S.C. and N.C. settle water use case - Newsletters - TheState.com

By JOHN O'CONNOR - joconnor@thestate.com

"But McMaster said the agreement includes several protections for state interests:
Residents, businesses and state agencies must be notified before a permit can be issued to draw water from the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, which includes an opportunity to appear at a public hearing.
Before any permit is issued, an environmental impact study must be completed."

Net Neutrality Rules Are Imminent From the F.C.C. - NYTimes.com

By BRIAN STELTER

Published: December 20, 2010

"“Maybe you like Google Maps. Well, tough,” Mr. Franken said on Saturday on the Senate floor. “If the F.C.C. passes this weak rule, Verizon will be able to cut off access to the Google Maps app on your phone and force you to use their own mapping program, Verizon Navigator, even if it is not as good. And even if they charge money, when Google Maps is free"

Southern Energy Management Installs 60 Residential Solar Water Heaters in Innovative Pilot Program

"The project by Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (CEPCI) will monitor the effectiveness of residential solar thermal water heating using a grant from the South Carolina Energy Office. �Southern Energy Management (SEM) was awarded a contract in September to install 60 of the systems out of its Greenville office. SEM partnered with VELUX, a leading global manufacturer of solar water heaters with its U.S. headquarters in Greenwood, to complete all 60 residential systems in 60 days."

Murkowski sees GOP traction for ‘clean’ energy standard - The Hill's E2-Wire

By Ben Geman - 12/19/10 09:31 AM ET

"The Alaska Republican is among the lawmakers backing the idea of requiring the nation’s utilities to supply escalating amounts of power from low-carbon sources like new nuclear power plants, renewables, and coal plants if they can trap emissions (a technology that’s not yet commercialized)."