Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski issued vetoes on two bills that would have reduced incentives and standards for renewable energy production in the state.
H.B.2472 would reduce the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) cap from $10 million to $3.5 million–a reduction Kulongoski said would put Oregon at a competitive disadvantage in growing the state’s renewable energy sector.
Kulongoski said the second bill, H.B.2940, diminishes the value of Oregon’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) by including additional sources of generation–primarily existing biomass facilities–not accounted for in the original standard.
North Carolina Wind Debate
The N.C. Senate voted last week to ban the commercial generation of wind power on mountain ridges in the western part of the state. Supporters of the ban say they want to protect the scenic beauty of the mountainous region, while opponents say the state should encourage, not limit, renewable energy production, which could be limited to 5% of the state’s mountain ridges. Under the bill, which must still pass through the state House, residential wind turbines less than 100 feet tall are allowable.
In 2007 North Carolina legislators created a renewable portfolio standard requiring 12.5% of the state’s electricity to be generated by renewable resources by 2021.
Alaska To Accept Stimulus Funds
The Alaska legislature overturned by a vote of 45-14 a veto of stimulus money for energy efficiency put in place by former Governor Sarah Palin.
Before resigning, Palin turned down a $28 million portion of Alaska’s stimulus package, claiming that the state might be required to enact more stringent building codes. A recent letter from the Department of Energy to a legislative aide clarified that Alaska did not need to enact stricter statewide building codes, according to a New York Times report.
Virginia Coal Plant Permit Ruled Illegal
A Richmond Circuit Court judge ruled Tuesday that the State Air Pollution Control Board violated federal environmental law in permitting Dominion Virginia Power’s coal-fired power plant in Wise County.
The court ruled that an "escape hatch" in Dominion’s Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) permit rendered that permit unlawful.
Dominion, said it expects to clear up the permitting issue and complete the power plant on schedule. Construction began in June 2008 and is reportedly 20% complete.
Florida to Set New Energy Conservation Goals
State law requires the Public Service Commission to revise 10-year goals for major utilities to employ power conservation. Environmental groups want to see targets set at 1% of annual sales after a phase-in period of three to four years.
The seven major utility companies have proposed a level that significantly lower.
Read the Associated Press report at the link below.
Loading...