tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74941962024-03-07T10:46:27.882-08:00California Energy BlogNews and Views on Energy Issues In CaliforniaCalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comBlogger1463125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-7710082988198712192009-12-01T09:46:00.000-08:002009-12-01T09:55:14.209-08:00A Second Front in the Climate Change War<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WPN264bnIAEPC_3NXH3_Suus-B61dIZlrCVzfSK52CYAx9-9Cpl5_dlSOxzwBAf02EmjYifK5-H4JAuxkYuN2gpWEA7PKwwwCjdEE7-kPItxxq4KKXR1-wxK69VFQ852pHJ7/s1600/imagesCASG15D8.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 116px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 116px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410327766125771378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WPN264bnIAEPC_3NXH3_Suus-B61dIZlrCVzfSK52CYAx9-9Cpl5_dlSOxzwBAf02EmjYifK5-H4JAuxkYuN2gpWEA7PKwwwCjdEE7-kPItxxq4KKXR1-wxK69VFQ852pHJ7/s320/imagesCASG15D8.jpg" /></a>Some sobering global warming commentary from UC San Diego scientists puts<a href="http://www.epa.gov/captrade/"> Cap & Trade </a>in perspective.<br /><div></div><br /><div>According to the scientists, the preoccupation with CO2 is all well and good, but none of our carbon suppression efforts will save the earth from catostrophic events like melting ice sheets-- that train has left the station.</div><br /><div></div><div>Instead, the scientists argue that we should be focusing on <a href="http://igsd.org/documents/PR_WWF-Allianzreport_23nov.pdf">"fast action strategies" that target other pollutants </a>like low level ozone, methane, soot, and hydrofluorocarbons. If we make a dent in these pollutants, then we can avoid the "tipping point" of a global 3.6 degree warm-up, which supposedly has apocalyptic implications.</div><br /><div></div><div>More noise amid the cacophony of voices that is the climate change debate, or a game-changing environmental strategy? You decide...</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/29/mike-lee-emissions-story/">Carbon dioxide not the only climate enemy </a>[San Diego Union Tribune]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-73838126075491054362009-11-30T09:15:00.001-08:002009-11-30T09:24:44.335-08:00Solar Sparks Neighbor Wars<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapqThSBWVN1QsEBtPpWEfCZSxoFZ5fJcNvSj0sMzsrxAC4N1Ic8jeOOzdVKx9CzaNaEsCu98O0KDzSKqU1V_itWChl8-Y1QCuk6y3uWXfc1KB-hkgzJFU6KubeJC2woq4S7QE/s1600/imagesCARYCSUP.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 100px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 116px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409948839374113906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapqThSBWVN1QsEBtPpWEfCZSxoFZ5fJcNvSj0sMzsrxAC4N1Ic8jeOOzdVKx9CzaNaEsCu98O0KDzSKqU1V_itWChl8-Y1QCuk6y3uWXfc1KB-hkgzJFU6KubeJC2woq4S7QE/s320/imagesCARYCSUP.jpg" /></a>Despite all the government incentives to install solar, it just gets harder and harder to... install solar.<br /><div></div><br /><div>We know all about the potential roadblocks to large-scale solar installations-- conservationists, NIMBY's who block transmission lines, etc., but conventional wisdom has always been that it is easier to put up single-home rooftop solar arrays. Now the Los Angeles Times dispells that myth with a look at the increasingly common courtroom fights between Homeowners' Associations and individual property owners who want to go solar.</div><br /><div></div><div>More and more, HOA's are trying to block solar panels on individual properties, primarily for aesthetic purposes. Homeowners are fighting back, armed witha 1978 law called the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-solar-panels30-2009nov30,0,5567208.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fnews%2Flocal+%28L.A.+Times+-+California++Local+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Solar Rights Act </a>which seeks to safeguard a property owner's right to install solar.</div><br /><div></div><div>Language similar to the Solar Rights Bill was written into the House version of energy legislation earlier this year, but it could be struck in conference...</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-solar-panels30-2009nov30,0,5567208.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fnews%2Flocal+%28L.A.+Times+-+California++Local+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Solar Panels Causing Some Storms</a> [Los Angeles Times]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-68941215970161748332009-11-24T15:07:00.000-08:002009-11-24T15:14:06.577-08:00The Devel You Know...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8cZb84DI5hcbV1Tbmtbvz-kNDyioOUNCGUChxmTl_wZbWeuh3DwtcVGNj-VenSnKqw3WKaEA32o39Zd2LzVnHkdcGoqxJ7Sli81eOFHsw3AYGU5Tz21OGP1f23xLy__ynJEs/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 126px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 87px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407812335799230642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8cZb84DI5hcbV1Tbmtbvz-kNDyioOUNCGUChxmTl_wZbWeuh3DwtcVGNj-VenSnKqw3WKaEA32o39Zd2LzVnHkdcGoqxJ7Sli81eOFHsw3AYGU5Tz21OGP1f23xLy__ynJEs/s320/images.jpg" /></a>PG&E's <a href="http://www.pge.com/myhome/edusafety/systemworks/diablocanyon/">Diablo Canyon</a> nuclear plant's operation license is set to expire in 2025. But PG&E isn't waiting to seek an extension. The company announced today that it will seek a 20 year extension from the Nuclear REgulatory Commission now. That would extend the life to 2045.<br /><div></div><br /><div>To put the 20 year extension in perspective, that is only 5 years longer than it took to build the reactor in the first place, which had to undergo years of earthquake testing.</div><div></div><br /><div>Diablo Canyon is one of only two-- count 'em- tow nuclear plants in California. It produces enough energy to power 3 million homes each year.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://pacbiztimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1261&Itemid=1">PG&E Asks for 20 more years at Diablo Canyon</a> [Pacific Coast Business Times]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-86741500986485555362009-11-23T09:47:00.000-08:002009-11-23T10:01:23.354-08:00Pack Up The Moving Van<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8S-7uBEY11p07f15iWkrSdGCUr173ii8q_H4uBEoqEGEXYeO0CQ6NfVyaD5KApoZAGyXSCgin0ABv0tWey-PWIO9JDnV3twZA6nghN_P-k9NM23dAQYj7HtW7PX2YnTIvlll/s1600/CalifHereIGo109.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407360388635582578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8S-7uBEY11p07f15iWkrSdGCUr173ii8q_H4uBEoqEGEXYeO0CQ6NfVyaD5KApoZAGyXSCgin0ABv0tWey-PWIO9JDnV3twZA6nghN_P-k9NM23dAQYj7HtW7PX2YnTIvlll/s320/CalifHereIGo109.gif" /></a>This is perhaps more a general economic commentary than an energy commentary, but because it involves a wind-energy start-up, I figure it's fair game for this space.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Windstream Technologies, Inc., is based in Manhattan Beach, just south of Los Angeles. The company makes small wind turbines called "turbomills," designed for use in urban settings. At first glance, Windstream appears to be just another of the many entrepreneurial start-ups seeking to take advantage of California's commitment to alternative energy.</div><br /><div></div><div>Then this: Windstream put out a press release today announcing that the company is moving, lock, stock, and barrel, to Indiana, where it will site its development and production factility, create 260 local jobs, and "invest millions."</div><br /><div></div><div>Most troubling is this quote from company founder Dan Bates: <em>"It was clear from our first discussions that Indiana is looking to become a leader in the green economy and WindStream is proud to be part of that positive effort..."</em></div><div></div><br /><div>The implication is that California is NOT trying to become a leader in the green economy.</div><div></div><br /><div>Indidana offered tax credits, training grants, and facility improvements.</div><div></div><br /><div>We have no way of knowing what, if anything, California offered because the company doesn't say, but you have to believe that the company wouldn't leave the beach in Southern California for rural southeast Indiana if the offer had been even close.</div><div></div><br /><div>Is California committed to a green energy economy or just to green energy?</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=38851#middle">Wind Energy Startup Moving to Indiana</a> [Insideinidianabusiness.com]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-75225945596526327242009-11-20T09:56:00.000-08:002009-11-20T10:04:36.508-08:00The Darker Side of SmartMeters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-z506bYCzsjkAYaT5bcX9sJ_H5L2bZGKiFl3mOgJ8zV-LXGzxPi-ekB6k6Sd95qvj7QUNARzUmXR2YaJwt483WA21QS44CSaPuqO7GYjMOqjemGi49vlFDsxsIrmMnO4kWOq/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 95px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406248039382844738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-z506bYCzsjkAYaT5bcX9sJ_H5L2bZGKiFl3mOgJ8zV-LXGzxPi-ekB6k6Sd95qvj7QUNARzUmXR2YaJwt483WA21QS44CSaPuqO7GYjMOqjemGi49vlFDsxsIrmMnO4kWOq/s320/images.jpg" /></a>As if PG&E didn't have enough <a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/11/pg-smartmeter-woes-spreading-north.html">problems with SmartMeters</a>...<br /><div></div><br /><div>David Baker's article in today's San Francicso Chronicle reveals yet another nasty feature to the new technology: they allow PG&E to shut off power to a home remotely. No sending out a technician, just flip a switch.</div><br /><div></div><div>So, in these "brother, can you spare a dime" days, it's a lot easier to cut off someone's electricity for non-payment. Apparently that fact is not lost on PG&E because the number of low-income homes that were cut off grew by more than 27% in the twelve month period ending in August.</div><br /><div></div><div>The obvious question is, "If your SmartMeter fouls up and jacks up your electric bill to stratospheric levels, leaving you unable or unwilling to pay the erroneous bill, will PG&E cut you off?" An impossible question to answer, but the fact remains the utility COULD do it very easily.</div><div></div><br /><div>SmartMeters are turning into a PR nightmare for PG&E.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/20/MNEL1ANIO7.DTL">Utility shut-offs soar for poor PG&E customers</a> [San Francisco Chronicle]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-57374428289413705152009-11-19T10:20:00.000-08:002009-11-19T10:32:40.554-08:00Ignoring the Real Problems, State Will Now Regulate TV's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV4ICcEP-IwkaVrlNrOZOO6TbgHAoK48Vq0ZkQ3vr6iLlsD9klzZMlwpo7pUGMTtD039LdYTtMtfPMMEPSGNYrA7-kBXxczKsP3QHuKYDoJ0S4qMIo6lozG6oAEv9u_IyQODN/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 130px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 87px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405884321994399506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV4ICcEP-IwkaVrlNrOZOO6TbgHAoK48Vq0ZkQ3vr6iLlsD9klzZMlwpo7pUGMTtD039LdYTtMtfPMMEPSGNYrA7-kBXxczKsP3QHuKYDoJ0S4qMIo6lozG6oAEv9u_IyQODN/s320/images.jpg" /></a>By now you've probably herd that the TV regulations passed on 5-0 vote. Starting in 2011, some marginally onerous rules kick in governing how much power your TV can draw, then in 2013, the regs go from being marginally onerous to really onerous.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Currently about 75 of the California TV market would meet the 2011 standards, but that percentage plummets for the 2013 standards.</div><br /><div></div><div>On the one hand, it is good news that 58-inch TV's and larger are exempt, but on the other hand, you are clearly overcompensating for some definicancy in your life if you own a 58-inch TV.</div><br /><div></div><div>The Consumer Electronics Associatioin still might sue over the matter, which would just further gum up the legal system. A lose-lose proposition.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/2334618.html?mi_rss=Business">Televisions must use less energy, California regulators tell makers </a>[Sacramento Bee]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-79640772914238820622009-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:002009-11-18T09:21:42.083-08:00Going In Different Directions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviiL8sMp6zkUxGXC0yRNub-VNDd2zWz_cOJaMfKMHRsLtIUnQhSmA1Nt9arYDeInwq0k850y8BvHmvAVAafdVDiIPx97m2aonxDgkPN2KUEkNViaQuTv8uKbGqIziPiZ05FHi/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 101px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405494954654095554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviiL8sMp6zkUxGXC0yRNub-VNDd2zWz_cOJaMfKMHRsLtIUnQhSmA1Nt9arYDeInwq0k850y8BvHmvAVAafdVDiIPx97m2aonxDgkPN2KUEkNViaQuTv8uKbGqIziPiZ05FHi/s320/images.jpg" /></a>If you read the print edition of the Wall Street Journal, there is an interesting juxtaposition of articles that says a lot about energy in this country today.<br /><div></div><br /><div>On page B4 is an article by Rebecca Smith about the new trend among traditional power companies (AES, Duke, Progess Energy) to JV with, or seek financing from, China. In AES's case, the company recently sold a 15% stake in the company to the Chinese sovereign wealth fund. </div><br /><div></div><div>Smith notes that, in 2011 and 2012, energy companies have $100 billion in debt coming due that needs to be refinanced and banks may or may not be lending on that scale, so China is a palatable option. </div><br /><div></div><div>Another interesting point in the Smith article is a quote from Duke's Chief Technology officer that states that the Chinese can build a coal-gasification plant in three years when it takes Duke and other US companies six. Is that due to superior technology and resources or does it stem from the regulatory requirements heaped on US companies? </div><br /><div></div><div>Now for the juxtaposition....</div><div></div><br /><div>On the facing page, page B5, Jerry DiColo has a piece about solar panel manufacturers cutting out local distributors and setting up relationships with teams of installers in local markets to sell and promote its brands. </div><div></div><br /><div>This represents an invesment in local American companies that is possible, no doubt, because the panel manufacturers don't have the crushing debt load coming due that large energy companies do, and because they can count on a stimulus-bump in panel consumption.</div><div></div><br /><div>Either way, it's a fairly stark portrait of two sectors within the energy industry going in two different directions....</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704538404574537712028807656.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">U.S. Power Companies Seek Out Chines Allies </a>[Wall Street Journal]</div><div></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704431804574541632529226084.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond">Solar Panel Makers Seek Local Ties</a> [Wall Street Journal]</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-39520732143669378682009-11-17T09:51:00.000-08:002009-11-17T09:58:54.343-08:00PG&E's SmartMeter Woes Spreading North<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeSqqYzHfm_S4zYxl8UtMJE3wTQXtnTMD2kXO7Kprg4zPx2tIbMNZ9M7hvl0PXtHUhyphenhyphennofSLGpxwY7C1wi_Pm9gKgQESr4Y5XnRlPRwuwlp7ofBY0NWRoPQ618yodSXld7oGO/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 79px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405133516551978450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeSqqYzHfm_S4zYxl8UtMJE3wTQXtnTMD2kXO7Kprg4zPx2tIbMNZ9M7hvl0PXtHUhyphenhyphennofSLGpxwY7C1wi_Pm9gKgQESr4Y5XnRlPRwuwlp7ofBY0NWRoPQ618yodSXld7oGO/s320/images.jpg" /></a>First <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_13801866?source=rss">it was Bakersfield</a>, now it's the Bay Area. Consumers are not happy with the new<a href="http://www.pge.com/smartmeter/"> PG&E SmartMeters</a>.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The San Jose Mercury News reports receiving 30 complaints from consumers after its story about the unrest in Bakersfield. The Merc also notes that <a href="http://www.turn.org/">TURN </a>is collecting complaints which means the advocacy group is actively engaged on the issue.</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/11/tell-it-to-judge.html">Trial lawyers are creeping out of their coffins and sharpening their fangs</a>... this issue is not going away.</div><div></div><br /><div>More on the Bay Area developments in the Merc:</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_13801866?source=rss">Complaints Grow About PG&E SmartMeters</a> [San Jose Mercury News]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-51682545962124822742009-11-16T09:35:00.000-08:002009-11-16T10:01:44.436-08:00Opposition to Ivanpah Comes Out of Its Shell<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrb8MQjIDXHljreaJzxZss6d5yT92e-cyndbfdAf0WseRyXuiaxM1-hbeu-iINEkLPURIPBdqXNdzLz4NShrfAV96WRXAMkMIMq3gr5X-F9CVL842PRpOERWnykS01Z2X8j5d5/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 83px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404762932272303970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrb8MQjIDXHljreaJzxZss6d5yT92e-cyndbfdAf0WseRyXuiaxM1-hbeu-iINEkLPURIPBdqXNdzLz4NShrfAV96WRXAMkMIMq3gr5X-F9CVL842PRpOERWnykS01Z2X8j5d5/s320/images.jpg" /></a>Last week we posted about <a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/11/look-for-union-label.html">the deal Brightsource (and its contractor Bechtel) cut with the unions </a>to build the massive <a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/ivanpah/index.html">Ivanpah solar installation</a> in San Bernardino County. At the time it seemed like all of the political prerequisites were in place (alternative energy, union jobs in a high unemployment areas, tax revenue, etc..) and that it would be smooth sailing for the project.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Not so fast says San Bernardino County Supervisor <a href="http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/bosd1/">Brad Mitzvelt </a>who is seeking to trump all of the aforementioned political assets with a turtle. Tortoise, actually-- lots of them. Desert tortoises.</div><br /><div></div><div>In the latest manifestation of the clash between conservationists and alternative energy companies, Mitzfelt is arguing that the project will eat up too much invaluable habitat for the desert tortoise. He has the support of environmental groups.</div><div></div><br /><div>Mitzfelt is also arguing that the revenue projections are specious becuase most of the economic benefit would go to Nevada and other parts of California.</div><div></div><br /><div>Public hearings on the draft EIR are pending...stay tuned.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_13794772?source=rss">Mitzfelt: Put solar project somewhere else</a> [San Bernardino Sun]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-31943327005505251432009-11-13T08:39:00.001-08:002009-11-13T08:46:45.801-08:00Was SMUD Ripped Off By Wall Street?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAicP3iC6kYMdgPvjbYCwAQB5xR6Cyc0ZYM6PEicALNdXRO22i3d4m_I5z1XgBOZQ3yRlhnSw7-AXhmF7ifJlrGA-3PYYqnSZ92itAbqSDVmJ1-5UexMMqMkDRi5crh4lBMPs/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 85px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403630600130538546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAicP3iC6kYMdgPvjbYCwAQB5xR6Cyc0ZYM6PEicALNdXRO22i3d4m_I5z1XgBOZQ3yRlhnSw7-AXhmF7ifJlrGA-3PYYqnSZ92itAbqSDVmJ1-5UexMMqMkDRi5crh4lBMPs/s320/images.jpg" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Municipal_Utility_District">SMUD</a> filed a lawsuite in yesterday in federal court alleging that Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Merill Lynch defrauded the utility by riggin bids related to the <a href="http://www.allbusiness.com/personal-finance/378584-1.html">muncipal derivative</a>s that SMUD invested in over a 9 year period. In the aggreagate, SMUD did more than a billion dollars worth of these deals.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Essentially what happed was that SMUD took money raised through bond offerings and, before spending it on designated projects, invested that money in municipal derivatives. Those derivatives were hedged with another kind of derivative. Competitive bidding among the firms involved would get SMUD the best deal, but now SMUD smells a rat and it is going after the Wall Street firms.</div><br /><div></div><div>At least 6 other city and county governments around the country are filing similar suits.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2322079.html?mi_rss=Top%20Stories">SMUD lawsuit alleges it was defrauded by financial companies</a> [Sacramento Bee]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-47896589257546487302009-11-12T10:42:00.000-08:002009-11-12T10:54:18.158-08:00Look For the Union Label<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZDfK5CjJSrrvQFWaswoEp04W4gBN1TaWfN1DZwt4uDvR1poIjAXXFhj33hKAgnK16MbTiSV_xO3P8rW6Xm7jURtwyLdVEf6kbaRpguMTSUEeh6cyhUaODuUOD7ouNwp6zvdp/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 118px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 93px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403292393544357394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZDfK5CjJSrrvQFWaswoEp04W4gBN1TaWfN1DZwt4uDvR1poIjAXXFhj33hKAgnK16MbTiSV_xO3P8rW6Xm7jURtwyLdVEf6kbaRpguMTSUEeh6cyhUaODuUOD7ouNwp6zvdp/s320/images.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.bechtel.com/">Bechtel</a> the general contactor on <a href="http://www.brightsourceenergy.com/">Brightsource's</a> massive <a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/ivanpah/index.html">Ivanpah solar energy pant </a>in San Beranrdino County, near the Nevada state line, has cut a deal with the unions reports Leslie Berkman of the Riverside Press Enterprise.<br /><div></div><br /><div>According to the <a href="http://www.sbctc.org/">Building and Construction Trades Council of Calfornia</a>, the 440 MW facility will generate $250 million in union wages and 4 million man hours of work in an area that has been hit even harder than most of the rest of the country by the recession (current unemployment is 14.2%).</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_ivanpah12.4522948.html">Inland Solar Project Tapping Large Union Workforce</a> [Riverside Press Enterprise]</div><br /><div></div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-42427406454985500912009-11-11T09:33:00.000-08:002009-11-11T09:45:16.533-08:00When It Comes to T-Ridge, Too Much Is Never Enough!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTHrQdjRdl77Wiom7GAy3VDvWQuPOe6MUb579n3FQObEsk3CAH1auVyzSAn_ZYsIf1ZYhLoF5V0_KoJfyktLiW68Pmrm0g4yWUDk9J5vkWA0OdA2OIgGx8VRBcXIWTiOXQANE/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 98px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402903333824961234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTHrQdjRdl77Wiom7GAy3VDvWQuPOe6MUb579n3FQObEsk3CAH1auVyzSAn_ZYsIf1ZYhLoF5V0_KoJfyktLiW68Pmrm0g4yWUDk9J5vkWA0OdA2OIgGx8VRBcXIWTiOXQANE/s320/images.jpg" /></a>The offshore drilling saga that is <a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/03/tranquillong-ridge-gift-that-keeps-on.html">Tranquillon Ridge </a>simply refuses to die. The project, which was killed by the State Lands Commission in January, could have new life, thanks to John <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/04/ED101AF6I7.DTL">Garamendi's election to Congress</a>.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The erstwhile Lieutenant Governor and ardent foe of offshore drilling, cast the deciding "no" vote on the commission, but he's gone now, and it is largely expected that Arnold will appoing a new Lt. Gov who is pro-drilling, thus swaying a potential vote in <a href="http://www.pxp.com/">PXP's</a> favor.</div><div></div><br /><div>The Ventura County Star has all the details, but the net-net is that PXP can re-submit an application for T-Ridge and it won't even have to do a new EIR because the last one is still fresh. Things could proceed very quickly.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/10/oil-tax-resurfaces.html">Pedro Nava</a>, perhaps the most outspoken foe of drilling in general and T-Ridge in particular, has vowed to fight the nomination of whomever Arnold names, in an effort to stall the process until Arnold gets out of office.</div><div></div><br /><div>For more on the scenario, check out the Star's write-up:</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/11/governor-gains-leverage-in-offshore-oil-drilling/">Governor gains leverage in coast oil drilling fight</a> [Ventura County Star]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-85501060770453585872009-11-10T10:03:00.000-08:002009-11-10T10:08:46.010-08:00Tell It To The Judge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAYhBAfKbEYf5ukgKKw6gCgVULekwIh-N7W95O3VPhlJnCbvnPIrHKYV_ZU6ZB3wefBuAmpdx4YfqeYVUTesBXzyy7mHAnAHrnHUT3Jbm0GLHA50ue6jHudidZ_HG7uWfsXxA/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 142px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402538368479004114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAYhBAfKbEYf5ukgKKw6gCgVULekwIh-N7W95O3VPhlJnCbvnPIrHKYV_ZU6ZB3wefBuAmpdx4YfqeYVUTesBXzyy7mHAnAHrnHUT3Jbm0GLHA50ue6jHudidZ_HG7uWfsXxA/s320/images.jpg" /></a>A few weeks ago, we told you about the <a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-meters-leave-pg-customers-smarting.html">widespread public anger over PG&E's Smartmeter program</a>. Then we told you about <a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/10/pg-going-above-beyond-on-net-metering.html">PG&E stepping up to bail out the solar industry </a>by agreeing to an Arnold-brokered deal to increase the amount of power taken through net-metering to 3.5%.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Well PG&E is back in the news for its Smartmeter program-- this time as the defendant in a class action lawsuit brought by a Bakersfield man who saw his bill double. </div><br /><div></div><div>The company is fighting the suit. Details are in David Baker's write-up in the San Francisco Chrnicle:</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/10/BU851AHKGA.DTL">PG&E sued over Smartmeters, soaring bills</a> [San Francisco Chronicle]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-60326650476291657772009-11-09T09:41:00.001-08:002009-11-09T09:54:30.024-08:00Speaking Up for Nuclear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_tz3TTguwMD942Ea28o8SwKrPmPo344gQ08TSy68B0YpNTzsbxwPEyDZRrIgx85Qkt4PFth3RSy3G33OPmyThyphenhyphentjvK5iLfIG2AmNyH_Y7Bx23ThxcTPNx31Arxmczj0nzxyt/s1600-h/candris.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 186px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402163240553224642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_tz3TTguwMD942Ea28o8SwKrPmPo344gQ08TSy68B0YpNTzsbxwPEyDZRrIgx85Qkt4PFth3RSy3G33OPmyThyphenhyphentjvK5iLfIG2AmNyH_Y7Bx23ThxcTPNx31Arxmczj0nzxyt/s320/candris.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.westinghousenuclear.com/">Westinghouse Electric</a> CEO <a href="http://www.westinghousenuclear.com/Our_Company/Executive_Biographies/aris_candris_bio.shtm">Aris Candris </a>published an oped in today's Wall Street Journal that, in making the case for more nuclear power, seeks to address every possible anti-nuclear argument. It also wraps itself in the political mantle of Barack Obama and embraces the political catch-phrase du jour-- <em>job creation</em>.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Dr. Candris (whose company builds nuclear power plants) sees an economic windfall for Westinghouse and he is putting on the full court press.</div><div></div><br /><div>The line of argument basically goes like this: </div><br /><div></div><div><em>- Electricity deman is projected to grow 21% by 2030;</em> </div><div></div><br /><div><em>- There is a national mandate to use more renewables; </em></div><div></div><br /><div><em>- Barack likes nuclear and <a href="http://kerry.senate.gov/cleanenergyjobsandamericanpower/pdf/bill.pdf">Barbara Boxer's and John Kerry's Senate bill</a> provides federal loan guarantees to fund new nuclear plants;</em> </div><div></div><br /><div><em>- Nuclear means new jobs in engineering and design, and lots more in construtction;</em><br /></div><br /><div><em>- The French have figured out how to recycle spent nuclear fuel rods.</em> </div><div></div><br /><div>Conclusion: "What's the problem?"</div><div></div><br /><div>Here's the link to the oped:</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704224004574489702243465472.html">Why the U.S. Needs Nuclear Power </a>[Wall Street Journal]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-1720487132206189252009-11-06T09:15:00.000-08:002009-11-06T09:26:20.432-08:00Go Fly A Kite!<img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 107px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401042878356776834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cPOgffxbvmcmZMWu3IOTdCdhejM1AelpGF-7M89ytHYqrXmm88cV0Bt-DX-d0TFnVNwKJ2-iZiUjW_tV7Hd3yx-vNIe9pa26MJLeqcJAMAQlEgtd7gQqAhcoEZ3GFop8dMJr/s320/images.jpg" />And from the news of the weird file, I commend to your attention, David Baker's piece in the San Francisco Chronicle today. (I suspect Baker had some fun with this one.)<br /><div></div><br /><div>Adding a new twist to wind energy, several companies have come out with prototype generators that seek to capitalize on high altitude wind, which is more reliable than wind patterns closer to the ground. </div><div> </div><div>These efforts are, depending on your point of view, entrepreneurial, innovative, or just plane strange, but they include a giant kite, a massive inflatable ball, a skeltal, unmanned "helicopter," and a serpent. </div><div></div><br /><div>Each would be tethered to the ground and float 1,000 feet or more (in the case of the helicopter thingy, Baker notes it could go as high as 24,000 feet), and transmit power to the ground via cables. </div><div></div><br /><div>The need for "no fly zones" seems obvious, and that these inventions would have great difficulty transmitting power 24,000 feet to the ground and then who-knows-how-far to get the power into the grid, seems even more obvious.</div><div></div><br /><div>However, such technology might be viable for isolated, remote areas such as mining camps and towns in the middle of nowhere.</div><div></div><br /><div>Before I sound too snarky, I'll invoke the old business school cliche that "there are no bad ideas in brainstorming" so we'll give these inventors an "A for effort" and take a (long) wait and see position as to the viability of their technologies.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/06/MNC71AFVT1.DTL">Inventors' high flying kites harnass wind power</a> [San Francisco Chronicle]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-21391733244455955382009-11-05T09:18:00.000-08:002009-11-05T09:33:58.849-08:00Watching TV Is Still Ok<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdaq4puFpIhcONcgQo1Xptl-3oF181pvJGC0oV6_4hE1KMdbkxV4XfN4lIISaGfx18gtBk1cP2UNB0CK23VFIl5b6hDZrdbDmu2HP-AEJhuFfClUlN6ryeSbGMnOX5__OjebI/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 119px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400674083464791202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdaq4puFpIhcONcgQo1Xptl-3oF181pvJGC0oV6_4hE1KMdbkxV4XfN4lIISaGfx18gtBk1cP2UNB0CK23VFIl5b6hDZrdbDmu2HP-AEJhuFfClUlN6ryeSbGMnOX5__OjebI/s320/images.jpg" /></a>There is a great scene in the neo-fraternity classic movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0302886/fullcredits#cast">Old School</a>, where the sycophantic assistant to the college Dean informs his boss that efforts to kick a rowdy fraternity off campus have been derailed because, "The thing is sir, they are very good at paperwork."<br /><div></div><br /><div>The same could be said of the <a href="http://www.ce.org/">Consumer Electronics Association</a> which managed to postpone the CEC's vote on <a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/11/other-side-weighs-in-on-tv-saga.html">new regulations governing the kind of TV's Californians can watch </a>in their homes.</div><div></div><br /><div>The CEA availed itself of its right to use darn near every second of the 45 day public comment period for the regulations and submitted a 91 page brief to the CEC just five minutes before the period closed at 5 pm yesterday. The result? No vote, while the CEC sifts through the submission.</div><div></div><br /><div>Additionally, 26 other comments were received yesterday by the CEC which could further slow the process. </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_13713307?source=rss">California Delays Vote On Energy Efficiency Standards for TV's </a>[San Jose Mercury News]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-30257115521022831552009-11-04T08:42:00.000-08:002009-11-04T08:50:27.959-08:00Toyota To Roll Out Innovative New EV Charging Stations<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQg8-H5LAAeOvF1rUaZbtaGPvLgwyh7K4aAD7JaMgnhQOshcCZh8a_CtHnfHabvqrpYzK9IsoNymUcPDFC4ct_jaPvOnt0vePn81iwkBod7CRuVsIBI1_ANnUUWWFwtW1oMyC/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400291786129220914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQg8-H5LAAeOvF1rUaZbtaGPvLgwyh7K4aAD7JaMgnhQOshcCZh8a_CtHnfHabvqrpYzK9IsoNymUcPDFC4ct_jaPvOnt0vePn81iwkBod7CRuVsIBI1_ANnUUWWFwtW1oMyC/s320/images.jpg" /></a>In advance of the launch of the <a href="http://www.toyota.com/sem/prius.html?srchid=K610_p208252233">plug-in version of the Prius,</a> Toyota is getting into the electric vehicle charging station business.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The company has announced plans to roll out individual charging 100-200 volt charging stations that will be anchored to telephone polls.</div><br /><div></div><div>Two interesting features about these stations: 1) The stations will be the first to be solar powered, and 2) the stations communicate with a central computer that will authorize user access, thus giving Toyota a way to monetize the service by making it subscription based or perhaps even "pay as you go."<br /></div><br /><div>Nissan has also announced plans to roll out EV charging stations, as it too is preparing to launch <a href="http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/#/car/intro">a new electric vehicle </a>next year.</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2252524/toyota-enters-ev-charger-market">Toyota enters the EV charger market</a> [businessgreen.com]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-20956306220302162722009-11-03T12:31:00.001-08:002009-11-03T12:45:24.939-08:00The Other Side Weighs In On The TV Saga<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLB3dzFTCutND47GqC5L9wdpAdqrdV7O23ATeQRk60o_lkgqIbdMDXbwbSUuhEgg7zAD8RwD0MjdBzgpCCrbL8EYqip_sXLwQ23fHdiIgQ0jd1flAjg1DrwM82r1QFuxTSKJUo/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 119px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399981190586817474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLB3dzFTCutND47GqC5L9wdpAdqrdV7O23ATeQRk60o_lkgqIbdMDXbwbSUuhEgg7zAD8RwD0MjdBzgpCCrbL8EYqip_sXLwQ23fHdiIgQ0jd1flAjg1DrwM82r1QFuxTSKJUo/s320/images.jpg" /></a>Last week we noted the absurdity of <a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/10/micromanaging-california-is-not-cool.html">CARB's proposed regulation that would require metallic window glazing on cars</a> (glazing that would impair GPS, cell phone, and other devices). Today we revisit the <a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/tv_faqs.html">CEC's absurd proposed regualtion to ban some flat panel TV's in California</a>.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.ce.org/AboutCEA/CEAInitiatives/310.htm">Gary Shapiro is the CEO of the Consumer Electronics Assoc</a>iation, which means he is a paid flack for the people who make and sell the TV's CEC wants to ban. We mention that for transparency. It's no secret where Shapiro's allegiance lies. That said, his oped in the San Francisco Chronicle makes a lot of very good points that-- regardless of the messenger-- need to be stated:</div><div></div><br /><div>- The average flat panel tv uses less energy than two 75 watt lightbulbs.</div><div></div><br /><div>- The proposed regulation, according to one study, will cost California $47 million in lost tax revenue and 4,000 jobs.</div><div></div><br /><div>- The 700 models that would be banned for sale in California, can still be purchased on the Internet from out of state suppliers, which means people will just buy them online rather than in a local store, thus sending the money out of state.</div><div></div><br /><div>- According to a Zogby poll, the majority of Californians are against the measure, and the majority of Californians believe government has no business picking someone's TV for them.</div><div></div><br /><div>Read the entire oped at: <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/02/ED7H1AE46C.DTL">TV energy regulations will harm innovation</a> [San Francisco Chronicle]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-61203241681309426862009-11-02T08:58:00.000-08:002009-11-02T09:24:00.209-08:00Solar Schools<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AVFeMLfFTK7puC2RgsyrdBPnMMWvDNyvzNjBweHMAVnFEaUEDt-_IQ-dakoZxvLQPaai-zWGCJkTgMdmEs7BD9tUp36jjKUwWvrxFiL2uZtepz41SI7mO5SS3GLrRLn1MSKf/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 121px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 73px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399558251604259762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AVFeMLfFTK7puC2RgsyrdBPnMMWvDNyvzNjBweHMAVnFEaUEDt-_IQ-dakoZxvLQPaai-zWGCJkTgMdmEs7BD9tUp36jjKUwWvrxFiL2uZtepz41SI7mO5SS3GLrRLn1MSKf/s320/images.jpg" /></a>The key to building grassroots support for any issue is public education. PG&E is taking that seriously when it comes to solar energy and is going back to school-- literally.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Through the <a href="http://www.californiasolarschools.org/">"Solar Schools"</a> program, the company has spent more than $8 million on a 125 schools in California, outfitting them with 1.3 KW solar arrays sufficient to power school operations, handing out <a href="http://www.need.org/pgesolarschools/big.htm">"Bright Idea" grants</a>, and working with the <a href="http://www.need.org/">National Energy Education Development Project </a>on school currculum about solar energy.</div><div></div><br /><div>The Bright Ideas grants are $10,000 prizes awared to teachers and amisnistrators in fiver areas: educational solar projects, youth environmental programs, science-related field trips, "green your school" projects, and professional/workforce development programs.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.thewesternedition.com/?c=124&a=1430">PG&E Leads The Way With "Bright Ideas" For Renewable Energy </a>[The Western Edition]</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-25316595115130148232009-10-30T08:56:00.000-07:002009-10-30T09:11:05.779-07:00$30 Million in Tax Breaks Lures Tesla to SoCal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0F0uoetJofwoWMxDdqxx98CxLck_rG1NhnJzNQ2pIySkfcjwwfb8044J8S0ygCVmnuqvfqG54b1DegYmc0SM9ladXY7mac2T3D5yPz0kYI6TePEr-E7dOOzhr8-4CYHy2Tfl/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398426205463924466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0F0uoetJofwoWMxDdqxx98CxLck_rG1NhnJzNQ2pIySkfcjwwfb8044J8S0ygCVmnuqvfqG54b1DegYmc0SM9ladXY7mac2T3D5yPz0kYI6TePEr-E7dOOzhr8-4CYHy2Tfl/s320/images.jpg" /></a>Where is uber-chic electric car maker <a href="http://www.teslamotors.com/">Tesla</a> going to site its new assembly plant? Southern California, for sure, but it remains to be seen if <a href="http://www.boeing.com/commercial/facilities/longbeachsite.html">a dormant Boeing facility </a>in Long Beach or the <a href="http://www.downeystudios.com/">Downey Studios</a> in Downey will be the winner of the Tesla sweepstakes which carries a prize of 1,400 new jobs created.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The <a href="http://www.treasurer.ca.gov/caeatfa/">California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Authority </a>is granting $30 million in tax breaks.</div><div></div><br /><div>Here's how it works:</div><br /><div></div><div>Tesla will buy $320 million in equiment it needs to outfit the plant. It will then convey title of that equipment (i.e., "give") to the CAEATA, which under its charter, pays no sales tax. Then the CAEATA will give the equipment back to Tesla, so nobody ends up paying the 9% sales tax on the $320 million.</div><div></div><br /><div>Apparently it's legal.</div><div></div><br /><div>Read the story in the San Gabriel Tribune:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_13673305?source=rss">Tesla gets tax break, hopes to open plant in Southern California</a> [San Gabriel Tribune]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-24787583618919517852009-10-29T09:18:00.001-07:002009-10-29T09:33:15.199-07:00Damned if you do, Damned if you don't...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5epEI-5AUgjvTt1XwLShORewkIjTdyBdP4p1AABdToF_Xc8Tnkd9a5G_WLk0po2zX9WsNTORr2LeegCVFpcuEz0LA94secMnM4H6pli-yALjN84G7M-c4z9K1aPUES2DD6qR8/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 97px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 123px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398060831869146514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5epEI-5AUgjvTt1XwLShORewkIjTdyBdP4p1AABdToF_Xc8Tnkd9a5G_WLk0po2zX9WsNTORr2LeegCVFpcuEz0LA94secMnM4H6pli-yALjN84G7M-c4z9K1aPUES2DD6qR8/s320/images.jpg" /></a><a href="http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a21/">State Rep Ira Ruskin</a> teams up with <a href="http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/">Environment California's </a>Charlotte Glennie in an oped in today's Palo Alto Daily News in which they call out Arnold for his lack of leadership on green energy.<br /><div></div><br /><div>They claim that with "more substantial and tenacious leadership at the state level," we can create 200,000 new jobs in the clean energy sector.</div><div></div><br /><div>What they are really miffed at the governor about is his<a href="http://www.stoel.com/showalert.aspx?Show=5888"> veto of SB 14 and AB 64</a>, which would have written the 33% RPS standard into law. Recall that Arnold did <a href="http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/13273/">mandate 33% by Executive Order </a>but that does nothing to placate Ruskin and Glennie.</div><br /><div></div><div>Read the oped here: <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_13662307?nclick_check=1">California must commit to more renewable energy</a> [Pali Alto Daily News]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-43792903119945092152009-10-28T09:08:00.000-07:002009-10-28T09:18:57.577-07:00PG&E Going Above & Beyond on Net Metering<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9OV87MX4HHxNhJd-wNiweELirZW51xXAwtOXvW2QdWaHLSlGa_rxeqRKHQ1ePDO62id5mfezZMSFPXD5WPFbB_vUZLzKZD_b_xbZ3L-hB06lqKIh6n40OwVKCJ7l1xemTBqm/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397686073033839362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9OV87MX4HHxNhJd-wNiweELirZW51xXAwtOXvW2QdWaHLSlGa_rxeqRKHQ1ePDO62id5mfezZMSFPXD5WPFbB_vUZLzKZD_b_xbZ3L-hB06lqKIh6n40OwVKCJ7l1xemTBqm/s320/images.jpg" /></a>When the bill to raise 2.5% cap on net metering stalled in the legislature, <a href="http://calenergy.blogspot.com/2009/09/without-net-metering-solar-isnt-so.html">the solar industry had a problem</a>. However, PG&E announced yesterday that it had cut a deal with the Governor to voluntrarily take up to 3.5%, a full point in excess of the legislated requirement. That gives net meterin a new lease on life, at least temporarily.<br /><div></div><br /><div>According to David Baker in the San Francisco Chronicle, PG&E had expected to hit the 2.5% threshold by 2011.</div><br /><div></div><div>Read the whole story in the Chronicle:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/28/BULN1ABHBU.DTL">PG&E to accept more solar power from homes</a> [San Francisco Chronicle]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-33096942354509228442009-10-27T09:46:00.001-07:002009-10-27T09:56:59.188-07:00Yet Another Front In The Solar Wars<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0luaLtXrkvE_0WrtumKn17cQuBWVep7p2nthPTIjJZQA8YTZoJl_8CFn_5AfEnyclTrPr_1NCCGVNt6A8u4ZkrOHSdKOn55JeQPzPN-uj7BHe9PJhIk2PAfk4CVobSThEKE2/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397324645129804130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0luaLtXrkvE_0WrtumKn17cQuBWVep7p2nthPTIjJZQA8YTZoJl_8CFn_5AfEnyclTrPr_1NCCGVNt6A8u4ZkrOHSdKOn55JeQPzPN-uj7BHe9PJhIk2PAfk4CVobSThEKE2/s320/images.jpg" /></a>Solar energy proponents are getting pretty adept at jumping through hoops in order to bring more capacity on line. First there were questions about the cost and efficacy of solar; then there were the problems related to building new transmission lines to service new solar farms; then there was the unexpected and ironic conflict between planned solar farms and sensitive desert ecology. Now a new obstacle has popped up: water.<br /><div></div><br /><div>With California in the throes of chronic drout, and a contentious legislative debate over water policy, the New York Times reports that two new solar farms slated for development will require over 1.2 million gallons of water for cooling purposes. You can imagine how that sounds to parched delta farmers and spoiled southern California homeowners who are watching their lawsn become more brown every day due to water restrictions.</div><div></div><br /><div>According to the Times:</div><div></div><br /><div><em>"The West’s water wars are likely to intensify with Pacific Gas and Electric’s announcement Monday that the utility will buy 500 megawatts of electricity from two solar power plant projects to be built in the California desert.</em></div><div><br /><em>The </em><a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/genesis_solar/index.html"><em>Genesis Solar Energy Project</em></a><em> would consume an estimated 536 million gallons of water a year while the </em><a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/abengoa/index.html"><em>Mojave Solar Project</em></a><em> would pump 705 million gallons annually for power plant cooling, according to </em><a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/siting/solar/index.html"><em>applications</em></a><em> filed with the </em><a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/"><em>California Energy Commission</em></a><em>."</em></div><div><em></em></div><br /><div>At issue is "wet cooling" which requires constant replenishment of evaporating fluids, versus "dry cooling" which uses less water but is more expensive and eats into profit margins.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/water-use-by-solar-projects-intensifies/">Water Use by Solar Projects Intensifies</a> [New York Times- Green, Inc.]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-80827861366653495812009-10-26T08:42:00.001-07:002009-10-26T08:59:29.935-07:00Oil Tax Resurfaces<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRCMcDg5uri60ug5eiWSWhz-RmRiVcN3xdgji2sFrLgKX3soGxG_pYrL0ZEBStos4QgQ7WrknQzi8dGfXZhjb8zPwKOoAuzJUP7PNykCrVBAkxGknj6mE5zhtS_hajwyznu3-/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 81px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 123px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396938764826847362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRCMcDg5uri60ug5eiWSWhz-RmRiVcN3xdgji2sFrLgKX3soGxG_pYrL0ZEBStos4QgQ7WrknQzi8dGfXZhjb8zPwKOoAuzJUP7PNykCrVBAkxGknj6mE5zhtS_hajwyznu3-/s320/images.jpg" /></a>As termed-out <a href="http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a35/">Rep. Pedro Nava</a> runs for Attorney General, his controversial bill to create an oil severance tax is getting more attention. In a piece in Legalnewsline.com, the idea--which voters defeated a few years ago (Prop 87) and later revisited by Arnold-- is presented as a classic tax and spend proposal.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Nava gave his bill the tediously cliche title the "Oil Industry Fair Share Act." (<em>Side note</em>: whoever the pollster is who first focus grouped the phrase "fair share" and determined that it tested well enough to hang on every tax hike proposal ever put forth in any legislative body in America, should have copyrighted it-- he'd be a gazillionaire.)</div><br /><div></div><div>Anyway, Nava claims that California is the only state not to have an oil severance tax and that because California produces so little oil in the grand, global scheme of things, it would not impact the cost of gas at the pump. (Nava estimates the tax to be worth $1.5 billion per year).</div><div></div><br /><div>My immediate reaction to that comment is that Nava appears to believe the tax is ok, as long as oil production remains low. To put it another way, this is a bill designed as much to stifle oil production (no surprise to anyone familiar with Nava) as it is to raise revenue.</div><br /><div></div><div>Legalnewsline.com obviously picked up on that too, because it points out that a respected consulting firm, <a href="http://www.lecg.com/">Law and Economics Consulting Group</a>, studied the impact of the bill and concluded that it would be a job and an industry killer :</div><br /><div></div><div><em>"The report, released in January, estimated that the oil producers' tax could, among other things, cause steep declines in the state's oil and natural gas production and the loss of nearly 9,900 jobs."</em></div><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>California's oil production is already among the most heavily taxed in the country. This new oil tax would make California's combined taxes on petroleum the highest in the nation by far," the LECG report said.</em></div><div><em></em></div><br /><div><a class="storyTitle" href="http://223628-ag-candidate-nava-to-propose-oil-severance-tax/">AG candidate Nava to propose oil severance tax</a> [Legalnewsline.com]</div>CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494196.post-38856931636553799742009-10-23T08:34:00.000-07:002009-10-23T11:14:32.559-07:00Micromanaging California Is NOT Cool<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9afH81mgzI_RDKiWwRRQUJ0avJlYq6-lWMDxGQASeFB__b7jL7s93AZ8BTwpSa_zdeLJWCQQj3rLA69TfYtxxexnFHB6IBN2IcxS21E7QepasvjpSLngpntMoqogpNvjZXFh/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 90px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395822311472406722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9afH81mgzI_RDKiWwRRQUJ0avJlYq6-lWMDxGQASeFB__b7jL7s93AZ8BTwpSa_zdeLJWCQQj3rLA69TfYtxxexnFHB6IBN2IcxS21E7QepasvjpSLngpntMoqogpNvjZXFh/s320/images.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm">CARB</a> is at it again. At a time when California is reeling and on the brink of collapse, CARB is moving forward with what can only be called a silly distraction.<br /><br />The agency wants to pass a regulation (just what California needs—more regulation) <a href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/cool-cars/cool-cars.htm">requiring car windows to be coated </a>with a metallic glazing compound.<br /><br />The idea, apparently, is to keep cars cooler requiring less air conditioning use which would save gas and cut down on fluorocarbons from air conditioners.<br /><br />Dubbed the <a href="http://4wheeldrive.about.com/b/2009/10/19/californias-over-regulation-of-auto-industry-to-kill-jeep-wrangler.htm">“Cool Cars” initiative</a>, this will cost consumers more money at a time when money is tight, and it will add to the cost of a vehicle (one more line item on sticker price). But how much effect will it have? Will drivers truly stop using their air conditioners?<br /><br />If the recent ban on handheld cell phones in cars—which appears to have about 1% compliance where I live—is any indication, regulations don’t change consumer behavior.<br /><br />Opponents of the proposed reg point out that the new glazing <a href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/cool-cars/cool_cars0925/garmin_test_data91709.pdf">wreaks havoc on cell phone signals, gps signals, and just about any other wireless gadget /toy </a>that Californians rely on in their cars.<br /><br />So we are now facing a potential<a href="http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/10/california-appears-set-to-ban-highenergy-bigscreen-tvs-.html"> ban on big screen TV’s </a>and mandatory window glazing in cars.<br /><br />Is that really the best use of our legislative and regulatory resources at time when the state is literally about to collapse under the weight of fiscal deficits, underfunded pensions, decaying infrastructure, overcrowded prisons, lack of health care, hopelessly challenged schools, devastating out-migration, and an overall lack of resources?<br /><br />In this context, the <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/10/fuel-economy-standards.html#more">Cool Cars </a>initiative is anything but cool...CalEnergyGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12599141645882854734noreply@blogger.com