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WVU to lead new carbon capture project
Charleston Gazette (09/02/10)
West Virginia University will lead a new effort to help develop technology to capture greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants, as part of a U.S.-China partnership focused on clean energy.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the plan Thursday, less than a week before his planned visit to Charleston to discuss carbon capture and storage, or CCS.

DOE will provide a consortium led by WVU with $12.5 million as part of the new U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center project. Partners in the consortium -- which includes various universities and utility companies -- will match that for a total of $50 million in funding.

Climate change report says rising seas, tropical storms cover Jamestown Island
Daily Press (09/01/10)
JAMESTOWN — As Virginia braces for a possible bashing by Hurricane Earl, two environmental groups on Wednesday released a report that suggests things may only get worse for low-lying areas in Hampton Roads, especially area National Parks.

The report — issued jointly by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization — details the effects of climate change on Colonial National Historical Park, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Shenandoah National Park. Using historical sea-level data, the report authors argue climbing seas threaten large parts of the Colonial Parkway, Jamestown and Yorktown.

Where the James River enters the Chesapeake Bay, the measured rate of water rise between 1927 and 1999 was 1.45 feet per century, about two and a half times the global average, according to the report.

Judge rules against Cuccinelli in U.Va. case
Richmond Times-Dispatch (08/30/10)
A judge ruled today that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli hasn't shown the University of Virginia has documents relevant to his fraud investigation against former U. Va. climate scientist Michael Mann.

In a six-page decision, Albemarle County Judge Paul M. Peatross Jr. also ruled that the attorney general also has not sufficiently "stated the nature of the conduct" believed to constitute possible fraud by Mann alleged to satisfy the requirements of the law under which the office can issue a civil investigative demand for information from the university.

Judge rules against Cuccinelli in U.Va. case
Richmond Times-Dispatch (08/30/10)
A judge ruled today that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli hasn't shown the University of Virginia has documents relevant to his fraud investigation against former U. Va. climate scientist Michael Mann.

In a six-page decision, Albemarle County Judge Paul M. Peatross Jr. also ruled that the attorney general also has not sufficiently "stated the nature of the conduct" believed to constitute possible fraud by Mann alleged to satisfy the requirements of the law under which the office can issue a civil investigative demand for information from the university.

Judge denies Cuccinelli's demand for climate scientist's records; AG not backing down
Roanoke Times (08/30/10)
An Albemarle County judge has blocked Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's quest for documents related to the work of a former University of Virginia climate scientist, ruling that Cuccinelli failed to show why he suspects the professor may have violated a state fraud statute.

Circuit Judge Paul Peatross issued his ruling this morning, 10 days after hearing arguments in the extraordinary clash between the attorney general and UVa.

But Cuccinelli is not backing down. He said he may appeal aspects of the Peatross’ ruling and will issue a new demand for documents that conforms with the judge's ruling.

Judge sides with UVa in climate case, dismissing Cuccinelli demands
Daily Progress (08/30/10)
An Albemarle County judge has dismissed Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's demand that the University of Virginia turn over documents related to the research of a prominent climate change expert.

Cuccinelli, a vocal climate change skeptic, had been investigating the possibility that climatology professor Michael Mann fraudulently obtained five taxpayer-funded research grants while employed at UVa between 1999 and 2005.

In an opinion issued this morning, Judge Paul M. Peatross Jr. ruled that Cuccinelli failed to show a sufficient "reason to believe" that UVa possessed any documents related to Mann that suggested a fraud occurred.

Green energy is buzzing in Radford - Partially running on solar energy, ACME Panel is creating products for energy-efficient buildings
The Roanoke Times (08/29/10)
RADFORD -- Green is the buzzword around a new city business.

ACME Panel, located in a refurbished former rubber plant on the city's west end, produces structural insulated panels.

It's the newest business venture of Joe Fortier, president of Taylor Hollow Construction, which is known for renovations to buildings around Radford.

Energy upgrades for low-income housing get boost
Daily Progress (08/26/10)
The Charlottesville-based Local Energy Alliance Program has been awarded $1.9 million to improve the energy and water efficiency of low-income, multi-family housing in this area and in Hampton Roads.

LEAP will work in partnership with the Green Jobs Alliance, based in Hampton Roads, to provide landlords with investment-grade audits, contracting and financing options, as well as run a tenant engagement program to demonstrate other possible efficiency measures that can be taken in their residences. The program is expected to launch in early 2011.

Biomass firm wins major contract
Richmond Times Dispatch (08/25/10)
A Richmond-based company that produces biomass products for energy has won a contract to supply wood pellets to a European utility company.

Enviva LP's agreement to supply 480,000 metric tons of wood pellets a year to Belgium-based Electrabel is the largest contract ever for the local firm.

Intrinergy was founded in 2004 to develop renewable, biomass energy products aimed at replacing fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

Climate change a security issue, veterans coalition says
Virginian-Pilot (08/25/10)
Robin Eckstein deployed to Iraq as an Army truck driver shortly after the U.S. invasion in 2003. Her job: hauling supplies to U.S. bases from the Baghdad airport.

Eckstein began wondering: Why couldn't the vehicles be more fuel-efficient? Why not use solar generators? Why not insulate the troops' tents?

A more energy-efficient war effort would have meant "that's one extra trip outside the gate I don't have to make," she said. "That's one time I don't have to get shot at."

Vets link climate with defense - The veterans' organization is pushing for clean energy.
Daily Press (08/24/10)
NORFOLK - Connecting the dots between climate change, fossil fuels and national security took center stage in Norfolk Wednesday, during a townhall set up by a national veterans organization pushing clean energy.

Organized by "Operation Free" - a veterans' group designed specifically to move America away from fossil fuels - the event focused on America's dependence on foreign oil imports and fears that an unpredictable climate could lead to more international humanitarian and military operations in the future.

Former Virginia Del. Joe Bouchard, D-Virginia Beach, a former commanding officer of Norfolk Naval Station noted that climate change has local ramifications including concerns out the potential for higher ocean levels along the coasts.

New Madison winery uses green principles
Daily Progress (08/21/10)
ETLAN - Scott Elliff, owner of DuCard Vineyards in Madison County, never thought he would be in the wine business.

A former self-employed business consultant in Northern Virginia, Elliff just opened a 1,200-square-foot, solar-powered winery to sell his vineyard's five varieties of wine. His vineyard sits on the edge of Shenandoah National Park and visitors can sit on the back deck and enjoy gorgeous mountain views.

"I say this is a hobby gone wild," Elliff said. "I'm a suburban kid from Chicago and didn't know what the extension service was or the Farm Bureau."

Global warming a threat to salt-marsh sparrow in Va.
Richmond Times Dispatch (08/15/10)
The salt-marsh sparrow is Virginia's polar bear. The huge white bear and the little brown bird are both threatened by global warming. And what happens to them, scientists say, could say a lot about what happens to us.

Global warming a threat to salt-marsh sparrow in Va.
WPCVA.com (08/13/10)
Gov. Bob McDonnell and leaders of Virginia's electric cooperatives assembled at the State Capitol on July 29 for the ceremonial signing of legislation passed by the 2010 Virginia General Assembly to benefit consumer-members of Virginia's 13 electric cooperatives.

House Bill 88 authorizes Virginia's electric cooperatives to offer members the choice of pre-paying for electric service.

Arlington firm gets energy grant
WRIC.com (08/11/10)
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - An Arlington company has received a $1.3 million federal grant for carbon dioxide storage research.

The U.S. Department Energy announced the grant to Advanced Resources International Inc. on Wednesday. It's 1 of 15 projects totaling more than $21 million to develop technology for the safe and economical storage of carbon dioxide in geologic formations. The projects are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.

Renovations include green techniques
The Progress-Index (08/07/10)
Environmentally friendly features are becoming more common in new construction, but the latest green technology can also be incorporated into historic buildings when they are renovated.

One of the latest projects in Petersburg to use sustainable techniques is Odd Fellows at Petersburg. The project officially opened yesterday with new residents already moving into the building.

2 local firms win federal energy innovation grants
The Daily Progress (08/06/10)
Two local firms are among a group of companies that have been tapped by the federal government for new energy grants.

Mikro, an Albemarle County company, and Virginia Diodes of Charlottesville won grants in Phase II of the Small Business Innovation Research grants from the Department of Energy.

Businesses get in on the green movement
The Progress-Index (07/31/10)
It's not just people that are "going green," but businesses are taking environmentalism seriously too.

Timmons Group with offices in Prince George County takes the green movement to heart in all that they do - from new buildings to offering energy-saving audits. "[The company] is committed to environmental stewardship in our design practices as well as our corporate operations," said Christopher Thompson, a LEED AP Project Manager with Timmons Group. "One of our company's core values states that 'we will be good stewards of the trust placed in us by the clients and the communities that we serve'."

Program trains for green energy jobs - A federal grant funds a variety of training opportunities for the careers of the future
The Progress-Index (07/30/10)
The man sidled up to Dustin Hoffman's aimless young character in "The Graduate" and quietly advised, "Plastics." Now, decades after the iconic film's release, a well-meaning adult might whisper, "Green energy."

But Vincent Randall isn't whispering. He is trumpeting the news about regional offerings for free, stimulus-funded training in green energy jobs -- a field amped these days with more buzz than an angry beehive.

Virginia makes pitch for offshore winds project
The News-Leader (07/17/10)
RICHMOND - Virginia is making the case to the federal government that it's a great place to put offshore wind turbines to the test with a $60 million to $80 million demonstration center.

The state made the pitch this week to the U.S. Department of Energy, which is considering proposals to develop a center where wind turbines would undergo engineering and operational tests. The proposed Virginia test location is in the Hampton Roads area.

While offshore winds have been used widely and for many years in Northern Europe, the U.S. this year approved its first offshore wind farm, in Massachusetts.

Researchers: Va. ready to lead in wind power
Virginian-Pilot (07/14/10)
Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states are positioned to lead an effort to establish an offshore wind technology demonstration program and test center, researchers argue in a new analysis to the federal government.

In it, wind power advocates explain why Hampton Roads is suited to foster the fledgling industry.

Lynchburg College looks to cut power consumption, energy bills
The News & Advance (07/12/10)
As the sun beats down on Schewel Hall at Lynchburg College, high-tech solar panels on the roof convert the sun's energy into electricity.

"They're tapped right into the electrical system of the building," said Dave Fisher, physical plant director at LC.

The solar panels are part of a $4.65 million project to reduce energy consumption at Lynchburg College over an 18-month period. If all goes as planned, the project will fund itself by reducing the college's utility bill by about a third, Fisher said.

Virginia Tech solar house team talks about international win
WSLS.com (07/06/10)
BLACKSBURG - A picture shows the Virginia Tech team celebrating its win in the International Solar Decathlon in Spain last week.

Faculty team members Joseph Wheeler and Robert Dunay say they're glad their hard work paid off.

"It was quite a surprise and quite rewarding that we came out on top," said Wheeler."

"For Virginia Tech to go in there and take gold, I think it's huge. I think we made a statement that the research we do here is the leading research in the world," said Robert Dunay.

Gulf spill gives Va. lawmakers second thoughts on new policy
Virginian-Pilot (06/30/10)
The record oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is causing many Virginia lawmakers to rethink their position on a new state policy, signed into law just before the disaster began, that supports oil drilling off the Virginia coast.

Several legislators on both sides of the aisle say they would vote differently on the issue today, would support repealing the policy next year, or favor amending it when the General Assembly convenes in January.

Kaine suggests wind farm might be better option than offshore oil drilling
Richmond Times Dispatch (05/20/10)
In the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, could the answer for Virginia's offshore energy generation plans be blowing in the wind?

Former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine raised the possibility yesterday in a brief interview.

Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said that the recent spill in the gulf is cause for more closely examining the prospect of drilling for oil and gas off the commonwealth's coast.

Report: Va. offshore drilling would interfere with military ops
The Virginian-Pilot (05/19/10)
Drilling in most of the Virginia coastal waters that the government wants to use for oil and gas exploration would interfere significantly with military operations, the Defense Department said in yet another major road block for offshore drilling.

The Pentagon report showed that roughly three-fourths of a proposed lease site would be completely off limits to oil and gas exploration because it would interfere with training, testing, gunnery exercises and other operations, particularly the Norfolk naval base, the world's largest. Much of the rest of the tract is already heavily used by commercial ships served by busy ports in Hampton Roads and Baltimore.

A darker shade of green
Richmond BizSense (05/17/10)
It already has a tenant that recycles truckloads of construction waste and another that turns glass into sandblasting material. A third turns old wood pallets into bedding for horse stables.

But the Sustainability Park in Chester plans to go even greener.

Brenda Robinson, owner of the eco-conscious industrial park, has joined with Algal Farms owner Jes Sprouse to bring an unused water treatment plant on the site back into operation.

Speakers consider green energy - Issue is at 'crossroads'
The Daily Times (05/05/10)
The Eastern Shore Community College's first-ever green energy symposium got under way Friday at the same time a huge oil slick resulting from the April 20 explosion of an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico was threatening the Louisiana coastline in what some say could be one of the nation's worst environmental disasters.

The coincidence underscored the timeliness of the two-day symposium, which was attended by some three dozen participants and billed as "designed to initiate discussion about the potential economic impact of green technology on Virginia's Eastern Shore."

Press Releases

Virginia Climate Initiative Applauds Governor Tim Kaine's Green Jobs Initiative

GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL ENERGY SALES TAX HOLIDAY

Bipartisan Plan to Cap and Cut Global Warming Pollution Supported by Virginia Climate Initiative

Virginia Climate Initiative Endorses New Business Group Committed to Fighting Global Warming

Opinion/Editorials

Smackdown for Cuccinelli
Richmond Times-Dispatch (08/31/10)
Climate-change skeptics have constructed a logical framework that is proof against all challenge. It goes like this: Those who think human activity is contributing to global warming are engaged in a politically motivated conspiracy. If research indicates human influence on climate, then the climatologist who conducted the research fudged the numbers and should be investigated. If an investigation clears the climatologist of wrongdoing, then it is a whitewash.

It's likely that the ruling by Albemarle County Judge Paul Peatross Jr., concerning Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's civil investigative demand on UVa concerning climatologist Michael Mann, will be subject to similar circular reasoning. And no doubt we'll hear once again the untenable contention that Cuccinelli was not engaged in a political witch hunt.

The AG's supporters contend he was investigating possible fraud against the taxpayers, not Mann's scientific conclusions. But that's like claiming that you're investigating bigamy, not how many wives someone has. The only way Mann could have committed fraud was if he had falsified his conclusions. If Mann had everything right, then there would be no basis for the AG's fishing expedition.

An environmental throwdown: Blacksburg and Roanoke face off in the Green Community Challenge
The Roanoke Times (08/30/10)
Hokies vs. Hoos. Pirates vs. Ninjas. Mac vs. PC. The great rivalries are many, and now there's one more: Roanoke vs. Blacksburg.

OK, so maybe that one isn't on par with Alien vs. Predator, but the two communities are facing off to see which can be greener.

ICLEI -- Local Government for Sustainability (yes, that is their official, long-winded name) and the Virginia Municipal League chose four communities to participate in their Green Community Challenge. The others are Loudoun County and Norfolk.

New facility will give a jolt to economy, environment
Progress-Index (08/24/10)
Anytime a major company announces it is opening a new production facility or expanding it is welcome news. But when that company announces it will be producing new technology items that will help our nation use alternative energy, then it is an exceptionally welcome development.

The DuPont Co. says it is building a production facility near Chester that will use new technology to improve the performance of batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles. The Delaware-based company said that the facility will begin production early next year and will produce nanofiber separators that can increase the performance and safety of lithium ion batteries.

The new $20 million facility will create 11 manufacturing jobs and will be located in the Pre-Con building off Jeff Davis Highway near the Route 10 exit on Interstate 95, according to Richmond BizSense.

Besa: Senate Must Move Our Nation Forward . . .
Times Dispatch (08/04/10)
As we witness the daily drama in the Gulf -- the worst industry-related environmental catastrophe in our history -- the deadliest coal mining disaster in 40 years, and sweat through the hottest first seven months of any year on record, the need and urgency to move forward with a clean energy and climate policy should be crystal clear.

Across the country, people are seeing firsthand what's at stake in this debate, and we're looking for more leadership from Washington, not excuses and delays, to chart a new course for America. Now more than ever, it is time for the Senate to seize the opportunity to end the status quo and put us on a course to a clean energy future. However, it seems the senators have chosen to ignore that opportunity . . . at least for now.

A Good Case for Offshore Wind Farms
News & Advance (07/21/10)
A testing field for offshore wind turbines may be in the future for Virginia. Such a demonstration center could pave the way toward making the state a leader in the production of electricity from wind, an infinitely renewable energy resource.

Reports about the demonstration center also come at a time when the nation is still reeling from the effects of the British Petroleum oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Any move toward wind energy could lessen the demand for oil — whether is comes from overseas or off U.S. shores.

The state made a pitch to the U.S. Department of Energy last week to develop a $60 million to $80 million demonstration center where wind turbines would undergo engineering and operational tests. The proposed location is in the Hampton Roads area. The project, as The Associated Press reported, would place fixed offshore wind turbines in three locations ranging from shallow to intermediate depth waters.

Time For Action On Warming
The Daily News-Record (07/17/10)
IN THE WAKE of the worst recession since the Great Depression, through the din of Climategate and talking heads, there is a tendency to overlook how deep and wide is public support for doing something about global warming.

All the relevant scientific, government and business organizations have made it clear they accept the conclusions of the IPCC that manmade climate change is serious and must be dealt with by dramatically reduced use of fossil fuels and more enlightened land use practices.

While ExxonMobil and Shell Oil had already gotten on board, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) itself at first urged further research on whether the warming was manmade (anthropogenic). But now even the AAPG seems to have thrown in the towel.

The cost of skirting clean-air regulations
The Virginian-Pilot (02/09/10)
The public-health dangers posed by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative's plans for a power plant in Surry County are well-documented. The utility predicts the plant will spew more than 3,000 tons each of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide every year. That's six times the sulfur pollutants that will be released at Dominion Virginia Power's newest plant in Wise County. Those gases create ozone, or smog, that worsens asthma, emphysema and other lung diseases. They also will do damage to wallets across Hampton Roads.

Generate jobs and power the green way
The Roanoke Times (02/07/10)
The construction of nuclear power plants is a potentially powerful engine for economic growth and job creation. After three decades without starting a single new plant, the nuclear power industry is ready to build again. Electric utilities in the United States have submitted applications to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for permits to build and operate nearly 30 new plants. These units are necessary to meet the country's increasing need for electricity that is clean and affordable.

The fight against a big, polluting coal-fired plant has many fronts, at the local and state level
Daily Press (02/07/10)
The battle over whether a big coal-fired power plant should be built in southeastern Virginia doesn't have just one front. While opponents have been focusing on one site, centered on Dendron in Surry County, it's been all quiet on the Western Front - out a little farther, in Sussex County. The plant's developer, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, has been quietly working to clear the way in Sussex, if necessary. And it has arrived at the same place as with the Surry site: getting the blessing of local authorities.

Letters to the Editor

Perriello and energy
Danville News (08/22/10)
I applaud Rep. Tom Perriello, D-Fifth District, for doing double shifts, and I want to thank Perriello for his blueprint for "energy independence."

Energy independence is a very important issue with me, and for the last five years I have been asking all our leadership for an "Energy Independence Day" (preferably on July 3 or 5). No one has wanted to touch it.

How many big oil spills does it take to take the initiative to establish a U.S. and Virginia Energy Independence Day? Will it take 100 big oil spills to do it? I hope not!

Wind will make a better source of energy
The Roanoke Times (07/20/10)
"I don't want them in my back yard" is an honest response to wind turbines, though many people find them beautiful. Wind is especially attractive when compared with mountaintop removal coal mining, a major source of our local electricity. Steve Hanes and a few others offer all kinds of other arguments, ignoring pesky facts.

Are turbines noisy? The National Renewable Energy Laboratory reports that an operating modern wind farm at a distance of 750 to 1,000 feet "is no louder than a kitchen refrigerator or moderately quiet room." The nearest home to the proposed Poor Mountain project is more than 2,000 feet away.

Patience running out on energy passage
Daily Progress (07/06/10)
On June 26, 2009, the House of Representatives took bold action by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act, a comprehensive clean energy bill that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of jobs and help solve the climate crisis.

Now, more than one year later, the Senate is still debating clean energy and climate legislation.

American citizens, inspired by the House's dedication to clean energy, have waited patiently for the Senate to pass a comparable bill. But we are getting impatient.

We have much to gain from clean energy
The Roanoke Times (07/05/10)
The oil spill crisis and residents of the gulf deserve nothing less than a comprehensive solution that prevents this from occurring again. President Obama made this clear in his Oval Office speech when he called on Congress to pass comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation.

In his Oval Office speech, Obama said "the tragedy unfolding on our coast is the most painful and powerful reminder yet that the time to embrace a clean energy future is now. Now is the moment for this generation to embark on a national mission to unleash American innovation and seize control of our own destiny."

Consider the true costs of relying on coal
The Roanoke Times (04/08/10)
Can you imagine the panic in the country if dozens of workers were killed in an accident at a nuclear facility or power plant? Recent accidents in West Virginia and China highlight the poor safety record of coal compared to nuclear energy.

In addition to safety and health concerns, the production and use of coal has a negative impact on the environment, involves massive transportation efforts, contributes to greenhouse gas and toxic metal emissions, and produces large amounts of waste in sludge ponds.

Fight against high energy bills by going geothermal
The Roanoke Times (04/07/10)
Every month, people complain about their electric bill but seem to do little about it. One solution would be the use of geothermal heating and cooling. The geothermal heat pump is called a no-sacrifice technology because it benefits everyone: consumer, utilities and the environment. It is capable of providing heating, cooling and hot water in one package.

Columns/Blogs

Virginia League of Conservation Voters Honors 2010 "Legislative Heroes"
Blue Virginia (06/30/10)
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters 2010 legislative scorecard is out, and there are some "heroes" - 100% voting records on the environment - that deserve a round of applause. Here they are, and also read "hero" Scott Surovell's press release after the flip. Thanks to everyone who was a champion for the environment, and shame on all those - mostly, but not all, Republicans - with low (e.g., under 65% or so) environmental ratings. In this day and age, with everything we know, there's simply no excuse.