In This Issue:

Renewable energy leaders warn against GOP plan to cut DOE loan guarantees; RENEWABLE ENERGY FOCUS - Obama calls for less oil, more renewable energy in energy security strategy; California Assembly approves renewable energy mandate; Senate to vote on EPA cap-and-trade law; Court could freeze California carbon regulation as legal conflicts continue; Global renewable energy deals rise 66% driven by spike in U.S. activity; California prominent in top 10 list of cleantech cities; PG&E to charge customers for disabling smart grid meters; Solar advocate launches efficiency competition for solar industry stakeholders; Proposed SoCal wave power farm faces criticism; California Solar Initiative running low on funds, renewal uncertain; San Jose residents band together for cheaper solar installations; NOTABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AND DEALS - LADWP to build 11MW solar plant in Adelanto; UpWind Solutions signs five-year O&M deal with California wind farm; Recurrent Energy files request for 400MW Fresno County solar project; DOE signs agreement for development of solar-power window; and Northern California Power Agency approves Ram Power geothermal power purchase agreement.

Renewable energy leaders warn against GOP plan to cut DOE loan guarantees

Wall Street Journal - Mar 30

Renewable energy industry leaders are warning that the GOP's proposal to cut $41 billion in Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees for clean energy projects from the 2012 federal budget would result in lost jobs, tax revenue and investment opportunities, the Wall Street Journal reports. The cuts would eliminate a billion-dollar loan guarantee for a 290MW First Solar project in Arizona, effectively scuttling the project. Also at risk are 30 other renewable energy projects that would provide as many as 25,000 jobs, according to a DOE spokesperson.