The Daily Update
Busting Big Oil Myths on the Renewable Fuel Standard: Part I
The Energy Collective— May 24th, 2013
Anyone with even a casual interest in energy policy knows that a full frontal assault has been launched against the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Big Oil has gone on the offensive, using a variety of tactics to disparage the program and spread myths and misinformation about renewable fuels. Their champions in Congress have introduced bills to reform or repeal the RFS (the latest attempts to allow natural gas, a distinctly non-renewable fuel, to qualify for the RFS); their attorneys have filed multiple lawsuits to impede implementation; and their PR firms have launched aggressive media campaigns intended to undercut public and political support for renewables.
Buildings in efficiency challenge cut energy use, save $58 million
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel— May 24th, 2013
Participants across the country in the Better Buildings Challenge reduced their energy intensity by 2.5% last year, achieving about $58 million in annual energy savings.
Tesla & Solar: A Glimpse of the New Energy Economy
RealClearPolitics— May 24th, 2013
If you want a glimpse of what the nascent new energy economy looks like, pull off Interstate 5 in Southern California just before the steep climb through the Tejon Pass. There amid a cluster of fast-food joints you’ll find three Tesla Motors Superchargers sitting under a canopy of solar panels.
Gov. Dayton Signs Solar Energy Standard
CBS Minnesota— May 24th, 2013
Minnesota’s investor-owned utilities will be required to get 1.5 percent of their power from solar energy by 2020 under legislation signed by Gov. Mark Dayton.
Guest opinion: Energy bill good for Colorado
Boulder Daily Camera— May 24th, 2013
Senate Bill 252 has passed the legislature and is on the governor’s desk for his signature. The bill requires a specific level of renewable energy to be consumed by rural electric cooperatives. It contains a modest cap on individual customer’s electricity bills resulting from this requirement.
‘This loan program has exceeded expectations’
MSNBC— May 24th, 2013
Following up on an item from March, President Obama’s Republican critics spent a fair amount of time in 2012 condemning the administration’s loan to Tesla Motors. In the final months of the race, it was a standard line of attack: the president was recklessly using our money, Mitt Romney said, to “pick losers.” Obama was so irresponsible, he even invested in Tesla.
US energy secretary urges renewables development amid gas boom
Platts— May 23rd, 2013
The Obama administration should be pushing hard for the development of renewable energy technologies even as the ongoing US gas boom makes them less economically competitive, the new head of the Department of Energy said Wednesday.
Projections Put Wind Power Up 34% in 3 years
Motley Fool— May 23rd, 2013
Extended tax credits could push up wind power production over the next three years and beyond, according to an Energy Information Administration (EIA) report released today.
Upcoming Events
Transportation & National Defense Forum
March 12-13, 2013|San Diego, CA
Join ACORE in San Diego for a two day discussion about the opportunities and barriers for renewable energy presented by two important sectors in the western region: U.S. military bases and the transportation industry. A product of ACORE’s National Defense & Security and Transportation Initiatives, the forum will feature discussion about the western region’s expanding renewable energy presence on military bases and explore the key policies and technologies that are setting California apart as a leader in clean transportation.

