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We announce the publication of a guide to federal clean energy funding opportunities under the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”). Titled “Show Me The Money,” the guide reviews the various programs and potential sources of federal funding for clean energy companies and projects. The guide addresses funding opportunities under the…

President Obama issues ban on executive branch officials from speaking to lobbyists on specific stimulus projects…
Continue Reading President Obama Clamps Down on Lobbyists and First Amendment

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

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…

Earlier this week, I attended Climate Solutions’ Business Briefing on the Governor’s Proposed Climate Change Policy. Hosted by Gerding Edlen, the briefing offered a snapshot of the Governor’s legislative agenda for 2009 and beyond, and gave the sustainable business community the opportunity to offer feedback on what needs to happen to move the plans forward.

The Governor’s Climate Change Agenda (the “Agenda”) covers four major areas: greenhouse gas (“GHG”) reductions, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and energy efficiency. Some highlights follow.Continue Reading Governor Kulongoski’s Climate Change Agenda Unveiled

In an email alert that we just sent out, my colleagues in the Stoel Rives Tax Section report:

Today the House passed, and President Bush signed into law, H.R. 1424, which includes the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (the Act). The Act contains the much-anticipated extension of the production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax …

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 …