Back to top Jump to featured resources

Featured from Energy Page 50 of 88

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 16, 2009

Tax-based incentives are the enemy of sustainable renewable energy development

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/taxbased-incentives-are-enemy-sustainable-renewable-energy-development/

A reliance on tax-based incentives for renewable energy industry has led to boom-and-bust cycles for years, the Atlantic explains.  The New Rules Project has several suggestions for solving this system of Byzantine incentives. Continue reading

450px-WashingtonStateCapitol.jpg
Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 1 Comment | Updated on Jul 16, 2009

Washington State sets aside solar incentives for “community solar”

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/washington-state-sets-aside-solar-incentives-community-solar/

Although not as comprehensive as a feed-in tariff, Washington State provides incentive payments for solar PV systems made in-state and now, for systems that are community owned on local government property. Continue reading

greenbuilding.jpg
Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 13, 2009

Municipal Energy Financing Efforts Push Renewable Energy Development and Efficiency

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/municipal-energy-financing-efforts-push-renewable-energy-development-and-efficiency/

In the last 12 months a new and very promising strategy for local energy self-reliance has emerged, and it spreading like a prairie fire:  direct public financing of energy efficiency and renewable energy investments by private businesses and households.  ILSR has been closely tracking these developments and has brought together information about individual programs and the laws and ordinances that have enabled them (view our Map and see the various Municipal Energy Financing rules).

Continue reading

logo-cleanskies2
Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Energy, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | 1 Comment | Updated on Jul 8, 2009

David Morris: Distributed, Bottom-Up Energy System Makes a Strong, Smart Grid

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-distributed-bottomup-energy-system-makes-strong-smart-grid/

A strong and smart grid can be developed with distributed renewable energy, without need for new high-voltage transmission.  This 6-minute video explains how. Continue reading

Rule filed under Energy | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jul 8, 2009

Municipal Financing for Energy Efficiency Improvements – Babylon, NY

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/municipal-financing-for-renewables-and-efficiency/2850-2/

In August of 2008, the Long Island town of Babylon, New York approved the Long Island Green Homes (LIGH) program to finance energy efficiency improvements for any of the town’s 65,000 single-family homes to be paid back by the energy savings accrued from the improvements. Continue reading

Rule filed under Energy | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jul 6, 2009

Municipal Property Tax Financing for Renewables and Efficiency – Boulder County, CO

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/municipal-financing-for-renewables-and-efficiency/2849-2/

Becoming the first jurisdiction to utilize authority granted by Colorado’s HB 08-1350, in April 2009 Boulder County and partner municipalities launched the ClimateSmart Loan Program, allowing commercial and residential property owners to obtain financing for renewable and/or energy efficiency improvements. Continue reading

congress.jpg
Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 25, 2009

East Coast Governors Say National Transmission Grid Limits Local Energy

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/east-coast-governors-say-national-transmission-grid-limits-local-energy/

On May 4th, 2009, Governors from 10 East Coast states sent a sign-on letter opposing the current House & Senate bills to expedite transmission line planning and siting. The states that signed onwere Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont.  Theletter argued against a greater federal subsidy for long-distance transmission, stating that the focus should be on more local renewable generation, such as off-shore wind along the East Coast.

Continue reading

Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 16, 2009

California may miss 33% RPS target due to focus on centralized generation

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/california-may-miss-33-rps-target-due-focus-centralized-generation/

In a nutshell: On paper, California could meet its targets, provided it can afford and build $12 billion in new transmission lines and higher electricity costs. In reality, the state probably won’t make the target, concludes the California Public Utilities Commission in its latest analysis of the state’s clean-energy quest…

Continue reading

Rule filed under Energy | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 12, 2009

Municipal Property Tax Financing for Renewable Energy and Improvements – Palm Desert, CA

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/municipal-financing-for-renewables-and-efficiency/2836-2/

In 2008, the City of Palm Desert became the first city in California to pursue public financing of distributed renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements under AB 811. Continue reading

Article, Rule filed under Energy | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 11, 2009

Municipal Property Tax Financing for Solar Energy and Improvements – Berkeley, CA

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/municipal-financing-for-renewables-and-efficiency/2830-2/

In 2008, the Berkeley City Council approved an amendment to the Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) and created the Special Tax Financing Law. The Special Tax Financing Law is the implementing legislation that allows for the creation of the Sustainable Energy Financing District, by which the City would help property owners finance solar installations and energy efficiency improvements by creating a special tax that is paid through their individual property tax bills. Continue reading