Western Governors agree on actions to speed development of alternative fuels, improve fuel efficiency

Western governors agreed today to take action within their states and as a region to speed the development and use of alternative fuels, improve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce our dependence on foreign petroleum.

A resolution adopted by the Western Governors’ Association incorporates many recommendations contained in its new report, Transportation Fuels for the Future. The report was developed at the request of the governors and with the assistance of more than 100 energy experts representing government, industry, the environmental community, academia and the general public. The fuels and technologies covered are biodiesel and renewable diesel, biofuels, coal-to-liquids, compressed natural gas, propane, electricity and hydrogen.

Full Story: http://www.westgov.org/wga/press/transfuels2-23-08.htm

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Governors: Coal must be part of energy debate

Governors pushing alternative energy development are not shying from coal, a major culprit in global warming but also a homegrown energy source and an economic lifeline for many states.

Leaders of coal-rich states say clean-coal technology is a must. Governors from states without coal want more evidence the technology works.

"There’s no doubt there’s a tension and there’s no doubt there is very rapidly growing public opposition to coal," said Gov. Jim Doyle, D-Wis. His state relies heavily on coal for power although Wisconsin is not a coal producer.

Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2008-02-23-energy-debate_N.htm