August 2008

On August 25, FERC issued its ruling on the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO) plan to reform the generator interconnection queue process – the method by which transmission requirements for generators wishing to connect new projects to the grid in the Midwest are reviewed and approved.  FERC conditionally accepted the proposed tariff revisions, with an effective date

The August 16-22, 2008 issue of NewScientist features a very interesting article called "A tank of the green stuff" (pages 34-37).  Airlines are facing volatile and rising fuel costs, plus the risk of fuel shortages.   Unlike land transport, which it least in theory can be converted to run entirely on electricity, air travel depends on

On April 16, 2008, Northern States Power filed a petition with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a determination that "Xcel Energy has all legal rights necssary to possess, use and dispose of any renewable energy credits (‘RECs’) arising from the production of renewable energy that Xcel purchases under its renewable energy power purchase agreements

Legislation recently introduced by Representatives Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) and Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) would, if enacted, provide increased access to ethanol and biodiesel at the pump.  The bipartisan legislation would "enhance the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. Currently, the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property credit allows gas station owners to claim a 30 percent

EPA issued its decision yesterday on Texas’ request to reduce the nationwide Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).  EPA denied the request, stating that the "RFS remains an important tool in our ongoing efforts to reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions and lessen our dependence on foreign oil, in aggressive yet practical ways."  EPA stated that it received

For those who have been tracking the Oregon Public Utility Commission’s In re Honeywell proceeding, Stephen Hall and Pat Boylston have just released a Stoel Rives Energy Law Alert explaining the significance of the decision for third party "on site" solar and wind generation and net metering. 

Gail Kinsey Hill reported on the decision and

Stoel Rives has now published seven original Law of books covering various topics in the renewable energy industry.  To write these books, our attorney-authors draw on over 20 years of legal and business experience in wind, geothermal, biofuels, and other renewable energy resources.  The books are intended to provide a succinct but thorough overview of industry segments