As the High Court ruled today that changing the tariffs in this way was “legally flawed”, the government should now re-consider its approach to providing funding for the renewable energy sector. Today, the solar industry has won an appeal against the government’s attempt to cut subsidies for solar panels in the UK. Three judges today rejected the government’s decision to reduce renewable energy tariffs through which people in Britain are paid for the electricity they generate. The new changes were expected to come into effect from 1 April this year. MORE >>

Bidding process has opened for £10 million local energy assessment fund and another £20 million extra money in Salix loans for public sector in energy efficiency projects. The government has announced a £10 million boost for local community energy projects, and a £20 million fund to the existing public sector energy efficiency loan scheme which will give extra confidence to businesses in the renewable sector. What do you think of this and other similar funds designed to help your business? How optimistic are you on their long term effect on your trade? MORE >>

The PM’s quest to improve infrastructure comes at a good time, as the second round of cash from the Regional Growth Fund has just been unveiled. The first pot of Regional Growth Fund money is already making a difference across the country – helping to rebalance our economy so that every region and sector benefits.”. construction jobs construction news Electrical News plumbing jobs Plumbing News t4ts train4tradeskills david cameron David Cameron infrastructure Infrastructure Nick Clegg Prime minister regional growth fund train 4 trade skills MORE >>

While other states have rejected federal high-speed rail funds, kudos to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, six other Midwestern governors and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, who sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asking for his support on plans for rail corridors between cities in their states. With federal funds, projects in these corridors could be completed by 2014 at a cost of approximately $3.4 The White House and the U.S. Phase I corridors would include Chicago-St. Louis corridor. billion. Louis to Kansas City. MORE >>

Today, I read a brief blog post on the USGBC’s website related to a new bill that would reduce federal building funds. The USGBC points out that the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) office at the DOE would lose over 35% of its budget; the Energy Star program at the EPA would lose $10 Million in funding; and the Hope VI program at HUD would suffer a massive budget loss. billion (nearly 20%) of the Federal Building Fund at the General Services Administration (GSA). The U.S. The bill passed through the House on Friday , Feb. 18, 2011, on a 235-189 vote. MORE >>