U.S. government tightens geothermal regulation amid earthquake fears

The U.S. Department of Energy is planning to release stricter safety regulations on geothermal energy sites in an effort to address concerns that drilling deep holes into the Earth can result in local earthquakes.

Geothermal energy sites work by drilling deep holes into the ground to access hot bedrocks that are found deep underground. Water is then poured into the holes, which releases steam that can be used to power turbines and produce power.

While the localized earthquakes that can occur around these sites are highly unlikely to cause serious enough earthquakes to endanger humans, the local earthquakes have been known to damage the foundations of buildings and can cause thousands—even millions—of dollars in damage if left unregulated.

The new rules will require sites to get plans approved by seismologists and to run seismic tests at the site during drilling. If the earthquakes that result from the drilling are larger than expected, the sites will be required to shut down.

For more information, check out this story from Business Green.

The most fuel efficient 2010 cars and SUVs

The Daily Green has compiled a slide show of 2010 cars and SUVs that get over 30 miles per gallon. As we have pointed out before, going green doesn't necessarily have to cost you a bundle, and you will see that most of the vehicles cost about as much as other, less-efficient models.

Each slide contains a description of the car as well as a neat section that will highlight the fuel efficiency, the cost to drive 25 miles, and the annual emissions of each vehicle. Whether you are in the market for a compact, a family sedan, or a SUV, this list likely has something for everyone. Check it out here when you get a chance.

Cap-and-trade, emissions regulation debate continues in Congress

Much debate is going on in the Senate this week over the proposed Boxer-Kerry Climate Bill as well as the EPA's decision to regulate emissions.

Several moderate Democratic senators are trying to get the cap-and-trade language taken out of the climate bill, arguing that it is important for the focus to be on energy reforms that will dramatically reduce U.S. carbon emissions.

Also, a group of Republican senators is trying to get the Senate to vote on whether the EPA has the authority to regular emissions under the Clean Air Act. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is also working on a law suit against the EPA, saying that the agency does not have the authority to regulate emissions.

For more information on the climate change legislation debate, check out this story from The Daily Green.

U.S. government introduces funding to increase fuel efficiency of large trucks

The U.S. government announced funding this week for nine projects aimed at increasing the fuel efficiency of large trucks and passenger vehicles.

Government officials said the funding will create 500 jobs immediately and has the possibility of creating as many as 5,000 jobs in the future.

The Department of Energy said the projects could reduce carbon emissions from road transport vehicles in North America by 30 percent by 2030.

For more information, check out this story from The Daily Green.

Number of cars in U.S. shrunk for first time in 2009

In either a sign that U.S. citizens are switching to more sustainable means of transit or a reflection of the economic recession, more cars were taken off the road in 2009 than new cars were sold for the first time in history.

A report from the Earth Policy Institute argues that increasing population growth in urban areas as well as rising oil prices means that this trend is likely to continue until at least 2020. In 2009, the total automobile population in the U.S. decreased by 2 percent. By 2020, there could be as many as 20 percent fewer cars on the road.

Hopefully, these numbers are a sign that Americans are realizing and taking advantage of the benefits of sustainable transportation methods. For more on this story, click here.

Five radical (maybe crazy) ways to stop global warming

As politicians continue to debate what role governments should play in fighting global warming, some people are promoting scientific fixes to the problem.

Some of these ideas may be feasible, while others are just plain crazy. But, I guess it is important for us to realize that while the best solution to global warming may lay in changing current behaviors, this may not be enough to reverse some of the damage our past actions have caused. Looking at scientific ways to slow down warming may be helpful as well.

If you're curious (and you should be), check out this story from The Daily Green.

GM set to begin manufacturing electric car batteries

Auto giant GM will begin production tomorrow of the battery packs for its Chevy Volt electric vehicle.

Production of the batteries at the company's plant in Michigan is a major step towards the release of the Volt later this year. The vehicle is expected to cost around $40,000.

GM officials have said the car will operate solely on battery power for about 40 miles of travel or until the battery reaches 70 percent power remaining. After that, the vehicle will operate similarly to traditional hybrids. The car is expected to have a total range of about 300 miles between fueling stops.

To read more about production of Chevy Volt batteries and the vehicle itself, check out this story from Business Green.

15 New Year's resolutions that will help the environment

Have you still not pinned down what your New Year's resolution(s) is going to be for 2010? Well, why don't you try picking one that can not only save you money but also help the environment?

The Daily Green has done the thinking for you. This slide show contains 15 resolutions that will not only make the environment cleaner and safer but may also help you keep a little more green in your pocket. Check them out when you get a chance. From giving up grocery bags to lowering your thermostat, most of these ideas are simple and easy and would make a great New Year's resolution.

OLED wallpaper may soon replace light bulbs

Organic LEDs, or OLEDs, are being hailed as the next generation of environmentally-friendly lighting. OLEDs can produce light with very little power, significantly less than what is required to power conventional light bulbs.

OLEDs are being used more and more, and one company is incorporating them into wallpaper with the goal of making the technology good enough to light rooms withou the use of conventional lighting. However, two main problems have kept the technology from widespread use: the cost to create products using them and the short lifespan OLEDs currently have. The company hopes more research can make the technology cheaper and more efficient.

For more information on this next-gen source of lighting, check out this story from Business Green.

U.S. Agriculture Department and dairy industry partner to cut emissions

The news is admittedly slow during this time of year, but there is a fairly interesting article from Business Green about the recent partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the dairy industry, aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The dairy industry has set a goal to cut emissions by 25 percent in the next 10 years. As part of the agreement, the USDA will help support (i.e. fund) research into advanced nutrient management for livestock as well as support technological advances that could lead to increased energy efficiency and an increase in the use of renewable energy.

For more information, check out the story at Business Green.