Universal Reuse as a Practical Alternative
The author of Getting to Zero Waste is angry at the lack of progress in moving toward what he sees as a readily achievable industrial economy based on zero waste, since he first introduced its theory and practice over 30 years ago. Paul Palmer’s book provides a timely critique of the government and corporate barriers to achieving universal reuse. … Read More
Report: DG Interconnections Improve Dramatically in California
California’s Public Interest Energy (PIER) Program has received a final report that provides an analysis of the impacts, costs and timelines for distributed generation interconnection in California.
The new report, “Improving Interconnections in California”, covers four areas.
Big-Box Dropped from Portland Redevelopment Project
Responding to intense public pressure, developers in a three-way competition to redevelop a site on the east side of Portland, Oregon, have dropped plans to include big-box retail in their projects. The Portland Development Commission has been considering proposals to redevelop five city blocks at the base of the Burnside Bridgehead east of the Willamette River.… Read More
Neat Biodiesel (B100) Producers Fighting For Tax Incentive
About 70 biodiesel manufacturers and distributors have urged the IRS to allow 100 percent biodiesel (known as neat biodiesel or B100) to qualify for the recently enacted excise tax exemption for biofuels.
Massachusetts Spends Millions on Healthcare for Chain Store Employees
Massachusetts spent more than $52 million last year providing healthcare coverage to employees of some of the state’s largest companies, including numerous chain retailers like Wal-Mart, Dunkin Donuts, Stop & Shop, CVS, Home Depot, and Target. … Read More
Comparing Solar Electric Policies in the U.S.
Top notch researchers, Ryan Wiser and Mark Bolinger, from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab have presented estimates showing how solar electric power goals established in California will beat the expected PV installations in six states (and Washington DC) that have solar power requirements as part of their renewable energy portfolio standards.
Report: High Value for Solar Power During Peak Times
A recent report done for the Vote Solar Initiative shows that on-peak solar electricity has a value of between 23 and 35 cent per kilowatt-hour. The January 2005 report was authored by Ed Smeloff, formerly on the board of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and a long-time solar energy advocate.
Wal-Mart Shuts Down Newly Unionized Store
Wal-Mart has announced that it will close a Quebec store where workers recently opted to unionize. … Read More