Renewable energy

Houston, Texas, and Boulder, Colorado, July 1, 2008 – ConocoPhillips [NYSE:COP] announced today that it has signed a $5 million, multi-year sponsored research agreement with the Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels (C2B2), a research center of the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory, to develop new ways to convert biomass into low-carbon transportation fuels.    » read more »

June 23, 2008 -- After years of saying he opposed drilling in our coastal waters, Senator McCain changed his position and has embraced President Bush's vision for offshore drilling. On CBS's Face the Nation, McCain advisor Carly Fiorina tried to defend John McCain's decision to cave in to Big Oil.

Offshore oil rig: Photo by arbyreed (CC)    » read more »

U.S. Senate Hearing Will Focus For First Time on Renewable Energy
and Transmission

June 17, 2008 -- Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee will today hold its first-ever hearing focused exclusively on renewable energy and transmission, inviting renewable industry, utility, and government leaders to discuss ways to invest in new transmission that will tap the nation’s vast – but currently stranded –renewable energy resources.    » read more »

June 17, 2008 -- While John McCain likes to talk tough about energy independence and renewable energy, John McCain today will cave in to his friends in the oil and gas industry. Despite supporting a moratorium on off-shore drilling during his last presidential campaign and opposing offshore drilling in places like Florida, North Carolina and Oregon, Senator McCain will call for the elimination of the moratorium during his remarks in Houston today.

Oil spill cleanup crew: Photo by ex.libris (CC)    » read more »

Changes in Government Operation Reduce Energy Use, Stimulate Renewable Energy Sector

June 17, 2008 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced a number of strategic initiatives the commonwealth will immediately make to reduce energy use, stimulate the renewable energy sector and cut costs.

“Rising energy prices affect every customer, including state government,” Governor Rendell said. “We need to make immediate, sweeping adjustments to the way state government operates to counter escalating gas prices and rising energy prices.

“The steps I am announcing today will reduce our environmental impact by using less energy, and helping to grow our renewable energy sector by purchasing more clean, renewable energy,” he said.    » read more »

Governor Awards $177,000 in CDBG Funding to Support Operations

June 17, 2008 -- Columbus, Neb. -- Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman was among those celebrating the opening of a new business today. Katana Summit, LLC, selected Columbus as the site for its new manufacturing facility.

At the event, the Governor announced $177,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to help city and county officials construct a road to provide access to the site. Katana Summit manufactures 80 and 90 meter steel wind turbine towers and the grant will help build and pave a road to support traffic at the facility.    » read more »

June 13, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY – In a letter to area representatives today, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt noted it is in Missouri’s best interest to leave in place the state’s E-10 standard in the Kansas City area. The renewable fuel standard, which requires most gasoline sold to contain at least 10 percent ethanol, boasts advantages for both the environment and Missourians’ pocketbooks.

“We have reviewed the request for a waiver of the E-10 standard in the Kansas City area,” Gov. Blunt said. “After thorough consideration of all aspects of this waiver request, I have decided it is in the best interest of the state to not issue the waiver.”    » read more »

June 10, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement following the Senate's votes on the Consumer First Energy Act (S. 3044) and the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act (H.R. 6049). Both measures were blocked today.

Wind turbine: Photo by Vik Walker (CC)    » read more »

June 10, 2008 -- Washington, D.C. – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today in response to Senate Republicans blocking consideration of the Consumer-First Energy Act and the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008:

“Senate Republicans have once again shown themselves to be unwilling to break free of the costly, failed Bush energy policies of the past. They have again adopted President Bush’s ‘drill and veto’ policy that is driving up the price of oil, diesel, and gasoline and leaving us dangerously reliant on Middle East oil.    » read more »

June 3, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) today announced projects that will enhance the nation’s ability to realize the full potential of wind power across the United States.

The projects include: a new wind turbine blade test facility to be constructed in Texas; a partnership between NREL, DOE, and a state consortium led by University of Houston; a just-signed agreement with Siemens Power Generation to locate and test a commercial-scale wind turbine at NREL’s National Wind Technology Center; and, a new Siemens research and development facility in Boulder, Colo., which will work closely with NREL on advanced wind power technologies.    » read more »

6/3/2008 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- Few car owners would ever think of pouring water down the gas tank; however, as Air Force officials here continue initiatives to redefine the Air Force's energy culture, more Airmen might picture water as an energy source.

Air Force Officials Look At Hydrogen As Potential Fuel Source: Scott Slyfield examines hydrogen storage tanks inside the HyHauler May 21 at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Air Force officials continue initiatives to redefine the Air Force's energy culture and are studying hydrogen-power. U.S. Air Force photo/Sue Sapp    » read more »

Touts Positive Environmental, Economic Impact of Alternative Energy Sources

Jun. 02, 2008 -- HOUSTON – Texas Governor Rick Perry today spoke at the American Wind Energy Association’s Wind Power 2008 Conference and the grand opening of the nation’s largest biodiesel refinery at GreenHunter Energy’s Renewable Fuels Campus in Houston.

The governor touted the positive environmental and economic impact of renewable energy sources and the state’s ongoing effort to further diversify its energy portfolio to include wind, biofuels, solar and nuclear.    » read more »

Governor highlights strong business climate and popularity of Kansas wind

June 2, 2008 -- HOUSTON -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius addressed the American Wind Energy Association’s Wind Power 2008 Conference to highlight the work in Kansas to be a leader in renewable energy.

Wind turbines and cattle, Kansas: Photo by Brent Danley (CC)

Below are excerpts of her remarks, as prepared for delivery:

“A recent poll by the Land Institute showed that three out of four Kansans want the state to increase its commitment to wind-powered energy.    » read more »

Will accept award on behalf of IDED

June 3, 2008 -- HOUSTON, TX – Tonight, during a special award ceremony, Iowa Governor Chet Culver will receive the 2008 State Leadership Award from the American Wind Energy Association. The Governor will accept the award on behalf of the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) for their work to promote wind energy throughout the state.

Iowa wind turbines: Photo by Mark Evans (CC)    » read more »

June 3, 2008 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter today welcomed global wind-industry leader Siemens Energy to Colorado.

Siemens Energy announced today at the American Wind Energy Association annual conference in Houston that it will establish its U.S. wind research and development center in Boulder, creating 50 new green-collar jobs here in Colorado.

"This is another great testament to Colorado's growing New Energy economy," Gov. Ritter said. "We continue to establish ourselves as a worldwide leader in renewable, sustainable and modern energy. The arrival of Siemens Energy's U.S. wind turbine research center draws particular attention to the creative and groundbreaking work being done in energy R&D in Colorado."    » read more »