Coyote Blog: Is There a Zero-Cost Regulatory Solution to Energy Efficiency?

Rolling climate, industrial intensity, and price together, these factors seem to explain at least 80% of California's efficiency lead over other states. California government regulatory policy does indeed drive lower electrical consumption, just not exactly the way they would like you to think. By chasing industries out of the state and raising electricity costs above those of almost every other state, California has reached a lower per capita consumption level.

Just in Case - WSJ.com

Got a good idea for a renewable energy technology? Perhaps a new way to convert the sun or waves or plants into fuel? Chances are, there's a venture capitalist willing to help see whether the idea works.

What you might not expect is that the seed money might come from an oil company -- one of the very firms whose products dominate the market you hope to crack.

Why the Gasoline Engine Isn't Going Away Any Time Soon - WSJ.com

With all the glitzy ads, media chatter and Internet buzz about plug-in hybrids that draw power from the electric grid or cars fueled with hydrogen, it's easy to get lulled into thinking that gasoline stations soon will be as rare as drive-in theaters. The idea that auto makers can quickly execute a revolutionary transition from oil to electricity is now a touchstone for both major presidential candidates.

That's the dream. Now the reality: This revolution will take years to pull off -- and that's assuming it isn't derailed by a return to cheap oil. Anyone who goes to sleep today and wakes up in five years will find that most cars for sale in the U.S. will still run on regular gas -- with a few more than today taking diesel fuel. That will likely be the case even if the latter-day Rip Van Winkle sleeps until 2020.