January 25, 2010

The Obama administration is bucking up and funding research into biofuels, which can be used as power for electric generators or fuel for automobiles. Altogether, it is placing $800 million into such projects under the federal stimulus plan.

It's all part of a broader effort by the White House to foster a variety of green energy forms. Biofuels are not without controversy. But experts generally agree that advanced technologies that involve the use of algae, waste or wood chips can produce cleaner electricity supplies while also eroding the country's dependence on foreign oil.

January 22, 2010

Google's ability to gather and disseminate information may now extend beyond the search engine and into the world of electricity. It's not a power grab; rather, it's an attempt to what it says will revolutionize energy technology and in doing so, create cleaner air for all to breathe.

While its desire to expand its presence in the energy realm has been made clear, it has taken another step toward expanding its reach into utility circles: Specifically, it has just asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the ability to buy and sell electricity so as to manage the high cost of its own data centers.

Below are a few letters received at EnergyBiz Insider on topics that appeared in the past few weeks. They capture the essence of how many readers say they feel.
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January 20, 2010

The utility culture is mixed. And with varied viewpoints, each is pushing Congress to enact their brand of climate legislation.

But a central message that runs through the assorted arguments is that any final laws should keep cost under control. As such, most utility groups favor giving away most of the initial allocations that would allow them to exceed carbon emission limits while at the same time, passing along any revenue gains from the sale of those credits to consumers.

January 18, 2010

In an effort to move 31 renewable energy and transmission projects into high gear, the Obama administration has put them on a fast track permitting process. But such deals, which would take place on federal lands, have some opposition -- and it's coming from those in green corners, who say that certain ones should be relocated.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has picked those shovel-ready projects that qualify for federal stimulus support. And while the nation has clearly stated that growing its green energy portfolio is a priority, some controversy is surrounding the agency's new policy. The way and manner that some pending cases are decided will have a direct affect on how all renewable projects are permitted.