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U.S. Solar Industry Lost Nearly 10,000 Jobs in 2017
The U.S. solar industry lost nearly 10,000 jobs last year, led by steep losses in mature markets like California and Massachusetts where installation growth has slowed, according to a new report published on Wednesday. It was the first time employment has contracted in the fast-growing industry since the non-profit research firm The Solar Foundation began tracking solar jobs in 2010.
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EIA: U.S. to become net energy exporter by 2022
The U.S. will become a net energy exporter by 2022, the Energy Information Administration said on Tuesday in its latest long-term forecast, accelerating the date for when the country breaks with its 70-year history of importing more energy than it ships out. That scenario, which the EIA had said last year would occur in 2026, would mark a fundamental change for a country that has been a net importer since 1953. It would represent a culmination of the U.S. shale oil and gas boom that began in 2006 to turn the country into a global energy powerhouse — and drive a drill through the heart of the domestic coal industry. [ read more … ]
Why a Big Utility Is Embracing Wind and Solar
Xcel Energy is a utility company with millions of electric customers in the middle of the country, from Texas to Michigan. In booming Colorado, the company asked for proposals to construct big power plants using wind turbines and solar panels. The bids have come in so low that the company will be able to build and operate the new plants for less money than it would have to pay just to keep running its old, coal-burning power plants. [ read more … ]
From Oil to Solar: Saudi Arabia Plots a Shift to Renewables
The world’s largest oil exporter is embarking, under Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on an ambitious effort to diversify its economy and reinvigorate growth, in part by plowing money into renewable energy. The Saudi government wants not just to reshape its energy mix at home but also to emerge as a global force in clean power. [ read more … ]
Trump plans shakeup of science council
The White House plans to restructure the National Science and Technology Council, raising new questions about the Trump administration’s intentions on climate and energy policy. An administration official said that agency comments are being submitted this week on changes to the council, which is chaired by the president and includes the vice president and agency science leaders. There was a closed-door meeting last week with representatives from the Department of Energy, NASA and other agencies to discuss possible alterations that were “met with enthusiasm,” the official said. [ read more … ]
The Largest Number Of Scientists In Modern U.S. History Are Running For Office In 2018
More than 60 researchers and technologists are running for federal office in 2018 as part of a historic wave of candidates with science backgrounds launching campaigns. At least 200 candidates with previous careers in science, technology, engineering and math announced bids for some of the nation’s roughly 7,000 state legislature seats as of Jan. 31, according to data that 314 Action, a political action committee, shared exclusively with HuffPost. [ read more … ]
Nevada group plans to bring vetoed 50 percent renewable standard to 2018 ballot
According to language filed Tuesday with the Nevada secretary of state by a new group called Nevadans for Clean Energy Future — composed of a handful of progressive and pro-renewable energy groups — the “Initiative to Promote Renewable Energy” would require the state to amend the Constitution to eventually increase its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 50 percent by 2030. The state’s current RPS target is 25 percent by 2025. [ read more … ]
Trump to unveil infrastructure plan Monday
President Trump on Monday will unveil his proposal for drumming up $1.5 trillion to bolster the nation’s roads, bridges and possibly energy infrastructure. A White House official confirmed the president is preparing to release his infrastructure “principles” for cutting the regulatory process while providing funding for projects in rural America. Monday also marks the day the administration is set to release its fiscal 2019 budget proposal. [ read more … ]
Note: News clips provided do not necessarily reflect the views of coalition or its member governors.