In a unanimous vote, the Ohio legislature has passed a new bill requiring 12.5% of Ohio's energy be generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. Ohio now becomes the 26th state, including California, New York and Texas, to adopt renewable energy portfolio standards -- tough new laws which are creating one of the most dramatic shifts in the delivery of energy to American consumers ever.

Dozens of planned coal, natural gas and diesel fired power plants have been cancelled across the country. Instead, 60-gigawatts of wind and solar power (enough energy to serve 20 million American homes) will be constructed, according to a new study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

More than 105 million drivers commute to work every day, and just over six million transit users ride their way to work. Yet only about one million people have caught on to IRS “Section 132(f)” or Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit. Approximately five million people already riding public transit to commute could be doing so for less.

Save on taxes while commuting

With Section 132(f), employees can designate up to $115 a month -- $1380 a year – as a pre-tax salary deduction to be used to pay for transit fares. Typically, employees save 40 percent from less payroll and income taxes, while employers save eight to ten percent in payroll related costs. Most tax breaks mean a savings when you file your return. This one helps commuters and companies save right away.

EnerNOC launched a new blackout prevention offering in Texas. EnerNOC is participating in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ (ERCOT) Emergency Interruptible Load Service (EILS) and is partnering with local area businesses to reduce energy consumption during times of peak demand in order to maintain the stability of electricity resources. This strategic initiative marks EnerNOC’s official entry into the Texas market, expanding the company’s national footprint.

Neighborhood America announces that early results reveal that over 60 percent of prospective voters identify ‘green’ initiatives as a top concern.

According to this week’s Connect2Elect results, democratic candidate Bill Richardson is most closely aligned with the site’s 4,000 registered users, with his plan to make “America a Clean Energy Nation”. On the republican front, results show John McCain most strongly responds to voters’ interests on ‘green’ initiatives. Of the nine republican contenders, only McCain considers global warming to be a great concern.