Alternative energy
FERC Order 784 revises regulations governing sales of frequency regulation services, thereby increasing the opportunities for energy storage projects in the ancillary services market. On July 18, 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued FERC Order 784, which revises its Avista policy regulating ancillary-service sales at market-based rates to public utility transmission providers. The…...
The Energy Consumers Relief Act, approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, would prevent EPA from finalizing major energy-related rules without DOE approval. On July 17, 2013, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved three energy-related bills – H.R. 1582, H.R. 1900, and H.R. 83 – aimed to promote economic growth and energy…...
A U.S. Court of Appeals vacated a 2011 EPA rule that delayed GHG regulations for biomass facilities for three years, finding that EPA’s decision was groundless. On July 12, 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of conservationist groups that challenged a 2011 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)…...
DOE released a report examining the impacts of climate change on the nation’s energy and electricity infrastructure, including an assessment of ongoing efforts and potential opportunities to improve the energy sector’s climate resilience. On July 11, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report examining current and future impacts of climate change on…...
The Atlantic Ocean Study, released by New York State DOS, examines the potential of wind resources in the state’s offshore planning area, providing critical information to advance future wind energy projects. On July 10, 2013, the New York State Department of State (DOS) released a report examining potential offshore wind development and ocean-based industries. Among…...
New large-scale solar projects earmarked for funding under the NY-Sun initiative will potentially increase New York’s solar capacity by 64 MW, bringing the state to the forefront of solar energy development. On July 9, 2013, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $54 million in funding for large-scale solar projects having a combined capacity of…...
BLM has issued a land order to segregate federal lands from new mining claims for solar energy development across six western states. On July 5, 2013, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved a Public Land Order that withdraws 303,900 acres of federal land identified for solar energy development from new mining claims for 20…...
President Obama’s second-term climate agenda includes sweeping measures to cut carbon emissions from power plants, boost renewable energy production, increase fuel economy standards, and advance international initiatives to combat climate change. On June 25, 2013, President Barack Obama outlined a comprehensive Climate Action Plan prioritizing measures to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to set a…...
WGA’s “10-Year Energy Vision” calls for collaborative interstate initiatives to achieve energy security by increasing energy production, improving energy efficiency, and expanding energy distribution infrastructure, among other energy goals. On June 28, 2013, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) released the “10-Year Energy Vision,” a regional plan articulating the energy goals of 19 member states, American…...
The Clean Vehicle Corridors Act would improve infrastructure needed for alternative fuel vehicles and promote clean fuels, including natural gas, plug-in electric, advanced biofuels, and hydrogen. On June 27, 2013, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Clean Vehicle Corridors Act, aimed to increase fueling infrastructure for clean vehicles. The bill calls on the Department of…...
The “Renewable Fuel Standard Repeal Act” aims to annul RFS on grounds that increasing demand for corn-based ethanol has raised the prices of livestock, food products, and transportation fuel. On June 20, 2013, a bipartisan group of senators led by Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced a bill aimed to annul the Renewable Fuel Standard…...
A newly proposed Senate bill would establish the State Energy Race to the Top program aimed at doubling the nation’s energy productivity by 2030. On June 20, 2013, Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced a bill to establish a state grant program of federal incentives to boost energy productivity. The bill…...