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Governors group urges feds to ‘not get in the way’ on energy, transportation
Speaking at the National Press Club, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) noted that when she gave the group’s State of the States address last year, she outlined the challenges faced around the country as well as governors’ visions for 2013. But one year later, nothing has changed, she said. “Our message for 2014 is clear: States are leading, and we encourage our federal partners to work more closely with us and to take note of and use the policy ideas coming from their state partners,” she said. “Above all, please do not get in the way.” She and Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) noted that energy policy is one arena in particular where states are taking charge. The creation of state energy plans and policies is leading to more production and energy efficiency initiatives, they said. [ read more … ]
Senators form new group to support climate action as administration stresses better preparedness
Eighteen senators opened a campaign yesterday to highlight the science of climate change and defend the president’s actions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. They also tried to help Republicans understand the movement of lobsters. The unveiling of the Senate Climate Action Task Force adds to the growing number of voices within Congress expressing concern about the absence of legislation to stem greenhouse gases. It’s the latest in a series of high-profile efforts to resuscitate the issue after cap and trade’s disastrous showing sent it tumbling into political exile four years ago. Both chambers now feature organized efforts to speak on climate regularly. [ read more … ]
Polar vortex caused extreme swings in energy prices, strained U.S. power grids
The polar vortex that enveloped much of the eastern United States in subzero temperatures last week was a huge boon to electricity and natural gas companies, a new report from the consulting group ICF International has found. Daily wholesale electricity prices between Jan. 3 and 6 saw extreme swings, from as low as $40 per megawatt-hour to nearly $800 per MWh, with the greatest spikes experienced in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) territory Jan. 6, followed a day later by most other Eastern power markets. [ read more … ]
Maine regulators give thumbs up to offshore floating wind project
Stressing the project’s potential benefits for the local economy, Maine regulators have approved the terms of a pilot offshore wind development spearheaded by the University of Maine, a significant step forward for the industry in the state’s deep but windy waters. Maine Aqua Ventus 1 GP LLC, a consortium including the University of Maine and two partner companies, Emera Inc. and Cianbro Corp., plans to construct two 6-megawatt floating wind turbines 12 miles off the coast of Maine at a cost of $120 million. Last June, the group installed the first grid-connected offshore turbine in the United States, a 1:8-scale prototype of its floating wind technology. [ read more … ]
Note: News clips provided do not necessarily reflect the views of coalition or its member governors.