Jonathanking / Wikimedia Commons The Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier. The council is tasked with creating plans to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050 from 1990 levels. Vermont is adding teeth and a new task force in an effort to get the state back on track toward its climate goals after several years of stalled progress. Vermont was an early leader on … [Read more...] about Vermont Climate Council plans to revamp lagging clean energy progress
Green bank advocates hope Biden win can help reinvigorate idea in Minnesota
Tony Webster / Flickr / Creative Commons The Minnesota Statehouse in St. Paul. A green bank could unlock financing for more clean energy projects, but some question its need and prospects. As the incoming administration raises hopes for a new federally funded clean energy accelerator, a report released Thursday attempts to address Minnesota lawmakers’ questions and … [Read more...] about Green bank advocates hope Biden win can help reinvigorate idea in Minnesota
Study: Decarbonizing U.S. electricity by 2035 could cost less than expected
Emily Grubert / Georgia Tech / Courtesy This map shows the locations of electricity-generating facilities with projected lifespans that extend beyond 2035. Fossil fuel plants with nearly three-fourths of current generating capacity will reach the end of their typical lifespan by 2035. Most of the United States’ existing fossil fuel power plant capacity will reach the … [Read more...] about Study: Decarbonizing U.S. electricity by 2035 could cost less than expected
Innovative geothermal micro-district concept moves ahead in Massachusetts
Chris Sullivan / NREL An example of a ground source heat pump system, extracting both heat and cooling from the ground underneath a Kansas courthouse. Utilities could prove useful partners in the projects, which involve drilling, trenching and laying pipe to bring underground heat into buildings. Two pilot projects in Massachusetts will attempt to deploy geothermal heating … [Read more...] about Innovative geothermal micro-district concept moves ahead in Massachusetts
Virginia coalfield booster wants new renewable fund to send a message
In an interview, an economic development director talks about his organization’s new $1 million fund to assist renewable energy projects. Jonathan Belcher’s family roots in Appalachia are more than 200 years deep. And while its coalfields put the region on the energy map, this native son is promoting a new initiative designed to spark a renewables renaissance that … [Read more...] about Virginia coalfield booster wants new renewable fund to send a message