Sustainable Industries Daily Update

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A 30 percent grant program for U.S. renewable energy projects, part of the federal stimulus package passed by Congress in 2009, is set to expire by the end of 2010. Energy developers and lawmakers are pushing to have it extended until 2012. The program allows renewable energy developers to receive cash up-front for capital costs, instead of through a tax credit after completion of a project.

Along with two partners, Sacramento, Calif., based ethanol and biodiesel retailer Propel Fuels, Inc. has received approximately $11 million in grant funding from the U.S. department of energy and the California Energy Commission to build and operate 75 self-serve alternative fuel stations across California over the next two years. The Low Carbon Fuel Infrastructure Investment Initiative has the potential to displace 39 million gallons of petroleum and 187,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, according to Propel.

Looking to buy a product that doesn't emit greenhouse gases? San Francisco has put the SF Approved List (developed over five years) online to serve as a resource for other cities as well as for corporate purchasing agents and consumers. The website lists more than 1,000 products, such as bathroom and computer keyboard cleaners, that do not emit greenhouse gases.

California lawmakers have rejected a bill seeking to ban plastic shopping bags. The bill would have been the first statewide ban.