these two deals do show a belief that such utility scale solar projects represent good value, low risk investments. And there lies the bullish factor for the industry. There is currently a 24 GW project pipeline in the US utility-scale sector

SolarTech Launches Solar Energy Estimate Report to Help Consumers Compare ... - Glass on Web

Thu, 12/22/2011 - 01:00 AM

Designed specifically for the solar industry, the solution understands and automates the workflows and intricacies of solar projects, eliminating inefficiencies and facilitating collaboration among project team members and externally with the

MidAmerican buys 49% stake in 290MW Agua Caliente CdTe PV project from NRG - Semiconductor Today

Wed, 12/21/2011 - 01:20 AM

domain-B

certain customary closing conditions, including DOE approval. On 7 December, MidAmerican announced that it had acquired from First Solar the 550MW Topaz project being built in San Luis Obispo County, CA (one of the world's largest solar projects). Buffett Buys Into Another Solar Project -- Expect More To FollowSeeking AlphaBuffett's MidAmerican Energy makes second bet on solar energydomain-BMidAmerican Energy to buy 49% interest in Agua Caliente PV plant from NRGPV-TechSolar Industry -Power Engineering Magazineall 100

Project Finance in a Post Stimulus World - RenewableEnergyWorld.com

Tue, 12/20/2011 - 03:26 PM

Adding to the demand will be several large solar projects currently in construction and still seeking tax equity investors. Finally, the rapidly declining price for PV solar panels is fueling a jump in distributed generation installations.

SolarTech Launches Solar Energy Estimate Report to Help Consumers Compare ... - EON: Enhanced Online News (press release)

Mon, 12/19/2011 - 07:13 PM

Designed specifically for the solar industry, the solution understands and automates the workflows and intricacies of solar projects, eliminating inefficiencies and facilitating collaboration among project team members and externally with the

SolarTech Launches Solar Energy Estimate Report to Help Consumers Compare ... - Business Wire (press release)

Mon, 12/19/2011 - 03:02 PM

Designed specifically for the solar industry, the solution understands and automates the workflows and intricacies of solar projects, eliminating inefficiencies and facilitating collaboration among project team members and externally with the

The Green Life

Ideas for living well and doing good from Sierra magazine.

"We Miss You," Love, Nature

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 06:26 PM

WE MISS YOU from fireapple films on Vimeo.

 "We Miss You" is a beautifully-shot short film and social campaign by three German film students that was launched in 2010. The urgent message to reconnect with nature may be a bit gruesomely displayed; nevertheless, "We Miss You" has now garnered over a million hits throughout the web, not to mention it has won several young filmmaker awards, including three from Cannes. We suggest you check it out for yourself.

 --Justin Cohn

Book Review: The Insatiable Bark Beetle

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 10:09 AM

Dr. Reese Halter’s The Insatiable Bark Beetle (Rocky Mountain Books, 2011) concerns yet another terrible consequence of global warming. The bark beetle — an umbrella term for several species of beetle that are killing coniferous trees by the millions — used to die in winter, but recently the mercury hasn’t dipped low enough to significantly dent its populations.

Dense swarms are wiping out the forests of western North America, sending the landscape from green to red in the way cold and shadow spread when a cloud covers the sun. Half of commercial woodlands in British Columbia have died, along with millions of acres in the contiguous US. The beetles are encroaching on the 4,000-year-old bristlecone pines of the high Sierra.

This would be a dreary read if it weren’t for Halter’s timeless, awestruck vision of nature. At his best moments he enlivens the dying forests, presenting them at the level of the animals. Jays swoop through the canopy, their elastic esophagi full of nuts. A dinosaur reposes in the shade. Woodrats commune in their midden, a burrow with designated latrine. And he describes how climate change gives delicate evolutionary relationships a case of the hiccups. Lillies in the Rocky Mountains are blooming two weeks early, and the bumble bees that pollinate them are stuck on the pre-warming schedule. Arctic phytoplankton is blooming early, too. The blue whales that migrate 4,000 miles to feast on it are struggling to catch up. We are surprised by these creatures, and worried for them.

It’s hard to see global warming. When I hear the phrase, my mind wanders to a computerized blue sky full of those bulbous molecules from chemistry textbooks, or to a smokestack with the letters “CO2” floating around. Halter, by peeking in on the affected communities without slotting them into a rigid diagram, hands off the crisis to the reader’s imagination, a vacuum where it can swirl and swell. We leave this book, as much a global-warming compendium as a bark-beetle narrative, wanting to warn the poor animals. “Swim North earlier to catch the plankton!” “Evacuate the midden before there’s a forest fire!” By throwing the earth into fresh relief, Halter reinvigorates our desire to save it.

-- Jake Abrahamson/ image courtesy of Rocky Mountain Books

The Victory Garden of Tomorrow: Produce Propaganda for the Modern Era

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 05:36 PM

Portland, Oregon-based graphic designer Joe Wirtheim is quite the American history buff. When pressed on the World War II era, he is a bottomless pit of information. One gets the sense his annual stint as a Washington, D.C. tour guide might have something to do with it. The historical angle pervades his art as well. Case in point: his series of World War II-era propaganda posters, The Victory Garden of Tomorrow. 

The idea comes from WPA posters that were printed near the end of World War II, commanding citizens to plant "victory gardens" to help supply produce during rationing and to get involved in the war effort on a day-to-day basis. The bold posters pronounced active encouragements a la "Grow More in '44," "Grow it Yourself," or "Grow Vitamins at Your Kitchen Door." 

Wirtheim's posters channel the style and the "active-voice
propaganda," but update the general message. They encourage
buying local produce, lowering carbon emissions, composting, and recycling, among other things. Wirtheim feels that the idea is just as important now as it was almost 70 years ago. "This generation has something in common with the generation that went through World War II," he said. "They're excited to get out there and do something."

The underlying principle is what Wirtheim calls "a mobilized effort for the home front." Fittingly, The
Victory Garden of Tomorrow has taken its hold in Portland, Wirtheim's home front. The posters have been shown in many local cafes as well as the mayor's office. But the series has steadily been gaining national exposure. Most recently, Wirtheim's work has appeared in Martha Stewart Living, the Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune.

Entering his sixth year working on The Victory Garden, Wirtheim shows no signs of letting up.  He is currently at work on posters for 2012, which are expected to be released in March. You can take a look at the entire series here, and watch for updates as the new year rolls along.

--Justin Cohn / posters by Joe Wirtheim

Dan Rather vs. Shark-Finning

Fri, 01/20/2012 - 09:01 AM

Though the environmental cost and cruelty of shark-finning has been well-publicized in recent years, and though the House and Senate both passed the Shark Conservation Act in December 2010, the demand for shark-fin soup seems to have no end in sight. 

California governor Jerry Brown signed AB 376 in October, which forbids the importation, possession, and distribution of shark fins in California. After Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii, California is the fourth state to forbid the practice, theoretically making the entire West Coast shark-fin-free by 2013. 

But new undercover videos and an exposé by Dan Rather show the true scope of the problem that could rapidly make an entire species extinct. The footage brings home the devastating reality: Viewers watch as a shark with its fins cut off lies on the bottom of the ocean in a marine sanctuary off Indonesia's coast. Unable to move, the shark continues to suck oxygen through its gills, taking weeks to finally die. As the videographer pans the scene, we see that this shark is just one of hundreds littering the ocean floor, an endless watery graveyard for magnificent creatures.

Dan Rather Reports airs on Tuesday, January 24, 8 p.m. ET.

--Cyndy Patrick

Surfers Establish New Reserve in Santa Cruz

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 03:58 PM

Longtime surfer and coastal-protection advocate Dean LaTourrette likes to joke that his job compensates him, in part, with waves. As executive director of Save the Waves Coalition, a nonprofit focused on protecting threatened surf spots around the world, he usually has a schedule flexible enough to accommodate regular payments in the icy waters off San Francisco's Ocean Beach.

Lately, prime weather conditions have allowed him to carve into surging bonuses even more frequently: "It's a season for the ages, really, for Northern California," he said, reflecting on a recent Saturday session. "All this dry weather is paticularly good. We've still gotten plenty of swell, but the weather's been phenomenonal."

When off the board, LaTourrette is preparing for the April 28 enshrinement of the Santa Cruz-based organization's third World Surfing Reserve on a seven-mile coastal stretch of its home turf. The designation already graces iconic breaks in Ericeira, Portugual, and Malibu, California, recognizing the rare recreational, historic, and environmental qualities associated with each place. The group hopes the reserves will educate locals about the importance of protecting the sites from the threats of development and pollution, as well as inspire others to initiate their own coastal-protection projects.

The site slated for dedication is on the coastline of Santa Cruz, a place credited as the birthplace of surfing in North America and home to the celebrated right-hand point breaks at Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point. It's in the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where a diverse ecosystem flourishes.

Mark H. Carr, a UC Santa Cruz professor of marine biology, explains that Monterey Bay's northern section has a gyre, an ocean circulation pattern that traps water. "It tends to collect a lot of larvae," he said, adding that it "may be sort of an important nursery habitat." Carr also explained that giant kelp forests closer to the reserve's northern boundaries stand on sandstone reef features, which support biological communities distinct from those in the granite-based forests farther south.

Save the Waves is working with local environmentalists, activists, and elected officials to draft a local stewardship plan to guide the preservation and education efforts after the dedication. The current decision in process is how to tackle water-quality issues along Cowell Beach, which has been called California's most polluted beach.

Despite the difficulties ahead, LaTourrette is ecstatic about establishing a reserve on the Santa Cruz beaches where he learned to surf 25 years ago: "It's fantastic to be able to do something in a place where I got going and have such a connection to," he said. "We do a lot of international work and don't always get an opportunity to do local work. So this has been a great opportunity and exercise for us to partner with the community." 

--Ryan Jacobs / image courtesy Will Henry

Best Clothes Dryer, Gas or Electric?

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 03:33 PM

Hey Mr. Green,

Considering I live in the Pacific Northwest and it's not always feasible to hang laundry outside to dry, is it better to have a gas or electric dryer? I have hookups for both.

—Craig in Tigard, Oregon

If you must have a clothes dryer, a gas model makes the most efficient overall use of energy, and will cost about half as much to operate, roughly 15 to 20 cents per load compared to 30 to 40 for electric dryers, depending on local rates.

Why the difference? Well, the gas dryer gets its heat energy directly from combusting gas, while the electric dryer’s heat comes from electrical energy created at a power plant. But when a power plant burns gas or coal to generate electricity, roughly two-thirds of that fossil-fuel energy is lost as heat and is not available to your dryer. There are 3414 British thermal units (Btus) in a kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity, but it can take more than 10,000 Btus worth of coal or gas to make that kWh.

In your neck of the woods, for example, gas has been selling for about $15 per therm, which is 1,000 cubic feet and contains 100,000 Btus, or about 29 kWh. So the cost of your gas energy is about 5.2 cents per kWh. But one kWh where you live costs almost twice as much, or 10.1 cents. This higher cost is partly because those 100,000 Btus of gas can only generate about 9.8 kWh, so the cost of the gas (or coal) burned is embodied in the cost of the electricity, along with other expenses.

Your local power company says it gets about half its power from gas and coal, with a big chunk coming from hydropower, and 11% from wind. Like a growing number of electric companies, it offers renewable, non-fossil-fuel-based electricity for just a few pennies more per kWh than the usual rate. I recommend that you check this out, and that anybody who is reading this blog to go right now to their power company’s website to see if it offers renewable energy. It might cost a bit more, but we should be willing to pay. Besides, if you follow the energy-saving practices I’ve been harping about over the years, you’ll save far more money than what cleaner energy will cost.

Got a question for Mr. Green? Submit it here.

Top 10 States for LEED Buildings Announced

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 03:01 PM

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its list of the top 10 states with the most LEED-certified green bulidings per capita for 2011. D.C. topped the list with just more than 31 square feet of LEED-certified space per person. Colorado, Illinois, and Virginia came in next with 2.74, 2.69, and 2.42 square feet per person, respectively. Here's the full chart: 

 State Sq. ft. of LEED-certified space earned in 2011 Per capita D.C. 18,954,022 31.50 Colorado 13,803,113 2.74 Illinois 34,567,585 2.69 Virginia 19,358,193 2.42 Washington 14,667,558 2.18 Maryland 11,970,869 2.07 Massachusetts 13,087,625 2.00 Texas 50,001,476 1.99 California 71,551,296 1.92 New York 36,538,981 1.89 Minnesota 9,591,445 1.81

A LEED rating is based on state-of-the-art strategies such as sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, material selections, and indoor environmental quality. 

"Being in the top three is a testament to the diversity of stakeholders from across Illinois who understand the significant environmental, economic, and social benefits related to LEED certification," said Doug Widener, executive director of the USGBC's Illinois chapter.

Rick Fedrizzi, the CEO and founding chair of USGBC, said, "Our local green building chapters from around the country have been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of green building policies and initiatives that drive construction locally."

Indeed, today's builders have welcomed the certification program; in December, LEED buildings outpaced their newly built counterparts by 15 million square feet on a cumulative basis.

A diverse community of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofits, elected officials and concerned citizens, teachers and students, all stand behind the USGBC's mission to transform buildings into sustainable spaces that improve the quality of life.

Said Fedrizzi, "These states should be recognized for working to reinvent their local building landscapes with buildings that enliven and bolster the health of our environment, communities, and local economies."

A few LEED projects that were certified in 2011 include:

Chicago's Wrigley building (pictured), the headquarters for the chewing-gum giant.

The Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., is the world's oldest LEED-certified edifice.

Frito-Lay in Lynchburg, Virginia, earned LEED Gold for upgrading an existing building.

--Lauren Pope / chart courtesy USGBC

Green Your Winter Camping Trip: Recycle Fuel Canisters

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 06:01 AM

Snow on the ground shouldn't stop anybody from getting outside. This week's tips will make your cold-weather camping trip enjoyable and environmentally friendly.

Tip #3: Recycle your empty fuel bottles.

Another way to stay warm in winter's backcountry is by enjoying hearty meals and many hot drinks. Since this requires a lot of burn time for stoves, the amount of empty fuel bottles can really add up. When recycling your canisters, make sure it's completely empty. Jetboil makes a handy puncturing tool, but if you want to stay away from single-use canisters altogether, consider choosing an MSR stove with refillable fuel bottles. And remember to check with your community's recycling facilities before dropping your bottles in your curbside bin.

Tell us: What's your favorite hot drink in winter?

TRAVEL: The Mystique of the Socotra Islands

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 12:01 PM

Charles Darwin, upon arriving in the Galapagos Islands in 1835, wrote: "The natural history of this archipelago is very remarkable: it seems to be a little world within itself; the greater number of its inhabitants, both vegetable and animal, being found nowhere else." Darwin spent five weeks on the islands, accruing observations that would inspire his opus on natural selection, The Origin of Species. Researchers call areas of the world like the Galapagos "biodiversity hotspots" — regions of incredible biodiversity that can be useful in establishing lost links between species.

Another such hotspot is Yemen's Socotra Islands, often called "the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean." Due to its unique history of continental isolation, well over a third of its species are completely endemic — that is, they're found nowhere else in the world. Socotra's unique plant life garners special attention: The dragon's blood tree, Dracaena cinnabari (pictured above), and the bottle tree, Adenium obesum (pictured below), look otherworldly.

Human life on the island is remarkably isolated. Most Socotris don't have running water or electricity, and many communicate through an ancient, unwritten language. Until 2005, there were no paved roads and no way of getting to the islands during monsoon season. Still, 44,000 people live there (almost twice the population of the Galapagos, despite Socotra's smaller landmass). A majority of them live below Yemen's absolute poverty line.

Socotra's significant human presence has spurred debate over how the islands' biological diversity can be preserved while progressing the humans' living conditions. Fortunately, the native Socotri have already established many environmental guidelines, which makes outside preservation efforts much easier. In April 2000, the Yemeni government passed the Socotra Zoning Plan to delinate areas into three categories: resource use, general use, and natural sanctuary. The U.N. Development Programme (UNDP) got involved in 2003, with a five-year, $6 million program for sustainable development.

The islands have been open to eco-friendly tourism in the past, but the current Yemeni uprising has restricted access, especially for westerners. Security threats were already boiling before the protests started, due to the escalation of Al Qaeda presence in Yemen. Recently, the U.S. Department of State issued a statement urging that no U.S. citizen travel to Yemen. In short, don't expect a safe vacation to Socotra in the near future.

Extra tidbit: Marco Polo had an interesting take on the people of Socotra. In The Travels of Marco Polo, he remarked: "These Christians are the most skillful enchanters in the world. The Archbishop, indeed, forbids and even punishes this practice, but without any avail . . . For instance if a ship is proceeding full sail with a favourable wind, they raise a contrary one, and oblige it to return." Make of that what you will.

--Justin Cohn / images: iStock/DavorLovincic

Green Your Winter Camping Trip: Snow Shelter

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 10:21 AM

Snow on the ground shouldn't stop anybody from getting outside. This week's tips will make your cold-weather camping trip enjoyable and environmentally friendly.

Tip #2: Build your shelter out of snow.

Instead of using a tent made of petroleum-based materials, try creating a shelter out of snow. A quinzhee is great option if you don't mind spending the time and hard work to create it. The Appalachian Mountain Club has a tutorial video online and Falcon Guides publishes a book that includes quinzhee-building instruction, as well as other helpful tips for your winter adventure.

Tell us: What do you use for shelter when you camp?

Compass

Pointing the way to a clean energy future.

The Public's Verdict? Clean Cars Are More Popular than Oprah. Well almost...

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 12:26 PM

After a week of public hearings in Detroit, Philadelphia and San Francisco, we can safely say that cleaner, more efficient cars and trucks are a popular commodity.

More than 500 people, including concerned citizens, public health officials, veterans, small business owners, environmentalists and consumer advocates, came out to testify in support of the Obama administration’s proposal to strengthen fuel efficiency and carbon pollution standards for cars and light trucks. 

Thanks to these standards from the U.S. EPA and National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average new car you’ll see on the lot in 2025 will get 54.5 mpg and spew 35% less carbon pollution than the models in 2016.  That’s a big deal – and a big win for American families.

So just how broad is public support for these proposed standards?  Very!  Poll after poll has shown that Americans overwhelmingly support better fuel efficiency.  But this support is more than just a checked box on a survey – it’s real stories from real people.

When I testified in Detroit last Tuesday, I was inspired by the near-unanimous support for 54.5 mpg cars from the more than 100 people who came out to give their reasons for supporting clean cars.  Nearly everyone from the United Auto Workers’ President and members to local citizens concerned about air pollution from smog and climate disruption voiced united support for the standards.  

It was great to have the hearing kicked off by Michigan Congressman John Dingell, who praised the standards and said “I am pleased that EPA and NHTSA are joining together to reach out and listen to what the American people have to say.”  The Go60 mpg coalition, which the Sierra Club is a part of, was featured in the New York Times’ piece on the hearing.

In Philadelphia last Thursday, we saw record turnout for an EPA hearing with more than 150 people coming out to stand up for clean cars including Sierra Club President Robin Mann (pictures above at the left).  There were so many moving testimonies – including Retired Lieutenant General Richard Zilmer, who spoke about his first hand experience with the dangers of depending on a fuel supply line in Iraq, and Colleen Kennedy, a local resident with serious health conditions that have been exacerbated by smog pollution from cars.

 Finally on Tuesday of this week, EPA and NHTSA held their last public hearing in San Francisco where Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune testified and called these standards the “biggest single step we’ve ever taken to move beyond oil and tackle climate disruption.”  Check out the rest of his testimony here.

The lone voice of opposition at all three hearings:  the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA).  Yet with several individual dealers coming out to testify in support of the standards, even the industry publication Automotive News knows that NADA needs to stop exaggerating the costs and underselling the benefits of the standards.

The Sierra Club live-tweeted each hearing from @SierraClubLive.  Here are some of the highlights:

 @SierraClubLive  NADA rep claiming that car buyers don't look at mpg. Yet 3/4's of Americans support strong #cleancars standards: bit.ly/xpL2sT @SierraClubLive  Chevy dealer Thiel: "We're going to go on with this until 2025 and I'll tell ya what, we're ready for it!" #cleancars @SierraClubLive  Big shout out to the Raging Grannies for telling us to clean up our cars in song at #Detroit hearing! #cleancars @SierraClubLive  For a sense of the ratio of those supporting vs opposing #cleancars standards today, see the score from Brady vs Tebow last wkd @SierraClubLive  Robin Mann: "The planet is screaming and the time has come for us to stop turning a deaf ear." #cleancars #beyondoil @SierraClubLive  Rabbi Waskow: "I call it global scorching. Warming is too pleasant." #cleancars #CleanAir #Philly @SierraClubLive  .@Sierra_Club volunteer Bryan Crenshaw shows a picture of his son. 54.5 mpg is about our kid's future. #cleancars pic.twitter.com/2jeOt5C0 @SierraClubLive  Local City Council Pres. Jeanette MacNeille: "For me as an asthmatic, #cleancars mean less trips to the emergency rm"pic.twitter.com/XRlzhu86 @SierraClubLive  Wow, amazing defense of the role of @EPAgov & #cleancars from Colleen Kennedy who has a serious heart condition.pic.twitter.com/Su93ArSf @SierraClubLive  #cleancars are incredibly popular! Support vs opposition at today's #Philly hearing about 100 to 1. NADA took its toys & went home @SierraClubLive  Brune: As a father of two young kids, I'm relieved to know that the cars they'll drive in the years to come will use less oil. #cleancars

These hearings were not the only opportunity the public has to voice support for strong new clean cars standards.  You can send your comments until February13th.  Don’t wait -- help us show how broad and deep support is for clean cars!

 And, if you enjoyed reading these tweets from the clean cars hearings, follow @SierraClubLive and you can check out yesterday’s live updates from the DC Auto Show.  After years of saying they couldn’t make new cars or trucks that use less oil, it was clear from the showroom floor that the auto industry is in a race to do just that.

-- Ann Mesnikoff, Director of the Sierra Club Green Transportation Campaign

Arkansas Gets a Gust of Wind Energy

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 04:08 PM

Beyond Coal organizer Glen Hooks stands with a turbine signed by community members.

Not one month into the new year and we are already enjoying exciting energy developments out of North Carolina, Georgia, and now Arkansas.

Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power, announced today a power purchasing agreement of more than 400 megawatts of clean, renewable energy from wind farms in surrounding states. That amount of wind will "more than quadruple" SWEPCO's wind energy portfolio, boost the region's wind-energy sector, and make the air healthier for all living downstream.

This gust of wind-energy purchasing by the energy company was the result of a December settlement with the Sierra Club and Audubon. The settlement requires AEP to also retire Welsh 2, a dirty coal plant upwind of Arkansas in northeastern Texas. Together these two pieces will offset pollution from SWEPCO's new coal plant in Arkansas.

"Today, as a result of our recent legal settlement, hundreds of megawatts of clean wind energy will power homes and businesses in our region for the next 20 to 25 years," said Glen Hooks of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign. "Unlike dirty coal, which pollutes our air, water, and communities, wind power produces zero pollution. And, this wind investment will save customers money because wind's fuel costs are zero."

SWEPCO powers more than a half-million people in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Northeast Texas. Prior to the settlement, SWEPCO's wind capacity totaled 110 megawatts. The utility expects this roughly $8 billion investment in clean energy to lower overall costs to customers by an average of a 0.1 cent per kilowatt-hour over the next ten years.

This is just one more example of a sweeping clean energy trend across the country and reflects what the energy experts are saying: Coal's future is dimming and clean energy is taking its place. People want clean energy. They want healthy air. And over the past three years the clean-energy revolution has been a bright job-creating story as we dig out of a tough economic recession. It's been a great 2012 so far, but we've just gotten started.

-- Photo courtesy Glen Hooks

Calling Foul on Big Oil

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 12:35 PM

Hundreds of pairs of ears are still ringing from the sound of whistles blowing on the West Lawn of the Capitol yesterday afternoon, as protesters dressed as referees to call foul on the pipeline of money flowing between Big Oil and the halls of Congress. 

The Sierra Club joined 350.org, the Energy Action Coalition, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, in organizing the event, which lauded President Obama’s recent Keystone Pipeline decision, while demanding an end to the dirty influence of Big Oil money in government.

Headlining the list of speakers were Senator Bernie Sanders (I – VT) (pictured above) and Representative Steve Cohen (D – TN), who both decried the political concessions bought by oil companies.  Said Sanders:

“We’ve got to end all of the tax breaks for the oil companies and coal companies and I’m going to introduce legislation to do just that.”

Cohen followed by adding:

“For too long, Big Oil has exercised far too much control in Washington.  It’s time for the people to stand up to their vaults of money and army of lobbyists and work to restore the government by the people, for the people.”

The protest proceeded to march to the office of the American Petroleum Institute, throwing penalty flags and calling a “democratic foul.”  The whistles were loud and the message was clear: it is high time to take the Big Oil money out of the halls of Congress.

-- David Loss, Sierra Club Green Transportation Campaign. Photos by Sally McGuire

Surface Transportation: On the Bubble?

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 06:27 AM

With college basketball season heating up, and teams trying to pad their resumes in the hope of securing an NCAA tournament bid, Congress has some upcoming March Madness of its own.  The current surface transportation law, which covers highways, transit, freight rail, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, expires on March 31.

The last time Congress succeeded in passing a long-term surface transportation bill was back in 2005, with the passage of SAFETEA-LU (“Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users”).  That law expired in 2009, but has seen multiple short-term extensions meant to continue the funding and policy in the old law while legislators hash out a new bill.  This time, however, Congress seems seriousabout a negotiating a new, long-term deal.

It won’t be easy, however, as the House and Senate have dueling proposals, and differ on serious issues like funding sources and length of authorization.  Though still incomplete, the Senate bill would be a two-year provision that would greatly consolidate the federal transportation program.  This would include strong safety and performance provisions, and would help improve the condition of our roads and bridges.  Unfortunately, this might also mean less funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. 

To reach the finish line, the Senate must still pass a transit section, as well as funding for the proposal, as revenues from the gas tax are no longer sufficient to cover the need for our massive transportation system.

The House is set to release a transportation bill that is expected to roll back environmental safeguards and squeeze funding for cleaner transportation choices, such as biking and walking. Worse yet, the House bill aims to plug that funding gap with revenues from oil drilling, even in some of our wildest places, such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (funny, we seem to remember one oil gusher that couldn’t seem to be plugged…).

Ultimately, these bills fail to strike at the root of America’s transportation troubles: crumbling infrastructure and crippling dependence on oil.  The current state of disrepair of our transportation infrastructure is well documented. The Senate proposal admirably seeks to repair and maintain our existing infrastructure; hopefully the House will follow suit. Unfortunately, the proposals being floated by each chamber will need to be strengthened significantly to adequately address our dependence on oil, which is driven by transportation.

What we need is legislation focused on creating a new transportation system for the 21st century, one that addresses our crumbling infrastructure and helps decouple transportation from oil.  What might that bill look like?  Here’s a start:

A provision to repair and maintain our infrastructure.  For the sake of both our health and our wallets, we desperately need to repair our ageing infrastructure, as poorly maintained roads cost the average driver thousands of dollars a year.  The Senate bill does include a provision that requires states to set targets for the condition of their infrastructure and focus road spending on repair and maintenance. It is important that the House include one as well.  Before we start building new roads and bridges, we need to pay the upkeep on the ones we already have. A focus on building a transportation network that maximizes travel options and accessibility, not one that encourages driving as the default.  Alternatives to automobile travel have always been forced to take a backseat, thanks to the help of disproportionate highway funding and commuter subsidies for driving.  Instead of cutting funding to programs ranging from pedestrian to rail infrastructure, we need to prioritize these alternatives while building and retrofitting communities so people have the option to walk, bike or take transit. No transportation funding from expanded drilling.  Opening public lands to oil drilling would destroy fragile ecosystems from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge and endanger public health.  And funding our transportation system with oil revenues is a surefire way to guarantee an oil-dependent future, complete with the smog and carbon pollution that come with it.  We need to tell Congress to say “NO!” to funding transportation through expanded oil drilling.

This March is an opportunity to overhaul our nation’s transportation policy and set a new course for the future — a future where Americans have safe, convenient options to get around and we don’t need oil to fuel our economy.  It’s a chance to set a new course that can cure our addiction oil.  Sticking to the old one would be madness.

-- Jesse Prentice-Dunn and David Loss, Sierra Club Green Transportation Campaign

Big Oil's Marching Orders to GOP: Risk Middle Class Tax Relief to Protect Our Profits on Keystone XL

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 03:09 PM

While President Obama and the State Department wisely decided to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline last week, a new joint Big Oil-GOP plan would tie the pipeline to important tax cut legislation, threatening to sink a bill that would save 160 Americans hundreds of dollars a year.

President Obama has already said "no" to Keystone once, declaring that the risky project was not in our national interest.  A 1,700 mile pipeline running from Alberta, Canada to Texas, Keystone XL would move highly toxic and corrosive tar sands crude over some of our nation’s most critical water sources. And it would be run by Transcanada Corporation, a company that’s last pipeline spilled oil a dozen times in its first year of operation.  

Grassroots activists achieved a huge victory for clean air, clean water, and the health of American families by working tirelessly to stop Keystone XL in its tracks. But the President’s decision is not stopping Big Oil executives in their relentless pursuit to profit at any cost.

On Monday afternoon, officials from Transcanada directly advised Republican lawmakers on legislative strategy to revive the Keystone XL proposal during a Capitol Hill meeting according to a Politico report.

While most Americans couldn't get the time of day from a member of Congress, Congressional Republicans always seem to find time to get together with their Big Oil patrons. From securing generous subsidies to BP and Exxon to fighting against fuel efficiency standards, the results of their collaboration are rarely good for American families -- and this time was no different.

Following their strategy session, Republicans unanimously agreed to attach a provision forcing approval of Keystone XL to any viable bill –- including the upcoming extension of a middle-class payroll tax cut. In other words, they are plotting to push this highly risky pipeline on our country by tacking it onto a bill critically needed by American families, forcing legislators to vote for Big Oil's pet project in order to provide tax relief for working Americans.

Now, while millions are struggling to make ends meet, Big Oil billionaires and their political friends are huddling behind closed doors to hatch a scheme that will hold tax relief for the middle class hostage. They are proving yet again that they are willing to sacrifice anything –- whether it's the health or the wealth of American families –- to pad the profits of a few Big Oil CEOs.

This shameless tactic is clear evidence that our fight against Big Oil on Keystone XL is not over, and we will continue to have to stand up to deep-pocketed attacks against the air we breathe and the water we drink.

-- Tony Cani, National Political Director

East River Energy

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 12:49 PM

Start spreading the news.

A plan to harness the power of the East River's currents in New York City has received the green light it needed thanks to a commercial license issued yesterday by the federal government.

The project is designed to generate more than 1 megawatt of power for the thousands of residents living on Roosevelt Island between Manhattan and Queens. The renewable power source, known as tidal power, would come from turbines installed on the river's floor. Verdant, which has been working on the project since 2002 and has already installed a handful of turbines, wants 30 generators in the river by 2015.

It's a first-of-its-kind project and it is worth watching to see whether tidal power will become a viable force in the clean-energy sector. Judging by the video above, I'd hate to be a fish caught in a tidal power farm. However, in this video interview on GristTV at about the 3:50 mark, a Verdant representative says that there have been no problems. 

"The largest impact that is unavoidable is the fact that there are rotating blades that are heavy in the water," he says. Because of that "there's a concern of impact with fish, the physical striking of fish, and generally changing the ecosystem as a result. There are also diving birds here in the East River. Thus far we have not seen any negative effects on the ecosystem."

-- Brian Foley

Everyone's Talking About Keystone

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 12:48 PM

Bill Maher recently sat down with Bill Moyers.

New Report - Coal Use Shrinks while Clean Energy Expands

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 12:56 PM

A new report today from the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) confirms that America is moving beyond coal, though the EIA understates how dim coal's prospects are. According to the 2012 energy outlook released today, coal-fired electricity will continue its steady decline in 2012, opening market space for clean energy.

For many years the Energy Information Agency has exaggerated coal’s prospects for the future, and every year has had to downgrade its projections. Today EIA again downgraded coal's future.

In the 2012 Annual Energy Outlook presentation about new coal generation they stated that no new coal generation is added “beyond that which is under construction,” and that coal’s percent of electricity generation will shrink from the current 44 percent to 39 percent between 2010 and 2035. This is noteworthy, since in its 2010 Outlook (released in 2011) the EIA projected that coal would drop to 44% of electricity generation by 2035, but just one year later the country already hit 44%.

Some key projections from the EIA's 2010-2035 report: At least 33,000 megawatts worth of existing coal-fired power plants are expected to retire in the coming decades, not including any retirements due to the recently-finalized mercury and air toxics standard from the Environmental Protection Agency. (For reference, an average-sized coal-burning power plant is approximately 500 megawatts). The biggest difference from last year’s EIA projection is that more coal retirements will be driven by rising coal prices, state renewable energy standards and EPA clean air standards. All these signs point to reduced market share for coal and expanded market share for clean energy.  Coal’s market share of U.S. electricity production is expected to continue to drop, from 44 to 39 percent. No new coal plants are predicted to be constructed in the time period, beyond those few that are already under construction. The share of electricity production from clean energy sources (including hydropower and biomass) should increase from 10 to 16 percent during the time period. Overall electricity demand growth is expected to remain below one percent annually.

As I noted before, EIA has frequently overstated coal’s place in our electricity needs. Here is a sampling of what EIA said in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

2006 Annual Energy Outlook: 

The coal share is projected to decline slightly, from 50 percent in 2004 to 49 percent in 2020, before increasing to 57 percent in 2030. Additions to coal-fired generating capacity in the AEO-2006 reference case are projected to total 102 gigawatts between 2004 and 2025, as compared with 86 gigawatts in AEO2005. Over the entire period from 2004 to 2030, 174 gigawatts of new coal-fired generating capacity is projected to be added in the AEO2006 reference case, including 19 gigawatts at CTL plants.”

2008 Annual Energy Outlook:

“the coal share increases from 49 to 54 percent” between 2008 and 2030.  They further state that the US will need to install 263GW of new generating capacity in this period and 40 percent will be coal.”

2010 Annual Energy Outlook: 

In the Reference case, without (greenhouse gas) regulations, coal accounts for the largest share of total electricity generation (Figure 61). With slow growth in electricity demand, little new coal-fired capacity is added, and the coal share falls from 48 percent in 2008 to 44 percent in 2035.

Even today, EIA’s projections remain far too rosy for coal, though. While the EIA estimates that over the next 25 years approximately 33,000 megawatts of existing coal power will retire, the Sierra Club has identified over 38,000 megawatts of existing coal power that has retired or announced an upcoming retirement since January 2010 – and more are expected soon. There are about 340,000 megawatts of coal in the United States as of January 2010.

The data paint a brighter future where coal mining, burning and coal ash disposal does not threaten thousands of communities across the United States. Coal is being replaced with cleaner energy choices.  Here at the Sierra Club we are working overtime to help accelerate this trend by preventing the construction of new coal plants, retiring and replacing existing coal plants with clean energy, and keeping the large U.S. coal reserves out of world markets.

--Bruce Nilles, Senior Director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign.

The Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign works in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and a nationwide coalition of allies to retire one-third of the nation's aging coal plants by 2020, replacing them with clean energy like wind and solar by 2030. Coal plants are the largest sources of climate disruption and toxic air pollution like mercury, soot and carbon pollution.

The $80 Billion Clean Energy Access Opportunity

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 07:42 AM

Last month the Durban climate talks established the Green Fund which is billed as the world’s premier source of clean energy finance – once it gets up and running. The problem is innovative entrepreneurs who are trying to deliver on the United Nation’s Sustainable Energy For All goals needed financing yesterday.

Social entrepreneurs are doing amazing work providing energy services to the poor but financing for this segment is incredibly tough to come by. Which is why, much like the Green Fund, delivering energy access for the poor could benefit from innovative sources of finance. Enter Arc Finance, which is pursuing an innovative source with tremendous potential – harnessing the billions of dollars in remittance flows sent each year by immigrants living in developed countries to their relatives in less developed countries.

In a must-read paper, Arc Finance lays out the gargantuan opportunity remittance flows present. Globally they increased 6% to reach $325 billion in 2011. Of that total 10% to 25% were used for household energy purchases in markets they surveyed. If these numbers held true across the global market a clean energy access finance opportunity of $32.5 - $81.25 billion annually exists.

To put that in perspective the Green Fund is supposed to reach $100 billion by 2020 (though its currently empty) and the entire clean energy market was only $260 billion in 2011. If even 1% of that market opportunity were tapped the world could add $3 to $8 billion annually to clean energy access coffers. This would be roughly the size of a World Bank energy portfolio, but dedicated entirely to clean energy access and not costly grid extensions. Most importantly, it would go to those households that need it most.

Combined with rapid innovation in energy service delivery at the bottom of the pyramid it is entirely possible to harness these flows. Mobile banking systems for example enable remittances to be sent directly from a mobile phone anywhere in the world, to one in rural India. Taken one step further - by connecting a mobile phone enabled remittance flow to a pay-as-you-go clean energy system – mobile banking lays the foundation for a truly revolutionary stream of clean energy financing. The best part is these systems exist today.

India’s Leapfrog Opportunity

Nowhere is the opportunity larger than India. In 2010 the subcontinent received an estimated $55 billion in remittance flows. It also just so happens to be home to the largest number of energy poor households in the world, near universal cell phone penetration, and tremendous innovation in energy service delivery for the poor.

In short, India has all the ingredients for success, it just requires a vision that is not limited by the aid trap (that clean energy is too costly for the poor to pay for themselves) or the grid fallacy (that costly grid extensions are the only way to deliver energy for the poor). The global community can continue to talk the talk on energy access or we can put our money and effort where our mouth is. 2012 is the year to make clean energy access happen, innovative sources of financing like harnessing remittance flows are the way to make it happen.

-- Justin Guay, Sierra Club International Program

Exxon to Pay $1.6 Million over Yellowstone River Oil Spill

Fri, 01/20/2012 - 12:59 PM

Hot off the presses:

Exxon Mobil agreed Thursday to pay $1.6 million in penalties to the state of Montana over water pollution caused by a pipeline break last summer that fouled dozens of miles of shoreline along the scenic Yellowstone River.

Montana Department of Environmental Quality director Richard Opper said the penalties in the case mark the largest in the agency's history. The Texas oil company will pay $300,000 in cash and spend $1.3 million on future environmental projects, according to a copy of the document obtained by The Associated Press.

Also Thursday, Exxon increased its estimate of how much crude spilled into the river during the July 1 accident near Laurel to 1,509 barrels, or more than 63,000 gallons. That's up from earlier estimates of 1,000 barrels spilled — a number that Gov. Brian Schweitzer had disputed as too low.

Remember, if the filthy Keystone XL tar sands pipe ever saw the light of day, a similar blowout would make Exxon's Yellowstone River blunder look like an innocent hiccup:

It would irreparably harm the environment, compromise the Ogallala Aquifer, and affect perhaps millions of Americans in the Midwest. That's because the Keystone XL pipe, if approved, would be pumping more than 20 times the amount the Exxon pipeline was delivering before it ruptured.

-- Brian Foley