This is The Source for August 8, 2012, green jobs news every day from the BlueGreen Alliance. Don’t forget to “tell your friends” about this great resource. You can sign up here.
TOP THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW FOR AUGUST 8
Yes! It’s Moving! Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid yesterday stated he is “very confident” the Senate will pass an extension for the Production Tax Credit for wind energy before the end of this year. Have you done your part and sent a letter to your members of Congress in support? Only 33 days until Congress is back in session.
Coming Your Way Fast! The White House today announced it is expediting the approval process for seven commercial-scale solar and wind projects that will generate a combined 5,000 megawatts of power in Arizona, California, Nevada and Wyoming. The administration also stated it is making $7 billion available for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to spend on locally-generated biomass, geothermal, solar or wind energy projects.
Count Us In. U.S. Climate Envoy Todd Stern has reaffirmed the United States support for the international goal of limiting global temperature rises to two degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. This statement of support came as a clarification to his earlier statement calling for “a more flexible approach.”
National and International Blue-Green
President Obama Tuesday pushed Congress to pass a farm bill to send disaster aid to farmers and ranchers. Reuters quotes the president as saying, “It is a historic drought, and it is having a profound impact on farmers and ranchers all cross many state… Congress needs to pass a farm bill that will not only provide important disaster relief tools but also make necessary reforms and give farmers the certainty they deserve.”
At the same time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering whether to cut the corn production forecast. The Wall Street Journal reports some believe the action, which is expected Friday, may reduce the forecast by 15.4 percent.
America currently has 50 gigawatts of electric generating capacity by wind. The Business Journals says that is enough energy to power 13 million homes!
The Associated Press yesterday attended the fifth annual National Clean Energy Summit held yesterday in Las Vegas.
It’s official; this has been the “hottest year ever” in America’s northeast. Huffington Post has more.
Current TV overviews at the “clear divide” between President Obama and Governor Romney on renewable energy issues.
To the States
NY1 recently talked to a Green Jobs for Youth Program that is working to green Bronx Park in New York.
A column in the Pittsburg Plain Dealer argues the city needs more solar power.
The City of Chicago will have 33 miles of protected bike lanes by the end of this year. The Chicago Sun-Times has more about the announcement that Mayor Rahm Emanuel said will mean “Chicago will lead the country in protected bike lanes and dedicated bike lanes and it will be the bike friendliest city in the country.”
Otter Tail Corporation wants to sell its wind tower manufacturing facility in North Dakota, according to the Grand Forks Herald.
Oklahoma City has decided to recycle hundreds of steel beams from Interstate 40 (I-40). According to the Associated Press, this will be the largest transportation recycling project in the nation.
Blue-Green Links
GreenBiz.com: Are building owners leaving money on the energy efficiency table?
TIME: 5 Questions for Michael Bloomberg and Michael Brune
Politico: For real jobs plan, empower govs
New York Times: How to Parse Climate Change and Extreme Weather?
National Journal: An Ill Wind Blows for Romney in Iowa Over Opposition to Clean-Energy Tax Credit
Associated Press: Mitt Romney's green-jobs criticism carries risks
Hill (GA): Transportation group: Atlanta not a bellwether for transit funding votes
Des Moines Register (IA): Senators press EPA to adjust corn-fuel mandate
Chicago Sun-Times (IL): City’s bike sharing program delayed until next year
Times-Picayune (LA): Former climate change skeptic's conversion isn't persuasive to Rep. Scalise
Times Union (NY): Papers show heavy PCB traffic at TCI