12/13/2007 -- The Senate passed energy legislation that would boost fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The measure includes provisions by Senator Bernie Sanders to promote energy efficiency and to train workers for green-collar jobs. “Given the crisis we’re facing in global warming, the passage of this energy bill is an important step forward,” Sanders said. “Much more has to be done in the future, but raising fuel efficiency standards and helping states, cities and towns go forward with energy efficiency and sustainable energy projects will reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs and create good paying jobs.”

By a one-vote margin, the Senate on Thursday defeated a measure that would have stripped billions of dollars in tax subsidies from oil and gas companies and devoted the money to new renewable sources such as solar and wind. The vote for the provision was 59 to 40, still one vote shy of the 60 needed to end debate and move the bill forward.

December 14, 2007

Can wind be groomed to become a dependable source of electricity? Researchers at Stanford University say that it can. They conclude that various wind farms can connect and then join at a centralized transmission line to accomplish the mission.

Wind is becoming a premier energy source. But, its intermittent nature means that providers must "insure" against lulls by backing up plants with steadier fuels such as natural gas and coal. If, though, separate wind farms can be linked to a transmission grid, it would make wind more reliable.

The economic impact of wind industry development as the result of Michigan adopting renewable portfolio standards would be significant says a new report released today by the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University.

The report, titled “Projected Impacts of Renewable Portfolio Standards on Wind Industry Development in Michigan,” is the outgrowth of research lead by Soji Adelaja, institute director and John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy. The report is co-authored by Yohannes Hailu, institute associate director of the Hannah Research Program.

December 12, 2007

China's nuclear program may be a harbinger of things to come in the industry. That nation, which now uses coal to fuel two-thirds of its electric generation, says that its eventual goal is to obtain a third of its power from nuclear energy.

Mainland China has eleven nuclear power reactors in commercial operation -- six of which it has brought on line since 2002, five currently under construction and several others in the works. The aggressive build-out is a response to its reliance on coal and the clean air issues it is creating there. Without change, it will assuredly impact its bustling economy. Unlike western nations, China is unfettered politically with respect to forging ahead with its nuclear expansion. Its experience is therefore going to weigh heavily on the path that developed nations will take.