November 18, 2006 House Democrats are targeting billions of dollars in oil company tax breaks for quick repeal next year. A broader energy proposal that would boost alternative energy sources and conservation is expected to be put off until later. Hot-button issues such as a tax on the oil industry's windfall profits or sharp increases in automobile fuel economy probably will not gain much ground given the narrow Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in an outline of priorities over the first 100 hours of the next Congress in January, promises to begin a move toward greater energy independence 'by rolling back the multibillion dollar subsidies for Big Oil. Read Full Article

November 13, 2006 (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) --  Long-recognized as the epicenter of ground-breaking IT technologies, Silicon Valley is now hoping to blaze a new trail in the business world by proving its green credentials. Some of the biggest firms in the technology hub, including HP, Cisco, and Sun Microsystems, have joined the Sustainable Silicon Valley (SSV) initiative, which aims to be a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "Many high-tech companies understand they have a role to play in bringing the next generation of innovation by supporting, promoting, creating, and bringing to market technologies that will help the world meet its energy and communications needs," said SSV director Margaret Bruce. SSV members already reduced emissions of carbon dioxide by 12 percent between 2000 and 2005. The group has set a goal of reducing that figure to 20 percent below 1990 levels over the next four years. Read Full Article

October 31, 2006 (Green Mountain College): Green Mountain College is seizing the power of cow dung. The 760-student school, located along the Vermont-New York line, started Thursday to get half of its electricity from farms that run generators powered by methane gas extracted from cow manure. The college will pay an extra $48,000 on its $250,000-a-year electricity bill for the privilege, which will help it reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy that pollutes the environment. Read Full Article.