The good news 
Designing a clean energy standard to win the clean energy race
In his State of the Union address, President Obama set a goal for 80 percent of our electricity to be derived from cleaner energy sources by 2035. Climate Progress suggests that within the goal, an internal "35 by '35" goal should met by truly renewable clean and renewable energy and energy efficiency.

• From Climate Progress

Past Antartic cooling may help global warming study
New studies of Antartica may help climate scientists better understand current climate changes. Sea temperatures off the Antarctic Peninsula have been cooling over the past 12,000 years, but because of current climate changes, that cooling is now being offset. U.N. climate experts in 2007 predicted that seas might rise seven to 24 inches this century.

• From Environmental News Network

Lighting retrofit good for Pennsylvania company
Simona USA, a thermoplastics manufacturer and producer, noticed a significant decrease in lighting costs after a series of retrofits were installed at their plant in Hazleton Township, PA. The lighting upgrades reduced costs by 60 percent and will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 902,000 pounds annually, an amount approximately equivalent to taking 62 cars off the road. 

• From The Times Leader

Wind turbine maintenance a growth industry
Predictions for the status of the global wind power industry look very optimistic. The operations and maintenance (O & M)  market will hit $10.6 billion by 2016, with North America and Asia Pacific getting more involved in the market during that time.

• From Star-Telegram

Some other news
From climate scientists, with warning
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives might want to mark January 28 as a green letter day. On that day, some of the nation’s leading climate scientists sent a letter to the two chambers to urge action on global climate change this term. The assemblage of National Academy of Science and various universities asked Congress to hold hearings on how to address climate issues, rather than dispute proven science.

• From The Huffington Post

Twelve new dartboard covers -- or -- the dirty coal, energy, politics dozen
If you have ever wondered who in power does the most to stymie the battle against global warming, this article from Rolling Stone conveniently lists the worst of the bunch. The list ranges from Gregory Boyce, CEO of Peabody Energy to Tom Donahue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, from climate-denying authors to those who criminalize climate scientists. In the effort to combat climate change, it’s always good to know the face of the enemy.

• From Rolling Stone

Going "all the way" with renewable energy
What would it take to completely change how we use energy and make it 100 percent green? This is the question two researchers, a transportation expert and an atmospheric scientist, set out to answer. Omitting biomass as a viable fuel source, they came to the conclusion that a building spree, a reliable wind system, hydroelectric dams, and a big boost for solar could completely change our energy system by 2030.

• From National Geographic

Fun stuff
How it all ends
The maker of this climate change video gives a new meaning to playing the devil’s advocate. He battles common climate skeptic arguments with methods used in scientific reasoning and risk assessment, all while showing an impressive talent for creating different kinds of explosions.

• See the video.

See trees -- not your phone bill -- grow for a change
PlantMyPhone, a program partnered with the Billion Tree Campaign, has a great phone plan. When you send them your old cell phone, they will not only recycle it, but use the proceeds of the recycled materials to plant trees. Use their free shipping labels or mailing envelopes to send in an old phone and find out how many trees your phone can plant.

• Check out Plant My Phone.

Looking for love this Valentine's Day?
Even polluter lobbyists need companionship. This Valentine’s Day, Greenpeace graciously provided Polluter Harmony to help them find the politician of their dreams. Valentine's has passed, but you can still suggest good matches and vote for the cutest couple!

• From Polluter Harmony

• Thursday, February 24, 2011, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
• Register here.

How global warming will wreck recreation: 2011 Northeast Pennsylvania global warming conference
Our current use and misuse of energy – and the kind of energy we use – is causing changes that neither nature nor the economy can withstand. We expect to lose our cold water fisheries, much of our plant life and agriculture. Winter sports havens like ski resorts will teeter between snow feast and famine. We will lose much-loved vacation and recreation sites, jobs, and the economy Pennsylvania’s nature sustains.

Understanding the problem is the first step toward fixing it. This workshop will feature experts who will detail the issue by separating fact from fiction, and offer personal and political steps you can take to prevent climate change from raging unchecked.

• Sunday May 1, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• More information and registration

Other Events
Energy Audits: The Savin' of the Green
Learn how a professional energy audit can help you save the planet and save a buck.  Technical diagnostic tools, building science, and your mother’s advice – “Close the door, put on your sweater, and turn off the light,” can make your home safer and healthier, more comfortable, durable and energy efficient.

• Tuesday, March 1, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• Wildwood Park's Olewine Nature Center, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
• More information

ACI Pennsylvania Home Energy Conference
This two-day conference on green energy will focus on the education and training of those involved in home energy -- auditors, remodelers, and green builders, among others.

• Tuesday and Wednesay March 8 and March 9
• Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, 215 Innovation Blvd., State College
• Register here.