New Study Shows Extending Solar Tax Credits Will Increase Jobs
(September 2008)

A new economic study issued today by Navigant Consulting shows that more than 1.2 million employment opportunities, including 440,000 permanent jobs, and $232 billion in new investment would be generated in the U.S. by the solar energy sector alone through 2016 if Congress extends the solar investment tax credit (ITC) for 8 years. To read more, visit the Solar Energy Industries Association website.

California Air Resources Board Lowers Zero Emission Vehicle Targets
(March 2008)

California's air regulators again revised the targets of the Zero Emission Vehicle Program (ZEV), the changes reduce the mandate for zero emission vehicles but go further to encourage plug-in electric hybrids and other advanced vehicle technologies. Green Car Congress provides a succinct summary of the changes.

States Push Environmental Protection Agency to Address Global Warming
(April 2008)

In the continuing trend of states leading the country on curbing global warming and calling for national action, on April 2nd, 16 states and 11 non-profits announced a lawsuit against the EPA for its failure to comply with the Supreme Court. One year ago, in Massachusetts v. EPA, the United States Supreme Court rejected the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's claim that it lacked the power to regulate global warming pollution under existing law. To learn more, read the full article from MSNBC.

Cellulosic Ethanol Plants in Development
(February 2008)

BioFuels Journal presented this map and list of cellulosic ethanol plants in development as of February 2008.

Low Carbon Fuel Standard

An overview of the benefits of a Low Carbon Fuel Standard from the California Governor's Office and the California Air Resources Board.

Bioenergy Wiki
(January 2008)

Bioenergy Wiki serves as an open and balanced electronic forum to promote the utilization of bioenergy in a sustainable manner.

Biofuels: Am important Part of a Low Carbon Diet
(November 2007)
A report prepared by Clean Vehicles Program of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Attached Files

1. Biofuels: An Important Part of a Low Carbon Diet
   Acrobat | 887 KB
   

Western Governor's Association Transportation Fuels for the Future
(2006)

This 2006 resolution places priority on developing alternative and replacement fuels to supplement traditional sources.

Carbon-Negative Biofuels from Low-Input High-Diversity Grassland Biomass
(December 2006)

An article in Science Magazine by David Tilman, University of Minnesota, discussing the benefits of a polyculture feedstock approach to biofuels production.

Laying a Foundation for Nevada's Energy Future
(February 2008)

Facing uncertainty in meeting future demand for electricity, Nevada should concentrate on building a "flexible infrastructure" that leverages a mixture of resources and avoids risks associated with large-scale centralized generation, according to "Laying a Foundation for Nevada's electricity Future." This report was led by former Nevada Energy and Economic Advisor and Public Utility Commissioner Carl Linvill.

Attached Files

1. Press Release
   Acrobat | 223 KB
   
2. Laying a Foundation for Nevada's Electricity Future
   Acrobat | 3 MB
   
3. Coal is Not the Future-Las Vegas Sun
   Acrobat | 84 KB
   

Wall Street Shows Skepticism Over Coal
(February 2008)

Three of Wall Street's largest investment banks announce standards that will make it harder for companies to receive financing to build new coal-fired power plants in the United States. The banks say that a government regulated cap on emissions is inevitable, and the potential added cost is great. Banks also said they will encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy before backing new coal-fired power plants. To read the full article written by Jeffrey Ball, visit the Wall Street Journal.

A Solar Grand Plan
(December 2007)

Scientific American Magazine published an article last December outlining the potential of solar power. The article states that by 2050 solar power could end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and slash greenhouse gas emissions.

Attached Files

1. A Solar Grand Plan
   Acrobat | 2 MB
   

Renewable Energy Atlas of the West

The Atlas is an 80-page, full-color presentation of the renewable energy resources in the West, including newly-released high-resolution wind maps of the Pacific Northwest. The Atlas profiles wind, solar, geothermal and biomass power. Sponsored by the Hewlett Foundation and The Energy Foundation, the Atlas was created by the Land and Water Fund of the Rockies, Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (SEED), Green Info Network and Integral GIS. To view the atlas, visit energyatlas.org.

Nevada Legislature Passes Bill Banning Incandescent Lights
(June 2007)

Nevada joined a growing number of organizations around the world that are backing an initiative to phase out inefficient incandescent light bulbs. To read more, visit SWEEP.

California Sues EPA Over Auto Emissions
(November 2007)

After waiting nearly two years for the federal government to decide on the state's request to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, California sued the EPA to force action. California was joined in the suit by fourteen other states who have adopted, or plan to adopt, California standards, including Arizona, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, and Pennsylvania. To learn more about the lawsuit, read the Time article entitled California's Christmas List: Clean Air.

Community Wind Toolbox
(October 2007)

Windustry's new online Community Wind Toolbox offers high-quality practical information for farmers and rural landowners looking to develop commercial-scale wind projects.

Coal-Fired Power Plant Rejected Due to Carbon Dioxide Emissions
(October 2007)

The Kansas Department of Environmental Health became the first government agency in the United States to reject the air quality permit of a power plant due to carbon dioxide emissions and the harmful effects CO2 has on public health and the environment. To learn more about this victory, read the article in the Wall Street Journal entitled, Power Plant Rejected Over Carbon Dioxide for First Time, or visit the Kansas News and Weather website to view videos and an article.

Water Implications of Biofuels Production In the United States
(October 2007)

A new report from the National Research Council says increased corn ethanol production could put pressure on local aquifers used to grow and refine corn into ethanol, increase levels of nitrogen in groundwater from pesticides and fertilizers, and exacerbate runoff pollution in streams and rivers. To read related news, the report brief, or to view the full report visit the National Academy of Sciences website.

Regulators reject application for Coal-Fired Plant
(September 2007)

State Regulators in Oklahoma City rejected an application by utility companies to build a coal-fired power plant in northern Oklahoma. To read more about this story visit MSNBC.

Report Details Potential Devastation of Sea Level Rise
(September 2007)

A coastal impact study issued by Architecture 2030 makes clear that without a moratorium on coal, the United States will be unable to avert the dangerous impacts of climate change. The full report is available at the Architecture 2030 website.

Opportunities for Midwest Action on Climate Change

(April 2007)

A Report from Julia Parzen and Adele Simmons of the Global Philanthropy Partnership identifies actions the Midwest can take to combat global warming, and presents an inventory of leadership resources the can be tapped. To read more, view the reports entitled Meeting the Challenge: Opportunities for Midwest Action on Climate Change and Midwest Climate Change Leadership Inventory.

Governor of Illinois Signs Electricity Rate Deal
(August 2007)

Governor Blagojevich signed the electricity rate bill, making Illinois a national leader in standards for electricity created by renewable sources such as wind power, biomass and solar power. The bill also requires energy efficiency programs that will effectively stop the growth of electric use in the state. Each of these two provisions is among the strongest in the country, and together they will substantially reduce global warming emissions from electricity generation in Illinois. To read the full article, visit the U.S. PIRG website.

Federal Court Rules Against Automakers in Vermont Fuel Economy Case
(September 2007)

A federal judge rejected the U.S. auto industry's attempt to block California, Vermont, and 10 other states from setting tough new fuel economy standards, saying the industry had not proved the regulations were illegal, unsafe, or unattainable. To learn more about this issue, read this Associated Press article entitled Judge Rejects Automakers' bid to scrap state Emission Rules.

Design to Win Final Report
(August 2007)

In October 2006, six foundations, the Packard Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, the Energy Foundation, the Oak Foundation, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and the Joyce Foundation, commissioned a joint report entitled Design to Win, prioritizing worldwide philanthropic investment strategies to solve global warming. California Environmental Associates (CEA) led the study, with major input from the Stockholm Environment Institute. Throughout the study, CEA sought guidance from a funders steering committee made up of representatives from each foundation, as well as a scientific advisory committee composed of leading energy experts.

Attached Files

1. Design to Win
   Acrobat | 1 MB
   

Senator Reid speaks out against Coal-Fired Power Plants
(August 2007)

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada sent a letter this week to four companies telling them not to build planned coal burning power plants in his state. To read more, view the article entitled "Reid tells four companies no coal in Nevada" or visit Senator Reid's Press release page to read the letter sent to elected officials and energy leaders.

Energy and Emissions Planning Tool
(June 2007)

An online energy and emissions planning tool has been developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota. It allows you to change policies, technology trends, and other variables to see how the Midwest can reduce global warming emissions.

Nevada Legislature Passes Bill Banning Incandescent Lights
(June 2007)

Nevada joined a growing number of organizations around the world that are backing an initiative to phase out inefficient incandescent light bulbs. To read more, visit SWEEP.

Florida Coal Fired Power Plant Denied
(June 2007)

The Florida State Public Service Commission unanimously shot down a plan by Florida Power & Light to construct a coal-fired power plant near Everglades National Park. To read more, view the full story entitled: Kudos to Florida.

American Solar Energy Society Report

A new report by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) shows how efficiency and renewable energy technologies can work together to solve global warming. Visit the ASES website to read their report on Tackling Climate Change in the U.S.

Sipping Fuel and Saving Lives
(June 2007)

A report prepared by the International Council on Clean Transportation outlining the importance of increasing fuel economy without sacrificing safety.

Attached Files

1. Sipping Fuel and Saving Lives
   Acrobat | 763 KB
   

Driving it Home
(June 2007)

A report prepared by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Western Resource Advocates, and Pembina Institute regarding fueling North America.

Attached Files

1. Driving it Home
   Acrobat | 933 KB
   

Consumer's Guide to Home Energy Savings

The American Council for and Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has compiled a guide to home energy savings including a list of the most energy efficient appliances available, and small things you can do around your home to increase efficiency. They have made their mini-guide available on their website.

Energy Solutions to Fight Global Warming

The Union of Concerned Scientists outlines the three most important ways to fight global warming. The first way is to increase energy efficiency.

The Union of Concerned Scientists on Renewable Electricity Standards
(May 2007)

The Union of Concerned Scientists has created a comprehensive toolkit guide to state Renewable Power Standards and the proposed Federal RPS.

Maryland Adopts Clean Car Standards
(April 2007)

Maryland has become the twelfth state to adopt California's Clean Vehicle Standards. To learn more about the action, read the article published by the Business Gazette entitled "A red-letter day for the Environment".

Summary of the Economic Impacts of Implementing "Recommendations to the Nation on Reducing U.S. Oil Dependence"
(May 2007)

Report Prepared by the Energy Security Leadership Council and Securing America's Future Energy.

Attached Files

1. Summary of Economic Impacts
   Acrobat | 771 KB
   

Automaker Rankings 2007: The Environmental Performance of Car Companies
(April 2007)

Report prepared by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Attached Files

1. Automaker Rankings 2007
   Acrobat | 2 MB
   

Can Proactive Fuel Economy Strategies Help Automakers Mitigate Fuel-Price Risks?
(September 2006)

Report prepared by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

Attached Files

1. Fuel Economy Strategies
   Acrobat | 2 MB
   

Council on Foundations 2007 Annual Conference

Attached Files

1. Terry Tamminen: US State Action
   MS Powerpoint | 1 MB
   
2. Eric Heitz: Designing to Win: High Leverage Philanthropic Opportunities
   MS Powerpoint | 4 MB
   
3. Bill McCalpin: Changing from Within
   MS Powerpoint | 43 KB
   
4. Rhys Roth: Bridging Divides, Galvanizing Leadership on Global Warming
   MS Powerpoint | 3 MB
   

Community Wind Information Packet
(April 2007)

We assembled a small packet of documents related to Community Wind as an introduction to the concept of farmer-owned wind farms.

Attached Files

1. Community Wind Information Packet
   Acrobat | 2 MB
   

The Machine in the Garden
(March 2008)
The Machine in the Garden briefly describes the importance of having a biofuels conversion technology that can handle a wide range of feedstocks.

Attached Files

1. The Machine in the Garden
   Acrobat | 771 KB
   

Re-examining the Production Tax Credit for Wind Power: An Assessment of Policy Options
(March 2006)

A report from the University of Minnesota discusses ways to reform the federal Production Tax Credit to encourage community-owned wind farms.

Attached Files

1. Wind Energy Tax Credit Report
   Acrobat | 733 KB
   

25% Renewable Energy for the United States by 2025: Agricultural and Economic Impacts
(November 2006)
Study by the University of Tennessee Department of Agricultural Economics.

Attached Files

1. 25% Renewable Energy for the United States By 2025: Agricultural and Economic Impacts
   Acrobat | 165 KB
   

Cellulosic Ethanol State-of-the-Art Conversion Processes
(January 2006)
Report from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.

Attached Files

1. Cellulosic Ethanol State-of-the-Art Conversion Processes
   Acrobat | 234 KB
   

State Policies for Promoting the Next Generation of Biomass Technology
(November 2006)
From the Great Plains Institute.

Attached Files

1. State Policies for Promoting the Next Generation of Biomass Technologies
   Acrobat | 73 KB
   

Beyond the RFS
(September 2006)
From the World Resources Institute.

Attached Files

1. Beyond the RFS: The Environmental and Economic Impacts of Increased Grain Ethanol Production in the U.S.
   Acrobat | 314 KB
   

Putting the Peices Together: Commercializing Ethanol from Cellulose
(September 2006)
From the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Attached Files

1. Putting the Pieces Together: Commercializing Ethanol from Cellulose
   Acrobat | 167 KB
   

Water Used by Ethanol Plants
(October 2006)
From the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

Attached Files

1. Water Use by Ethanol Plants
   Acrobat | 137 KB
   

Berkeley Economists Say Reducing Carbon Will Produce Net Economic Benefits and Jobs
(January 2006)

Using a state-of-the-art economic model, a team of analysts at UC Berkeley and other institutions have assessed the potential for reducing carbon in California. They found that just eight policies can achieve almost half of the governor's 2020 targets while increasing Gross State Product by about $60 billion and creating over 20,000 new jobs. Visit the University of California website to view the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report.

California Public Utilities Commission Draft Decision on a Carbon Cap for Investor-Owned Utilities
(January 2006)

The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) has issued a draft decision to cap Carbon Dioxide emissions for electricity used in California. This landmark decision is part of California's effort to reach Governor Schwarzenegger's global warming pollution reduction goals. To learn more, visit the CPUC website and read the Draft Decision of Commissioner Peevey.

The U.S.'s Largest Economy Gets the Nation's First Carbon Cap
(January 2006)

The California legislature has passed the nation's first economy-wide cap on global warming pollution. The bill, AB 32, directs California regulators to establish a California-wide carbon cap that is phased in starting in 2012 and declines to 1990 pollution levels by 2020. That is a reduction of 174 MtCO2 (29 percent) below business-as-usual levels in 2020. It is the first mandatory 2020 target in the world, and in absolute terms, the reductions achieved will be larger than those of most Kyoto countries.

Governor Schwarzenegger has indicated that he will sign the bill. This is an encouraging demonstration of growing bipartisan support for ambitious climate policy.

Virtually all of the cap's implementation details--including big questions, such as whose emissions will be regulated, how the cap is spread across sectors and companies, and whether there will be carbon permit trading--are left up to the California Air Resources Board. The California ARB is one of the premier regulatory agencies in the world. The ARB is renowned for driving the development of hybrid cars and trucks, as well as many other low-pollution technologies.

California's carbon cap is a terrific precedent that will add to the growing momentum for federal climate policy. To Learn more, view the fact sheet below.

Attached Files

1. AB 32 Fact Sheet
   Acrobat | 190 KB
   

New Directory of Energy Programs at Colleges and Universities

The International Energy Program Evaluation Conference has released a directory of energy programs at colleges and universities. The primary purpose of the directory is to provide information to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are considering energy and energy-related programs of study. To download the directory, visit IEPEC's website.

Information on States' Global Warming Action Plans

For information on states' global warming action plans, please click on the state you would like to view.

Arizona
California
Connecticut
Maine
New Mexico
North Carolina (Text of Senate Bill 1134)
Oregon
Washington

Northeast Governors to Launch Carbon Cap-and-Trade Program
(2007)

Seven Northeast governors have agreed to launch the nation's first carbon cap-and-trade program. This bipartisan initiative, known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), will cap CO2 from the region's power plants beginning in 2009 and reduce it 10 percent by 2018. For more information, visit RGGI's website.

Studies on International Fiscal Policies for Sustainable Transportation
(March 2005)

Report prepared by Deborah Gordon.

Attached Files

1. Studies on International Fiscal Policies for Sustainable Transportation
   Acrobat | 935 KB
   

Securing America: Solving Our Oil Dependence Through Innovation
(2005)
Report prepared by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security.

Attached Files

1. Securing America: Solving Our Oil Dependence Through Innovation
   Acrobat | 307 KB
   

Ethanol From Biomass
(April 2005)
The Governor's Ethanol Coalition Presents America's 21st Century Transportation Fuel

Attached Files

1. Ethanol From Biomass
   Acrobat | 495 KB
   

The New Harvest

The Energy Foundation's White Paper and executive summary on Wind Power and Biofuels for Rural Revitalization and National Energy Security

Attached Files

1. The New Harvest
   Acrobat | 2 MB
   
2. New Harvester Profiles - Profiles of Rural Energy Entrepreneurs
   Acrobat | 608 KB
   
3. New Harvest Executive Summary
   Acrobat | 1 MB
   
4. New Harvest Press Release
   Acrobat | 33 KB
   

Clearing California's Coal Shadow from the American West
(November 2005)

A report entitled "Clearing California's Coal Shadow from the American West," documents California's long dependence on high-polluting coal plants in the Interior West and describes the environmental threat posed by new coal projects in the region. It also lays out policy recommendations for California and for states in the West to chart a new path to a cleaner electricity supply throughout the Western United States.

Attached Files

1. Clearing California's Coal Shadow
   Acrobat | 2 MB
   

Community Wind Financing Handbook

Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest released the "Community Wind Financing Handbook." This handbook explains the options for structuring and financing community-based wind power projects.

Attached Files

1. Wind Financing Handbook
   Acrobat | 724 KB
   

Wind Empowerment Zones Study

This study shows how wind farms can be used to generate revenue in economically depressed areas.

Attached Files

1. Wind Empowerment Zones
   Acrobat | 424 KB