Weekly Clean Energy Re-Cap - Cheap Natural Gas, New FERC Commissioner and Possible Tariff on Chinese PV

This week's energy news was dominated by Natural Gas and Chinese Tariffs and a New FERC Commissioner.  

The Energy Information Agency testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday that Natural Gas was going to more than double in the next year.  Given that there is now plentiful and cheap natural gas, other sources of energy are taking a big back step - especially coal and nuclear. But it the renewable industry - most especially solar and wind - that could feel this pressure the most, although Renewable Energy Standards in the states could make a difference.  

The Department of Commerce Committee is considering applying a tariff on solar PV imported to the United States from China.  Solar World in Oregon and other solar companies have led in this efforts.  But many other solar companies are not so excited about this tariff and believe it could seriously harm their ability to compete in today's market. 

Tony Clark, former head of National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners,has been appointed by President Obama as the new Commissioner for Federal Energy Regulatory Commmission.  Mr. Clark is formerlly the head of the North Dakota Public Utilities Commission.