ENERGY POLITICS FLARE UP

ENERGY POLITICS FLARE UP

Biofuels mandate sparks intra-industry battle. WSJ:

“Biofuels, mostly corn-based ethanol, have been blended into the nation’s gasoline supply since Congress passed a law a decade ago promoting increased use of alternative fuels. But the government has struggled with how to craft regulations and mandates for a more diverse offering of fuels, such as products made from municipal solid waste, plant material and biogas …”
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http://www.wsj.com/articles/biofuels-group-to-ask-congress-for-revamped-renewable-fuel-standards-1426071642


Bipartisan Senate duo will try again to pass energy efficiency legislation. The Hill:

“Commercial buildings and homes would benefit from updated model building standards that the bill would mandate, as well as new effort to train workers to construct buildings. The Energy Department would be authorized to work with manufacturers to reduce energy use, and the bill would also exempt thermal storage water heaters from upcoming energy standards. Last year, a similar bill almost made it to the Senate floor for a vote. But Republicans blocked it…”

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http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/235377-sens-portman-shaheen-renew-energy-efficiency-push


State officials duel in Senate over EPA climate regs. The Hill:

“The GOP brought in officials from Indiana, Wyoming and Wisconsin … to outline how they find the rule unreasonable, irresponsible and illegal. Democrats on the Environment and Public Works Committee brought in officials from New York and California … to support the regulation, which aims to slash the power sector’s carbon emissions 30 percent by 2030.”

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http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/235392-gop-highlights-state-objections-to-epa-climate-rule


California energy regulators David Hochschild and David Olsen show how “Renewable energy is a California success story” in LAT oped:

” Renewable energy has grown so rapidly that, in 2014, it accounted for most new electric generation capacity added nationwide. California leads the pack with the share of electricity from renewable sources, more than doubling from 12% in 2008 to 25% today … Meanwhile, the early predictions of California’s economic calamity have proved to be misinformed. “

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http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-olsen-hochschild-california-solar-energy-20150312-story.html