Industry News

April 24 2007
NYC to embrace "congestion pricing"?
Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City, is seriously exploring the idea of a congestion pricing system for America's largest city, similar to the downtown toll system currently in place in London. Under consideration is a "proposal to charge motorists for driving into Manhattan below 86th Street on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.," according to Associated Press. "Trucks would be charged $21 a day and cars would be charged $8, on top of the city's already expensive parking." It's sure to be controversial, but it's nice to see Bloomberg taking a tough stand on this issue by highlighting the necessity of sustainable growth in New York City.

March 12 2007
Taxis are Better Green than Yellow / Source: Toronto Star
High gasoline prices are prompting Toronto's taxi drivers to consider low emission hybrid vehicles. The Cleantech Innovation Institute is working to make cleaner cab fleets a reality in Toronto and other major cities.

March 9 2007
EU Sets New Targets for Renewable Energy / Source: Red Herring
The European Union set binding targets that require all member nations to generate 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and replace 10 percent of their transportation fuels with biofuels. “This will significantly stimulate the market,” said John Balbach, a managing partner at the Cleantech Group.

January 5 2007
EU Sets New Targets for Renewable Energy / Source: Red Herring
The U.S. ethanol industry will require more than twice as much corn in 2008 as previously expected, driving grain prices to record heights, according to an Earth Policy Institute study. The findings echo concerns raised by Cleantech Venture Network's Nicholas Parker and others.