Thursday, December 18, 2008
The North Dakota Alliance for Renewable Energy (NDARE) presented a comprehensive report outlining steps North Dakota should take to foster greater development of its renewable energy potential.
Saying that North Dakota has a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to capitalize on the growing demand for renewable energy and greater energy efficiency, the Alliance presented its detailed policy proposals for six key sectors and areas: energy efficiency, wind, biomass, biodiesel, ethanol and carbon.
ELPC is a member of NDARE, which is comprised of representatives from commodity groups, farm organizations, investor-owned utilities, rural electric cooperatives, state agencies, economic development groups, universities, banks, manufacturers, conservation and environmental groups, and private citizens. NDARE is dedicated to making North Dakota the preeminent state for the production and use of renewable energy and the practice of energy efficiency.
Read the press release.
Read the report’s executive summary.
Watch the television coverage.
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Monday, December 15, 2008
On Monday the Environmental Law and Policy Center and 25x’25 Alliance presented a package of recommendations to bolster the economy and create jobs to Congress and the incoming Obama Administration. Their proposal would accelerate the development of and markets for, wind and solar power, advanced biofuels production, biomass power and geothermal energy as a means to stimulate the economy. The Federal Farm Bill’s Energy Title would be a primary focus along with related tax credits.
The recommendations focus on investing in programs that are currently under funded such as the Rural Energy for America Program that will put people back to work while improving environmental quality. These programs are green job generators and long-term growth creators because they require skilled labor for manufacturing components, construction and operation.
John Moore, Senior Attorney at ELPC, urged Congress to make strong, farm-based clean energy development programs part of the economic recovery package. “Programs that support clean energy development are in high demand, they create high-paying jobs and they are good for the environment.”
A complete list of ELPC’s recommendations is available here
Read coverage of the clean energy proposal here
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Friday, December 12, 2008
ELPC’s Senior Policy Advocate Andy Olsen spoke with Colorado farm radio host Brian Allmer about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP grants and loan guarantees help farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses with money-saving projects like generating clean energy through wind or solar power or making their operations more energy efficient. These projects reduce pollution and create new income in rural communities. Andy explains that now is the time for farmers to start planning their clean energy projects.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
ELPC President and Executive Director Howard Learner outlines the public policy changes that the Obama administration and the new Congress should focus on to grow the green economy and create a cleaner environment in this article on the Huffington Post:
“It’s time to gear up to seize the opportunities to advance a greener economy and cleaner environment with the new Administration and new Congress. The Midwest and Great Plains states can become business and economic winners in growing the new green economy… Moreover, when it comes to public policy changes, the nation’s Heartland is also a linchpin to reform…
“…Let’s not kid ourselves; achieving this agenda won’t be easy. Ideological opponents are seizing on our country’s economic crisis as a reason to put off action. But the scientists tell us that we must start now to seriously reduce global warming pollution. We can’t just hit the “pause” button and hold off on corrective actions until the economy gets better. Besides, energy efficiency saves us money, and clean energy solutions can create jobs and grow the green economy.”
Read the full post here.
Monday, October 13, 2008
On October 8th and 9th, a group of national farm energy leaders gathered at ELPC’s headquarters to discuss implementing the Farm Bill’s Energy Title. The dynamic meeting featured presentations by experts who worked through details to set priorities and make the most of these new clean energy programs. USDA and Department of Energy officials attended the conference and shared the latest policy and clean energy development news with our colleagues.
Visit www.farmenergy.org to learn more about the Farm Bill’s clean energy programs.
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Monday, October 13, 2008
Voters in Missouri will decide whether to require utilities to buy 15% renewable energy by 2021. St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Kim McGuire asked ELPC Co-Legislative Director Barry Matchett about the impact of the Illinois Renewable Energy Standard that takes effect this year. It requires utilities to buy 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2015 and 25 percent by 2025. The article quotes Barry:
“Since the legislation was passed establishing the standard, the state has seen an influx of green jobs, said Barry Matchett, co-legislative director for the Environment Law and Policy Center in Chicago.
“‘Three years ago there was one wind company in Illinois, and today there are seven,’ Matchett said. ‘Each of them provides 100 to 300 good jobs at their headquarters. That’s not to mention the field jobs.’”
Read the full article.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
August 4, 2008 – ELPC has just released a report that showcases the enormous wind power potential for South Dakota to be a renewable energy powerhouse. The report also identifies some important policy drivers that can help South Dakotans fully and effectively tap this tremendous resource. Read the full report.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Reps. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) introduced legislation to help spur the growth of locally-based renewable energy projects in rural America. Their bill, The Rural Energy Equity Act, supports entrepreneurs looking to provide renewable sources of energy to power their communities, and encourages corporate investment in these smaller, locally-based and owned projects. ELPC is a strong supporter of growing renewable energy projects throughout the Midwest. Read the press release here.
Friday, June 20, 2008
How can renewable energy sources help solve the global warming crisis? John Moore, senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center and an expert on farm energy, explains.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
In August 2007, Illinois passed two statewide standards to increase renewable energy and energy efficiency. The standards are among the most ambitious in the nation and will make Illinois a national leader on clean energy development. After working for many years to achieve this, we are all very proud of what we at ELPC and our colleagues have achieved. Read our press release on this win here [pdf file].
