Alternative Energy News - October 12, 2006

• On Sunday, Arizona gas stations officially switch to a new type of diesel fuel with 97 percent less sulfur than the old blend. The new fuel will be coupled with sophisticated tailpipe filters required of all large trucks model year 2007 and beyond. The combination of cleaner fuel and filters, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will reduce air pollution from large diesel trucks by 90 percent.
• Pacific Gas and Electric Co, has signed a deal with Environmental Power Corp.’s Microgy Inc. subsidiary to buy up to 8,000 cubic feet of pipeline quality renewable natural gas from cow waste in California.
• Canada's Ontario province has ordered local utility companies to pay homeowners or businesses for any electricity they generate from small solar, wind, water or other renewable energy projects, beginning next month.
• Nearly $17.5 million in funding was announced by USDA Secretary Mike Johanns and U.S. (DOE) Secretary Samuel Bodman yesterday for 17 projects in research, development and demonstration that show collaboration among experts in the field of biomass.