In This Issue:

Renewable energy law signed in California; RENEWABLE ENERGY FOCUS - DOE loan guarantees for renewable energy projects survive GOP attack; Federal spending bill slashes EPA budget by 16%; California-Canada carbon market to start smaller than planned in 2012; Analysis: Smart grid adoption is essential to widespread use of renewable energy; Transmission issues are primary roadblock to widespread renewable energy use, study claims; IID official: Transmission lines are lynchpin for Imperial Valley renewable energy industry; California tosses out solar power plant lawsuit, offers no explanation; DOE offers $1.2B loan to support 250MW California solar project; BrightSource achieves fundraising goals for Ivanpah solar project with DOE loan guarantee, Google investment; Pegasus Energy Partners planning 400MW Alameda County solar project; Sacramento dedicates 3MW solar project; Los Angeles-area solar company booked solid for 2011; Record demand prompts LADWP to freeze solar rebates; SDG&E scales back investment in Montana wind farm after consumer complaints; Report: U.S. geothermal use increasing; Marin Energy Authority meets for first time since death of chairman; NOTABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AND DEALS - SDG&E signs power purchase deals on two San Diego County solar projects.

Renewable energy law signed in California

Los Angeles Times - Apr 12

California Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation requiring public and private utilities to obtain 33% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020. The legislation will increase the state’s mandate from 20% to 33%. Utilities will be allowed to use power delivered into California from out-of-state sources toward the requirement. Two of the state's three major utilities, SCE and SDG&E expressed support for the legislation, but PG&E officials say they are willing to "work within the rules" of the law, even though they say it will likely increase energy prices.