Rhode Island Senate committee debates energy efficiency

The slow track of environmental bills followed their usual course at an April 4 hearing in the Senate Committee on the Environment and Agriculture.

Biofuels

A bill encouraging the local production of biofuels and biodiesel in particular was debated at length then held for study. Ray Albrecht from the National Biodiesel Board described biodiesel as homegrown energy. "It doesn't have to come from major corporations. It can be done right here in your hometown," he said.

Energy incentives in New Jersey heat up

When it comes to the energy sector, New Jersey is not shy about handing out incentives.

There are financial incentives to build solar systems on homes, roofs and landfills; new credits soon to be awarded to help develop offshore wind farms; and even ratepayer subsidies potentially available to construct three natural-gas-fired plants.