Switch: Newsletter

Riverside, CA Turns Restaurant Grease into Electricity

The City of Riverside, CA has found additional revenue from an unlikely source; restaurant grease. In a new program the city uses anaerobic digestion to dispose of the grease and create methane gas which is then used to generate electricity. The program has been a resounding success, paying for itself in the first year of operation. (full story)


Renewable Energy Credits: An Emerging Opportunity

Increasingly policy makers around the world are finding that market based strategies that include renewable energy credits (REC) are an effective tool in reducing carbon emissions. RECs are providing economic value for the harmful emissions not emitted by renewable energy systems. As RECs become more common both the environmental benefits and economic opportunities they yield continue to grow. (full story)


Is an Anaerobic Digester Right for You?

An anaerobic digester can be a great way to manage waste while generating power and other commodities. When designed correctly, significant economic gains can be achieved as well. To ensure that these benefits are realized requires detailed planning starting with analyzing how a digester will fit into your overall operation. (full story)


Coast to Coast: America Turns to Biofuels

Americans concerned about rising energy prices, national security, and environmental issues are turning to alternative fuels like biodiesel and ethanol as a way to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil supplies. As the supply and availability of biofuels continues to grow, state and federal lawmakers are providing more incentives to produce and use them.(full story)


VA Amends RPS Bill to Address Stakeholder Concerns

In the upcoming 2007 legislative session Virginia lawmakers will once again debate whether or not Virginia will join 20 other states, plus the District of Columbia, in establishing a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS). The bill would require that a certain percentage of the state’s energy portfolio come from renewable sources. It was originally proposed in the 2006 legislative session, but was carried over to 2007 so that concerns over the bill could be addressed.(full story)