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Gas Prices Lower Than Expected for Start of Summer

Sat, 26 May 2012 10:08:00 -0400

COMMENTARY | For all the panic surrounding gas prices earlier this year, Memorial Day Weekend turned out to be something of a bust. According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report the national average for a gallon of regular fuel sits at $3.66. Even with gas prices not over $4 a gallon already, there is always room for some bad news. CNN reports the price of gas is skewing at the higher end of the average range for this time of year.

Senate panel reins in Pentagon on clean energy

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:35:25 -0400

The Pentagon's investment in green energy requires too much green paper for some in Congress.

API: EPA out of touch with reality by deciding to continue mandating imaginary biofuels

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:58:06 -0400

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today denied the American Petroleum Institute's (API's) request to eliminate mandates for biofuels that do not exist, and the agency continues to fine refiners for not using them.

App Helps Steer You to Lowest Gas Prices [VIDEO]

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:54:23 -0400

More than 30 million people will drive at least 50 miles over Memorial Day Weekend, according to results a survey from the AAA.

AFPM Criticizes EPA's Decision to Continue Advancing Phantom Fuel Mandate

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:31:12 -0400

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) responded today to the Environmental Protection Agency's May 22 decision to continue mandating cellulosic biofuels that do not exist.

GreenFoX Heat Exchanger Unit Turns "Green" Energy Efficiency into Gold

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:03:02 -0400

SwingGreen, Inc. opens a new facility to manufacture drain water heat recovery systems that enable users to save water and money through recycled energy.Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB) May 25, 2012 SwingGreen, Inc., developer of the GreenFoX drain water heat recovery (DWHR) systems, opened a manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs, CO, to provide homeowners, businesses, and military and government agencies with devices that increase energy efficiency and save money.The GreenFoX heat exchanger units deliver more hot water for fewer dollars by working in conjunction with any water heating ...

SREC Market Crashing? “So What!” Says Sunergy America

Fri, 25 May 2012 03:09:53 -0400

Solar systems can be economical without the subsidy.Eatontown, New Jersey (PRWEB) May 25, 2012 Federal and State subsidies for solar have been heavily relied upon in order to cost justify the installation of solar energy systems. Over the past year, prices for PV panels, racking, inverters, and even installation have been dropping significantly, to the point where subsidies are no longer necessary, especially in areas where the cost of electricity is high.Lisa VanPatten, CFO of Sunergy America, discussed the economics of installing a solar energy system on CFO Studio (CFOstudio. ...

Three-quarters of Japanese firms oppose nuclear power

Fri, 25 May 2012 01:39:04 -0400

TOKYO (Reuters) - Nearly three-quarters of Japanese companies support abandoning nuclear power after last year's Fukushima disaster, although a majority set the condition that alternative energy resources must be secured, a Reuters poll showed on Friday. The poll offers fresh evidence of the deep public distrust of nuclear power, the role of which the government is reconsidering after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that wrecked the Fukushima nuclear plant, triggering a radiation crisis that caused mass evacuations and widespread contamination. ...

Cambridge International Representative Moderates at Industry Forum

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:02:28 -0400

Dion Banks Moderates Panel Discussion at Contract Connections for Energy and SustainabilityCambridge, MD (PRWEB) May 25, 2012 Dion Banks, Cambridge International’s Director of Governmental Affairs, was chosen to moderate the Industry Panel at the Contract Connections for Energy & Sustainability Industry Forum. Banks was selected for his in-depth knowledge of environmental regulation, alternative energy, and his many years of experience working with Cambridge International, a 100-year-old manufacturer located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. ...

EPA holds 12-hour hearings with environmentalists to slow coal production

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:48:07 -0400

The Environmental Protection Agency held 12 hours of stacked hearings in Washington, D.C. and Chicago on Thursday in favor of a regulation that analysts have concluded would kill the building of new conventional coal plants in the U.S.

Goldman to plow $40 bn into green energy

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:42:34 -0400

Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs plans to invest $40 billion into projects linked to renewable energy over the next decade, a company spokesman said Thursday.

President Obama Touts Clean Energy Agenda in Iowa

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:33:38 -0400

NEWTON, Iowa — Visiting the critical battleground state of Iowa today, President Obama touted his election-year energy agenda and urged Republican lawmakers to put politics aside and back his proposals to boost the economy. “Too many of my Republican friends in Congress are standing in...

Sen. Murkowski's fresh energy plan to look beyond 2012

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:57:25 -0400

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Frustrated by the gridlock that has stalled Congress leading into the 2012 presidential elections in November, the top Republican on the Senate Energy Committee is drafting what she hopes is a fresh look at the big-picture energy policy. Details are still under wraps, but Senator Lisa Murkowski plans to unveil this summer a long-term vision with affordable energy at its core, a plan she has been working on with her staff for the past eight months. "I want to get out front early next year and move on some energy issues. ...

Bayer Cropscience’s Evergol™ Seed Treatment Fungicide For Cotton, Canola And Wheat Receives Epa Registration

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:26:17 -0400

Studies show improved plant biomass, growth and disease controlResearch Triangle Park , NC (PRWEB) May 24, 2012 Bayer CropScience announced that EverGol(TM) seed treatment fungicide today was registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will be available in the U.S. market in cotton, canola and wheat for the 2013 crop season. The newest member of Bayer CropScience’s seed treatment portfolio, EverGol offers long-lasting protection against Rhizoctonia and other problematic diseases, helping to ensure better crop establishment and improved growth. ...

Earth4energy Review Details Latest DIY Solar Energy Guide by Mike Harvey

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:06:24 -0400

Earth4energy review highlights Mike Harvey's DIY solar power guide and included video to help readers learn more about energy independence at home.Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) May 24, 2012 Earth4energy is the latest informative multimedia guide aimed at helping people launch their own DIY solar projects and gain energy independence at home.The program was developed by electrician and former commercial solar panel installer Michael Harvey, who left the mainstream solar industry to become a consultant, helping average homeowners build their own DIY solar panels for a fraction of the cost. ...

National Development Council Celebrates Opening of Utah’s Largest Solar Energy Project Opening Coincides with Non-Profit’s Nomination for 2012 CDFA Excellence in Energy

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:32:25 -0400

National Development Council, the nation’s oldest non-profit community development organization, announced today that its Housing and Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) New Markets, Inc. will celebrate the opening of Salt Lake City’s Salt Palace Convention Center, the largest solar energy project in Utah. In addition to today’s opening ceremonies, NDC is also celebrating the organization’s nomination for a 2012 CDFA Excellence in Energy Finance Award for its financing work on the project. ...

Debt-ridden Ghana oil refinery secures bailout

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:51:35 -0400

TEMA, Ghana (Reuters) - Ghana's only oil refinery has secured some $900 million in financing from banks BNP Paribas and Standard Chartered to help it clear its debt backlog and purchase crude oil supplies, its manager said on Thursday. It is the second multi-million dollar bailout since 2010 for the 45,000 barrel-per-day plant, which has run only intermittently for years due to trouble securing credit to line up a steady supply of crude shipments. ...

Point Lepreau nuclear power plant reports second spill in six months

Thu, 24 May 2012 09:57:57 -0400

the second such spill in less than six months.

Canada's ATS Automation posts profit on lower solar loss

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:25:58 -0400

(Reuters) - Canada's ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc , which makes factory automation systems and solar energy equipment, reported a quarterly profit, aided by growth at its transportation business and a narrower loss at its solar operations. Fourth-quarter net income was C$3 million, or 4 Canadian cents per share, compared with a loss of C$79.5 million, or 91 Canadian cents per share, last year. ATS also serves customers in industries such as life sciences, computer electronics, energy and consumer products. Loss from discontinued operations was C$7.9 million compared with C$93. ...

Obama speaks in Iowa about the economy, Romney speaks in Pennsylvania about education, plus more to watch for Thursday in politics

Thu, 24 May 2012 06:38:11 -0400

President Barack Obama visits a wind energy manufacturer Thursday in Newton, Iowa, in his ongoing effort to get Congress to act on his "To Do List," which includes a clean-energy provision.Obama also has campaign stops scheduled in Des Moines and Palo Alto, Calif. It is worth noting that Iowa is a general election battleground state.Mitt Romney, at least temporarily, has changed the topic from the economy to education. ...

China rules US clean energy support improper

Thu, 24 May 2012 05:12:46 -0400

China's Commerce Ministry issued a ruling Thursday that U.S. government support for six renewable energy projects violated free-trade rules, the latest volley in a widening conflict over clean power.

Wind Energy Update: Mainstream on IT solutions for offshore wind projects

Thu, 24 May 2012 04:04:01 -0400

Mr John Shaw, the Chief Information Officer from Mainstream Renewable Power will illustrate the positive impact of IT solutions on the offshore wind industry for radical cost and risk reduction at Wind Energy Update's Offshore Wind Risk Summit (taking place in Hamburg, 19-20 June).LONDON (PRWEB) May 24, 2012 Mr John Shaw, the Chief Information Officer from Mainstream Renewable Power will illustrate the positive impact of IT solutions on the offshore wind industry for radical cost and risk reduction at Wind Energy Update's Offshore Wind Risk Summit (taking place in Hamburg, 19-20 June). ...

BP, EPA reach deal on Canada crude at U.S. refinery

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:17:18 -0400

HOUSTON (Reuters) - BP Plc on Wednesday said it will spend $400 million to install pollution controls at its giant Whiting, Indiana refinery, to allow it to process heavy crude oil from Canada, in a deal with U.S. and state regulators. The consent decree reached with the U.S. Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency also requires London-based BP to pay $8 million to resolve prior alleged clean-air violations at its 405,000-barrels-per-day plant, the sixth-largest U.S. refinery. ...

Goldman sets $40 billion clean energy investment plan

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:17:50 -0400

(Reuters) - Goldman Sachs Group Inc plans to channel investments totaling $40 billion over the next decade into renewable energy projects, an area the investment bank called one of the biggest profit opportunities since its economists got excited about emerging markets in 2001. Goldman executives said this week that demand for alternative energy sources will grow with global energy demand, and as big manufacturing countries, including China and Brazil, set more aggressive targets for reducing emissions. The bank plans to finance deals with clients' money and, to a lesser extent, its own funds. ...

Experts: Nuclear Power Industry Woes Spreading Across Nation From Florida To Iowa

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:02:07 -0400

As Ratepayer Rebellion Rages in Florida, Small Modular Reactor and "CWIP" Advance Financing Drive Stopped Dead in Iowa; Next Battleground States: Missouri and North Carolina.

Chevron CEO Faces Growing Anger From Shareholders Over $18 Billion Ecuador Liability, Says Amazon Defense Coalition

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:54:18 -0400

NEW YORK, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An epic showdown between angry Chevron shareholders and notoriously short-tempered CEO John Watson over the company's $18 billion Ecuador liability is brewing just days before the company's annual meeting next week.

Merkel aims for solar tariff deal by summer break

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:35:50 -0400

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel is aiming for a breakthrough on stalled government plans to slash subsidies to the solar power industry before parliament's summer recess, she said after a meeting on energy policy with the heads of Germany's 16 federal states. Merkel said on Wednesday she had set up working groups with the states, some of which oppose cuts in solar feed-in tariffs. They managed to suspend her proposal in the upper house of parliament, where the states are represented, on May 11. "On solar energy, time is pressing," Merkel told a news conference. ...

Egypt says no plans to raise industry energy prices this year

Wed, 23 May 2012 06:36:54 -0400

ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Egypt is not planning to raise industrial natural gas and electricity prices again this year after cutting subsidies for heavy industry in early 2012, its industry minister said on Wednesday. The higher rates for steel, cement, glass and ceramics industries since the beginning of the year are meant to bring the government subsidy bill down from 95 billion Egyptian pounds to around 70 billion pounds, Mahmoud Eisa said. ...

CeNano.net Helps Prepare Homeowners for Warmer Summer Months with these Green Energy Tips

Wed, 23 May 2012 03:25:17 -0400

Solar power is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy. A cleaning product like CeNano’s Nanotol may help make solar panels 20 percent more efficient.(PRWEB) May 23, 2012 Research from the University of California, San Diego recently showed that homes using solar panels stay five degrees cooler in the summer than those with direct sun exposure, which was welcome news as warmer summer months quickly approach, said Thomas Uen, CEO for CeNano.net. ...

The Leading Edge in Green Technology, According to Popular Financial Site Penny Stock Detectives

Wed, 23 May 2012 03:24:14 -0400

In a recent Penny Stock Detectives article, editor Sasha Cekerevac argues that clean green energy is going to be with us for many decades to come. With the increased consumption by the ever-growing world population, he feels that our infrastructure system is getting taxed and more governments around the world are going to force companies to utilize green energy technology. Cekerevac believes that green energy technologies that utilize natural gas will have far lower CO2 emissions than the alternatives, such as coal. ...

DNT Express Brings More Green to the Capital District Farmers Market with Solar Installation

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:42:17 -0400

Real Goods Solar recently completed the installation of a solar electric array at the headquarters of DNT Express in Menands, NY.Louisville, CO (PRWEB) May 22, 2012 Real Goods Solar, Inc., the oldest and most established solar energy company in the nation recently completed the installation of a solar electric array at the headquarters of DNT Express, a wine distribution company located in the Capital District Farmers Market in Menands, New York. DNT Express is now powered by a 19.6kW solar power system designed to offset 75% of the building’s annual electrical needs. ...

Public Wary of Sequestration, Not Clean Energy

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:52:57 -0400

A large majority of Americans support a pair of congressional efforts to create an economy based on cleaner-energy sources, according to the latest United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll.

Solar Energy Industries Association Statement on Passage of Maryland Solar Bill

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:32:18 -0400

Bill corrects short-term market impacts that threaten growth of Maryland's solar market.Washington, DC (PRWEB) May 22, 2012 Today, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard for Solar Energy and Solar Water Heating Systems bill (Senate Bill 791 and House Bill 1187), which accelerates the target date for achieving the state's renewable portfolio standard two-percent solar carve-out by two years and ensures the industry maintains positive, year over year job growth. ...

DuPont Celebrates Completion of $295 Million Expansion Project to Supply Growing Solar Energy Industry

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:26:17 -0400

DuPont™ Tedlar® Polyvinyl Fluoride Film Aimed at Helping Reduce Dependence on Fossil FuelsCircleville, OH (PRWEB) May 22, 2012 DuPont celebrated the completion of a $295 million capacity expansion that has more than doubled production capacity for DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) film. The expansion underscores the company’s commitment to help reduce global dependence on fossil fuels through providing enabling materials and technologies designed to increase the adoption of solar energy. ...

Obama to push clean energy technologies in Iowa

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:41:28 -0400

Anxious to show voters he's working to create jobs, President Barack Obama is putting tax credits to boost clean energy in the spotlight this week as he heads to the political battleground state of Iowa.

Priebus: Economy's Worse, but Cites Gas Prices, Greece

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:51:00 -0400

COMMENTARY | Sometimes common sense and keeping up with current events can keep you from looking like you don't know what you're talking about. Not getting stuck on your political party's talking points helps too. Take Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus' nonsensical attempts to answer CNN anchor Candy Crowley's leading comments about an improving economy under President Barack Obama on "State Of The Union."

Cleantech gets $1.7M in motor shaft forging orders

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:27:13 -0400

Cleantech Solutions International Inc., which makes components and assemblies for the solar and wind power industries, said Tuesday that it received $1.7 million in orders for motor shaft forgings from Nanjing Turbine & Electric Machinery Changfeng Alternative Energy Co.

Israeli solar firm raises $200 million

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:02:00 -0400

An Israeli solar company says it has raised more than $200 million to build eight solar energy fields in the country's southern desert.

Nigeria says Shell, Chevron oil licenses renewed by June

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:58:59 -0400

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria expects to renew onshore oil licenses with U.S. firm Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell by June, its oil minister said on Tuesday, following Exxon Mobil's renewal in February worth trillions of dollars. Shell, the biggest operator in Nigeria, has onshore assets that can produce 1 million barrels of crude oil per day. It is partnered in these projects by Nigeria's state-oil firm NNPC, Italy's Eni and France's Total. "In order to show our commitment to a vibrant upstream sector ... we have started the renewal of leases in good faith ... ...

Russia's Sechin named CEO of oil firm Rosneft

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:03:59 -0400

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev appointed Igor Sechin on Tuesday as CEO of state-controlled Rosneft, putting the man who ran energy policy in the last government in charge of Russia's largest oil company. "I have just signed an order to the board of Rosneft for you to take the position as head of the executive body of this company," Medvedev said at a meeting with Sechin, the day after he formed a new government. Rosneft's shares rose by 3.5 percent on the news. (Reporting by Alexei Anishchuk, Writing by Douglas Busvine)