Last week, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission rejected a power purchase agreement (PPA) between Deepwater Wind and National Grid, the state’s largest utility, stating that the deal’s projected cost of electricity did not qualify as “commercially reasonable” under a test required by state law. Deepwater would have charged National Grid 24.4 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2013
April 2010
DOT, EPA Boost Fuel Economy, Set GHG Emission Limits for Light Vehicles
By Janet Jacobs on
Posted in Climate Change
The U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) have established new federal rules for greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions standards for all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the US. The rules improve fuel efficiency, could save the average buyer up to $3,000 over the life of a 2016…
Solar Development Guidelines Released by Arizona Game and Fish Department
By Julia Pettit on
Posted in Solar
On March 12, 2010, the Arizona Game and Fish Department ("AGFD") released finalized guidelines for solar development in Arizona ("Solar Guidelines"), the objective of which "is to assist energy developers in identifying potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitats from their proposed development and potential alternatives to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate for these negative impacts." The AGFD encourages local governments and permitting authorities to integrate the recommended study proposals described in the Solar Guidelines. The document is organized around five basic project development steps:
- Wildlife Protection Regulations
- AGFD Regulations and Review
- Gather preliminary information and conduct site screening
- Identify potential impacts to wildlife
- Mitigation
The Solar Guidelines were compiled by the AGFD employees and have not undergone any external public review or input from the solar energy industry. It should be noted that some of the information contained in the Solar Guidelines was taken from the AGFD’s wind guidelines. In light of the fact that county officials often defer to the AGFD in matters of wildlife concerns, special attention should be given to the section of the Solar Guidelines focused on "Avoiding or Minimizing Impacts" and the recommendations contained therein.Continue Reading Solar Development Guidelines Released by Arizona Game and Fish Department