2nd Quarter 2005 Greenwire Articles and Archives
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6/15/05
State agencies pledge pace-setting energy plan
California agencies
crafting the second iteration of a statewide Energy Action Plan are promising
to incorporate path-breaking policies not usually reserved for state action --
transportation fuels, auto tailpipe emissions and government responses to climate
change. The plan, known as the EAP II, is a joint effort of the California Public
Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission. The initial effort
in 2003 led to a policy promoting energy efficiency, renewable resources and clean-power
projects as the "loading order" for new resource additions in the Golden
State.
5/31/05
California cities explore variety of options for energy independence
Still
reeling from cost impacts of the Western power crisis of 2000-01 and stymied by
investor-owned utility opposition to full-blown municipalization of electric distribution
systems, California cities and communities are exploring a range of options to
achieve greater local control over power prices and decisions. At one end of the
spectrum, these options include joining with existing public-power entities or
developing "greenfield" utility districts on lands not previously served
by the IOUs. While avoiding many of the legal pitfalls of municipal condemnation,
these efforts may still raise considerable opposition from the incumbent utilities.
5/27/05
Critics take aim at Gov. Schwarzenegger's streamlining plan
SACRAMENTO
-- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed consolidation of several California energy
agencies into a new Department of Energy encountered skepticism and opposition
during a hearing here this week by a state government-efficiency commission.
5/18/05
CalFed facing widening financial, legislative woes
California lawmakers
have thrown down a gauntlet at the feet of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on future
funding for a consortium of 25 state and federal agencies dedicated to improving
water quality and delivery infrastructure in the critical Sacramento-San Joaquin
River Delta region.
5/05/05
Calif. agencies say 'no time to waste' on major projects
The Association
of California Water Agencies unveiled a 12-point proposal yesterday to spur new
state investments in water infrastructure, clarify state and local responsibilities
for flood control, and eliminate bureaucratic barriers to water transfers and
desalination projects. The document, called "No Time to Waste: A Blueprint
for California Water," calls on elected officials and policymakers to act
on an emergency basis to reduce risks to the state's water supplies and environment.
05/02/05
Calif. officials consider cap and trade for greenhouse gases
Frustrated
by the lack of federal action to control emissions of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases, California officials are considering a state program for mandatory
limits and trading of carbon emissions offsets. While the concept currently lacks
a specific legislative or policy vehicle, various carbon cap-and-trade schemes
are being investigated by the California Environmental Protection Agency, the
California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission.
04/21/05
PG&E clean energy fund makes first investment
The
Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF), backed by $30 million from Pacific Gas and Electric
Co. shareholders, has made its first investment, in a technology company that
uses expertise and products developed for space exploration to solve environmental
and energy problems. The fund's $2 million investment in SpectraSensors of San
Dimas, Calif., was orchestrated by Nth Power, an energy venture capital firm here
that recently signed on as one of CalCEF's three independent investment managers.
The fund and Nth Power will each contribute half the funding.
04/21/05
CPUC chief questions massive power line project
The president of
the California Public Utilities Commission raised concerns this week about the
environmental effects of a recently proposed high-voltage electric transmission
line that could direct up to 6,000 megawatts of coal-based power from Wyoming
to California. "I don't believe this power should come from coal, unless
that coal is extremely clean," said Michael Peevey during a speech Tuesday
to the California Climate Action Registry's annual conference in Oakland.
All articles are Copyright 2005 E&E Publishing, Inc.
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