Clean energy advocates in North Carolina have won a major battle in the opening stages of a nationwide fossil fuel-funded war against renewable energy standards in America.
A bill that would have reduced (and ultimately ended) North Carolina’s system of renewable energy incentives was soundly defeated 18-13 in a state legislative committee this week.
Climate issues are clearly important to today’s college students – in a 2013 Princeton Review survey, 62% of all college applicants said a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply or attend the school, and students have begun fossil fuel divestment movements at more than 300 colleges.
So it shouldn’t come as a surprise then that the heads of America’s colleges and universities are listening to their constituents and leading some of the most significant efforts today to transition to a sustainable future through the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).
For carbon markets across the world it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Plummeting European Union carbon prices following a key EU vote seem to demonstrate in the clearest terms that cap and trade is doomed to fail.
But declaring the death of carbon markets and cap and trade policy over Europe’s struggles is a knee-jerk reaction which overlooks significant developments for carbon trading around the world – ones which could ultimately rescue the EU and cement cap and trade as a global climate change solution.
Unstable global energy supplies and greatly reduced federal funding might be the two biggest threats facing the US Air Force – but it looks like clean energy technology is the solution to both.
The USAF’s Energy Strategic Plan outlines a major shift toward energy efficiency, renewables, distributed generation and microgrids, and green building to “actively seek solutions to the energy challenges that pose a threat to our operations.”
Mushrooms are one of the most powerful items in the Super Mario video game franchise, providing extra lives and making characters stronger. So wouldn’t it be great if real-life mushrooms could help the fight against climate change?
Fortunately, a new study suggests mushrooms might be a natural key to removing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the air and safely storing it in forests.
Your first thought about microgrids might be that they’re only a tiny aspect of the overall energy system. But you’d be wrong – microgrids are an increasingly important factor for distributed generation, grid reliability, and the green economy.
Two new reports from Navigant Research reveal more than 400 microgrid projects are currently under development worldwide, and forecast the global microgrid market will pass $40 billion in annual revenue by 2020.
California’s clean energy economy is already America’s largest, but two bills making their way through the state legislature could open access to renewables for millions of utility customers – without any subsidies.
If passed, SB 43 and AB 104 would allow the 75% of California utility customers who can’t install their own on-site generation to subscribe to “shared” renewable energy projects of up to 20 megawatts (MW).
Advocates say a 500MW shared renewables pilot program within the state’s three largest utility service territories would create 7,000 green jobs, earn $60 million in state sales tax revenue, generate $2 billion in economic activity, and voluntarily surpass the state’s 33% renewable portfolio standard…
This summer, the cast of Jersey Shore might find it easier to get a tan by leaning over the nearest solar photovoltaic panel instead of making an appointment at their favorite tanning salon.
New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities announced this week the state has joined a prestigious renewable energy club, becoming the third US state to pass the 1-gigawatt (GW) mark in total installed solar capacity.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) held its 19th auction of CO2 allowances late last week and sold nearly 38 million allowances at a clearing price of $2.80, generating $105.9 million in revenue.
Despite 2012 troubles, global clean energy markets remain strong and will nearly double within ten years, according to Clean Edge’s annual industry report.
