IN THIS ISSUE:

*DOE promises speedier funding for renewable energy projects

*Renewable Energy Focus

..Secretary Salazar Pledges to Open Four Renewable Energy Permitting Offices, Create Renewable Energy Teams

*SEIA seeks solar carve-out in energy bill

*Utilities and transmission managers try to head off congressional grid plans

*National Park Service warns solar projects could impact Mojave Desert

*Renewable energy bills move through California Senate

*Tough times for wind energy but solar power is rising in 2009

*Notable renewable energy projects and deals

..US wind energy industry installs more than 2,800 MW in Q1

..Californians install 78 MW of solar panels in Q1

..Abengoa Solar begins operation of the world’s largest solar power tower plant

..AEP doubles renewable energy goal

..New center in San Diego to focus on algae, biofuels

Please see full update for more information.