The Environmental Protection Agency said natural gas from landfills that is compressed or liquefied can be classified as a cellulosic biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard, a decision that could boost the use of natural …
National
Farm Bill Funding for Bioenergy Research and Converting to Biomass Fuel Systems
On June 13, 2014 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced up to $14.5 million in funding for two USDA bioenergy programs made available through the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA’s Rural Development (RD) announced it is accepting …
U.S. Sales of Plug-ins and Hybrids Growing
In 2013, the sales of plug-ins and hybrids grew 21 percent to 592,232 cars and light trucks according to the Electric Drive Transportation Association compared to 7.6 percent growth in total light-vehicle sales. Analysis in …
Third Party Solar Protected by Iowa Supreme Court
An important decision on distributed solar energy was handed down by the Iowa Supreme Court on July 11, 2014 in the case challenging the Iowa Utilities Board’s (IUB) decision and Iowa utilities’ (Alliant – Interstate …
ACEEE Study Outlines Cost Neutral CO2 Reduction Plan for U.S. Power Sector
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released a new study that details how the U.S. EPA can rely on energy efficiency measures in an upcoming standard to reduce CO2 emissions that have no net …
U.S. Assessment Reports that Climate Change is Already Affecting the U.S.
The 3rd National Climate Assessment, prepared by a large scientific panel overseen by the U.S. government, has found that climate change is already impacting virtually every state in the U.S. Effects include: increased storm water surges from …
Growth in Wind Energy Reduces U.S. Carbon Emissions
The wind energy industry growth in the U.S. in 2013 has reduced carbon emissions by 96 million metric tons, or 4.4% of total U.S. power sector emissions – the largest contributor to climate change, according …
Clean Energy Sector Remains Strong in IL
The Clean Jobs Illinois report found that 96,785 workers statewide spend some portion of their day supporting clean energy. Energy efficiency accounts for almost two-third (62 percent) of the jobs, while renewable energy accounts for 28 percent. …
Shining a Light on ENERGY STAR in Wisconsin
Between 2000 and 2013, the number of Wisconsin ENERGY STAR certified buildings has increased from 43 to 582, according to a new report titled Leaders in Efficiency: Energy Star Buildings in Wisconsin. The report, released by …
USDA Announces Regional Hubs to Help Agriculture, Forestry Mitigate Impacts of Changing Climate
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the creation of the first ever Regional Hubs for Risk Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change at seven locations around the country. These “Climate Hubs” will address …