"[W]e are taking action so that California will be able to meet its ambitious renewable energy and environmental goals."
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Calif. Governor

by Deb Powers

The Governator is making green news yet again. Last week, he vetoed hard-fought green energy legislation because of a protectionist clause in the bills. This week, the California governor is in the spotlight again for signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. The MOU is an agreement between the state and federal government to streamline and expedite siting for over 30 new clean energy projects in the Golden State.
Read more: Governator makes green news again

More renewable energy news...

• EnvExpert: UK Climate Committee calls for change
  
• Targana: India gets $4.2B World Bank loan
  
• BizWire: Helix Wind unveils Zero Energy house
  
• Reuters: Norway commits $625M to carbon capture
  
• APMedia: Solar Decathlon Winners TBA this week
  

Around the Green Blogs...

• GeoEnergy: Aussie eco targets under attack
  
• Computer Nerds: EPA to use brownfields for RE
  
• Green Energy: LED lighting for homes
  

"This is a time when Australia needs to be thinking about developing its renewable energy base and transitioning its energy needs."
John Grimes, Australian Solar Energy Assoc.

Foggy Policy Hurts Solar

by Deb Powers

In The Australian, Giles Parkinson sorts out the mess surrounding the Australian Solar Flagships program, and points out how murky, confused green energy policy is damaging the nation's attempts to foster the solar industry. It's an excellent overview of how badly bad planning and poor policy decisions can doom an important and necessary strategy to meet renewable energy goals. This one is rated a must-read, not only for Australians, but because it's a cautionary tale and an example for those developing green energy policy in all countries.
Read more: Murky energy policy hurts solar industry

More renewable energy news...

• Mercury News Green homes not all $$$
  
• Tehran Times: Renewable energy
  
• WSJ: China: Wind energy comes with coal
  
• NY Times: Boxer-Kerry bill to hit US floor Weds
  
• MarketWatch: CA Hydro eyes Great Lakes wind
  

Around the Green Blogs...

• Targana: 50 nations to meet for green summit
  
• NewNet: Profile: Tom Bartolomei, Ausra 
  
• RE Tips: Can green energy replace fossil fuels?
  

"We need a renewable energy standard to be implemented here in the United States."
Martha Wyrsch, Pres., Vestas America

Energy execs push for standards

by Deb Powers

Leaders who met with US Energy and Treasury secretaries yesterday urged the government to push for firm renewable energy standards, stating that a firm set of renewable energy standards would encourage investments in green energy far better than the up and down incentives that have been the norm.
Read more: Energy execs lobby for strong standards

More renewable energy news...

• CBS Era of Xtreme Energy Crisis
  
• Washington Post: Spain goes greener
  
• NYTimes: Calif Gov orders new standards
  
• Ontario News: Energy act will create jobs
  
• Sci-Tech Today: Climate change deal elusive
  

Around the Green Blogs...

• REWorld: 7 careers in wind energy
• SmartPlanet: GE invests in gearless wind turbines
  
• Energy Collective: Is the solar slump over?
  

"This research proves that renewable energy is key to tackling both the climate and economic crises."
Christine Lins, Secretary General, EERC

Renewable Energy Creates More Jobs

by Deb Powers

A new study released last week suggests that pursuing a strong, green energy agenda worldwide will create about 2.7 million more jobs by 2030 than if we continue along our path of coal use for energy.
Read more: Renewable energy will create more jobs than coal

More renewable energy news...

• Renewable Energy World: US Energy Standards
  
• Reuters: Green retrofits add real estate value
  
• Xinhua: World Bank spends $3.3BN for RE
  
• Earth Times: Kohl's to get Green Power Award
  
• Examiner: How green energy creates new jobs
  

Around the Green Blogs...

• Brainicane: Calif passes energy standards
  
• B-Green: How energy efficient is your home?
  
• Tech Edition: Is building design green yet?
  

"We can't make multibillion-dollar decisions based on the hypothetical."
Rohit Aggarwala, NYC Dir. Long Term Sustainability

NYC may be affected by polar melt

by Deb Powers

In the Wall St. Journal, on a subject related to renewable energy - computer models predict that NYC's low-level financial districts, ports, subways and other infrastructure could be hit harder than expected by coastal flooding due to ice cap melts. NYC offices are discussing whether the city should have a system of bulwarks or dikes to protect the low-lying areas. Of special note: a great reading list for anyone interested in rising sea levels and polar melting.
Read more: New York Prepares for Era of High Seas

More renewable energy news...

• EVEE: Welsh school energy efforts praised
  
• Reuters: Silicon Valley threatened by energy
  
• WSJ: China: Energy investment not excessive
  
• Reuters: Aussie wind farms may stall
  
• Ali Baba: China poised to lead green tech
  

Around the Green Blogs...

• Green Ink: Friday Roundup - Climate Standoff
• Voice of America: Investing in green energy
  
• Env Tips: Wind turbine on wheels?