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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Geothermal Power Could Top 10 Gigawatts, New Industry Report Shows
A new report by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) shows strong growth in new geothermal power projects continuing through 2009. U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, September 2009 identifies 144 new geothermal projects under development in fourteen states that could represent as much as 7,100 MW of new baseload power capacity. When added to the 3,100 MW of existing capacity, 10 Gigawatts of geothermal power appears to be feasible.
“It is great to see that between March 2009 and September 2009 there was a continued increase in new geothermal projects,” remarked Dan Jennejohn, the report's author. “Interest in geothermal development continues to grow, with the number of projects up 50% and megawatts under development nearly doubling over the past two years." He added, "In 2009, we are seeing new power projects being initiated as well as new applications, such as geothermal-hydrocarbon coproduction, being pursued.”
The report found a total of 144 projects under development that could add between 4,699.9 and 7,109.9 MW of power to the U.S. geothermal energy output. At the high end, that would be enough baseload power to supply about 20% of California’s total electric power in 2008 — or enough generating capacity to supply the power needs of about 7.2 million people.
On a state-by-state basis the GEA report found: (state, number of projects/potential MW) — Alaska, 6/70–115 MW; Arizona 1/2–20 MW; California, 37/1841.8–2435.8 MW; Colorado, 1/10 MW, Florida 1/0.2–1 MW; Hawaii, 2/8 MW; Idaho 5/238–326 MW; Louisiana 1/.05 MW; Mississippi 1/.05 MW; Nevada, 64/1876.4–3473.4 MW; New Mexico, 1/20 MW, Oregon, 13/317.2–368.2 MW, Utah, 10/272.4–332.4 MW; Washington 1/Unspecified.
The number of states with geothermal projects under development also increased, from 12 to 14 over the past six months, with the addition of two oil-field co-production projects in Louisiana and Mississippi. "Despite the recession, geothermal power projects continue to move forward," observed Karl Gawell, Executive Director of GEA.
While the report shows generally good news, it also shows a decline in projects currently listed in "phase 4," or under construction. According to GEA this was due to 4 new geothermal power projects moving to completion, but also reflects difficulty obtaining final permits and difficulty obtaining financing.
The recession, as the report confirms, is having an impact on the industry, according to GEA,. "Financing is expensive and scarce, and available lenders are requiring much more work be done before they will finance projects," noted Gawell. "We hope the tax, loan guarantee, and DOE spending provisions of the stimulus bill will help turn this around, but there have been delays implementing these initiatives by the federal agencies."
"It also appears that some projects seeking final construction permits are having difficulty acquiring them because of the tremendous demands being placed on federal, state, and local agencies by a wave of renewable energy project applications," Gawell noted. "These geothermal projects would otherwise be 'ready to go' bringing new jobs and spurring economic growth," he stressed, "So it's important that federal and state agencies don't neglect the needs of geothermal projects."
Copies of the report will be available at the GEA booth at the Geothermal Energy Expo in Reno, Nevada, which takes place from October 4–7, 2009. (For information on the Expo go to: http://www.geothermalenergy2009.com/.) There will be a presentation on the report at the Expo on Tuesday, October 6 at 10am which will be webcast. Also, copies of U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, September 2009 are available to download free of charge from the GEA Web site at: http://www.geo-energy.org.
“It is great to see that between March 2009 and September 2009 there was a continued increase in new geothermal projects,” remarked Dan Jennejohn, the report's author. “Interest in geothermal development continues to grow, with the number of projects up 50% and megawatts under development nearly doubling over the past two years." He added, "In 2009, we are seeing new power projects being initiated as well as new applications, such as geothermal-hydrocarbon coproduction, being pursued.”
The report found a total of 144 projects under development that could add between 4,699.9 and 7,109.9 MW of power to the U.S. geothermal energy output. At the high end, that would be enough baseload power to supply about 20% of California’s total electric power in 2008 — or enough generating capacity to supply the power needs of about 7.2 million people.
On a state-by-state basis the GEA report found: (state, number of projects/potential MW) — Alaska, 6/70–115 MW; Arizona 1/2–20 MW; California, 37/1841.8–2435.8 MW; Colorado, 1/10 MW, Florida 1/0.2–1 MW; Hawaii, 2/8 MW; Idaho 5/238–326 MW; Louisiana 1/.05 MW; Mississippi 1/.05 MW; Nevada, 64/1876.4–3473.4 MW; New Mexico, 1/20 MW, Oregon, 13/317.2–368.2 MW, Utah, 10/272.4–332.4 MW; Washington 1/Unspecified.
The number of states with geothermal projects under development also increased, from 12 to 14 over the past six months, with the addition of two oil-field co-production projects in Louisiana and Mississippi. "Despite the recession, geothermal power projects continue to move forward," observed Karl Gawell, Executive Director of GEA.
While the report shows generally good news, it also shows a decline in projects currently listed in "phase 4," or under construction. According to GEA this was due to 4 new geothermal power projects moving to completion, but also reflects difficulty obtaining final permits and difficulty obtaining financing.
The recession, as the report confirms, is having an impact on the industry, according to GEA,. "Financing is expensive and scarce, and available lenders are requiring much more work be done before they will finance projects," noted Gawell. "We hope the tax, loan guarantee, and DOE spending provisions of the stimulus bill will help turn this around, but there have been delays implementing these initiatives by the federal agencies."
"It also appears that some projects seeking final construction permits are having difficulty acquiring them because of the tremendous demands being placed on federal, state, and local agencies by a wave of renewable energy project applications," Gawell noted. "These geothermal projects would otherwise be 'ready to go' bringing new jobs and spurring economic growth," he stressed, "So it's important that federal and state agencies don't neglect the needs of geothermal projects."
Copies of the report will be available at the GEA booth at the Geothermal Energy Expo in Reno, Nevada, which takes place from October 4–7, 2009. (For information on the Expo go to: http://www.geothermalenergy2009.com/.) There will be a presentation on the report at the Expo on Tuesday, October 6 at 10am which will be webcast. Also, copies of U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, September 2009 are available to download free of charge from the GEA Web site at: http://www.geo-energy.org.
Monday, January 3, 2011
National News - Geothermal Energy Weekly June 11
Senate Votes Down Murkowski’s EPA Disapproval Resolution
On June 10, the Senate voted against Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s disapproval resolution which would have prevented the Environmental Protection Agency’s stewardship over regulation of climate issues. The resolution lost 47-53, with all Republicans and six Democrats voting in favor of it. The effort would have overturned U.S. EPA's scientific findings that carbon emissions endanger human health. In his remarks to the Senate on June 7, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, “the result of this resolution would be to waste at least 450 million more barrels of oil than we need to.”
“I had hopes, for the security of our economy, that we would prevail today,” Murkowski said in a statement. “But regardless of the outcome, I believe it’s important that every member of the Senate is on the record on whether they think the EPA regulation is the appropriate way to address climate issues.” Murkowski said EPA regulation of greenhouse gases would cause an “economic train wreck.”
Here is how the Senators voted on the “motion to proceed” to Senator Murkowski’s resolution:
Akaka (D-HI), Nay Alexander (R-TN), Yea Barrasso (R-WY), Yea Baucus (D-MT), Nay Bayh (D-IN), Yea Begich (D-AK), Nay Bennet (D-CO), Nay Bennett (R-UT), Yea Bingaman (D-NM), Nay Bond (R-MO), Yea Boxer (D-CA), Nay Brown (D-OH), Nay Brown (R-MA), Yea Brownback (R-KS), Yea Bunning (R-KY), Yea Burr (R-NC), Yea Burris (D-IL), Nay Byrd (D-WV), Nay Cantwell (D-WA), Nay Cardin (D-MD), Nay Carper (D-DE), Nay Casey (D-PA), Nay Chambliss (R-GA), Yea Coburn (R-OK), Yea Cochran (R-MS), Yea Collins (R-ME), Yea Conrad (D-ND), Nay Corker (R-TN), Yea Cornyn (R-TX), Yea Crapo (R-ID), Yea DeMint (R-SC), Yea Dodd (D-CT), Nay Dorgan (D-ND), Nay Durbin (D-IL), Nay
Ensign (R-NV), Yea Enzi (R-WY), Yea Feingold (D-WI), Nay Feinstein (D-CA), Nay Franken (D-MN), Nay Gillibrand (D-NY), Nay Graham (R-SC), Yea Grassley (R-IA), Yea Gregg (R-NH), Yea Hagan (D-NC), Nay Harkin (D-IA), Nay Hatch (R-UT), Yea Hutchison (R-TX), Yea Inhofe (R-OK), Yea Inouye (D-HI), Nay Isakson (R-GA), Yea Johanns (R-NE), Yea Johnson (D-SD), Nay Kaufman (D-DE), Nay Kerry (D-MA), Nay Klobuchar (D-MN), Nay Kohl (D-WI), Nay Kyl (R-AZ), Yea Landrieu (D-LA), Yea Lautenberg (D-NJ), Nay Leahy (D-VT), Nay LeMieux (R-FL), Yea Levin (D-MI), Nay Lieberman (ID-CT), Nay Lincoln (D-AR), Yea Lugar (R-IN), Yea McCain (R-AZ), Yea McCaskill (D-MO), Nay McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Menendez (D-NJ), Nay Merkley (D-OR), Nay Mikulski (D-MD), Nay Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Murray (D-WA), Nay Nelson (D-FL), Nay Nelson (D-NE), Yea Pryor (D-AR), Yea Reed (D-RI), Nay Reid (D-NV), Nay Risch (R-ID), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Yea Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea Sanders (I-VT), Nay Schumer (D-NY), Nay Sessions (R-AL), Yea Shaheen (D-NH), Nay Shelby (R-AL), Yea Snowe (R-ME), Yea Specter (D-PA), Nay Stabenow (D-MI), Nay Tester (D-MT), Nay Thune (R-SD), Yea Udall (D-CO), Nay Udall (D-NM), Nay Vitter (R-LA), Yea Voinovich (R-OH), Yea Warner (D-VA), Nay Webb (D-VA), Nay Whitehouse (D-RI), Nay Wicker (R-MS), Yea Wyden (D-OR), Nay
See http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/06/11/11climatewire-effort-to-block-epa-fails-revealing-murky-pa-31482.html and http://murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=00a8c969-13ab-405f-8430-e4b627cf61f3&ContentType_id=b94acc28-404a-4fc6-b143-a9e15bf92da4&Group_id=c01df158-d935-4d7a-895d-f694ddf41624&MonthDisplay=6&YearDisplay=2010.
Reid Opens Senate Work Period with Plans for Jobs, Security, Energy
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid addressed his Senate this week on his agenda for action for the summertime work period – July 12 through the August recess.
Reid spoke on passing an emergency extension on expired unemployment benefits which also cuts taxes for middle class families and small businesses. “It’s something Republicans and Democrats should come together to finish because it’s something we can all be proud to support. More than that, it’s something each of our states desperately needs,” he said.
Small businesses have a bill on the table for more tax incentives and a new lending facility, the supplemental war appropriations bill would supply the “largest operation since the war [in Afghanistan] began,” and Reid hopes to send the Wall Street reform bill to the White House this month.
Regarding energy policy, Reid said: “[It] must strongly encourage companies to invest rapidly in technologies that make us safer, more competitive and more energy independent. That means immediately refocusing our efforts on clean and renewable energy – like the sun, the wind and geothermal energy – improving energy efficiency and using more biofuels.”
Under Reid’s order, eight Democratic committee leaders will produce their ideas on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill so they can be folded into the comprehensive energy legislation. “This spill underscores our need for a new energy policy,” Reid said.
For Reid’s full statement, visit http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2529767/posts. See also http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2010/06/07/4/.
Associations’ Letter Urges Quick Senate Action on Energy Legislation
As Congress and the White House debate whether and when to take action on energy/climate legislation, the major efficiency and renewable energy trade associations joined together to issue a joint letter to the Senate Leadership urging quick action on energy legislation. The letter said:
Dear Senators Reid and McConnell:
We are writing to urge that the Senate move quickly to consider legislation promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and biofuels, along with associated manufacturing opportunities. Such a policy would add millions of American jobs and utilize our own domestic, clean, inexhaustible, and rapidly deployable resources. Acting now will stimulate construction and operations jobs as well as manufacturing and supply chains, rather than passively losing these jobs to other countries.
A series of inconsistent and unstable policies have cost America its leadership in renewable energy and energy efficiency manufacturing and production. Attracting manufacturing will take a concerted effort, as evidenced by the actions being taken by our competitors, but America’s workforce, skills, and market are well suited for global leadership if stable policies are put in place. Important programs affecting renewable energy industries, energy efficiency initiatives and biofuels programs are all due to expire this year. Many of the jobs these industries support could be lost permanently to other countries. Many renewable manufacturers have almost ceased receiving orders because of the uncertainty of a long term policy.
Enacting policy now is urgent. Ensuring steady growth of the industries that will solve our climate, water, and waste challenges will be a critical way to address not only near term employment challenges but our long term environmental and energy security goals. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, and biofuels can make a significant down payment on carbon pollution targets. These sources are rapidly deployable today, immediately producing jobs, energy security, and environmental benefits.
The time has come for Congress to enact legislation providing long-term support for energy efficiency, renewable energy and biofuels. It is essential for American jobs, our national security, and the environment.
Sincerely,
Kateri Callahan, President Denise Bode, CEO
Alliance to Save Energy American Wind Energy Association
Bob Cleaves, President & CEO Ted Michaels, President
Biomass Power Association Energy Recovery Council
Karl Gawell, Executive Director Tom Buis, CEO
Geothermal Energy Association Growth Energy
Linda Church Ciocci, Executive Director Rhone Resch, President & CEO
National Hydropower Association Solar Energy Industries Association
Cantwell Amendment Vote Expected in Senate Next Week; GEA Signs Letter of Support
As the House and Senate continue to work on a “tax extenders bill,” Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) is proposing an amendment that would extend the Section 1603 Treasury Grant Program included in the stimulus bill for another two years. Under the provision, companies qualifying for the renewable tax credit can obtain a cash grant in lieu of the credit, which was intended to spur renewable project development despite the economic recession. However, that provision requires projects to be under construction by the end of this year to quality for the special cash grant.
Senator Cantwell’s amendment would expand the provision to include public power entities, and extend the deadline for the program by two additional years. The Senate is expected to return to the tax extenders bill next week.
The amendment is expected to be acted on by the Senate as it completes consideration of the tax extenders bill. GEA signed a joint letter of support along with other renewable energy trade associations, as follows:
Dear Senators Reid, McConnell, Baucus and Grassley:
The nation remains focused on the need to address urgent economic challenges, including the immediate need to maintain and generate jobs. America’s renewable energy industries have been a source of growth amidst the economic recession and can continue to create well-paying American jobs with your support of a crucial policy: the extension of the Section 1603 Treasury Grant Program (TGP). As leaders of America’s renewable energy trade associations, we urge you to support Senator Maria Cantwell’s proposed amendment to extend the Section 1603 Treasury Grant Program as part of the tax extenders bill that is expected to be considered by the Senate this week.
Section 1603 of the ARRA authorizes the Department of Treasury to issue grants to renewable energy facilities that would otherwise qualify for the investment tax credit that start construction in 2009 or 2010. This program has been extremely successful in both deploying renewable energy projects and creating jobs quickly. Two independent studies released in recent months confirm the number of jobs created from the TGP, and project further growth of well-paying American jobs with a 2 year extension of the program.
• The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report from April 2010 found the TGP created over 55,000 jobs in the wind and geothermal industries alone;
• EuPD Research released a study finding that the TGP supported 17,000 US solar jobs in 2009; • The same report forecasts the creation of 65,000 additional new jobs by 2015 in the solar and supporting industries across the US should the TGP be extended by two years.
These studies show the TGP has been successful and put tens of thousands of Americans to work. The Cantwell amendment would extend the start construction date to December 31, 2012, similar to provisions in Senator Diane Feinstein’s bill, S. 2899, the “Renewable Energy Incentives Act.” The enactment of Senator Cantwell’s amendment would continue the growth in America’s renewable energy industries, creating jobs and clean energy nationwide.
Large utility-scale renewable energy projects can take more than six months to arrange financing. Projects that cannot be certain about meeting the December 31st commence construction date are losing financing now. The certainty of an extension is necessary if we are going to realize all of the renewable energy projects currently in the pipeline.
We thank you for your consideration and ask for your support of the Cantwell amendment to extend and expand the TGP as part of the tax extenders bill.
Sincerely,
Denise A. Bode, Chief Executive Officer, American Wind Energy Association
Karl Gawell, Executive Director, Geothermal Energy Association
Linda Church Ciocci, Executive Director, National Hydropower Association
Rhone Resch, President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association
On June 10, the Senate voted against Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s disapproval resolution which would have prevented the Environmental Protection Agency’s stewardship over regulation of climate issues. The resolution lost 47-53, with all Republicans and six Democrats voting in favor of it. The effort would have overturned U.S. EPA's scientific findings that carbon emissions endanger human health. In his remarks to the Senate on June 7, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, “the result of this resolution would be to waste at least 450 million more barrels of oil than we need to.”
“I had hopes, for the security of our economy, that we would prevail today,” Murkowski said in a statement. “But regardless of the outcome, I believe it’s important that every member of the Senate is on the record on whether they think the EPA regulation is the appropriate way to address climate issues.” Murkowski said EPA regulation of greenhouse gases would cause an “economic train wreck.”
Here is how the Senators voted on the “motion to proceed” to Senator Murkowski’s resolution:
Akaka (D-HI), Nay Alexander (R-TN), Yea Barrasso (R-WY), Yea Baucus (D-MT), Nay Bayh (D-IN), Yea Begich (D-AK), Nay Bennet (D-CO), Nay Bennett (R-UT), Yea Bingaman (D-NM), Nay Bond (R-MO), Yea Boxer (D-CA), Nay Brown (D-OH), Nay Brown (R-MA), Yea Brownback (R-KS), Yea Bunning (R-KY), Yea Burr (R-NC), Yea Burris (D-IL), Nay Byrd (D-WV), Nay Cantwell (D-WA), Nay Cardin (D-MD), Nay Carper (D-DE), Nay Casey (D-PA), Nay Chambliss (R-GA), Yea Coburn (R-OK), Yea Cochran (R-MS), Yea Collins (R-ME), Yea Conrad (D-ND), Nay Corker (R-TN), Yea Cornyn (R-TX), Yea Crapo (R-ID), Yea DeMint (R-SC), Yea Dodd (D-CT), Nay Dorgan (D-ND), Nay Durbin (D-IL), Nay
Ensign (R-NV), Yea Enzi (R-WY), Yea Feingold (D-WI), Nay Feinstein (D-CA), Nay Franken (D-MN), Nay Gillibrand (D-NY), Nay Graham (R-SC), Yea Grassley (R-IA), Yea Gregg (R-NH), Yea Hagan (D-NC), Nay Harkin (D-IA), Nay Hatch (R-UT), Yea Hutchison (R-TX), Yea Inhofe (R-OK), Yea Inouye (D-HI), Nay Isakson (R-GA), Yea Johanns (R-NE), Yea Johnson (D-SD), Nay Kaufman (D-DE), Nay Kerry (D-MA), Nay Klobuchar (D-MN), Nay Kohl (D-WI), Nay Kyl (R-AZ), Yea Landrieu (D-LA), Yea Lautenberg (D-NJ), Nay Leahy (D-VT), Nay LeMieux (R-FL), Yea Levin (D-MI), Nay Lieberman (ID-CT), Nay Lincoln (D-AR), Yea Lugar (R-IN), Yea McCain (R-AZ), Yea McCaskill (D-MO), Nay McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Menendez (D-NJ), Nay Merkley (D-OR), Nay Mikulski (D-MD), Nay Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Murray (D-WA), Nay Nelson (D-FL), Nay Nelson (D-NE), Yea Pryor (D-AR), Yea Reed (D-RI), Nay Reid (D-NV), Nay Risch (R-ID), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Yea Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea Sanders (I-VT), Nay Schumer (D-NY), Nay Sessions (R-AL), Yea Shaheen (D-NH), Nay Shelby (R-AL), Yea Snowe (R-ME), Yea Specter (D-PA), Nay Stabenow (D-MI), Nay Tester (D-MT), Nay Thune (R-SD), Yea Udall (D-CO), Nay Udall (D-NM), Nay Vitter (R-LA), Yea Voinovich (R-OH), Yea Warner (D-VA), Nay Webb (D-VA), Nay Whitehouse (D-RI), Nay Wicker (R-MS), Yea Wyden (D-OR), Nay
See http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/06/11/11climatewire-effort-to-block-epa-fails-revealing-murky-pa-31482.html and http://murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=00a8c969-13ab-405f-8430-e4b627cf61f3&ContentType_id=b94acc28-404a-4fc6-b143-a9e15bf92da4&Group_id=c01df158-d935-4d7a-895d-f694ddf41624&MonthDisplay=6&YearDisplay=2010.
Reid Opens Senate Work Period with Plans for Jobs, Security, Energy
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid addressed his Senate this week on his agenda for action for the summertime work period – July 12 through the August recess.
Reid spoke on passing an emergency extension on expired unemployment benefits which also cuts taxes for middle class families and small businesses. “It’s something Republicans and Democrats should come together to finish because it’s something we can all be proud to support. More than that, it’s something each of our states desperately needs,” he said.
Small businesses have a bill on the table for more tax incentives and a new lending facility, the supplemental war appropriations bill would supply the “largest operation since the war [in Afghanistan] began,” and Reid hopes to send the Wall Street reform bill to the White House this month.
Regarding energy policy, Reid said: “[It] must strongly encourage companies to invest rapidly in technologies that make us safer, more competitive and more energy independent. That means immediately refocusing our efforts on clean and renewable energy – like the sun, the wind and geothermal energy – improving energy efficiency and using more biofuels.”
Under Reid’s order, eight Democratic committee leaders will produce their ideas on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill so they can be folded into the comprehensive energy legislation. “This spill underscores our need for a new energy policy,” Reid said.
For Reid’s full statement, visit http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2529767/posts. See also http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2010/06/07/4/.
Associations’ Letter Urges Quick Senate Action on Energy Legislation
As Congress and the White House debate whether and when to take action on energy/climate legislation, the major efficiency and renewable energy trade associations joined together to issue a joint letter to the Senate Leadership urging quick action on energy legislation. The letter said:
Dear Senators Reid and McConnell:
We are writing to urge that the Senate move quickly to consider legislation promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and biofuels, along with associated manufacturing opportunities. Such a policy would add millions of American jobs and utilize our own domestic, clean, inexhaustible, and rapidly deployable resources. Acting now will stimulate construction and operations jobs as well as manufacturing and supply chains, rather than passively losing these jobs to other countries.
A series of inconsistent and unstable policies have cost America its leadership in renewable energy and energy efficiency manufacturing and production. Attracting manufacturing will take a concerted effort, as evidenced by the actions being taken by our competitors, but America’s workforce, skills, and market are well suited for global leadership if stable policies are put in place. Important programs affecting renewable energy industries, energy efficiency initiatives and biofuels programs are all due to expire this year. Many of the jobs these industries support could be lost permanently to other countries. Many renewable manufacturers have almost ceased receiving orders because of the uncertainty of a long term policy.
Enacting policy now is urgent. Ensuring steady growth of the industries that will solve our climate, water, and waste challenges will be a critical way to address not only near term employment challenges but our long term environmental and energy security goals. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, and biofuels can make a significant down payment on carbon pollution targets. These sources are rapidly deployable today, immediately producing jobs, energy security, and environmental benefits.
The time has come for Congress to enact legislation providing long-term support for energy efficiency, renewable energy and biofuels. It is essential for American jobs, our national security, and the environment.
Sincerely,
Kateri Callahan, President Denise Bode, CEO
Alliance to Save Energy American Wind Energy Association
Bob Cleaves, President & CEO Ted Michaels, President
Biomass Power Association Energy Recovery Council
Karl Gawell, Executive Director Tom Buis, CEO
Geothermal Energy Association Growth Energy
Linda Church Ciocci, Executive Director Rhone Resch, President & CEO
National Hydropower Association Solar Energy Industries Association
Cantwell Amendment Vote Expected in Senate Next Week; GEA Signs Letter of Support
As the House and Senate continue to work on a “tax extenders bill,” Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) is proposing an amendment that would extend the Section 1603 Treasury Grant Program included in the stimulus bill for another two years. Under the provision, companies qualifying for the renewable tax credit can obtain a cash grant in lieu of the credit, which was intended to spur renewable project development despite the economic recession. However, that provision requires projects to be under construction by the end of this year to quality for the special cash grant.
Senator Cantwell’s amendment would expand the provision to include public power entities, and extend the deadline for the program by two additional years. The Senate is expected to return to the tax extenders bill next week.
The amendment is expected to be acted on by the Senate as it completes consideration of the tax extenders bill. GEA signed a joint letter of support along with other renewable energy trade associations, as follows:
Dear Senators Reid, McConnell, Baucus and Grassley:
The nation remains focused on the need to address urgent economic challenges, including the immediate need to maintain and generate jobs. America’s renewable energy industries have been a source of growth amidst the economic recession and can continue to create well-paying American jobs with your support of a crucial policy: the extension of the Section 1603 Treasury Grant Program (TGP). As leaders of America’s renewable energy trade associations, we urge you to support Senator Maria Cantwell’s proposed amendment to extend the Section 1603 Treasury Grant Program as part of the tax extenders bill that is expected to be considered by the Senate this week.
Section 1603 of the ARRA authorizes the Department of Treasury to issue grants to renewable energy facilities that would otherwise qualify for the investment tax credit that start construction in 2009 or 2010. This program has been extremely successful in both deploying renewable energy projects and creating jobs quickly. Two independent studies released in recent months confirm the number of jobs created from the TGP, and project further growth of well-paying American jobs with a 2 year extension of the program.
• The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report from April 2010 found the TGP created over 55,000 jobs in the wind and geothermal industries alone;
• EuPD Research released a study finding that the TGP supported 17,000 US solar jobs in 2009; • The same report forecasts the creation of 65,000 additional new jobs by 2015 in the solar and supporting industries across the US should the TGP be extended by two years.
These studies show the TGP has been successful and put tens of thousands of Americans to work. The Cantwell amendment would extend the start construction date to December 31, 2012, similar to provisions in Senator Diane Feinstein’s bill, S. 2899, the “Renewable Energy Incentives Act.” The enactment of Senator Cantwell’s amendment would continue the growth in America’s renewable energy industries, creating jobs and clean energy nationwide.
Large utility-scale renewable energy projects can take more than six months to arrange financing. Projects that cannot be certain about meeting the December 31st commence construction date are losing financing now. The certainty of an extension is necessary if we are going to realize all of the renewable energy projects currently in the pipeline.
We thank you for your consideration and ask for your support of the Cantwell amendment to extend and expand the TGP as part of the tax extenders bill.
Sincerely,
Denise A. Bode, Chief Executive Officer, American Wind Energy Association
Karl Gawell, Executive Director, Geothermal Energy Association
Linda Church Ciocci, Executive Director, National Hydropower Association
Rhone Resch, President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association
Geothermal Revenues Restored to Counties, Congressional Actions and GEA Utilies Workshop
House Passes Supplemental Appropriations Bill, Restores County Share of Geothermal Revenues for 2010
On July 27, the House passed H.R.4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill to support U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, which included various domestic provisions. Among these was a provision to reverse last year’s appropriations bill rider that took away the county 25% share of geothermal revenues. The bill previously passed the Senate on July 22 and the President is now expected to sign it.
The provision on geothermal revenues states, “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for fiscal year 2010 only, all funds received from sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. §§ 1001 et seq.) shall be deposited in the Treasury, of which—(1) 50 percent shall be used by the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to States within the boundaries of which the leased land and geothermal resources are located;(2) 25 percent shall be used by the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to the counties within the boundaries of which the leased land or geothermal resources are located; and (3) 25 percent shall be deposited in miscellaneous receipts.”
But, this legislation only restores the country share for FY 2010. Legislation to permanently restore the 25% county share has been introduced in the House and Senate. S. 2607 was introduced in the Senate by Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) and is cosponsored by Senators Boxer, Crapo, Ensign, Feinstein, Hatch and Risch. H.R> 4060 was introduced in the House by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), and is cosponsored by Representatives Bishop, Chaffetz, Filner, Heller, Lummis, McKeon, Minnick, Rehberg, and Simpson.
In addition to restoring the county share, the Appropriations Bill provides $34.7 billion to support US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and provides non-military assistance to State Department Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It allocates $24 billion for employment of teachers, police, and firefighters during the recession, $13 billion to Vietnam War veterans that have been exposed to Agent Orange, $2.8 billion for Haiti relief, $5.7 billion for PELL grants, $677 million to strengthen the border, $275 million for the Gulf oil spill, and $725 million for other needs.
See http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h4899/show.
House Ways and Means Committee Releases Discussion Draft of Energy/Jobs Tax Bill
The House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI) has released a discussion draft of the energy/jobs tax bill, "The Domestic Manufacturing and Energy Jobs Act of 2010." The bill may be marked up in September and includes:
1.
Extension and enhancement of Section 48C advanced manufacturing tax credit.
2.
Extension of direct payment in lieu of production tax credit and investment tax credit program.
3.
Investment tax credit for long-term projects involving geothermal and offshore wind energy facilities.
“As the world moves toward renewable energy and a greener economy, it is necessary to accelerate a new era of American manufacturing and innovation,” Levin said in a statement. “With the U.S. government as a full, active and effective partner, the private sector can expand our green manufacturing capacity, ensuring that these jobs and products will be created in the U.S., competing globally and protecting our environment. The governments of other countries are racing ahead to dominate in this area.
“This is why the draft I am releasing today provides vital tax incentives to modernize U.S. manufacturing facilities and encourage demand of renewable energy and energy efficient products. We must not let this opportunity pass us by. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate, as well the Administration, to enact legislation."
The draft appears to incorporate two key pieces of geothermal related legislation H.R. 4599 and H.R. 5612 both sponsored by Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR). HR 4599, the Renewable Energy Expansion Act, would allow taxpayers an election to receive a direct payment for investing in or producing specified energy property in lieu of existing energy tax credits through January 1, 2013. The legislation has 30 co-sponsors. H.R. 5612, the Geothermal Energy Investment Act of 2010, would extend through 2016 the 30% energy tax credit for investment in geothermal energy property. It has ten cosponsors. To see the full list of cosponsors of either bill, go to: http://thomas.loc.gov/
See http://waysandmeans.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=11294.
Senate Abandons Climate Effort, Focuses on Oil Spill Measure
Last week Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced Democrats in the Senate did not have the 60 votes needed to continue pursuit of comprehensive climate legislation before the August recess. He said the focus would turn to a more limited energy bill targeting the oil spill.
"We've always known from Day One that to pass comprehensive energy reform you've got to have 60 votes," he said. "As we stand here today we don't have one Republican vote." Efforts to cap carbon emissions in the electric power sector could resume in the fall.
Impending EPA regulations on carbon scheduled to take effect in January could require expensive equipment to be installed at thousands of power plants across the country and could be much stricter than legislation designed by Congress; however, this failed to convince senators to support legislation.
The Senate will take up a new bill focusing on BP’s responsibility in the Gulf spill, with pressure to pass something before the August recess. The new bill will also address energy efficiency, incentives for natural gas vehicles, and will support land and water conservation.
But, that means top renewable community priorities -- extending renewable tax credits, or to establishing a national Renewable Energy Standard -- will have to wait for future legislation. The House Ways and Means Committee is already preparing to move on tax issues, possibly in September (see story below.)
See http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2010/07/23/1/, http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/07/23/23climatewire-senate-abandons-climate-effort-dealing-blow-88864.html, and http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/110743-reid-renewable-electricity-mandate-lacks-60-votes.
Utilities, Coops, and PUDs Speak to New Geothermal Players at GEA Conference
On July 22, over 130 participants joined the Geothermal Energy Association to explore the future of utility-scale geothermal power at an industry conference held in Las Vegas.
With geothermal production expanding to 15 states, many new utilities, coops and public utility districts are considering geothermal for the first time. This conference brought together those utility-scale players who are familiar with geothermal to discuss how they have achieved success with geothermal developers and companies.
Speakers presented to an audience filled to capacity. Sessions focused on approaches and challenges for utility-scale projects in the U.S., federal and state support for utilities and renewables, risk management, transmission issues, and more.
"It was great to see many new companies and new faces at the workshop," noted Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director. "I was once again impressed by the dynamic change and growth occurring in the geothermal industry, and the new approaches and roles for both public and private utilities in the geothermal community."
Mayor Declares Geothermal Energy Day in Las Vegas
Mayor Oscar B. Goodman of Las Vegas issued a Proclamation declaring July 22, 2010 to be Geothermal Energy Day in conjunction with the Geothermal Energy Association’s “Geothermal Energy and Utilities, Co-ops and Public Power Workshop.” The Proclamation reads:
Whereas; the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) will be holding a one-day “Geothermal Energy and Utilities, Co-ops and Public Power Workshop” in Las Vegas that will explore the future of utility-scale geothermal power; and
Whereas; according to GEA’s recent Update on Geothermal Power Production and Development, Nevada is already a leader in geothermal power production; and
Whereas; with the abundant geothermal resource that Nevada boasts, the state has the opportunity to build an even more extensive geothermal power portfolio; and
Whereas; the growth of the geothermal industry in Nevada has been a sparkling examples of how developers can harness this resource at a large scale and make it and extremely attractive option for utilities. Geothermal is also the perfect option for utilities interested in green power; and
Whereas; GEA is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heart uses; now
Therefore; I, the Mayor of the City of Las Vegas, County of Clark, State of Nevada, hereby proudly proclaim July 22, 2010 to be: Geothermal Energy Day in the City of Las Vegas and ask all citizens to welcome the attendees of this important workshop.
Congress Begins Action on FY 2011 DOE Geothermal Funding
On July 22, the Senate Appropriations Committee acted on its FY 2011 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which sets funding level and direction for DOE renewable energy programs. The Committee approved a report, Senate Report 111-228, which provides the details. For the DOE Geothermal Technologies Program the Committee stipulates:
“The recommendation for geothermal technology is $55,000,000, the same as the administration’s request. The Committee directs the Department to make not less than $5,000,000 available to continue development and deployment of low-temperature geothermal systems. Together, the funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act [ARRA] and the fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011 appropriations bills reflect the Committee’s intent to fund the full range of activities authorized by Congress in 2007 in subtitle B of Public Law 110–140. The Committee expects that in future years the Department will request funding for a broad based program, and not just Enhanced Geothermal System activities. The Committee also requests that the Department provide the Committee with a copy of its report required by section 621 of Public Law 110–140 evaluating the Department’s progress implementing the geothermal provisions of Public Law 110–140 and evaluating additional advanced concepts and technologies to maximize the geothermal resource potential of the United States.”
On July 15, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water voted on its bill and report, but the details of the Subcommittee's action have not been made public. Normally appropriations bill details are not released until the full Committee votes on the legislation, which has yet to be scheduled.
Once the House and Senate act on their versions of the bill, any differences in funding or direction will need to be reconciled in future legislation. Some broad documents and a list of earmarks from the Subcommittee are available at: http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=694:fy11-ew-appropriations-&catid=29:energy-and-water&Itemid=134&Itemid=4.
On July 27, the House passed H.R.4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill to support U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, which included various domestic provisions. Among these was a provision to reverse last year’s appropriations bill rider that took away the county 25% share of geothermal revenues. The bill previously passed the Senate on July 22 and the President is now expected to sign it.
The provision on geothermal revenues states, “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for fiscal year 2010 only, all funds received from sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. §§ 1001 et seq.) shall be deposited in the Treasury, of which—(1) 50 percent shall be used by the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to States within the boundaries of which the leased land and geothermal resources are located;(2) 25 percent shall be used by the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to the counties within the boundaries of which the leased land or geothermal resources are located; and (3) 25 percent shall be deposited in miscellaneous receipts.”
But, this legislation only restores the country share for FY 2010. Legislation to permanently restore the 25% county share has been introduced in the House and Senate. S. 2607 was introduced in the Senate by Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) and is cosponsored by Senators Boxer, Crapo, Ensign, Feinstein, Hatch and Risch. H.R> 4060 was introduced in the House by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), and is cosponsored by Representatives Bishop, Chaffetz, Filner, Heller, Lummis, McKeon, Minnick, Rehberg, and Simpson.
In addition to restoring the county share, the Appropriations Bill provides $34.7 billion to support US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and provides non-military assistance to State Department Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It allocates $24 billion for employment of teachers, police, and firefighters during the recession, $13 billion to Vietnam War veterans that have been exposed to Agent Orange, $2.8 billion for Haiti relief, $5.7 billion for PELL grants, $677 million to strengthen the border, $275 million for the Gulf oil spill, and $725 million for other needs.
See http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h4899/show.
House Ways and Means Committee Releases Discussion Draft of Energy/Jobs Tax Bill
The House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI) has released a discussion draft of the energy/jobs tax bill, "The Domestic Manufacturing and Energy Jobs Act of 2010." The bill may be marked up in September and includes:
1.
Extension and enhancement of Section 48C advanced manufacturing tax credit.
2.
Extension of direct payment in lieu of production tax credit and investment tax credit program.
3.
Investment tax credit for long-term projects involving geothermal and offshore wind energy facilities.
“As the world moves toward renewable energy and a greener economy, it is necessary to accelerate a new era of American manufacturing and innovation,” Levin said in a statement. “With the U.S. government as a full, active and effective partner, the private sector can expand our green manufacturing capacity, ensuring that these jobs and products will be created in the U.S., competing globally and protecting our environment. The governments of other countries are racing ahead to dominate in this area.
“This is why the draft I am releasing today provides vital tax incentives to modernize U.S. manufacturing facilities and encourage demand of renewable energy and energy efficient products. We must not let this opportunity pass us by. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate, as well the Administration, to enact legislation."
The draft appears to incorporate two key pieces of geothermal related legislation H.R. 4599 and H.R. 5612 both sponsored by Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR). HR 4599, the Renewable Energy Expansion Act, would allow taxpayers an election to receive a direct payment for investing in or producing specified energy property in lieu of existing energy tax credits through January 1, 2013. The legislation has 30 co-sponsors. H.R. 5612, the Geothermal Energy Investment Act of 2010, would extend through 2016 the 30% energy tax credit for investment in geothermal energy property. It has ten cosponsors. To see the full list of cosponsors of either bill, go to: http://thomas.loc.gov/
See http://waysandmeans.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=11294.
Senate Abandons Climate Effort, Focuses on Oil Spill Measure
Last week Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced Democrats in the Senate did not have the 60 votes needed to continue pursuit of comprehensive climate legislation before the August recess. He said the focus would turn to a more limited energy bill targeting the oil spill.
"We've always known from Day One that to pass comprehensive energy reform you've got to have 60 votes," he said. "As we stand here today we don't have one Republican vote." Efforts to cap carbon emissions in the electric power sector could resume in the fall.
Impending EPA regulations on carbon scheduled to take effect in January could require expensive equipment to be installed at thousands of power plants across the country and could be much stricter than legislation designed by Congress; however, this failed to convince senators to support legislation.
The Senate will take up a new bill focusing on BP’s responsibility in the Gulf spill, with pressure to pass something before the August recess. The new bill will also address energy efficiency, incentives for natural gas vehicles, and will support land and water conservation.
But, that means top renewable community priorities -- extending renewable tax credits, or to establishing a national Renewable Energy Standard -- will have to wait for future legislation. The House Ways and Means Committee is already preparing to move on tax issues, possibly in September (see story below.)
See http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2010/07/23/1/, http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/07/23/23climatewire-senate-abandons-climate-effort-dealing-blow-88864.html, and http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/110743-reid-renewable-electricity-mandate-lacks-60-votes.
Utilities, Coops, and PUDs Speak to New Geothermal Players at GEA Conference
On July 22, over 130 participants joined the Geothermal Energy Association to explore the future of utility-scale geothermal power at an industry conference held in Las Vegas.
With geothermal production expanding to 15 states, many new utilities, coops and public utility districts are considering geothermal for the first time. This conference brought together those utility-scale players who are familiar with geothermal to discuss how they have achieved success with geothermal developers and companies.
Speakers presented to an audience filled to capacity. Sessions focused on approaches and challenges for utility-scale projects in the U.S., federal and state support for utilities and renewables, risk management, transmission issues, and more.
"It was great to see many new companies and new faces at the workshop," noted Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director. "I was once again impressed by the dynamic change and growth occurring in the geothermal industry, and the new approaches and roles for both public and private utilities in the geothermal community."
Mayor Declares Geothermal Energy Day in Las Vegas
Mayor Oscar B. Goodman of Las Vegas issued a Proclamation declaring July 22, 2010 to be Geothermal Energy Day in conjunction with the Geothermal Energy Association’s “Geothermal Energy and Utilities, Co-ops and Public Power Workshop.” The Proclamation reads:
Whereas; the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) will be holding a one-day “Geothermal Energy and Utilities, Co-ops and Public Power Workshop” in Las Vegas that will explore the future of utility-scale geothermal power; and
Whereas; according to GEA’s recent Update on Geothermal Power Production and Development, Nevada is already a leader in geothermal power production; and
Whereas; with the abundant geothermal resource that Nevada boasts, the state has the opportunity to build an even more extensive geothermal power portfolio; and
Whereas; the growth of the geothermal industry in Nevada has been a sparkling examples of how developers can harness this resource at a large scale and make it and extremely attractive option for utilities. Geothermal is also the perfect option for utilities interested in green power; and
Whereas; GEA is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heart uses; now
Therefore; I, the Mayor of the City of Las Vegas, County of Clark, State of Nevada, hereby proudly proclaim July 22, 2010 to be: Geothermal Energy Day in the City of Las Vegas and ask all citizens to welcome the attendees of this important workshop.
Congress Begins Action on FY 2011 DOE Geothermal Funding
On July 22, the Senate Appropriations Committee acted on its FY 2011 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which sets funding level and direction for DOE renewable energy programs. The Committee approved a report, Senate Report 111-228, which provides the details. For the DOE Geothermal Technologies Program the Committee stipulates:
“The recommendation for geothermal technology is $55,000,000, the same as the administration’s request. The Committee directs the Department to make not less than $5,000,000 available to continue development and deployment of low-temperature geothermal systems. Together, the funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act [ARRA] and the fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011 appropriations bills reflect the Committee’s intent to fund the full range of activities authorized by Congress in 2007 in subtitle B of Public Law 110–140. The Committee expects that in future years the Department will request funding for a broad based program, and not just Enhanced Geothermal System activities. The Committee also requests that the Department provide the Committee with a copy of its report required by section 621 of Public Law 110–140 evaluating the Department’s progress implementing the geothermal provisions of Public Law 110–140 and evaluating additional advanced concepts and technologies to maximize the geothermal resource potential of the United States.”
On July 15, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water voted on its bill and report, but the details of the Subcommittee's action have not been made public. Normally appropriations bill details are not released until the full Committee votes on the legislation, which has yet to be scheduled.
Once the House and Senate act on their versions of the bill, any differences in funding or direction will need to be reconciled in future legislation. Some broad documents and a list of earmarks from the Subcommittee are available at: http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=694:fy11-ew-appropriations-&catid=29:energy-and-water&Itemid=134&Itemid=4.
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