CS Journal
CS Journal
Racing for clean-tech jobs: Why America needs an energy education strategy
In the aftermath of the Great Recession, the United States faces serious questions about the future of its economy and jobs market. Where will the good jobs of the future come from, how do we prepare the American workforce, and what is our strategy to maintain economic leadership in an increasingly competitive world?
Our response to recent articles critical of wind energy
Climate Solutions is concerned about the recent spate of articles in The Oregonian that are critical of renewable energy projects. While many of the articles have had useful information, we believe that the industry must answer back. Our friends at Renewable Northwest Projects have developed a response to those concerns. Read the RNP response here.
Cynicism: Big oil’s best friend
Here is an important milestone: The clean energy economy now has enough momentum to worry the oiligarchs. Warning of “bubbles” is a smart, easy way for them to discourage energy independence; in the wake of market meltdowns and Wall Street bailouts, exploiting American cynicism is like shooting fish in a barrel.
The BETC debate
As the dust settles from the legislative session, we have the opportunity to look calmly at the issues. One that has gathered more ink than others (particularly in the Oregonian) is the Business Energy Tax Credit, the BETC. What happened with the BETC? What should happen in the future?
Climate Solutions is proud to be a community sponsor of Pivotal Leaders
Climate Solutions is proud to serve as a community sponsor of Pivotal Leaders. We hope you'll nominate leaders building the Northwest's clean economy to be recognized for their work.
Finding your voice
If we’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that clean energy is a policy-driven business. It requires its constituents to get involved.
Climate Progress ranks Portland among the top 5 American cities for clean-energy jobs
Go Portland! Now it's time to make Albany, OR, Kennewick, WA, Great Falls, MT, C'oeur d'Alene, ID - and all the other communities of the Northwest - hotbeds for clean-energy careers, too...
Oregon's Lake County to host the NW’s largest utility-scale solar project to date
This April, Oregon's Lake County will host the Northwest’s largest utility-scale solar project to date, using PV Powered’s inverter platform. This’ll be just the first in a series of projects; 5 more megawatts are on the way.
Unequivocal bipartisan support for clean-energy security
Frank Luntz, one of the nation's most prominent Republican pollsters, has just released new public opinion data with very good news about bipartisan support for strong climate and clean energy policy. Luntz worked with New Gingrich to coin the “Contract with America” concept in 1994, and guided many years of strategies and messages for fighting against action on climate change. But last week, he released new research that shows the American people are eager for Congress to act on climate legislation that would promote energy independence and a healthier environment. The newly released public opinion data indicates deep bipartisan consensus on the need to reshape the energy-environmental debate and illustrates a clear path forward for Senators as the 2010 climate change debate heats up on Capitol Hill.
Clean Edge issues new clean tech job trends report
A report recently released by Clean Edge, highlights major trends in the clean-tech industry, emerging financing models and includes an online resource guide for clean-tech job seekers and employers.
A dangerous proposal
Senator Jeff Merkly D-OR) presents a compelling argument against Murkowski’s radical attempt to overrule EPA scientists -- From Grist: 01/22/10
The youth movement's fight for a fossil-free Northwest
Nick Engelfried writes at It's Getting Hot in Here of the major achievements and successes of youth climate activists in the Northwest.
Workforce development councils identify local impact of green jobs grant
Three Workforce Development Councils communicate how the recently awarded Recovery Act green job grants will affect their communities.
Energy efficiency improving in 2010
Xconomy Seattle predicts that energy efficiency of buildings will increase substantially in 2010. Although efficiency was much talked about in 2009, legislation encouraging more efficient buildings, funding from the Recovery Act and other sources, and new technologies will lead to more efficiency projects in 2010.
Investment managers still lagging in response to climate change risks and opportunities
Although there is overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is underway and governments are imposing regulations to curb greenhouse gases, the vast majority of the world's largest investment managers are not factoring climate-related trends into their short- and long-term investment decision-making, the result being significant 'hidden risks' in the trillions of dollars of investment portfolios they are managing. This is the key conclusion of a new Ceres report released January 6th that surveyed leading assets managers in 2009 on their responses to the increasing business risks and investment opportunities associated with climate change.
President Obama Awards $2.3 Billion for new clean-tech manufacturing jobs
Today at the White House, President Obama announced the award of $2.3 billion in Recovery Act Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits for clean energy manufacturing projects across the United States. One hundred eighty three projects in 43 states will create tens of thousands of high quality clean energy jobs and the domestic manufacturing of advanced clean energy technologies including solar, wind and efficiency and energy management technologies.
Register ASAP: Climate Solutions teams up on PSU Smart Grid class
Registration now open for PSU’s Designing the Smart Grid for Sustainable Communities, Version 2.0. Enrollment options are available for both graduate students and business and community leaders interested in professional development.
Report on Puget Sound Clean Tech released
The Prosperity Partnership recently released their Clean Tech Cluster Analysis Update for the Puget Sound Region providing a report on all clean tech related industries in the Puget Sound region. The report was commissioned to provide accurate and current information on clean technology in the Puget Sound region: the size and scope of clean technology, its specific industries, and its potential for growth.
WSU Ranked in Top Ten Clean Tech Universities in US
In a recent report by the Cleantech Group, Washington State University was ranked in the top ten clean tech universities. For this report, the Cleantech Group looked at research facilities, collaboration with businesses, state initiatives and research dollars.
$5.6 Billion in US building energy efficiency business
Energy efficiency consulting for US commercial building owners is currently $5.6 billion market and is expected to grow by 250% to $19.9 billion by 2020. These are key take aways from a recent report by Pike Research.
