Apple, Google and Facebook Oppose a Freeze on Renewable Energy Targets in N.C.

[mackdaddy]

In a letter sent to both houses of the state legislature today, existing energy policies were listed as one of the main reasons Apple, Google and Facebook chose to locate their facilities in N.C.

“Alterations risk undermining the state's almost decade-long commitment to renewable power and energy efficiency,” reads the letter, submitted by TechNet on behalf of the internet companies. “We support a comprehensive review, in which we would like to participate. In the meantime, to avoid creating new risk and uncertainty for our businesses, we urge you to keep in place the existing, well-balanced and meticulously examined energy policy.”

Under H332, North Carolina’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) would stall at 6 percent of retail electricity sales, instead of steadily increasing to 12.5 percent by 2021.

The bill would also reduce the size of renewable energy projects that qualify for a standard contract with utilities from 5 megawatts to 100 kilowatts. These contracts are designed to boost the market for renewables by simplifying the negotiation process.

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/apple-google-and-facebook-oppose-a-freeze-on-n.c.-renewable-energy-target

Probably more of that ALEC written anti-renewables crap like K-sick and the republicans passed last year in Ohio.

[mackdaddy]

1. War on Renewables continues : "Kansas governor signs deal on renewable energy mandates"

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a compromise between the wind energy industry and critics of the state's green energy mandate.

The deal signed Thursday would remove a requirement that renewable resources account for 20 percent of utilities' capacity to generate electricity by 2020.

Green energy companies agreed to let the mandate become a nonbinding goal. Legislators in return dropped a proposal to impose a 4.33 percent tax on the electricity generated from renewable resources.

The agreement also would give all new green energy projects tax-free status for their first 10 years and require them to pay commercial property taxes thereafter. Renewable power plants are currently given a lifetime exemption from property taxes.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/energy/article/Kansas-governor-signs-deal-on-renewable-energy-6292629.php

Yep more Republican ALEC crap again.