In this issue:

Biofuels crop unproven in California; RENEWABLE ENERGY FOCUS - Cash-rich companies begin making investments in renewables and RETECH 2011. IID supports eliminating San Diego, Mexico transmission line; IID approves 20-mile transmission upgrade project; ISO partnership with Nevada utility opens door to renewable power; NV Energy's export plan sparks fears of a rate increase; 14M electric vehicles on the world's roads by 2017: report; California panel reaffirms carbon trading program; Audit: California losing millions in land leases; and NOTABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AND DEALS - Fuel-cell startup ClearEdge scores $73.5M from investors including Southern California Gas Company.

Excerpt from: Biofuels crop unproven in California

Capital Press - Aug 24

The USDA Farm Service Agency's top California official says he's hopeful camelina can grow in the state even though it's largely unproven here. The government is offering to sign up farmers in 17 counties to grow the oilseed as part of a Biomass Crop Assistance Program project to convert it into fuel for U.S. Navy jets. But the amount of camelina grown in California now is statistically insignificant, acknowledged Val Dolcini, the FSA's state director.