July 4, 2008
Secret Report: Biofuel Caused Food Crisis (Guardian)
Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75% -- far more than previously estimated -- according to a confidential World Bank report completed in April and obtained by the Guardian.
Texas Regulators Approve New 600 MW Coal Plant (Reuters)
In a 2-1 vote, Texas utility regulators have approved AEP's proposal to build a $2 billion, 600-megawatt coal plant in Fulton, Arkansas, but expressed concern about the risks to ratepayers if CO2 becomes a regulated pollutant.
Utah is Going to a 4-Day Workweek to Save Energy (AP)
In a yearlong experiment aimed at reducing the state's energy costs and commuters' gas expenses, Utah is about to become the first state to switch to a four-day workweek for thousands of government employees.
Senator Asks if Nation's Drivers Should Slow Down (AP)
Sen. John Warner (R-Va) has asked Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to look into what speed limit would provide optimum fuel efficiency, suggesting that Congress might want to consider reimposing a national speed limit to save gas.
Japan Sees a Chance to Promote Its Energy-Frugal Ways (New York Times)
Japan is hoping to use its energy efficiency record to take a global leadership role on energy conservation -- and to export its power-saving technology at next week’s meeting of the G8 nations.
Pictured: The Floating Cities that Could One Day House Climate Change Refugees (Daily Mail)
Award-winning Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut has designed a new place to live for those whose homelands have been wiped out by rising seas -- floating, zero-carbon "lily pad cities," each with enough space to house 50,000 inhabitants.
Congressional Nudge for Test of Floating Wind Turbines (The Green Blog, Boston Globe)
The Massachusetts Congressional delegation has urged the feds to lease a portion of federal waters to Blue H USA for a test of deep-water wind technology off the state's coast using a floating wind turbine.
