Solar energy study to include three Southern states

Three Southern states chosen to be part of solar energy study

The Department of Energy study will look at the cost effectiveness of solar technology, the regulatory climate and how to best encourage its adoption in seven states -- Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Missouri and Colorado. The study will cost about $150,000 to produce.

“We’re going to be able to look at the possible applications of solar energy in the state … how feasible solar energy projects would be … (and) any legal or regulatory barriers to adoption of renewable energy projects in the state,” Eddie Roberson, chairman of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, said. “It’s kind of a big picture view of what’s the possibility and potential of solar energy in the states that are participating.”

Kudos to the states who applied and won participation in the study. It helps push forward energy efficiency and renewable energy ideas purported in "Getting Greener: Progressive environmental ideas for the American South."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's 'brownfields' awarded $1 million by EPA for cleanup

ARKANSAS: Wind energy companies look at Arkansas as prospective site for new operations

FLORIDA: $1.8 billion in stimulus funds head to Florida for education

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue to veto cut in capital gains tax

KENTUCKY: Sen. Bunning faces tough battle to save seat

LOUISIANA: House panel to debate allowing guns on college campuses

MISSISSIPPI: State to get $321 million for schools in stimulus funds

NORTH CAROLINA: Bill on public hearings, public notices stands in House panel session

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gov. Sanford continues clashing with legislators over budget

TENNESSEE: EPA to oversee cleanup of TVA coal ash spill

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine calls for additional state budget cuts

ANALYSIS: Lottery commission faces hurdles
"The Arkansas Lottery Commission has the unenviable task of setting up from scratch a multi-million business for the state. They're doing it with little instruction and plenty of eyes watching."

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