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Rising numbers of Americans believe climate science, poll shows
Around 70% of Americans believe in the science behind global warming – the highest level of acceptance in the US since 2008 – according to a new survey. The level of belief has increased seven percentage points in the past six months, the polling by the University of Michigan and Muhlenberg College shows. The researchers said the significant rise in acceptance is particularly notable among Republicans and evangelical Christian groups. [ read more … ]
Renewable Energy Financing Hits a Snag
Only a few months ago, it seemed that the renewable energy sector could do little wrong: Stock prices were soaring and money was pouring in as investors flocked to get in on the action. That is no longer the case. Low oil and gas prices have roiled the energy markets, and the specter of rising interest rates has rattled investors’ confidence in the industry’s returns. Although energy and financial experts say that the basics of the business remain sound, the lofty stock prices have tumbled, leading renewable energy companies to scramble for new approaches to their businesses. [ read more … ]
Behind the scenes, most states are exploring the benefits of carbon trading
The West Coast is in a particularly interesting position for trading, as California and Washington state expect to exceed their EPA-assigned goals and are weighing whether to make large amounts of allowances available so that other states can keep fossil fuel generation online. Utilities in California are pushing the state to consider trading allowances, but regulators have been circumspect [ read more … ]
Global Wind Installations May Double in 5 Years, Vestas CEO Says
Cumulative wind-energy installations worldwide may double within five years as falling costs help producers compete with conventional power, according to the industry’s biggest manufacturer. Last year’s “impressive” growth in new installations — 46 percent more than in 2013 according to the Global Wind Energy Council — points to a “bright future,” Vestas Wind Systems A/S Chief Executive Officer Anders Runevad said Monday. [ read more … ]
PUC Approves PV Programs, Ends Net Metering
“It is abundantly clear that distributed energy resources can provide benefits to Hawai‘i. It is also clear, for both technical and economic reasons, that the policies established more than a decade ago must be adapted to address the reality of distributed energy resources as they exist today – and as they are likely to develop in the near future,” the PUC said. “The challenge facing the State now is ensuring that DER continues to scale in a way that it benefits all customers as each utility advances towards 100% renewable energy.”
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Note: News clips provided do not necessarily reflect the views of coalition or its member governors.