Energy Policy News (March 5 - 8)

CO – Ritter Keeps Promises on Energy. More than a dozen bills aiming to transform Colorado into the green energy capital of the nation are wending their way through the legislative process, and Gov. Bill Ritter is expected to approve most of the major renewable energy and energy efficiency bills. The measures would double Colorado’s current goal for electricity from renewable resources, help build power lines to carry wind energy, require gasoline to contain a certain amount of ethanol and have new homes and buildings comply with energy efficiency codes. Ritter promised voters last year he would transform Colorado into a new energy economy that depends less on foreign oil or pollution-causing fossil fuels. Read more

KS – Sebelius Builds Wave for Renewable Energy. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has challenged Kansas to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, setting a goal of having 10 percent of all power generated in the state by renewable sources by 2010. “We don’t want to end up 15 years from now with 75 percent of our energy coming from coal,” Sebelius said. “We’ve got a great chance to change that. I think those dynamics are well under way.” Sebelius said she has met with officials of all utilities operating in Kansas and they are committed to seeking renewable energy sources in the coming years. But it’s going to take changes in the market and regulations. “We can reduce our overall energy consumption by 30 percent,” she said. “That’s a huge reduction.” Read more

NM – Richardson Takes Landmark Action on Energy. Gov. Bill Richardson proclaimed that by signing of two bills, New Mexico has moved past California and reclaimed the title of the nation’ renewable energy king. The two bills work together to increase both the generation and transmission of renewable energy in New Mexico. “Today, New Mexico recaptures from California its role as the clean energy state,” Richardson said. Read more

OR – Kulongoski Welcomes Plans for Solar Cell Factory. A German company’s plan to turn a Hillsboro factory into a major producer of solar cells and wafers is a big boost not just for Hillsboro but also for the state’s economy and for its commitment to clean energy, Gov. Ted Kulongoski said. Germany’s SolarWorld AG announced it will invest $397 million in a newly acquired factory in Hillsboro, and up to 1,000 jobs could be created. “This is a major step forward not only for our environment, but also Oregon’s economy,” Kulongoski said. “SolarWorld AG will become a major partner in our state’s move toward energy independence.” Read more

PA – Rendell Promotes Alternative Energy Plans. Gov. Ed Rendell pitched his administration’s alternative energy initiatives, saying the state’s businesses and residents should push for energy conservation and alternative energy use. Rendell’s proposed Energy Independence Fund would provide $106 million for venture capital, grants and loans for the expansion of energy companies and $500 million for clean energy projects, such things as clean coal technology and the expansion of the solar power industry in Pennsylvania. Read more

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