Developing Nations Are Stepping Up Into Global Clean Energy Leadership

A new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance has highlighted the rising importance of developing nations in driving clean energy adoption worldwide, and finds they are seizing the mantle of global clean energy leadership from wealthier, more developed nations.

A combination of surging electricity demand, declining technology costs, and a surge in innovative policy-making have resulted in developing nations stepping up to seize the mantle of global clean energy leadership from wealthier nations, according to a comprehensive new report published by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) as part of its annual Climatescope project.

Call to Devolve All Renewable Energy Projects to Make Wales a Leader in Green Energy

Responsibility over all renewable energy projects should be devolved to a Welsh department dedicated to energy and climate change to make Wales a “leader” in green energy, the former chair of the Assembly’s Environment Committee has said.

Plaid Cymru AM Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas said all powers over renewable energy – regardless of scale – should be rapidly transferred to a Welsh Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), in a speech at Aberystwyth University.

Energy and economic development measures become a law

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed into law bills that are aimed to move Hawaii forward in reducing its dependence on imported oil.

Two of the measures enacted are Senate Bills 2785 and 2787, which were among the governor’s priority bills this past session.

“I want to thank the Legislature for recognizing the commitment that is needed to act now to move ahead with renewable energy projects that will benefit the State of Hawaii,” Abercrombie said. “These measures are critical in addressing our sustainability. We must view our islands as interdependent and remain open to all renewable projects. My Administration is seeking long-term infrastructure investments that ensure our electric grids are stable, reliable and modern enough to integrate all available alternative and renewable energy technologies.”

Florida Gov. rejects Tea Party request to veto bill

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who rode into office with the support of tea party groups and other conservative organizations, rejected their request that he veto a wide-ranging energy bill.

Scott instead announced on Friday that he would allow the bill (HB 7117) to become law without his signature.

The governor also vetoed a courts bill and signed 18 other measures into law including a bill responding to a state Supreme Court ruling from last year that Scott exceeded his authority. Scott also said he would allow another bill dealing with Hillsborough County taxi drivers to become law without his signature.

California legislation would benefit renewable energy projects

Assemblyman Ben Hueso, D-79th District-Calif., has introduced a bill that would allow property-tax revenue to be used to promote renewable energy projects.

The legislation, A.B.2551, would authorize a legislative body to establish an infrastructure financing district in a renewable energy zone area, as defined, for the purpose of promoting renewable energy projects. The bill would exempt the creation of the district from the voter-approval requirement.