Green Energy Updates From Various States

[irishbobcat]

Green Energy Updates From Various States

Environment and Renewable Energy: As the Vermont National Resources Council reports, lawmakers passed a far-reaching energy bill to stimulate renewable energy projects.  By passing H446, the Council says Vermont is the first state in the nation to create a state program for the development of small-scale renewable energy products through a standard offer contract.  Broadly, the law uses a "standard offer contract" to guarantee a predictable rate paid by Vermont utilities for renewable energy.  It authorizes municipalities to help property owners finance renewable energy projects through creation of "clean energy assessment districts" and strengthens standards for energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings.  The bill also expands the Clean Energy Development Fund, which supports VT-based renewable electric energy projects and directs federal stimulus money to the Fund.  Other provisions will ease restrictions on residential installation of renewable energy and energy efficiency devices.
Minnesota Energy: The Energy Stimulus Bill included $132 million for low income weatherization assistance, $9.5 million for energy-efficiency improvements in commercial projects and industrial facilities, and $2 million in grants to help businesses manufacture renewable-energy technology components.  It also included equitable access for disadvantaged women-owned businesses and businesses of color; and reports progress on how weatherization programs have explicitly benefited people of color and low income people. (SF 550)
Nevada: Energy and the Environment:  A package of bills on renewable energy was one of the few areas in which the Legislature and the governor's office reached consensus this session.
·   SB 358 creates the renewable energy and energy efficiency authority and establishes the position of the Nevada Energy Commissioner.     
·   AB 522 extends and improves tax abatements for large-scale solar and other renewables. In an attempt to have the economic benefits pass through to Nevadans, the legislation requires that developers taking advantage of the incentives make a minimum capital investment in the state, create a minimum number of jobs, establish a minimum average hourly wage, and requires a minimum level of benefits, including health insurance to be provided to workers. 
·   SB395 is part of a package of measures aimed at transforming Nevada from a state that spends $9 billion on fuel costs and importing energy to a renewable energy exporter.  The legislation encourages renewable energy development, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and requires state buildings to adopt energy and water efficiency standards. It also increases Nevada's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to require that at least 25 percent of electricity come from renewable sources by 2025 and requires car dealers to disclose the amount of carbon dioxide starting with 2012 models.     
·   SB114  ensures homeowner associations cannot restrict a homeowner's right to install and use solar energy systems on his property.
·   SB 152 allows for the use of stimulus funds to train an approximate 3,200 workers to perform weatherization, energy retrofit projects and energy audits.
While the Federal Government drags it's feet on renewable energies, it's great to see individual states pick up the ball and move forward on renewable energy resources for the future!
Dennis Spisak
Mahoning Valley Green Party
Ohio Green Party
www.ohiogreens.org
www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/