The independent-minded "republic of Berkeley" has devised an innovative method to meets its greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The city will pay the upfront cost of solar panels for residential customers who apply and add a charge to monthly tax bills for 20 years.

The solar panels will stay with the properties if the homeowner sells, but if they stay they get the benefit of "free" electricity. This type of financing should greatly encourage the spread of solar industry, but a city must be solvent to afford the bonds that will pay the upfront costs.

While renters might argue that public money shouldn't benefit homeowners, in reality everyone should benefit as lower peak power demands should cut the electric rates across the board. We can expect more of these innovative financing deals in the future, with third-parties figuring out how to make the economics work for everyone.

Time magazine dedicates its annual heroes double issue to the scientists, industry leaders, activists, big thinkers, and politicians who are affecting change in global thinking on business and lifestyle practices and the environment.

Profiles include Al Gore, Richard Branson, Amory Lovins (pictured, via Wikimedia Commons) , Ray Anderson, and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Roderick Bremby denied the final construction permit for Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s Holcomb Expansion.

Bremby’s decision to not permit the building of two 700 megawatt coal power plants was based on his opinion that additional carbon dioxide in the atmosphere presents a "substantial endangerment to the public health of Kansans.

It is thought to be the first time a U.S. coal plant that complied with state regulations was denied solely over concerns of carbon emissions. An appeal of the decision is likely.

Despite generous incentives, growing Canola in the Northwest as a local feedstock for biodiesel isn't as easy as promised. Weather and an uncertain buying market have slowed growth of the crop.

From the Oregonian

Image: Wikimedia Commons.