The Solarnator From Economist.com It helps to have a sunny disposition CALIFORNIA’S $3.3 billion solar initiative, championed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the governor, is impressive. State rebates, combined with federal tax credits, can cover up to half the cost of a residential solar system. California builders must now offer solar as an option on all new construction. Another perk: installing solar on existing buildings will not trigger a rise in California’s already heinous property taxes. Mr Schwarzenegger’s goal of a million solar roofs by 2017—in a state with 36m people, and growing—looks ambitious. It also looks relatively feasible.

By Bill McKibben The Supreme Court's decision this week that global warming is a problem the EPA can't ignore any longer should be an incentive for the rest of us to keep up the political pressure. Everyone's getting into the act! The news this week that the Supreme Court has decided global warming is a problem, and the U.S. EPA can't just ignore it, is significant for two reasons. One, it's the law of the land. And two, just as importantly, it's one more sign that the tide has finally begun to turn.

By JULIE CARR SMYTH COLUMBUS, Ohio - New York had its Silicon Alley, Michigan its Automation Alley and Illinois its Silicon Prairie. Now comes Ohio in the parade of Silicon Valley wannabes U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and Gov. Ted Strickland, both Democrats, pledged during their 2006 campaigns to join forces in Washington and Columbus to make Ohio "the Silicon Valley of alternative energy."

The North Dakota House of Representatives passed two key pieces of a comprehensive renewable energy plan for the state of North Dakota. Senate bills 2180 and 2288 are targeted at increasing the production of renewable energy within the state of North Dakota.

Press Release from Solar Energy Industries Association (WASHINGTON, DC) - As more US consumers turn to solar power during the current energy crisis, US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Reps. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Michael Ferguson (R-NJ) today introduced legislation that would affirm the right of American consumers to install solar systems on their roofs and receive fair treatment as energy producers.

Home-owners who install solar power systems could be eligible to have a one-off rebate of up to £500 on their council tax bill. Those who install solar hot water systems receive a rebate of £300 and for solar photovoltaic (electricity) the grant is up to £500.

BALTIMORE, March 27 (UPI) -- A Senate panel in Maryland recently passed legislation that would significantly increase solar power use in the state. The proposed bill, which still needs to pass the General Assembly, would require state electricity suppliers to include a percentage of solar energy in the portfolio they sell to customers, the Daily Record reported.

By Andrew Garber Seattle Times Olympia Bureau OLYMPIA — Geneva Sullivan loves almost everything about her electric car — the way it looks, its quiet power, the fact it doesn't belch fumes. She just wishes it could go faster. "I was so concerned I had lettering put on the back, so people would know I can only go 25 miles per hour," said Sullivan, whose company, Espresso Vivace, uses the car to haul coffee beans to its stores around Seattle. "I sure would like it to go 35 mph." Sullivan could soon get her wish. The Legislature is expected to pass a law that would let electric cars like hers zip along at 35 mph, which is the top speed on many city streets.

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Energy regulators from four U.S. Western states, saying they cannot wait for the Bush administration to act on climate change, signed an agreement on Friday to cooperate to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.