Biomass: Which Road to Take?
A strategic report on developing a sustainable biomass policy, prepared for a foundation in 2001, offers a vision that is still relevant today.
A strategic report on developing a sustainable biomass policy, prepared for a foundation in 2001, offers a vision that is still relevant today.
We received a question on the whether or not states like New Jersey have authority to enact more stringent rules on mercury emissions from power plants than what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued recently. Here is the original question: Q. My state (New Jersey) is suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its new regulation … Read More
Community wind energy projects are expanding across the Midwest. These locally owned commercial-scale wind projects maximize local economic benefits. Take a look at how farmers and entrepreneurs are harvesting a new crop.
Below find some nice online resources describing successful community wind energy projects.
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We received a question on whether or not the state of Montana should enact a requirement for a 10 percent ethanol blend in its gasoline supplies. Dr. Dave responded, noting that Montana is one of six states that has in place or is currently debating, an ethanol mandate. The complete Question and Answer from Dr.Dave: Are … Read More
In a unique collaboration, a Minnesota electric cooperative will supply the thermal energy requirements for an ethanol plant proposed in North Dakota.
Under a law enacted in 2002, communities in California were alllowed to aggregate electric utility customers and take control over their electric system. Three years later, implementation plans are being developed or under consideration by about two dozen California cities.
We received a question on whether or not hybrid electric/gas vehicles should be allowed to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Dr. Dave responded, calling hybrid cars an essential component of a sustainable transportation strategy but policies to let them use HOV lanes would be unnecessary and counterproductive. The complete Question and Answer from Dr.Dave: Is … Read More
The Oregon Public Utility Commission [OPUC] issued a report, "Distributed Generation in Oregon: Overview, Regulatory Barriers and Recommendations. The report describes how customers and utilities are using DG technologies, their benefits, as well as current and projected costs. This report stands out since very few states have devoted resources to investigate policy options to increase distributed generation.
In late February, California Governor Schwarzenegger’s office released the details of the California Million Solar Roofs bills (SB 1 and SB 1017). The two bills together will create a ten-year incentive program to help Californians install one million solar electric rooftops on homes and businesses throughout the state by 2018.