Posted on 9/6/2007 9:10:55 AM

The Ann Arbor-based Cleantech Network LLC reported Thursday that North American and European investments in clean technology industries were nearly $1 billion in the second quarter, up 10 percent from $903 million in the first quarter.

For the first half, total investment was $1.9 billion, up 10 percent from $1.73 billion in the first half of 2006.

The consulting firm also said there were 17 clean technology initial public stock offerings in the second quarter, raising nearly $1.7 billion for clean tech companies. That's up a strong 88 percent from nine IPOs in the first quarter.

Critics are blasting the Bush administration over a proposed regulation to protect a contentious form of mining. It is a clear attempt to sidestep current environmental laws, they say, and all to allow coal developers to sheer off mountaintops in an effort to get at the underlying coal seams.

Environmental groups have vowed to protest any final ruling that permits such a practice to continue, much less expand. But the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining says that existing regulations were never intended to prevent mountaintop mining and the dumping of dirt and rock in nearby streams. The law, it says, serves to limit the amount of debris that can be discarded. Along those lines, the administration says that its ultimate ruling may be altered, but certainly not to a large extent.

September 5, 2007

The coal mining industry may get hit with new federal rules. The movement to improve upon a mining safety law enacted last year has been afoot for a while. But the recent accident in Utah that has left 6 miners trapped has given the cause new legs.

The discussion over tougher coal mining safety laws is really part of a broader issue. That is, the nation is currently reliant on foreign oil supplies and ample domestic coal reserves now offer some reprieve. Budding technologies that allow coal to be liquefied or gasified can do everything from power cars to fuel generation facilities in an environmentally better way. Coal, however, remains dirtier than other fuel sources.

August 31, 2007

Favorable energy policies involving budget allocations and air quality have bolstered solar energy. The latest news is coming from the Mojave Solar Park in California and expressly from Pacific Gas and Electric that has said it will buy some of its green power.

California and other states with ample renewable energy resources are requiring their utilities to offer more green options. Their efforts are winning de-facto national support, with Congress and the Bush administration allocating more research and development into all forms of energy, including solar - precisely $2.2 billion through 2009. And with all stakeholders concerned about the threats from climate change, the green movement in particular is finding lots of support.

August 29, 2007

India's parliament will soon debate the accord that permits the United States to sell nuclear technology to fuel that nation's growing energy appetite. It's a hot debate not only in the West but also in Central Asia where detractors worry about an expanded nuclear role for India at a time when it is trying to build questionable energy ties.

India's economy is expanding at 8 percent a year while its energy needs are growing proportionately. That will necessitate the development of a modern grid and efficiency technologies along with diversified fuel options. It's urgent. Already, power shortages and blackouts plague the country's major cities. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that India's political and economic framework belies risk takers.

August 27, 2007

In the old days, utilities used radios to give work orders to their crews. Today, they have converted to digital communications that can transmit more data at faster speeds. Budding technologies are now beckoning and utilities are once again faced with how they will embrace the future.

Power and gas companies need communications systems for more than voice. They need to be able to transmit maps, issue work orders and survey available inventories. They may even need video streaming and video conferencing capabilities. Utility services, though, are destined to get more involved and will require advanced metering with demand response programs as well as those that can "heal the grid" and better regulate the flow of electrons over the wires to relieve congestion.