The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the “Stimulus Bill,” allocated billions of dollars in funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and other projects under the energy and climate change umbrella. Of the vast sums of money available for such projects, $16.8 billion goes to the U.S. Department of Energy’s

From our colleague Jason Johns:

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will host a technical conference on March 2 to discuss the challenges of integrating large amounts of variable generation into wholesale markets and the grid. The Commission is also asking for innovative proposals that will help accomplish such large integration. Notably, the conference could

From our colleague and FERC guru, Jason Johns:

MISO’s Proposed Market Coordination Service:

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today rejected the Midwest ISO’s proposed Market Coordination Service that would have given certain transmission owners access to the ISO energy and operating reserve markets without requiring those owners to hand over control of facilities

On February 13, the Utah Public Utilities and Technology Committee voted to favorably recommend a House Resolution urging Governor Huntsman to withdraw Utah from the Western Climate Initiative. The resolution, 1st Sub. H.R. 3, contains recitals referring to “Utah’s abundant and clean burning coal,” the lack of balance in the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Council

Within the last hour, it is being reported that Senate Democrats have reached an agreement with certain Republican Senators and the White House on the outlines of a compromise stimulus bill that can pass the Senate.  Although details are sketchy, apparently WH Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel met with Senate Democratic leaders and swing Republicans

On Friday, January 23, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee released his version of the economic stimulus bill.  Like its House counterpart (H.R. 598), the proposal by Chairman Max Baucus ("Chairman’s Mark") is called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009.  The Chairman’s Mark is scheduled to be considered in the Finance Committee on Tuesday

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski continues to take aggressive action in the green business realm. Having made renewable energy one of his budget priorities, Gov. Kulongoski filed nine bills under the climate change umbrella to be considered in the 2009 legislative session. According to Gov. Kulongoski, the bills will “build on our leadership in renewable energy that will create jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”Continue Reading Governor Kulongoski Proposes Nine Bills to Promote Renewable Energy Projects, Energy and Fuel Efficiency

Check out our recent client alert on President-elect Obama’s selection of California congresswoman Hilda Solis as Labor Secretary, which we believe highlights the significance the incoming administration is placing on clean renewable energy and the contributing role of green jobs.  Also highlighted in our client alert is the efforts of several states, including Minnesota, California

Portland continues to expand its reputation as a beacon for green business. Today’s Wall Street Journal features an article on how sustainable development and renewable energy businesses are giving a much-needed boost to Portland’s commercial real estate market. There is much excitement surrounding Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems’ recent announcement that it will be building a new North

In a move that could have a significant impact on the energy sector (and create a buzz among political science departments) nationwide, Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) has dethroned Representative John Dingell (D-MI) in his nearly 28-year post as chairman of the influential Committee on Energy and Commerce. The 137-122 secret vote has shaken up the