The first grid-connected tidal power project in the US is delivering electricity to the utility grid from an underwater power system in Cobscook Bay, Maine. Bangor Hydro Electric Company verified that the Ocean Renewable Power Company’s Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy Project, which has a peak output of 180 kW, is connected. The project is funded by a $10 million investment from the Energy Department, as well as the Maine Technology Institute and private investors, EERE reports.
EU ProSun, a group of European solar equipment manufacturers have issued their second complaint with EU regulators against Chinese activities in the solar market. In the new complaint, the group asked the commission to look into whether Chinese state banks and the central government offered illegal financing support under World Trade Organization rules. EU ProSun also said that Chinese regions and localities granted subsidies by paying interest, electricity costs, transaction costs for land and value-added taxes, and by offering credit guarantees, the New York Times said.
Interpol has launched its National Environmental Security Task Force initiative which aims to establish a common approach worldwide for national compliance and enforcement responses. The initiative will work to support national and international efforts on ensuring current and future environmental security, the international law enforcement agency said.
The European Commission will publish in November its EU ETS market review, as part of plans to address the large surplus of carbon permits that has depressed the market. The EC has already announced proposals to withhold temporarily some surplus permits, but member states have yet to agree to the plan. In addition, the commission is expected to lay out options for wider, longer term reform for the trading platform, Reuters said.
Senate appropriators released a draft 2013 environmental funding bill in order to lay down a marker for discussions, likely in March, on how to finalize 2013 spending. This comes as Congress last week passed a six-month stopgap spending measure after failing to agree on any of the 12 annual appropriations bills this year. The environment bill contains $1.66 billion above a House-passed 2012 bill, The Hill said.
Thailand is setting into motion plans to launch a voluntary emissions trading market in October 2014. A government official said they will soon begin discussions with emitters to build support for the scheme, Point Carbon reports.
Continental Cement Company has agreed to pay a $22,000 civil penalty and complete a supplemental environmental project valued at $300,000 at its facility in Hannibal, Mo. The SEP, which will reduce particulate emissions at the facility by 15 tons per year, is part of an EPA consent agreement to settle alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act in 2007 and 2008, the agency said.
Veterinary health products company Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has agreed to pay a $68,500 civil penalty to settle a series of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act violations related to its handling of mercury waste in St. Joseph, Mo. In addition to paying the civil penalty, the company will spend a minimum of $300,000 to build a hazardous waste storage facility at the site as part of a supplemental environmental project, EPA said.
Legacy Landings will take steps to protect the nearby public from asbestos hazards at their property in Allegheny County, Pa. The company has agreed to clean up and dispose of asbestos-containing material released from abandoned greenhouses and other buildings on property formerly occupied by the Pittsburgh Cut Flower Company, the EPA said.