December 18, 2009

Green energy is causing a blue mood in West Virginia. Opponents of a wind farm there near the Greenbrier resort have long said that a project now underway is killing bats and that it must comply with federal laws. A federal judge now agrees with them.

Despite critical advantages such as newer technologies in combination with volatile energy prices and a push to go green, many regions are having difficulty winning permits for renewable generation. Good wind sites that have easy access to existing transmission are a novelty while opposition groups are getting louder. Some say that windmills are an eyesore and others are worried that the power they generate cannot be counted on to perform during peak periods.

Below are a few letters received at EnergyBiz Insider on topics that appeared in the past few weeks. They capture the essence of how many readers say they feel.
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December 16, 2009

International discussions to achieve firm carbon constraints may come up short. But that won't inhibit national governments and their legacy enterprises from investing in green technologies.

Now that the worst of the global recession is apparently over, money is expected to flow into next-generation energy technologies that include wind, solar and energy efficiency projects. While analysts say that the reason behind the influx of new capital is tied to rising spending by national governments, they are also saying that the same policymakers must now implement long-lasting and certain rules.

December 14th, 2009

Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association Elects New Board Members. Presents Individual and Industry Awards.

The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA), representing 2,500 members, met Saturday December 12th to elect GLREA Board Members and honor individual and industry GLREA award recipients at the Webers Inn of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

GLREA Board President, Howard Edelson, welcomed attendees by stating, “We are gathered together today to recognize the GLREA, a leader in advocating for the installation of PV and Wind energy systems in Michigan, and its’ awardees. On behalf of our dynamic board, I look forward to continued industry growth in 2010.”

Members listened to updates provided by key Federal, State and Local officials. Fox stated "Senator Stabenow appreciates the efforts of GLREA and its members as they work hard to secure Michigan's energy future through renewable energy use and manufacturing jobs."   

State Representative, Rebekah Warren-whose district the meeting was in, focused on state legislation and the movement of industry jobs to Michigan. “I appreciate GLREA’s efforts to promote and educate on renewable energy technologies as we plan for Michigan’s energy future.”

Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje highlighted local initiatives. “We value GLREA’s leadership, training and expertise in Ann Arbor as we strive to reach new renewable energy goals,” stated Mayor Heiftje.

December 14, 2009

In some circles, pushing smart meters may end up being dumb policy. A wave of public relations is now drowning out the skeptical voices necessary to assure that the public does not get bamboozled, some consumer advocacy groups say.

The essence of their argument is that smart meters that are able to reach inside homes and adjust energy consumption have yet to bear fruit. And if they are unable to do so, then it would be consumers who pay the price for any failures.