Green news harvest: Detroit's woes, energy policy changes on tap
An Obama energy adviser predicts quick changes on energy policy; Al Gore not interested in government work; PC power drain; and other green tech news from around the Web.
A sampling of green-tech news with quick commentary.
- Adviser: Obama will act quickly on climate change --Reuters
A high-level Obama energy adviser says to expect fast action on climate and energy. The clean-tech industry hangs on every word. - Bailout turns on automakers' viability--WSJ.com
One idea being floated: that public money be contingent on automakers' investing in more fuel-efficient cars. - Gore says no to 'Climate Czar' role--The Washington Times
Former VP Al Gore not interested in a government job. - SolFocus boosts solar efficiency--Greentech Media
Concentrating photovoltaics upstart boasts 25 percent efficiency in converting solar energy to electricity. - Electric-powered future two years away?--Forbes Auto
A briefing on the vehicle-to-grid concept, which optimists say is mostly about integrating existing technology. - Flipswap announces $14 million capital investment--Press release
More money going to firms that develop software for trading in cell phones. - Desktop workstations serious power drain for big companies--Environmental Leader
Energy usage in IT tends to focus on data centers but desktops, often left on overnight, are major consumers as well. - Best of what's new 2008--Popular Science
A look at some interesting green-tech companies, from materials to home wind power. - Ethanol firms join forces against critics--The Des Moines Register
Complaining that ethanol's getting a bad rap, ethanol makers band together for PR campaign. - Is carbon capture and storage the fix?--BusinessWeek
A visit to a testing facility for carbon capture and storage, promoted as a key to solving climate change but criticized as risky.