Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin set an ambitious goal for his state – 100% broadband coverage by 2013. The state is close to meeting that goal with over 90% wired for access. Now, officials are allocating capital and resources to improve mobile and wireless access points statewide.
Maryland is creating its first long-range plan for sustainable growth. “PlanMaryland,” is the culmination of state mandate first outlined in the 1970s. The plan is designed to combine smart growth projects more effectively with state government programs to facilitate a coordinated public and private process.
Illinois lawmakers are pushing ahead on a smart grid initiative that passes most of the cost of the project on to the taxpayer. Under the terms of the bill, consumers will face increased surcharges on their utility bills to pay for the cost of a switch to a smart grid system. Governor Pat Quinn opposes [...]
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is making a big investment in electric cars nationwide. The investment is part of DOE’s Clean Cities initiative which is supporting the growth of energy efficient and renewable energy measures in America’s cities. Awards were given to 16 electric vehicle projects in 24 states and Washington DC.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Kentucky $500,000 in grants to fund rural renewable energy projects throughout the state. The grants will go to 43 farm families and rural small businesses to cover the cost of implementing new renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in their operations.
Illinois passed two new laws designed to further wind energy in the state. The new laws will create a council to study offshore wind energy projects in Lake Michigan and allow for more wind energy projects throughout Illinois. The bills are part of a broader state initiative to support renewable energy statewide.
Washington broke ground on a project that will expand broadband access statewide. The Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) began construction on a massive project that will bring nearly one thousand miles of broadband service to nearly every unserved community in the state. Washington was awarded $140 million in federal stimulus grants for the project.
Vermont is taking its strategic energy plan online and seeking advice from citizens on how best to move forward. The Governor has launched a new website that will provide current information on the state’s energy plan as well as the result of several public hearings on the plan that are slated to take place throughout [...]
New York is investing nearly $191 million in wind, hydroelectric and landfill-to-gas projects to provide renewable energy access throughout the state. The funds will be awarded through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) and will cover 17 projects. NYSERDA estimates that these power projects will [...]
Washington is working to phase out its use of coal for energy. Under the terms of a new law signed on Friday, the state will phase out both of its coal boilers – the first in 2020 and the second in 2025. Since 2009, the state has been working with TransAlta, the state’s coal boiler [...]
