Utilities Turn Their Customers Green, With Envy

Utilities Turn Their Customers Green, With Envy - NY Times.

Peer pressure, what a powerful emotion! And some utilities are using it as a way to get people to reduce their usage of electricity by showing how they compare to their neighbors.

Solar Panels on White House

It seems some solar panels were installed by President Bush, but very low key. That's a shame. Jimmy Carter also had some installed, but they were taken out under Reagan, unfortunately.

Golden State Doubles Solar Use in 2008

Golden State Doubles Solar Use in 2008 - msnbc. I hope this keeps up! Very exciting! Which may be related to this - SunPower profit leaps on rising solar panel sales

Stimulus and Alternative Energy

I am getting worried the stimulus is becoming not very stimulating.

• Fixing the Tax Problems of Renewable Energy

• House Energy Stimulus Unveiled

• Biomass, Geothermal and the Stimulus New York Times
  

EPA Waiver Economic Impact

Will the EPA waiver for California have a negative economic impact? Some people think so and my thoughts are BS.

Why? Take SUV's for example. Hyrid SUV's already exist and don't cost that much more than a regular one, but with cheap gas why would anyone want to buy one? Hmm...

And I thought Detroit was already working on lots of hybrids and electric cars already?

References:
Obama directs EPA to reconsider Bush-era auto emission policy Los Angeles Times

California's energy efficiency an economic boon

California's energy efficiency an economic boon - San Francisco Chronicle

This is the same idea of WalMart, just being more efficient which leads to higher profits! Unfortunately sometimes governments needs to give some incentives in order for companies and people to become more energy efficient. How public utilities in California are rewarded is a great example, that is why they subsidize CFL's and do other activities to reduce the demand for electricity since they are regulated by California.

Mexico turns toward alternative energy The Associated Press

Mexico turns toward alternative energy The Associated Press

Good news overall. There is the challenge of the historical issues that can complicate any investment, especially when they can use it as an issue to push forward their own political agendas.

The LA Times headline, Slumdog' doesn't feel good in India on Indian reaction to Slum Dog Millionaire was another example of some people pushing their own political agenda. The actually opinion in India is much more nuanced. Of course when you read the article, it reads "some Indians". Which was not apparent from the headline.