Illinois enviro groups split over coal, renewable energy bill

Illinois environmental groups are split over an energy bill that funds a controversial “clean coal” power plant, but also boosts renewable energy in the state's electricity market.

Senate Bill 0678  would require Illinois utilities to buy electricity at above-market rates from a coal-to-gas power plant in Taylorville, to be built by Omaha, Neb.-based Tenaska Energy. By some estimates, Illinois residents and businesses could see their electricity rates rise by $12 billion over 30 years.

Governor Phil Bryant on Mississippi’s new energy proposal

Gov. Phil Bryant stressed the importance of Mississippi's thriving energy sector in Biloxi today at the Gulf Coast Energy Summit.

"Other states envy Mississippi's role as an energy powerhouse," Bryant said. "Mississippi has become a model for other states because of our success in developing both traditional and renewable energy sources.

Legislation introduced for National Clean Energy Standard

Legislation introduced this morning would set the first national standard for clean energy in the US.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012, which would require utilities to source a set percentage of their energy from "clean" sources.  Although the kinds of energy defined as "clean" are much broader than Renewable Energy Standards, in place in 29 states, the legislation has little chance of passing the GOP-dominated House. Included in "clean" energy are renewables, nuclear, natural gas and clean coal.

Ohio: Jordan wants to scrap energy benchmarks

State Sen. Kris Jordan, R- Powell, testified last week on a proposal to eliminate benchmarks designed to encourage the use of alternative energy in Ohio.

His proposed legislation would repeal Ohio's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, which requires 25 percent of the state's energy to come from advanced and renewable resources by 2025.