Democrats Want Green Energy Mandate Increased (2010-01-13) Under current state law, public utilities must generate 20% of their power from renewable energy, such as wind and solar, by the year 2020. But the state's largest utility provider, Xcel Energy, is on par to meet that mandate early. State senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) says it only makes sense then to up the ante. "I think it will again, demonstrate Colorado's leadership in attracting industry in and around our new energy economy," Schwartz says. Schwartz says her bill would boost demand for renewable energy and spur more development and jobs in the sector. Critics, including some utility companies, have expressed doubts as to whether such an increase is feasible withou... Slack U.S. power prices slow renewable energy funds-bankers - Reuters By Matt Daily NEW ORLEANS, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Sluggish US electricity prices are crimping a resurgence in financing for new renewable energy projects, ... An environmental blog for everyday living Martin O'Malley plans to seek legislative approval of more incentives to promote renewable energy in the General Assembly session that begins today. ... NREL, Mines, CSU, Solix join in new biofuels partnerships The federal National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden will help lead a new national program, funded with $33.8 million in economic stimulus money, ... Decision Promised Soon on Cape Cod Wind Farm The project, known as Cape Wind, is shaping up as a signal test of the Obama administration's commitment to renewable energy projects on public lands and ... New Mexico Announces Bold Agenda For Future Green Economy To become a leader in renewable energy export. 2. To become the center of the North American solar industry. This includes everything from research and development to manufacturing to the installation of solar elements in our buildings. 3. To lead the nation in Green Grid innovation. 4. To continue being a leader in green building and energy efficiency. 5. To have an educational system that prepares New Mexico students for jobs in green technologies. Governor Richardson’s executive order lays out a wide scope of directives to reach these goals, and involves several state agencies, including the Economic Development Department, the Energy, Minerals, and Na... Fla. Company Pursues 100 MW Wind Farm in Montana based Sansur Renewable Energy, is among several recently announced projects that combined could make the state among the wind industry's top players. Montana officials said they will solicit bids beginning Wednesday to lease about 7,300 acres of state land in Valley County at the request of Sansur. The company's chief executive, Suren Ajjarapu, said Tuesday wind turbines could go up within two to three years if his company emerges as the successful bidder. Finding power line capacity to move wind-generated energy to consumers has been a constant challenge for wind developers in Montana. Ajjarapu said 50 megawatts of capacity are available on a nearby transmission line... Would An Energy Bill Alone Do Any Good? Sure, a higher price on carbon emissions would be good news for everything that's low-carbon, including renewable energy, nuclear power, and clean coal. ... A Push for Renewables She's encouraging local business leaders to adopt renewable energy technology. A panel of business leaders Senator Klobuchar met with on Monday say ... India launches National Solar Mission "We propose to provide up to 90 percent support for setting up solar power plants," Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah said at the launch. "In many other solar applications, where the initial cost is still very high, we're considering proposals for providing up to a 30 percent grant in aid," he said. India, Asia's third-largest energy consumer, relies on coal for more than half of its power capacity. Just a small fraction of India's power currently comes from solar energy, which costs about two and a half times more than power from coal. By installing 20 million solar lights, for example, the minister said India would save 1 billion liters of kerosene every year.