July 24, 2014
Energy from biofuels can match crude oil levels
By Andy Tully, originally published by Oilprice.com The beauty of biofuels is that they don’t pollute. After that things can get ugly. First, biofuel, an oil made from plant tissues, doesn’t generate as much energy as an equal amount of crude oil. And the oil is difficult to refine because it contains too much water […]

Learn more

January 27, 2014
Washington State Leads the Nation in Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources
Washington State generates about four-fifths of its electricity from renewable resources, including hydroelectric power, and it produces about one-fifth of the electricity generated nationwide from these resources. Some renewable resources provide energy in forms other than electricity, such as the wood used in wood stoves. When these other types of energy are included, renewable resources […]

Learn more

July 2, 2012
Washington State Offers Incentives for Renewable Energy
The Washington State Department of Revenue gives various deferrals, exemptions, and credits for the cleantech industry. Regarding renewable energy/green incentives, the state offers the following: Solar energy system and components manufacturers- reduced B&O tax rate Machinery & equipment used to generate electricity using renewable energy-sales/use tax exemption Solar hot water equipment- sales/use tax exemption Renewable […]

Learn more

April 17, 2012
Carbon Cultures Wins $50,000 Grant
Source:  Seattle Business, April 2012. A startup company launched by University of Washington students, Carbon Cultures, won a $50,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.  The company has devised a way to turn slash piles into a biochar product that increases soil fertility.

Learn more

March 27, 2012
Cleantech Trip to China: Day 3
It was, for the most part, a beautiful day in Beijing.  The skies were far clearer than yesterday and was even pretty warm in the middle of the day.  Our new friends at the American embassy told me about times when they couldn’t even see across the street and remarked on how nice it was […]

Learn more

March 14, 2012
Stoel Rives FAQ on the Army's $7B RFP for Renewable Energy
Source:  Legal News Alert from the Stoel Rives Energy Development Law Group, March 14, 2012. The U.S. Army Engineering & Support Center issued a draft request for proposals for renewable and alternative energy.  The proposal is for $7 billion in funding.  The attorneys have prepared the following FAQ on the draft RFP. Q1: Is this […]

Learn more

March 9, 2012
Engineered Compost Systems Profiled in Seattle Business
Source:  Seattle Business magazine, March 2012. Engineered Compost Systems was featured in Seattle Business magazine.  The company is a Seattle engineering and manufacturing firm dedicated to providing appropriate compost design, technology, and on-going technical support to composting clients.

Learn more

January 15, 2012
WISErg Raises $1.5 Million
Source:  Curt Woodward, Xconomy, January 13, 2012. WISErg, of Redmond, WA, has raised just over $1.5 million from 15 investors in a round that could grow to $2 million. WISErg uses compostable organic waste to make fertilizers and biogas. The company is led by ex-Microsoftie founders Larry LeSueur and Jose Lugo.  The company was a Cleantech […]

Learn more

December 19, 2011
Seattle Times: Imperium's John Plaza
Source:  Hal Bernton, Seattle Times, December 19, 2011.  Hal Bernton: 206-464-2581 or hbernton@seattletimes.com.  Biodiesel-fuel producer Imperium Renewables had a troubled debut. But founder John Plaza says Imperium has turned around, making profits and boosting production. John Plaza | Position: Founder and CEO of Seattle-based Imperium Renewables | Background: Raised in Talkeetna, Alaska. Worked as a […]

Learn more

December 16, 2011
Crosscut: Where There's Smoke, There's Sickness
Source: Robert McClur (InvestigateWest) and Katie Campbell (KCTS Earthfix), Crosscut, December 16, 2011. In Washington wood smoke is now the leading cause of air pollution, leaving residents of Tacoma and other highly-polluted areas, literally, gasping for air. The warning label on the wrapping of neatly split firewood is one we’re more accustomed to seeing on […]

Learn more