CU/CEM Archives:
CD-ROM archives of Clearing Up and California Energy Markets are available for purchase and delivery.
[CU 1432 / March 15, 2010]
Let the Trading Begin: CPUC OKs Tradable RECs Rules
After years of working on the issue, California approved a framework for a renewable-energy credits market with a unanimous vote at the California PUC Thursday. Under the new rules, investor-owned utilities can meet up to 25 percent of their annual renewables portfolio standard procurement with tradable RECs that would be price-capped at $50/MWh. The decision says a bundled energy deal includes energy and RECs that would serve California loads without needing intermediary energy transactions. All other deals will be designated as REC-only.
Big-Screen TV Efficiency Bill Gets Second Chance in Washington State
A stalled bill proposing higher efficiency standards for big-screen TVs and smaller entertainment electronics will get another look in the Washington Legislature's special session that starts March 15. The bill died in the regular session after the House refused a watered-down version from the Senate. Managing to cross the finish line were more than 20 laws to beef up the state's energy strategy, advance green jobs, and track greenhouse gas emissions. Also, while tax break for TransAlta's 1400-MW coal-fired plant will likely survive, expiring aluminum-smelter breaks will have to try again next year.
Montana DEQ Extends Comment Period on Colstrip Ponds
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and PPL Montana have put together a draft agreement to address groundwater contamination from seepage at the Colstrip Power Project's wastewater ponds. The public comment period on the proposed Administrative Order on Consent was supposed to close Friday, but DEQ has extended it for another month, until April 12. The draft agreement covers past and current seepage from the facility's multiple ponds, and says a comprehensive risk-based approach is needed to cope with groundwater contamination from the seepage.
To Barge More Fish or Not, That's Still the QuestionNOAA Fisheries staffers planned to meet last Friday with the region's independent science panel, hoping to get its blessing for more barging and less spill this low-water spring. Touting some new data, the feds say barged fish did better than inriver migrants in the low-flow year of 2007, but the court-ordered spill program kept most from taking advantage of the free ride downriver.
Also In Clearing Up This Week . . .
- To Barge More Fish or Not, That's Still the Question
- Energy Bills Make Minimal Progress in Idaho Legislature
- POTOMAC: Obama Pushes Bipartisan Deal on Climate Legislation
- BC Hydro Inks First Batch of Contracts in Clean Power Call
...And Much More!
Need to look up an acronym? Check our reader's guide!
Did you miss this column because you aren't a current subscriber? See for yourself how NewsData reporters put events in an accurate and meaningful context -- request a sample of either or both California Energy Markets and Clearing Up.
Please contact webmaster@newsdata.com with questions or comments about this site. Contact the editor if you have questions or comments about Clearing Up content.
