Oil has been leaking into the Gulf of Mexico at the site where a hurricane-triggered mudslide toppled a drilling platform off the coast of Louisiana for over a decade, according to an Associated Press investigation. “Evidence that the slow-motion spill is far worse than platform owner Taylor Energy Company has publicly reported during its secretive — and costly — government-managed effort to end the leak.
Confronted with an AP analysis that found a recent spike in reported sheen sizes and volumes, the Coast Guard acknowledged it held a workshop last August to improve the methodology employed by a Taylor contractor. The Coast Guard also provided a new leak estimate — based on a new method for estimating sheen sizes — that is at least 20 times greater than one recently touted by Taylor.” [ABC News/AP]
Michigan’s first proposed community solar program is facing backlash from clean-energy advocates arguing it would prevent independent third parties from developing their own programs.”Within the next month, the Michigan Public Service Commission is expected to rule on Consumers Energy’s proposed 10 MW community solar pilot program, which would be the first program of its kind from one of the two major investor-owned utilities here.
Smaller-scale projects are underway or in development elsewhere in the state.” [Midwest Energy News]
Luxury brands are feeling the effects of the recent downturn in world oil prices as French fashion group LVMH is reducing its energy usage by alternating the lighting in stores for Louis Vuitton, Bulgari and Sephora. “LEDs are turning out to be a big deal for these brands’ overseer, the luxury conglomerate LVMH, which says 70% of its energy usage goes into its stores, not its factories, shipping or other activities.
LVMH’s stores occupy nearly 11 million square feet of retail space around the globe, selling everything from Louis Vuitton handbags to Moët & Chandon champagnes. The company started trials of LED lighting three years ago.
The effort to reduce LVMH’s appetite for energy, as well as its sustainability and biodiversity efforts, is led by Sylvie Bénard, an agronomist who started out in the luxury business making champagne and cognac in LVMH’s cellars.” [WSJ]
