Friday, March 25, 2005

WINDPOWER 2005 Conference & Exhibition
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE on MONDAY, MARCH 28
Register On-Line Today: www.awea.org/wp05.html
Register on or before Monday, March 28 to take advantage of discounted registration rates. After this date, prices will increase in many cases by $100!
For registration questions on Monday, March 28, please contact Marissa Bundy at mbundy@awea.org or (202) 383-2512.
NETWORK with over 4,000 leading wind energy professionals from all facets of the industry.
EXPERIENCE the latest in wind energy products & services in our exhibition hall featuring over 200 exhibitors.
LEARN about the latest industry developments through participation in over 40 educational sessions in four tracks: Business, Technical, Policy, Utility, plus 3 pre-conference seminars for more in-depth coverage.

To register online, visit www.awea.org/wp05.html and click on the link for Registration.

Visit www.awea.org/wp05.html for additional conference information on program sessions, the exhibition and current exhibitor list, sponsorship opportunities, housing reservations, travel discounts, and much more!

The American Wind Energy Association is reaching for new heights in the Mile High City!
WINDPOWER 2005 Conference & Exhibition
May 15-18, 2005
Colorado Convention Center
Denver, Colorado, USA
http://www.awea.org/wp05.html

Thursday, March 24, 2005

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Great Lakes Daily News: 24 March 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Michigan rivers still cold, and steelhead runs come late
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Steelhead have been making spawning runs up Michigan rivers for about 140 years, adapting so well to their new home that many streams offer better fishing than rivers on the Pacific Coast, where the fish evolved. Source: Detroit Free Press (3/24)


Welland Canal cutting fees to attract more vessels
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As the waterway opened its 176th season on Wednesday, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. and Transport Canada announced a reduction in lockage fees designed to attract more traffic to the 27-mile-long canal. Source: The Buffalo News (3/24)


Seminar envisions bomb at lake port
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With the frigid, crashing waves of Lake Erie visible through the windows behind them, federal, state, and local officials discussed how they would respond to a dirty bomb alert aboard a freighter in a lake port. Source: The Toledo Blade (3/24)


2004 chinook salmon season one for books
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According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2004 featured some of the best fishing in years on Lake Michigan, producing nearly a half-million salmon and trout. Source: Green Bay Press Gazette (3/24)


Windmills in deep water
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The business of wind energy is picking up in Europe and the United States, including the Great Lakes region, but the turbines also stir up controversy. Source: Earthwatch Radio (3/24)


Michigan officials, Dow Chemical will meet with people on dioxin
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The public will be welcome to attend, but not speak at, a series of community meetings scheduled to discuss a framework for addressing dioxin contamination in the Saginaw Bay watershed. Source: The Bay City Times (3/24)


'Coast Guard City' HQ loses command
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Group Grand Haven, which for nearly 20 years has directed search-and-rescue efforts and administration along half of Michigan's west coast, is being downgraded in an internal reorganization plan by the U.S. Coast Guard. Source: Muskegon Chronicle (3/23)


Ontario premier, Ohio governor hold talks
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Air pollution from coal-fired plants and a draft U.S. agreement on water diversion from the Great Lakes were among topics discussed in the first meeting between Ontario's premier and the governor of Ohio. Source: The Toronto Star (3/23)


Landfill dumping fee hike trashed
----------------------------------------
Opponents of a proposal to more than double the Ohio's fee for dumping trash at landfills argue it would not generate the revenue the cash-strapped state hopes. Source: The Toledo Blade (3/19)


Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
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Mexican Energy 2005 -- April 27-29, 2005 -- Houston, TX

Please click here to download a brochure for this Conference

The opportunities for international investment and participation in the Mexican energy sector continue to grow. The Mexican government has earmarked more than US $10 billion for energy investments this year, US $ 2 billion more than last year. CFE is calling for the construction of more than 24 gigawatts of generation capacity in the near-to-mid term. Opportunities in the LNG, pipeline and upstream sectors are also larger than ever. With the country’s stable political situation, its well-defined legal environment and investment-grade sovereign debt rating, Mexico is a market that international investors and developers can’t afford to overlook.

However, only the best informed international investors and developers will be able to successfully exploit these opportunities. As a consequence, Mexican Energy 2005 has been designed to provide the necessary information (including briefings by key government officials on new policy developments)—as well as the ‘helpful hints’—that will make the difference between success and failure for developers, investors and financiers. Come and meet the people who can make your deal happen.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

  • Dino Barajas, Partner, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, LLP – Conference Chair
  • Ing. Alberto Ramos, Subdirector de Desarrollo de Proyectos de Inversion Financiada, Comision Federal de Electricidad (“CFE”)(invited)
  • Alejandro Brena de la Ros, Director General of Natural Gas, Comision Reguladora de Energia (“CRE”)
  • Roberto Gabriel Vera Azar, Director Juridico de Asesoria, State of Baja California (invited)
  • Pedro Resendez, Partner, Gonzalez Calvillo, S.C.
  • Jorge Cervantes, Partner, Gonzalez Calvillo, S.C.
  • Federico Santacruz, Partner, Ritch, Heather y Mueller, S.C.
  • David Jimenez Romero, Partner, Lopez, Velarde, Heftye y Soria, S.C.
  • Ben Velazquez, Vice President, Standard Chartered Bank
  • Carlos de Maria, Partner, Galicia y Robles, S.C.
  • Fernando Tovar, General Counsel, Tractebel Mexico
  • Santiago Sepulveda, Partner, Energy and Infrastructure Practice Group, Creel, Garcia-Cuellar y Muggenburg, S.C.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE:

  • CFE’s Proposed IPP Developments
  • Prospects for New Mexican Natural Gas Projects
  • Prospects for M&A Deals in the Mexican Market
  • Update on LNG and Pipeline Projects and Regulatory Advances
  • The Changing Environment for Developments in Baja California
  • Opportunities and Regulations Associated with the Public Works (“Obras Publicas”) Projects
  • Dealing with the Public Bidding Process in Mexico
  • The Changing Financing Market for Mexican Investments
  • Structuring the Financeable Deal
  • Meeting the Challenges of Developing a Project in Mexico
  • A Developer’s Perspective of the Mexican Energy market
  • Developing a Pipeline Project in Mexico
  • Case Study – TUXPAN V “Latin American Deal of the Year (Power)”
Also don’t miss the pre-conference workshop: “Strategies for Dealing with Environmental Issues in Mexican Developments”!

Please click here to download a brochure for this Conference
To register or obtain more information about this unique event, please visit the event website at www.infocastinc.com/mex.html, or call (818) 888-4444.
See upcoming Infocast events

Power Industry Forum -- May 11-13, 2005 -- Washington, DC

Please click here to download a brochure for this Conference
To register or obtain more information about this unique event, please visit the event website at www.powerindustryforum.com, or call (818) 888-4444.

See upcoming Infocast events

We’re proud to present to you the 12th Annual Power Industry Forum. The Forum has long established itself as a unique event by bringing to you the CEOs and most senior executives from leading companies in the power industry. These key decision-makers will share their perspectives and insights relating to today’s most pressing issues. We’re also fortunate enough to provide the insights of leading securities analysts, investment bankers and investors who provide the financial resources to this capital-intensive industry. We are not aware of any other publicly available conference in the U.S. power industry that can claim the participation of as many C-level executives and industry thought-leaders as the Power Industry Forum.

This year’s Forum, devoted to the overall theme of “Strategies for Growth and Profit in a Recovering Industry” will be our most impressive conclave to date. Please review our list of distinguished participants and you’ll agree that this meeting represents an unique opportunity to gain insights from many of the leading figures in the power industry today. Beyond the lively and informative formal discussions, the fun and relaxed atmospheres of the Forum 2005 group events -- baseball game at Camden Yard and a luxury Potomac River boat cruise -- provide exceptional networking opportunities. Be sure to register and reserve your place today.

Join the distinguished speakers of Forum 2005, May 11 – 13, 2005 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.:

Bernays T. Buz Barclay, Partner, TORYS LLP
John F. Beatty, Managing Director, NEW HARBOR INC.
Rick A. Bowen, Corporate Senior Vice President & President of Generation, PEABODY ENERGY
Frederick W. Buckman, Chairman & CEO,
TRANS-ELECT, INC.
Michael C. Calviou, Vice President, Transmission Regulation & Commercial, NATIONAL GRID USA
Paul Cavicchi, President and CEO,
TRACTEBEL POWER, INC.
Richard Domaleski, CEO, WORLD ENERGY
Alec G. Dreyer, President, DYNEGY POWER GENERATION
Christopher Dutton, President, CEO & Director, GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER CORPORATION
Scott Gahn, CEO, JUST ENERGY
Gary L. Hunt, President of Global Energy Advisors, GLOBAL ENERGY DECISIONS
Mel Jones, President & CEO, STERLING PLANET
Richard Klapow, Head of US Origination & Associate Director, MACQUARIE SECURITIES (USA) INC.
Dale Landgren, Vice President & Chief Strategic Officer, AMERICAN TRANSMISSION COMPANY
Bruce Levy, President, AMERICAN NATIONAL POWER
Randy McAdams, Principal, SCOTTMADDEN, INC.
Rana Mukerji, Vice President & General Manager, ABB ELECTRIC SYSTEMS CONSULTING
James Robb, First Vice President, RELIANT ENERGY
David Schanzer, First Vice President, JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC
Edward J. Tirello, Jr., Managing Director & Senior Power Strategist, BERENSON & COMPANY
Zin Smati, President & CEO, TRACTEBEL ENERGY SERVICES INC.
Jeff Sterba, Chairman, President & CEO, PNM RESOURCES
Richard Tabors, Vice President, CHARLES RIVER ASSOCIATES
Paul D. Thomas, CEO & President, GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY INC.
James Torgerson, President & CEO, MIDWEST ISO
Jim Tower, Managing Director, BMO NESBITT BURNS
Dean N.Vanech, CEO, DELTA POWER COMPANY LLC
Peter Weigand, CEO, COMMERCE ENERGY
Joseph L. Welch, President & CEO, INTERNATIONAL TRANSMISSION COMPANY
Raymond S. Wood, Managing Director, Energy Group, CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
Michael Worms, Managing Director, HARRIS NESBITT
Robert H. Young, President & CEO, CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

Host & Group
Event Sponsor:

Group Event Sponsors:

Forum Sponsor:

TORYS LLP

Charles River Associates
Global Energy Decisions
ScottMadden, Inc.

ABB





GREENBUZZ for March 21, 2005:

Taking Care of Business

Cheers to the banking industry for two major sustainability initiatives announced last week. UBS Investment Bank, a subsidiary of financial-services giant UBS AG, launched a new program to integrate environmental criteria into its overall assessment of investment risk. The bank is also producing an informational Web site to educate its executives on the competitive advantages of managing corporate sustainability risk. On a slightly smaller scale, Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank has pledged that all its new branches meet standards set out by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Also: Refurbishing your office this spring? Check out Green Seal’s new “Choose Green Report” on environmental preferable wood finishes and stains.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Headlines
The Latest News on Business and the Environment:

New Analysis Warns Investors of Non-Disclosure by Automakers in Europe
Companies selling autos in the European Union are not disclosing carbon dioxide reduction commitments or strategies to comply with a seven-year-old European Union agreement, according to a new study.

Kodak, 3M Among 50 to Win EPA Nods for Energy Efficiency, GHG Reductions
Fifty businesses and organizations have won U.S. EPA and Department of Energy recognition for outstanding contributions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.

Leading Companies to Pilot New Environmental Paper Tool
Six U.S. companies have agreed to participate in the EPAT Early Adopter Circle -- a group of businesses selected to assist in the development of a universal tool to evaluate environmentally preferable paper in purchasing decisions.

Investment Bank Pushes to Educate Its Execs on Sustainability Risk
UBS Investment Bank has launched a program to integrate environmental and sustainability criteria into the bank's overall assessment of investment risk and opportunity.

PNC Bank Takes Environment into Account
The bank, with nearly 800 bank branches and 23,000 employees nationwide, has begun an ambitious effort to ensure new branches meet U.S. Green Building Council standards.

Put GreenBiz news on your site for free! Learn more...

More Headlines...



Resources and Tools
A Wealth of Hands-On Help

Choose Green Report: Wood Finishes and Stains
This report, published in February 2005, takes a look at environmentally preferable varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, natural oils, water-based wood finishes, and wood stains.

BIFMA Sustainability Guidelines
A roadmap for any office furniture manufacturer or supplier desiring to become a more sustainable company.

Photovoltaics Economics Calculator
Calculates the cost and potential savings of installing a photovoltaic system.

More Tools... | More Web Sites...



Columns and Features
Insight and Inspiration from the Experts

Dialoging with Technology
How best to navigate our technological future in a sustainable and environmentally preferable way? Knock it off with the predictions already. By Brad Allenby

Wanna write for GreenBiz?Let us know if you'd like to write a guest column or feature reflecting your experiences or opinions in the environmental business world. Send a brief query to Editor@greenbiz.com | Read our editorial guidelines

More Columns... | More Features...
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Great Lakes Daily News: 23 March 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Satisfaction with Fox River PCB cleanup on the rise
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More Brown County residents are satisfied with cleanup plans for PCBs in the Fox River than ever before, according to a recent survey. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (3/23)


Reclaiming mining lands
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Forty to 80 years from now, many of the roughly 3 million tree seedlings planted across the Iron Range since 1985 will mature into forests that will cover abandoned mine lands, beautify highway medians and city entrances and serve as a timber resource. Source: Duluth News Tribune (3/23)


Canada, automakers reach deal on cutting emissions
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The Canadian government has averted a battle with automakers by reaching a deal that will see greenhouse gas emissions cut from vehicles. Source: Detroit Free Press (3/23)


Big cats - really big - are slinking east to Ohio
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Although recent reports of a black panther roaming the wilds of Ohio have not yet been confirmed, that doesn't mean they're not here . . . or on the way, researchers say. Source: The Plain Dealer (3/23)


Wisconsin should wait to raise perch limits, DNR says
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Wisconsin should wait to increase the commercial fishing limit on yellow perch in Green Bay until the middle of next year to give the fish more time to boost its population, according to a state report. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (3/23)


Who would pay Minnesota if aquarium closes?
----------------------------------------
A key question regarding the Great Lakes Aquarium's future remains a point of confusion: If the aquarium closed permanently, would Duluth be responsible for paying $16 million to Minnesota for bonds it issued for the building? Source: Duluth News Tribune (3/23)


Gary must promote tourism to region to compete
----------------------------------------
The tourism industry of Indiana's Porter County needs to act soon on drawing visitors to its natural amenities and other attractions if it is going to keep up with competition from surrounding states. Source: Merrillville Post-Tribune (3/23)


EDITORIAL: Barbarians in the lakes
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Michigan's proposed legislation to require state permits for releasing ballast water, while not ideal, constitutes badly needed action in the face of high-level lethargy on the issue of invasive species. Source: The Grand Rapids Press (3/23)


Gas-powered plant in Toronto clears environmental hurdle
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Ontario's Environment Ministry approved a proposal Monday for a new electricity generating station on Toronto's waterfront. Source: CBC News Toronto (3/22)


Late winter expected to delay runs in Northwest Ohio rivers
----------------------------------------
Anglers across northwest Ohio will migrate to the Sandusky and Maumee rivers in upcoming weeks in anticipation of the walleye run, but they may have to wait a little longer than usual for the spawning season to kick into high gear this year. Source: Port Clinton News Herald (3/22)


Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html

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Great Lakes Daily News: 22 March 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Macomb defends farmland
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Five Michigan townships are banding together to fight the ever-encroaching development that's eating away at their farmland. Source: The Detroit News (3/22)


Annual logjams clog Clinton River
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The emerald ash borer epidemic in the state will likely add to the logjams in the River Bends Park section of the Clinton River this year. Source: The Detroit News (3/22)


Cut in farm subsidies might hurt Midwest vintners
----------------------------------------
Many Bush supporters feel betrayed by the 2006 budget proposal, which calls for reduced federal agriculture subsidies, including those for a fairly new crop in the Midwest, grapes for wine. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (3/21)


New drinking water rules proposed
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Federal plans to reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water could mean more monitoring of public water supplies. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (3/21)


Planned Illinois coal plant could cast haze over refuge
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Scientists at the federal agency that oversees the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge say a new coal-fired power plant approved for Illinois will only add pollution to the chemical stew lingering over a already polluted wildlife refuge. Source: Chicago Tribune (3/21)


Another fast-ferry snag: Engines need a big overhaul
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A new snag has surfaced in the relaunch of a 55-mph car ferry that plied Lake Ontario for just 11 weeks before getting swamped in debt: The engines need a major overhaul. Source: Newsday.com (3/21)


U.S. levies $1.1 billion pollution settlement against FirstEnergy
----------------------------------------
FirstEnergy Corp. has agreed to pay the second-largest sum a utility has ever paid to settle federal Clean Air Act violations, making it the second-largest civil fine ever imposed on the utility sector. Source: The Toledo Blade (3/19)


Nominees sought for Lake Erie awards
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Individuals and organizations from Ohio that have shown exceptional dedication to preserving Lake Erie as the state's premier natural resource are eligible to receive the 2005 Lake Erie Awards, according to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. Source: Port Clinton News Herald (3/19)


EDITORIAL: Something must be done to stop invasive species
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Two Michigan state legislators say the federal government isn't moving fast enough to curb the introduction of exotic species, so they want to put together a coalition with the region's seven other states to step up the fight. Source: Port Clinton News Herald (3/18)


Aquarium needs more money
----------------------------------------
The Great Lakes Aquarium Board Chairman Patrick Schoff stated on Wednesday the aquarium's largest financial request yet: about $400,000 in operating deficits that the aquarium has accumulated in the past few years. Source: Duluth News Tribune (3/17)


Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
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Great Lakes Daily News: 21 March 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Mercury rule's impact on Great Lakes fish
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new rule to reduce mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants may result in higher concentrations of mercury in some inland lakes. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (3/21)


Protecting environment pays off, experts say
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Ecologists and health advocates are assigning dollar values to wetlands, species and other parts of the environment as they argue for its protection and enhancement, an approach they find practical, though sometimes distasteful. Source: Chicago Sun-Times (3/21)


Rethinking water runoff design
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Some planning experts are worried that rapid development in cities and suburbs is paving over too much land and keeping water from replenishing aquifers below ground. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (3/21)



Ontario's water problems persist in wake of Walkerton
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Despite some improvement in the aftermath of the E. coli tragedy five years ago, industrial pollution of Ontario's water sources remains a chronic problem, latest government data show. Source: The Globe and Mail (3/20)


Lake Huron fisheries doing well overall
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After nearly 40 years of salmon stocking, Lake Huron's sport fish community is beginning to again resemble what it was like before the salmon program began. Source: Booth Newspapers (3/20)


Lake Michigan ferry to start earlier, end later
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The Lake Express LLC cross-lake ferry service is extending its hours of operation this summer to provide more turnaround time between trips. Source: Muskegon Chronicle (3/20)


Lake Erie ferry plan facing problem in Canadian law
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Cleveland port officials say a Canadian trade act limiting foreign business is their top hurdle to overcome in establishing a Lake Erie ferry service to Port Stanley, Ontario. Source: WKYC-TV (3/19)


Anniversary committee plans Soo Locks celebrations
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With the shipping season just around the corner, freighter watchers are looking forward to this summer's celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Soo Locks. Source: The Sault Ste. Marie Evening News (3/18)


Illinois AG opposes Oak Creek power plant plan
----------------------------------------
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and public health and environmental groups plan to file amicus briefs with the Wisconsin Supreme Court opposing plans for two coal-fired power plants planned. Source: The Milwaukee Business Journal (3/18)


Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
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Great Lakes Daily News: 18 March 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Great Lakes states consider tougher freighter rules
----------------------------------------
Frustrated by what many see as federal foot-dragging in the fight to keep new invasive species from further ravaging the Great Lakes food web, state legislators are moving to deal with the problem on their own. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (3/18)


Québec reducing forestry harvests
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The Québec government will reduce forestry harvests by 20 percent for the next three years, which the logging industry says could cost 10,000 jobs. Source: The Montreal Gazette (3/18)


New plan on table for retail, housing near Toledo port
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The latest plans for the Toledo Marina District project include transforming the former Acme power plant into retail space and constructing high-end condominiums and homes along the waterfront. Source: The Toledo Blade (3/18)


Kewaunee nuclear plant sold
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Wisconsin regulators have reversed course and unanimously approved the sale of the Kewaunee nuclear power plant to a Virginia energy firm. Source: The Appleton Post-Crescent (3/18)


Cormorant culling planned
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The federal government has proposed killing thousands of cormorants on Minnesota's Leech Lake, where the big, black birds are blamed for reducing the walleye population. Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press (3/18)


U. of Mich. set to turn over bones, artifacts to Canadian tribe
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A University of Michigan museum is preparing to return an ancient collection of human bones and other artifacts to the Whitefish River First Nation. Source: Booth Newspapers (3/17)


Illinois, the land of scrap tires?
----------------------------------------
Illinois excels at converting old tires into new uses, but there are potential economic and environmental and problems to consider. Source: Chicago Tribune (3/17)


Scientists uncertain how much medicine ends up in rivers
----------------------------------------
Scientists have found a pharmacy full of drugs in rivers and streams, but the quantity of drugs entering waterways remains unclear because of proprietary protection laws for pharmaceutical companies. Source: Environmental Science & Technology (3/16)


Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
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Great Lakes Daily News: 17 March 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Ohio's bald eagle population growing
----------------------------------------
Ohio's bald eagle population continues to grow with 116 active nests identified so far this year, according to wildlife biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Source: The News Democrat (3/17)


Farmer refuses ash tree removal
----------------------------------------
State officials are trying to reach a man who refused to allow them to cut down over 4,000 ash trees on his property. Source: The Detroit News (3/17)


Betting the barn on fish
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Supporters of fish farming hope that the University of Wisconsin-Superior's nearly completed Aquaculture Demonstration Facility will help the industry grow. Source: Duluth News Tribune (3/16)


Port authority gets $600,000 from Ottawa for security
----------------------------------------
The Toronto Port Authority received $600,000 from the federal government yesterday as Ottawa handed out $2.3 million to Ontario ports and facilities to improve security. Source: The Toronto Star (3/16)


Forest officials lament cut trees
----------------------------------------
The Lake County Forest Preserve District is suing a Highland Park couple for $714,000, contending they felled 32 trees on district property to improve the view from their Ft. Sheridan home. Source: Chicago Tribune (3/16)


Pipeline projects could boost local jobs
----------------------------------------
Construction of a 65-mile water pipeline from Manitowoc to Brown County could have a significant impact on the local economy, say contractors seeking to bid on the first local portions of the project. Source: Green Bay Press Gazette (3/16)


St. Lawrence Seaway prepares to open March 25
----------------------------------------
The St. Lawrence Seaway is set to open on March 25 to move grain, iron, steel and other bulk cargo from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, an official said on Wednesday. Source: Reuters (3/16)


Study seeks to save dune
----------------------------------------
A well-known sand dune near Holland State Park that offers views of Lake Michigan and surrounding areas will be studied this summer to find ways to preserve it. Source: The Grand Rapids Press (3/16)


Pilot pay quest gains federal approval
----------------------------------------
A quest of several years by Great Lakes vessel pilots finally paid off for the group with announcement of a pay settlement raising pilot fees by an average 20 percent. Source: The Soo Evening News (3/16)


City tries to avoid being bird death trap
----------------------------------------
Many birds attempting to migrate through the Great Lakes area are no match for the glass and steel jungle of downtown Chicago. Source: Chicago Tribune (3/13)


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::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Monday, March 21, 2005 :::

ENN Todays News

Tsunami Victims, Iraqis Get Taste of Recycled Water Targeted for Space

There are plenty of wells in Iraq, but the dead animals dumped there when Saddam Hussein was in power have contaminated them. There are plenty of streams in southeast Asia, but the recent tsunami polluted them with salt from the ocean.

Nuclear Energy May Be Back in Vogue, UN Says

Expectations of a sharp rise in energy demand and the risk of climate change are pushing many countries to return to the idea of nuclear power, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Monday.

Indian PM Orders Moves to Save Disappearing Tigers

Alarmed by reports of a rapid fall in tiger numbers, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has ordered a police investigation and created a new taskforce to save the endangered species.

Environmentalism Hasn’t Died -- An ENN Commentary

When I was 13 years old my father, a clergyman, got involved in the civil rights movement. In 1964 he went south to join in the voter registration drives with a delegation from Ohio. He was called a "dirty northern liberal" among other things. One in his delegation, a Cleveland rabbi, was beaten within an inch of his life by Ku Klux Klan thugs. Later, back in Cleveland, he joined in the campaign to get Carl Stokes elected as the first African-American mayor of a large city. He was arrested in sit-ins and our family routinely received hate mail, hate phone calls and various threats. I was only a teenager but I knew this was big

READ ALL THE LATEST HEADLINES

SUSTAINABLE   ECONOMY NEWS

State of Illinois to Invest in E-85 Fuel Stations

Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced today that $500,000 in Opportunity Returns funding is now available to establish new E-85 facilities at retail gasoline outlets in Illinois.

EarthNews Radio: Roy G. Biv

Throughout history, schoolchildren and scholars alike have relied on clever and easy ways to remember science ideas, such as the periodic table of the elements and the colors of the rainbow.

READ ALL SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY NEWS

NON PROFIT &   COMPANY NEWS

Monterey Bay Aquarium BAY Commits Another $500,000 to White Shark Conservation Research Projects

The Monterey Bay Aquarium recently authorized spending $500,000 for multi-year field conservation studies of white sharks in southern California and Baja California. This brings to $840,000 the amount the non-profit aquarium has committed since 2002 toward field research aimed at conserving white sharks in the wild.

Winners of UNEP's Photo Competition Announced

Images of deer, scavenging on a rubbish tip, the housing of the rich set against the slums of the poor and Buddhist monks solemnly draping cloth round a tree trunk have scooped the top prizes in the latest UN Environment Programme (UNEP) International Photographic Competition on the Environment.

READ ALL NON PROFIT NEWS


::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Friday, March 18, 2005 :::

ENN Todays News

Scientists: Road Salt Harms Environment

The use of salt to melt snow and ice from slippery roads has an environmental downside that can affect a widespread area long after winter has passed, scientists say.

Study Links Mercury from Power Plants to Autism

After years of debate about whether a nationwide explosion in autism is related to a mercury-based preservative used in vaccines, Texas researchers have found a new suspect: mercury from coal-burning power plants.

Manatees Have Brittle Bones, Study Shows

Despite their huge size, the bones of manatees are as brittle as fine porcelain, making them extremely vulnerable to being broken when struck by a boat, a University of Florida researchers said Thursday.

Aim: To Measure Green against Green

Villebois is going green, but just how green remains to be seen. Developers of the "new urbanist" community in western Wilsonville want to ask its future residents just how much they are willing to pay to enjoy the health and environmental benefits of the latest rainwater-management systems, ecologically sensitive roof types and natural ventilation systems.

READ ALL THE LATEST HEADLINES

SUSTAINABLE   ECONOMY NEWS

EarthNews Radio: Reef Protection International

Coral reefs can be said to be "the rainforests of the oceans."

Xcel to Buy Wind Power from Lamar Investors

A grass-roots power company in Lamar got good news Wednesday after Xcel officially announced it would buy 69 megawatts of wind-generated power annually from the company for the next quarter century.

READ ALL SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY NEWS

NON PROFIT &   COMPANY NEWS

Winners of UNEP's Photo Competition Announced

Images of deer, scavenging on a rubbish tip, the housing of the rich set against the slums of the poor and Buddhist monks solemnly draping cloth round a tree trunk have scooped the top prizes in the latest UN Environment Programme (UNEP) International Photographic Competition on the Environment.

Agreement to Protect 9,900 Acres in Montana

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), two national land conservation groups, today announced they have reached an agreement with Roger and Carrie Peters, owners of the Dragging Y Cattle Company, to conserve 9,900 acres of prime wildlife habitat and recreational land near Dillon.

READ ALL NON PROFIT NEWS


::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Thursday, March 17, 2005 :::

ENN Todays News

ENN's Commentary Series Provides Forum for Environmental Dialogue

Since its debut on January 31, 2005, ENN's commentary series has showcased the perspectives of leaders from environmental organizations large and small. With the objective of promoting a dialogue on important environmental issues of our time, the series has proven popular with ENN's audience. According to ENN publisher Jerry Kay, "While citizens of the United States may be polarized on issues in terms of left and right or red and blue states, we believe that the public wants dialogue and perspective. That's what the commentary series delivers."

Documents for Nuclear Waste Project May Have Been Falsified, Government Says

Government employees may have falsified documents related to the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project in Nevada, the Energy Department said Wednesday. The disclosure could jeopardize the project's ability to get a federal permit to operate the dump.

Study Says Ravens Thriving in Alaska Oil Fields

At least one animal appears to be benefiting from oil development in Alaska's North Slope -- the common raven -- according to one new study.

Poacher Turns Protector to Save Elephants in Africa

Desire Dontego is no longer an elephant poacher but he can still boast like one. "I was known as the killing machine," he declared after darkness fell in the Cameroon rainforest, the constant chirping of insects the only sound apart from his voice.

Stress May Bring Sumatra Quake, Experts Say

A buildup of stress on faults in Sumatra is likely to trigger another large earthquake -- and potentially another tsunami -- in the Indian Ocean region, seismologists say.

READ ALL THE LATEST HEADLINES

SUSTAINABLE   ECONOMY NEWS

DuPont Agrees to Reduce C8 Emissions

DuPont Co. officials confirmed Tuesday that they plan to greatly reduce the amount of the toxic chemical C8 in some of their products.

China Zoo Practices Criticized

Safari parks in China have agreed to stop feeding their lions and tigers large live animals such as horses -- at least in public.

READ ALL SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY NEWS

NON PROFIT &   COMPANY NEWS

Mercury in Fish Linked to Increased Heart Disease

A new report by the Research Institute of Public Health in Finland shows a significant increase of heart disease in men with elevated mercury levels. Since seafood in the diet is the main source of human mercury exposure, men eating swordfish, shark, and tuna high in mercury may unknowingly be increasing their risk of an early death.

Land Protected for Staten Island Park (NYC)

The nonprofit Trust for Public Land (TPL), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the City of New York recently announced the permanent protection of a privately owned property in the Great Kills neighborhood of Staten Island. The private land located on Wiman Avenue and Tennyson Drive is being added to parkland already owned by the city's Department of Parks & Recreation. This open space will be managed as part of Crescent Beach Park and open to the public for recreational purposes such as hiking and wildlife observation.

READ ALL NON PROFIT NEWS


::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Wednesday, March 16, 2005 :::

ENN Todays News

Greens Clash over S. African Elephant Cull Question

A simmering battle over culling elephants has brought to light sharp divisions in the green movement over how to restrain a burgeoning population from outgrowing the confined wilderness of South Africa's parks.

Agency Orders Power Plant Mercury Pollution Cut by Nearly 50 Percent

The Bush administration on Tuesday ordered power plants to cut mercury pollution from U.S. smokestacks by nearly half within 15 years but left an out for the worst polluters.

New Fairy Shrimp Species Found in Idaho

Biologists with the Idaho National Guard have discovered a new species of fairy shrimp living in the oft-dry lake beds of Idaho's desert.

Senate Prepares to Vote on Alaska Refuge Drilling Proposal

Despite increased GOP strength, the Senate appeared to be evenly divided Tuesday in advance of a key vote on whether to allow oil drilling in an Alaska wildlife refuge.

READ ALL THE LATEST HEADLINES

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY NEWS

Quiet British Bike Seeks Added Vroom

Environmentally minded British motorcycle engineers have produced a zero-emission bike that ticks all the right boxes except one -- it's too quiet.

Thai Government to Urge Motorbike Trade-Ins to Ease Air Pollution

The Thai government will urge two-stroke motorcycle owners to trade in their machines for cleaner-burning four-stroke models to help alleviate Bangkok's choking air pollution.

READ ALL SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY NEWS

NON PROFIT & COMPANY NEWS

Organized Opposition to the Kyoto Protocol

OSLO, Norway — A report from the International Policy Network (IPN) claims that restricting emissions of greenhouse gases in industrialized countries will hinder growth in developing countries. This is used as an argument against international agreements that restrict emissions. The report can be seen as urging Europe to follow the U.S. example in its climate policy.

Read the full article at:
www.cicero.uio.no/fulltext.asp?id=3494?=en

Longline Moratorium Campaign Gaining Momentum

On the eve of a key United Nations meeting relating to the oceans, a growing number of international scientists and non-governmental organizations are actively lobbying their country delegates to address the problem of industrial longline fishing in the Pacific. The scientists and NGOs are also joined in their efforts by members of the New Zealand, Irish and EU parliaments. The lobbying effort echoes the call of more than 800 international scientists and 230 NGOs who are also asking for a moratorium on industrial longline fishing in order to protect endangered leatherback sea turtles, albatross, sharks and other species caught and killed as bycatch by industrial longliners. The proposed moratorium, which has received the support of several countries, will protect endangered species, preserve commercial fish stocks, and save resources for small-scale coastal fishing communities.

READ ALL NON PROFIT NEWS


::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Wednesday, March 23, 2005 :::

ENN Todays News

EPA Chided for Disregarding Study of Benefits from Mercury Curbs

The Environmental Protection Agency's decision to ignore researchers' analysis of possible health benefits from reducing mercury pollution from power plants was criticized Tuesday by Democrats in Congress.

Professor, Students Donate Website Proceeds to Renewable Energy Projects

Karl Ulrich, a proud environmentalist who bikes to work daily, used to fret over what his fuel-thirsty Ford F-150 pickup did to the atmosphere every time he drove from Pennsylvania to property he owns in Vermont.

Canada Unveils Annual Seal Hunt, Blasts Activists

Canada said Tuesday it would allow 320,000 young seals to be killed this year and lashed out at activists who promise to boycott Canadian seafood products in a bid to stop the hunt.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio Campaigns for Clean Water

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio helped environmentalists launch an international campaign Tuesday to draw attention to the billion people worldwide who don't have access to clean water.

READ ALL THE LATEST HEADLINES

SUSTAINABLE   ECONOMY NEWS

Company Touts Plasma Technology to Reduce Waste, Create Alternative Fuel

This month ENN has told you about a number of companies that are creating alternatives to common products and services in order to enhance our environment. One company, Startech Environmental Corp., wants to solve two problems at once.

EarthNews Radio: Max Green Alchemy

The skin is the human body's biggest organ, and keeping the skin healthy is important.

READ ALL SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY NEWS

NON PROFIT &   COMPANY NEWS

National Arbor Day Foundation's Arbor Day Awards Announced

The National Arbor Day Foundation will honor leaders in tree planting and environmental stewardship at the 33rd annual Arbor Day Awards banquet held on Saturday, April 30. The awards ceremony is part of the celebration held each year in Nebraska City, the birthplace of Arbor Day, to commemorate National Arbor Day.

Wildlife Charity Asks: Are 'Free' Gifts a Good Way to Recruit New Supporters

Is it cost-effective and ethical for a charity to use some of its funds to pay for 'free' gifts sent out to new supporters? The World Land Trust (WLT), an international conservation organisation based in Suffolk, is currently asking this question as the charity tries to come up with new ways of recruiting supporters.

READ ALL NON PROFIT NEWS


::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Tuesday, March 22, 2005 :::

ENN Todays News

South America Wetlands May Be 'Next Everglades,' Report Says

Giant South American wetlands are under threat from farming and house building and could shrink like Florida's Everglades last century, a study by U.N. experts said on Tuesday.

Agency Admits Using Faulty Data on Endangered Florida Panthers

Criticized by a whistle-blower, the Fish and Wildlife Service conceded Monday that it bungled some of the science used in protecting Florida's endangered panthers.

Tour Rush Seen in Alaska Refuge before Oil Drilling

As Congress moves closer to approving the Bush administration's controversial plan for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, some Alaskans are expecting a rush of visitors who want to hike, raft and camp before any drilling starts.

Figures Show British Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rose in 2003

The British government insisted Monday that the country was on track to meet Kyoto Protocol targets, despite new figures showing that carbon dioxide emissions rose in recent years.

READ ALL THE LATEST HEADLINES

SUSTAINABLE   ECONOMY NEWS

Trash Companies Beautify their Sun Valley Properties

Tired of living in the shadow of smelly trash yards, community activists have pressured recycling and refuse companies to make multimillion-dollar improvements that will result in cleaner, greener businesses.

Zoo Tests Biodiesel Alternative

The North Carolina Zoological Park is expanding an initiative that officials say could bring about environmental benefits.

READ ALL SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY NEWS

NON PROFIT &   COMPANY NEWS

Monterey Bay Aquarium BAY Commits Another $500,000 to White Shark Conservation Research Projects

The Monterey Bay Aquarium recently authorized spending $500,000 for multi-year field conservation studies of white sharks in southern California and Baja California. This brings to $840,000 the amount the non-profit aquarium has committed since 2002 toward field research aimed at conserving white sharks in the wild.

Winners of UNEP's Photo Competition Announced

Images of deer, scavenging on a rubbish tip, the housing of the rich set against the slums of the poor and Buddhist monks solemnly draping cloth round a tree trunk have scooped the top prizes in the latest UN Environment Programme (UNEP) International Photographic Competition on the Environment.

READ ALL NON PROFIT NEWS


A weekly newsletter from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The EERE Network News is also available on the Web at: www.eere.energy.gov/news/

March 23, 2005

News and Events

Site News

  • DOE and White House Launch Hydrogen Energy Web Sites

Energy Connections

  • Record Gasoline Prices Slow Sales of Full-Size SUVs

News and Events

USDA Conservation Program Includes Efficiency, Renewable Incentives

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week that its Conservation Security Program (CSP) will start accepting sign-ups from farmer and ranchers on March 28th. Although the program is primarily meant to support ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands, this year's program sign-up includes a renewable energy and energy efficiency component. Eligible producers will receive compensation for conducting energy audits, for cutting their energy use, for converting to renewable energy fuels (such as biodiesel or ethanol), and for implementing renewable energy production, including methane production as well as wind, solar, hydroelectric and geothermal energy. See the USDA press release and the CSP job sheets for energy enhancement activities.

According to the USDA, roughly 235,000 farmer and ranchers in 220 watersheds will be eligible for this year's CSP. The 220 watersheds represent more than 185 million acres in every state and the Caribbean, including 2 million acres of tribal lands. Congress funded the CSP at $202 million in fiscal year 2005, which will allow the USDA to write an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 contracts. The payments are divided into three tiers, based on the level of conservation achieved, with the highest tier earning up to $45,000 annually for 5 to 10 years. See the CSP Program Web site, which includes the latest amendment to the rules and a list of eligible watersheds.

California Launches $30 Million Clean Energy Investment Fund

The bankruptcy of California's Pacific Gas and Electric Company in 2001 was bad news for the electric utility industry, but the utility's return to solvency last year has an unexpected benefit for clean energy technologies: As part of its bankruptcy settlement, the utility provided $30 million to create a new investment fund, the California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF). CalCEF announced last week that three leading venture capital firms will make equity investments in clean energy companies on its behalf, with each firm investing $8.5 million in companies involved in renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and enabling technologies and services. CalCEF intends to make profitable investments that generate economic growth while reducing California's dependence on fossil fuels. Any profits from the investments will be reinvested in CalCEF. See the CalCEF press release.

Ormat Breaks Ground on New Geothermal Power Plant in Nevada


The Steamboat geothermal plant is a low, wide facility that could easily be mistaken for a commercial building.'

The existing geothermal plants in Ormat's Steamboat, Nevada, complex sit low and unobtrusive against the desert landscape.
Credit: Joel Renner, INEEL

Ormat Nevada, Inc., a subsidiary of Ormat Technologies, Inc., broke ground last week on the first geothermal electric generating plant to be built at Steamboat, Nevada since 1991. Known as the Galena Geothermal Project, the 20-megawatt plant will bring the total output from the Steamboat geothermal complex to 44 megawatts. According to Ormat, the Galena Geothermal Project is the first to begin construction since the Nevada Legislature passed laws in 2001 requiring utilities to supply a portion of their power from renewable energy resources. See the Ormat press release.

Efforts to develop the first geothermal power plant in Idaho also continue to press ahead. In February, U.S. Geothermal Inc. acquired two parcels of land and energy rights at the proposed location of its Raft River Idaho geothermal power project. The acquisitions add 417.5 acres of surface land and 259 acres of new energy rights to the company's holdings at the site. See the U.S. Geothermal press release (PDF 88 KB). Download Acrobat Reader.

Ethanol Plant to Take Advantage of Waste Heat from Coal Plant

One common concern about ethanol production is the amount of energy required to produce each gallon of ethanol, often referred to as the energy balance of ethanol production. Last week, two companies announced an innovative approach to tip that balance further in favor of ethanol: Headwaters Incorporated has signed an agreement to build an ethanol plant next to Great River Energy's Coal Creek Station power plant near Underwood, North Dakota. The proposed facility would use the waste heat from the coal-fired power plant in place of a boiler, thus saving energy while reducing emissions from the ethanol plant. The plant will be able to produce 50 million gallons of ethanol per year, and the two companies plan to begin construction in the fall and start producing ethanol in fall 2006. The coal-heated ethanol facility is a natural fit for Headwaters, which is involved in coal combustion and the production of synthetic fuels from coal. See the press releases from Headwaters (PDF 57 KB) and Great River Energy. Download Acrobat Reader.

Another ethanol plant near Richardton, North Dakota, is taking a more direct route: the facility will burn lignite coal as its energy source. The plant's developer, Red Trail Energy LLC, claims the plant will produce 50 million gallons of ethanol per year with an energy savings of 70 percent compared to ethanol plants that use natural gas. Red Trail Energy recently raised sufficient cash to start the project and has begun site preparation for construction of the plant. See the Red Trail Energy Web site.

By the way, even existing ethanol plants produce about 34 percent more energy (embodied in the ethanol fuel) than they use in growing the corn, harvesting it, transporting it, and distilling it into ethanol, according to a July 2002 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). See the USDA report, "The Energy Balance of Corn Ethanol: An Update" (PDF 168 KB).

Illinois Provides $500,000 to Build Ethanol Infrastructure


A photo of a fuel pump labeled 'E-85 Ethanol.'

Illinois intends to make E85 fuel pumps a more common sight around the state.
Credit: Warren Gretz

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced on March 8th that $500,000 in funding is now available to establish new E85 facilities at retail gasoline outlets throughout the state. E85 is a blend of gasoline with 70 to 85 percent ethanol for use in flexible fuel vehicles, which are designed to burn E85, unleaded gasoline, or any combination of the two fuels. Illinois' E85 program, run by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will provide up to $2,000 to convert an existing refueling facility to E85 operation, or up to $40,000 for the construction of a new E85 refueling facility. See the governor's press release.

For anyone wanting to build an E85 refueling facility, DOE's Alternative Fuel Data Center recently launched the "E85 Fleet Toolkit," a Web resource for fleet managers and other interested parties. The Toolkit includes information on fueling equipment and processes; procedures for building new stations or converting existing equipment to be E85 compatible; E85 fuel specifications and suppliers; and much more. See the E85 Fleet Toolkit.

Here's an unusual fleet of vehicles that will soon switch to ethanol: the Indy Racing League's IndyCar Series. Although the vehicles run on methanol today, the IndyCar Series racers will add 10 percent ethanol to their fuel in 2006, then shift to 100 percent ethanol in 2007. That means locally grown fuels will soon be powering the Indianapolis 500. See the Indy Racing League announcement.

Report Predicts Huge Growth in Clean Energy Technologies

Prepare yourself for a boom in clean energy technologies: Markets for solar energy, wind energy, and fuel cells are poised to grow from $16 billion in global revenues in 2004 to more than $100 billion by 2014, according to a report released yesterday by Clean Edge, Inc., an energy research and publishing firm. Clean Edge projects that over the next ten years, markets for solar photovoltaic devices will grow from $7.2 billion to $39.2 billion; wind power installations will expand from $8 billion to $48.1 billion; and fuel cells and distributed hydrogen will grow from $900 million to $15.1 billion. See the Clean Edge report, "Clean-Energy Trends 2005".

Another indicator of the burgeoning clean energy industry is the growth of key conferences. The POWER-GEN Renewable Energy conference, held early this month, experienced a 100-percent growth in exhibitors and a 60-percent growth in attendees, according to the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), a major sponsor. See the ACORE press release (PDF 51 KB). Download Acrobat Reader.

The POWER-GEN conference essentially kicks off the 2005 conference season, as many major renewable energy conferences are coming up soon. Today is the start of Globalcon 2005, a conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, sponsored by the Association of Energy Engineers and featuring themes of energy efficiency and renewable energy. On March 29th, the National Hydrogen Association (NHA) brings its Annual Hydrogen Conference to Washington, D.C., accompanied by the NHA's Hydrogen Financing Forum and the Hydrogen Expo USA. On May 1st, the 11th Annual Clean Cities Conference and Exposition gets underway in Palm Springs, California, while the International Conference on Solar Concentrators for the Generation of Electricity or Hydrogen begins in Scottsdale, Arizona. On May 4th, the Third Annual Greening Rooftops Conference kicks off in Washington, D.C. In mid-May, the Windpower 2005 Conference and Exhibition comes to Denver, Colorado. Finally, for the international travelers, the World Renewable Energy Congress 2005 launches on May 22nd in Aberdeen, Scotland, accompanied on May 25th by the Renewable Power Association's Wave and Tidal Technology Symposium (WATTS).


Site News

DOE and White House Launch Hydrogen Energy Web Sites

DOE launched a new Hydrogen Program Web site last week. The site links the four DOE offices that participate in the President's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative: the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; the Office of Fossil Energy; the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology; and the Office of Science. The new Web site serves as a one-stop location for the latest information on DOE's hydrogen fuel efforts. See the DOE Hydrogen Program Web site.

Meanwhile, the Hydrogen R&D Task Force, a part of the President's National Science and Technology Council, has developed Hydrogen.gov, a new Web site meant to serve as the federal government's central source of information on research and development activities related to hydrogen and fuel cells. Visit the Hydrogen.gov Web site.



Energy Connections

Record Gasoline Prices Slow Sales of Full-Size SUVs

A report issued last week by the Power Information Network, an affiliate of J.D. Powers and Associates, finds that consumer interest in full-size sport utility vehicles (SUVs) has dropped significantly in the past year. According to the report, most car and truck owners are now less likely to trade their vehicles for a new full-size SUV than they were a year ago. Compared to sales in 2004, full-size SUV sales fell 31 percent in January and 21 percent in February, while the vehicles sat an average of 84 days on dealer lots before being sold, compared to an industry average of 66 days. The report's authors blame the drop in sales on rising gasoline prices. See the J.D. Powers press release.

According to the Daily Fuel Gauge Report from the American Automobile Association (AAA), both regular unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel prices are now at historic highs in the United States. As of yesterday, unleaded gasoline averaged $2.095 per gallon and diesel fuel averaged $2.277 per gallon. See the AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report.



This newsletter is funded by DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and is also available on the EERE news page. You can subscribe to the EERE Network News using our simple online form