New EU Legislation on Biofuel Crops
Luther Law Firm
Current Issue
Issue
32
A protective measure can potentially have anti-environmental consequences.
Growing the Grid
EnergyWire
Current Issue
Issue
6
The Clean Power Plan’s success hinges on reformation of the transmission lines that link generators and consumers of electrical energy. Congress has the responsibility for creating a durable policy framework for the 21st century’s power infrastructure.
Navigating Shale Gas Development: A Guidebook for Local Government Officials in Pennsylvania
Date Released
July 2014
Shale gas development has raised concerns that local governments might be entering a “boom and bust” cycle. ELI and the W&J Center have produced this practical guidebook for communities in southwestern Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale region to inform local officials and community organizations of some of their options to assure their communities receive long-term benefits from the development.
Getting the Boom Without the Bust: Guiding Southwestern Pennsylvania Through Shale Gas Development
Date Released
July 2014
Shale gas development has raised concerns that local governments might be entering a “boom and bust” cycle. This study examines the gas boom in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale, and explores best practices to forestall or mitigate a subsequent economic downturn or “bust.” A key focus of the study is the distribution and expenditure of state impact fees assessed on the gas industry.
Estimating U.S. Government Subsidies to Energy Sources: 2002-2008
Date Released
September 2009
The largest U.S subsidies to fossil fuels are attributed to tax breaks that aid foreign oil production, according to research released by ELI. The study, which reviewed fossil fuel and energy subsidies for Fiscal Years 2002-2008, reveals that the lion’s share of energy subsidies supported energy sources that emit high levels of greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels benefited from approximately $72 billion over the seven-year period, while subsidies for renewable fuels totaled only $29 billion.
Maryland Offshore Energy Framework
Date Released
September 2009
ELI’s Oceans and Land & Biodiversity staff analyze the tools available to Maryland’s Coastal Zone Management Program to address new energy activities in state and federal coastal waters. The report assesses Maryland’s existing laws and policies, interstate agreements, and federal laws, and identifies potential measures that can help Maryland create an Offshore Energy Framework.
Siting Wind Energy Facilities - What Do Local Elected Officials Need to Know?
Date Released
February 2013
Siting Wind Energy Facilities – What Do Local Elected Officials Need to Know? is a brief guide to aid local officials in understanding commercial-scale wind siting. Local government officials presented with potential wind energy projects in their municipalities often find that clear and concise answers to their citizens ’ concerns can be difficult to locate.
Delaware Offshore Alternative Energy Framework Review & Recommendations
Date Released
June 2011
This report explores Delaware’s framework for managing offshore alternative energy.
State Enabling Legislation for Commercial-Scale Wind Power Siting and the Local Government Role
Date Released
May 2011
Wind power currently provides less than 2 percent of the nation’s electric power, but the U.S. Department of Energy plans for an increase to 20 percent within the next 20 years. Wind energy is a growing industry sector with the potential to transform much of the nation’s industrial and energy economy, while avoiding harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
Mapping the Energy-Water Policy Landscape
Date Released
August 2010
This publication identifies the laws and policies that affect water use in the energy sector within the United States. Water quality and quantity are integral to many energy production activities. Most thermoelectric power generation plants require substantial amounts of water for steam generation and cooling, while disposal of combustion byproducts raises issues of water quality. Likewise, the extraction of oil and natural gas using enhanced recovery techniques, and handling of injected and produced water, raise state and federal concerns for oil, gas, and geothermal energy production.