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July 29, 2010

No BRT For Berkeley

Berkeley, California rejects plans for a bus rapid transit system. Not fare

New Nuclear Tech=New Problems

France's next-generation nuclear power plant now under construction faces a new breed of safety risks. Look into this

Is There A Pulse?

Since the politics will have to change before the US gets a climate bill, are there any signs of life on the climate front now? Thump

Control Carbon: Embrace The Alternative

What is "fee and dividend" and who would support it now that "cap and trade" has collapsed? Learn more

July 28, 2010

The Future Is Now

It's official. NOAA is certain that climate change is happening now. Want more?

The Senate Action Option

Legislation to restore the PACE bond program could pass the Senate, if it gets Republican support. Stay tuned

Cities Seek Hybrid Power

Cities seek a federal law giving them power to impose local fuel efficiency standards on taxi fleets. Beep beep

Future: A Lot Different Than Now

The National Academy of Sciences report on adapting to climate change grapples with how to plan for some big unknowns. Dig in

Green Starchticture

Find out who's on the G-List of the top green buildings and ask yourself about the lack of overlap with conventional architectural A-Lists. Start here

Wind+Batteries=Steady Power

The practicalities of using wind power surge with new technologies that store the electricity from the time it's created until the time it's needed. Plug in

The Future Is Coming

In preparation for a legislative overhaul of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, the Obama administration is convening an August public advisory meeting. Stay tuned

No Capture No Coal

No new coal burning power plants can be built in England without carbon capture and storage capacity. Plan A?

Blown Away

Without federal action, the renewable energy industry fears drastic downsizing. Watts up?

July 27, 2010

Our Old Friend: The Clean Air Act

With climate legislation off the agenda, the only federal resource for requiring GHG emissions cuts is the Clean Air Act, but there are big hurdles ahead. Get re-acquainted

15x20 - Will UK Reach It?

While calling the EU's renewable power goal of %15 by 2020 a "stretch", the UK Energy secretary gives a thumbs up to wind and nuclear power. Learn more

Turbine Power!

Construction begins in California on the word's largest wind power project, adding to the nation's biggest alternative power sector. Turn in

Waves Could Make Water

Australia will try to use ocean waves to power a water desalinization plant. Gulp

We're The Canaries

Photos of a world at risk. Home here

None Like It Hot

With prospects of ever-hotter weather, learn about the impact of heat on human health. Cold comfort

Is Fusion Feasible?

Experts debate the technical and financial challenges of making nuclear fusion a global power source. Look into it

EDGE In Place Of PACE

A Colorado Congressman introduces EDGE legislation to support installation of small solar power systems with increased tax investment credits and to be an economic stimulus until PACE bond problems are solved. Edgy

July 26, 2010

Incredible Shrinking PV

Scientists are working on photovoltaic cells so thin, they could be used like adhesive tape. And there's more!

The Enthusiasm Gap

Was the death of the climate bill the result of tepid support or fear of the unknown?

Russian JIMs

15 carbon-reducing Russian energy projects will receive financial support under the Kyoto Protocols Joint Implementation Mechanism. Details not yet available. Stay tuned

Sea Ice & Us

A warming Arctic can cause weird weather elsewhere on the planet while sea ice is thinner than ever. Learn more

NYSERDA Plans Ahead

The New York Energy Research and Development Authority has a new strategic plan for a secure, sustainable and reliable energy future in challenging times. Fine print

July 23, 2010

Chicago Gets Korean Smart Tech

Korea will install $25 million in smart, energy efficiency technologies in Chicago buildings. Enter here

Staying Current

Here's a status report on the PACE bond front. Catch up

US Senate: Plan C

A draft memo for a new climate bill, written by electric utilities and environmental groups, is circulating in Washington. WRI report finds more than just federal action is needed

US Senate: Plan B

With climate legislation DOA, just what is the Senate's energy legislation? Think small

Town Goes BANANAs Over Wind Power

When it comes to offshore wind power Greece, New York's position is Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anybody. Peel here

A Bargain: Chinese PV at Rutgers

A $10 million investment in Chinese-made, low cost solar panels installed at Rutgers is saving the university $200,00 a year. Plug in

Greens Slam Gillard Over Carbon

Australia's new Prime Minister, facing August elections, takes heat for foot-dragging on climate action. Learn more

Could Be

The Senate's failure to act on a climate bill could be the start of something great. Join the conversation

July 22, 2010

UK: Climate Watchdog Out

Despite cost savings for government operations, the British Sustainable Development Commission is getting the ax. Chop chop

Can't Blame The Sun

This year is hot, hot, hot despite diminished solar radiation. Whew!

Behavior Counts

Understanding residential energy use behavior is one way to improve home energy efficiency in the absence of a price on carbon. Study here

Climate Bill: RIP

Two EPA staffers savage the offset provisions of Congress' climate bills, calling them fatally flawed. Nothing's better