NV Energy recently began a bio-mass test in an attempt to increase efficiency, reduce emissions, and reduce energy prices for customers. The test began two weeks ago and consists of burning wood chips to produce steam. The steam drives a turbine, which turns a generator that converts the power into electricity. In some bio-mass industries, the …
Senate Committee Passes Climate Bill Despite Republican Boycott
On Thursday, Democrats on the Senate’s Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee approved the Boxer-Kerry cap-and-trade bill without a single Republican present. The 10-1 vote came after a two-day Republican boycott of the committee’s markup of the bill. The boycott protested the lack of a comprehensive analysis of the measure’s potential effect on jobs and …
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Nevada PUC to Open Docket Regarding Feed-in Tariffs
On Tuesday, the Nevada Interim Committee on the Production and Use of Energy heard presentations from the Solar Alliance and the Electric Auto Association of Nevada regarding feed-in tariffs. After the presentations, Chairman Schneider directed the Nevada Public Utilities Commission (PUCN) to open an investigatory docket regarding the plausibility of the feed-in tariffs. Rebecca Wagner, …
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“Carbon Exposure”: Who are the Winners and Losers in Cap-and-Trade?
PointCarbon, a market research firm, has just released a study projecting that ExxonMobil would need to spend nearly $6 billion for carbon allowances under the terms of the Kerry-Boxer cap-and-trade bill. While that seems unsurprising, it is less intuitive to see that electricity giants like Exelon and Pacific Gas and Electric would emerge as financial winners, because …
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Solar’s Never been Less Expensive
Government incentives (federal, state and local combined) make installing solar power almost irresistible. Buyers can save up to 90% on a system whether its for a single family home or a 75-unit condo in the city. This article by Chris Kahn describes a $394,514 solar system installation at a Queens, NY co-op in which the 75% of …
Attention to Psychological Aspects of Mitigating Climate Change Increases
An article in London’s “The Guardian” newspaper tackles the touchy subject of human behavior and the role of psychology in addressing climate change. It describes the increased attention to how psychologically informed public awareness campaigns can be used to transform abstract concerns about climate change into concrete behaviors that reduce net energy consumption. While a few upcoming …
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500 Expected at Energy Conference in Nevada Next Week
More than 500 researchers, federal contractors and venture capitalists are expected in the Reno-Sparks area next week to attend a business, energy, and technology conference. The convention entitled “Re-Energizing America” runs Monday through Thursday at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks. It will include workshops intended to help businesses access more than $2 billion in federal …
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Senate Begins Hearings on Climate Bill
On Tuesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee began hearings on a climate bill introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chair of the Committee, and Senator John Kerry (D-MA). Most republicans remain opposed to climate legislation on grounds that it will raise energy prices and cost jobs. Supporters counter that clean energy technology could be the …