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What They're Saying
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"This has the potential to be a huge economic boost for Sacramento, and would build on the foundation of the work we've done to 'green' our city. It represents real jobs, right now and a chance to be a showcase."-Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson on new business venture to retrofit buildings in Sacramento.
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Today's Bright Spots
Interior Secretary to Visit California, Arizona to Highlight Renewable Energy
U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will begin a three-day trip today to California and Arizona to spotlight the job-creating impacts of a clean energy economy and to announce a new pact with the state to boost renewable energy projects. While in California, Salazar is scheduled to appear with Gov. Jerry Brown in Elk Grove to announce an agreement between the state and Interior Department to advance renewable energy projects and create clean energy jobs. Read more here.
UC Santa Cruz Racks up Awards for Energy-Saving Library Lighting System
The University of California, Santa Cruz, is being honored for a lighting project in its Science and Engineering Library that is projected to save $51,700 a year in energy costs. The project was named the "Wireless Innovation Project of the Year" by the EnOcean Alliance, a 250-member consortium of companies. In August, the college received the “Best Practice Lighting Award” at the 2011 California Higher Education Sustainability Conference. UCSC officials say the school has a dozen more energy conservation projects slated for completion this year. Read more here.
Fremont Company to Install Solar Project at Redding Beneficial Insect Plant
GreenVolts, Inc. of Fremont has developed a 288-kilowatt solar project for Beneficial Insectary in Redding. The new solar system, designed to reduce the company’s air conditioning, heating, humidity control and lighting costs, is located at Beneficial Insectary’s new factory in Shasta County. The company produces and distributes natural enemies for pests for sustainable agriculture, horticulture and livestock production. Officials estimate the GreenVolts system will provide solar power that will offset more than 80% of the facility's electric usage. Read more here.
Brookings Institution: State Clean Energy Funds Lead to Tens of Thousands of Projects
A new Brookings Institution paper is extolling the economic benefits of state-driven financing and economic development schemes that leverage private funds for clean energy projects. The paper touts “clean energy funds,” public investment vehicles to invest in clean energy projects that have invested more than $2.7 billion in state dollars to support renewable energy markets. The funds have leveraged $9.7 billion in additional federal and private sector investment, according to the paper, resulting in more than 72,000 projects in the United States. Read more here.
California Company Lands $320 Million to Build Montana Wind Farm
San Francisco-based NaturEner USA says it has secured a $320 million loan to construct a 189-megawatt wind farm in northern Montana that will generate enough electricity to power more than 60,000 homes. The company said the loan from Morgan Stanley will allow construction to proceed immediately on the 126-turbine, 21,000 project. Read more here.
States are Defining Renewable Jobs, Identifying Opportunities
Minnesota has become the latest state to release a comprehensive study on “green” jobs in the state, part of a nationwide effort to help define and boost the clean energy sector. New York and Hawaii also have issued reports helping to clarify and quantify renewable jobs. Read more here.