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04/21/2008 09:05 AM
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Around the States - Renewables Legislation
SustainableBusiness.com News
From a new clean energy fund to the nation's newest renewable portfolio standard, three states surged forward last week on the renewable energy front.
In Alaska
Alaska state legislators voted unanimously in support of a bill that commits $250 million over the next five years to developing sources of renewable energy in the state.
The goal of the renewable energy fund is to move the state away from the diesel-generated power on which it currently relies.
HB 152 covers any renewable energy project using wind, solar, geothermal, tidal or hydroelectric power, as well as less conventional projects involving wood products, fish waste and landfill gas. It also covers transmission lines and, in cases where no renewable resources are available, natural gas projects.
It gives us a chance to utilize the other resource we have, and that's the renewable resource statewide," said Rep. Bill Thomas, a Republican from Haines. "It's an effort to put diesel to bed."
Utilities, local governments and housing authorities will all be able to apply for grants that can be used for feasibility studies or actual construction of renewable energy projects.
In Maine
The Maine State Legislature unanimously approved legislation in the House and Senate to promote wind power, as recommended by the governor's task force on wind power development.
The bill calls for developing at least 2,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power in Maine by 2015 and at least 3,000 MW by 2020. This level of wind power development would make Maine one of the top wind power generating states in the Eastern United States. The legislation also improves the permitting process for wind power projects, establishes expedited permitting areas and promotes development of community-level wind power.
In Michigan
The Michigan State House of Representatives passed energy legislation requiring 10% of the state's electricity to come from clean, renewable energy by 2015 and setting targets for energy efficiency for Michigan utilities.
House Bills 5525, 5548 and 5549 would provide Michigan with the means to address global warming by using Michigan's energy more efficiently, pursuing cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy options, and fairly weighing clean energy alternatives with coal and other dirty sources.
The bills now move to the Senate where Michigan's energy future will continue to be debated.
