Solar in 2017: As non-traditional markets break records, more doors open for utilities
"But utilities are not procuring solar to meet renewable portfolio standards anymore. More than 70% of the solar in the pipeline for the upcoming year reflects that trend, the report noted. Instead, the biggest driver will be smaller solar projects that qualify under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) of 1978. The policy sought to break up the utility monopoly on generation choices by requiring them to buy from smaller developers of renewable energy at their avoidable cost rate for a long-term contract, usually set for 20 years."
A second major question we must address has to do with our relationship with race. We have reached a point where we can no longer try to 'patch things up' and move onto a post-racial world...especially since many seem to want us to return to a world where we solved racism by isolating the races.
What Betsy DeVos Didn't Say about School Choice
"And an increasing body of research suggests these concerns should not be isolated to vouchers, but to school choice programs of all kinds: Nationwide, school choice programs, such as charter schools and open enrollment options, have pushed more low-income minority students into even more racially segregated schools."
The last of the major questions we face as a society deals with the question of work. Four-hundred years of Puritanical work ethic have pushed us to the point where, much like a soldier who has struggled in war so long they cannot fathom a life without it, we cannot see the looming crisis ahead. Thankfully, some have taken notice and seek workable solutions.
As robots take jobs, Europeans mull free money for all
"Finland’s small-scale, two-year trial that started Jan. 1 aims to answer a frequent question from basic income opponents: With a guaranteed 560 euros ($600) a month, will the 2,000 human guinea pigs — drawn randomly from Finland’s unemployed — just laze around?"
If people's actions ever confuse you, follow the money. Good advice.
The Hidden Reason Republicans are So Eager to Repeal Obamacare
"The two big relevant taxes, according to the TPC’s Howard Gleckman, are “a 0.9 percent payroll surtax on earnings and a 3.8 percent tax on net investment income for individuals with incomes exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 for couples).” That payroll tax hike hits a reasonably broad swath of affluent individuals, but in a relatively minor way. The 3.8 percent tax on net investment income (money made from owning or selling stocks and other financial instruments rather than working), by contrast, is a pretty hefty tax, but one that falls overwhelmingly on the small number of people who have hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in investment income."
I have a minority view among many progressives and clean energy advocates, but Rick Perry can do much good in his role as Energy Secretary. The Obama administration focused on moving research forward quickly, with Energy Secretaries who had a background in the hard science aspect of the department. Now, we get an able administrator to manage the natural plateau that comes with a Republican administration. If you expect groundbreaking advances, you will find disappointment, but the clean energy movement can gain much from a couple of years of practical market settling.
Rick Perry Pledges Support for DOE Research, Renewables as Trump Plans Drastic Agency Cuts
"I am committed to the continuation of using brilliant scientists, the private sector and universities in collaborating on finding solutions to challenges…whether on renewables or use of resources in a more efficient, safe, effective manner,' Perry said, while being questioned by Sen. Duckworth."
Happy Friday!
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