Fed Energy Funds Headed Our Way

Federal officials say Georgia will receive $32.9 million in federal funds to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the state. The grant, announced Monday, is part of the nearly $82.5 million the department will award Georgia under the Federal-State Energy Program. Georgia's proposal for the money outlined plans for increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy says the state will receive more than $41 million in additional funding upon demonstrating successful implementation of that plan.

(Associated Press)

Georgia Nets $40M for Energy Upgrades

Federal officials say Georgia will receive $32.9 million in federal funds to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the state. The grant, announced Monday, is part of the nearly $82.5 million the department will award Georgia under the Federal-State Energy Program. Georgia's proposal for the money outlined plans for increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy says the state will receive more than $41 million in additional funding upon demonstrating successful implementation of that plan.

(Associated Press)

Georgia Looks To Land Police Car Plant

Georgia is one of five states competing to land a plant that would make state-of-the-art police cars.

The company, Carbon Motors, touts its cruiser as the first car specifically designed for police fleets.

Lieutenant Paul Cosper with the Georgia State Patrol says he likes what he saw from a demonstration model, including better gas mileage and running on bio-diesel:

"It’s integrated with all the components we have in our cars now, but it comes with that—the radar, the video, the lights are all integrated in it. It’s a unique concept, but we’ve not purchased any."

Right now, cars in the Patrol’s fleet--Crown Victorias and Dodge Chargers--are retro-fitted with law enforcement gadgets.

Carbon Motors now needs a home to build its concept-car. It’s considering a site in Georgia’s Hall County along with sites in South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan, and Indiana. Company officials say the manufacturing plant would bring 1,500 jobs.

Carbon expects to decide on a site later this summer.

Gas Prices In State Move Higher

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Georgia has risen 7 cents in the past week—now to a mark of $2.35. The AAA Fuel Gauge Report shows that price is a jump of 46-cents over the mark a month ago in the state. Georgia’s current average price is still 16-cents lower than the national mark.

Higher Prices At Pump For Summer Drivers

With the unofficial start of summer comes the general beginning of the summer driving season. A fresh check of gas prices at the pump shows a continued rise: Georgia’s average mark for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.29, about 13-cents lower than the national price according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. The current Georgia-average is 10-cents higher than a week ago, and a spike of 39-cents over the past month.

Travel by Rail Gets Cheaper

Amtrak is cutting fares by 25 percent on some Eastern trains this summer as the national passenger railroad looks to boost demand during the recession. The discount runs from June 2 through Sept. 3. It applies to those taking regional trains on the Northeast Corridor which runs from Washington to Boston. The discount also is available from Washington to Newport News, Va. In addition, Amtrak is extending a February price cut on its higher-speed Acela service, which runs from Washington to Boston. Passengers must make reservations two weeks in advance to get the lower fares. Amtrak carried a record 28.7 million passengers last fiscal year, but ridership is down this year as businesses cut back on travel and because of lower gas prices.

(Associated Press)

Gas Prices Continue Rise In State

Gas prices continue their rise in Georgia, as in the rest of the nation. Georgia’s average for a gallon of regular unleaded this morning stands at $2.18 according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. That price is up 6-cents from a week ago, and a spike of 27-cents in the last month. Georgia’s current average of $2.18 however, is still 13-cents lower than the national mark.

Federal Funds for Nuclear Expansion at Plant Vogtle?

The Energy Department has narrowed its list of the most likely recipients of $18.5 billion in government loan guarantees for building the first new nuclear power plants. The department recently informed four companies planning new reactors in Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas that their applications have been elevated for closer scrutiny, department and industry officials said Friday.

Energy Department spokeswoman Stephanie Mueller said the applications were singled out for closer review because they are furthest along in obtaining a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The proposed projects singled out include Atlanta-based Southern Company for two new reactors at its Vogtle power plant near Waynesboro, and South Carolina Electric & Gas, for two new reactors at its V.C. Summer power plant near Columbia, South Carolina.

(Associated Press)

Gas Prices Spike 22 Cents In A Week

Gas prices in Georgia have spiked an average 22-cents over the past week. The AAA Fuel Gauge Report shows the average mark for a gallon of regular unleaded in the state is $2.12 currently, up from $1.90 a week ago. Georgia’s gallon price is still 10-cents lower than the current national average. But compare the current mark of $2.12 to that of a year ago, when gasoline was an average $3.67 a gallon at the pump in Georgia.

'Unhealthy' Air Pollution Levels

The American Lung Association says 60 percent of Americans live in areas with unhealthy air pollution levels and many of them are in Georgia. Atlanta ranked No. 23 among 25 cities ranked for ozone pollution. Ozone is a reactive gas molecule that's the primary ingredient of smog air pollution and is very harmful to breathe. Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and DeKalb were among several Georgia counties that earned an 'F' grade for ozone pollution. But the report does suggest Atlanta has seen improvements in air quality over the last decade.

(Associated Press)

Elba Island to Receive LNG Shipments

Savannah's Elba Island liquified natural gas terminal is set to receive 7-cargoes of the super-cooled gas known as L-N-G this month. Reuters news is reporting the shipments. Seven-tankers to Elba Island in a month represents an uptick in L-N-G coming to the import facility and to the United States in general.

Analysts told Reuters, the global recession has lessened demand for L-N-G in Europe and Asia, leaving more for the U-S. Elba Island is one of only-four on-shore L-N-G facilities in the nation. It's currently being upgraded to double its storage capacity.

L-N-G remains controversial in some parts of the U-S, with some local advocates citing terrorism concerns. Elba Island, however, has not generated any concern by Savannah or Chatham County officials.

(Reuters News)

Tourism up in Columbus

The bad economy didn't prevent a banner year for tourism in Columbus. WGPB's John Sepulvado explains.

One point one million visitors came to Columbus in 2008, according to a Columbus State University study. on average, the visitors spent almost 365 dollars ---It is the first time the area has cracked the million visitor threshold.

Peter Bowden, with the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau says local leaders were able to see the poor economy coming and adjust it's strategy.

"I think one of the key things we did is getting out in front of gas prices," says Bowden. "We were doing staycations before anyone knew what a stay cation was. "

Tourism is the second largest industry in Georgia, key to keep arts and cultural and even recreational enties strong as a way to draw people.

Many other caluclations around the state are not out yet. As for Bowden, he says if the same number of visitors come to Columbus this year, he'll be happy. After all, he adds---in this economy flat is the new up.

Local Governments Band Together for 'Fuel In Bulk' Plan

A coalition of north Georgia cities and counties hopes to save money by buying fuel in bulk for its government cars.

It may be the first arrangement of its kind in the state. The 14 governments involved include several from metro Atlanta, and a handful in northeast Georgia, such as Jackson County.

The idea is to band together, and lock-in better prices on gas that will run the communities fleets of vehicles. Just last summer, the budgets of many local governments were stressed when fuel prices spiked to more than $4 a gallon.

Len Bernat is purchasing manager for Jackson County. He says his county benefits from the larger county government of Gwinnett leading this coalition:

"Our advantage is, we'll be able to piggy-back off that price. So I'm getting the advantage as if I had that same number of vehicles in my fleet and that same usage, without having to show that usage."

Individual local governments can opt-out of the arrangement if they find better deals on their own.

The co-op will consider bids from fuel distributors sometime next month. Projected fuel savings for the coalition as a whole could be nearly $1 million.

Gas Prices Surge Across State

Filling up the tank is getting a little more costly in Georgia.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas is $1.90 across the state. That's according to a survey released today from AAA.

And for the first time since November, the national average is more than $2 per gallon.

Midgrade averages $2.04 and premium $2.13 a gallon. Diesel now goes for around $2.16 a gallon.

That puts prices at the pump about 14 cents higher than last month but down $1.32 from the same time last year.

(Associated Press)

State Okays Pipeline Expansion

The state is giving the go-ahead for plans to expand a petroleum pipeline affecting 500 private properties in Georgia. The Environmental Protection Division issued a permit to Colonial Pipeline so they can build a new line from Alabama to Atlanta through Cobb, Paulding, Carroll and Haralson counties.

A 1995 law regulating petroleum pipelines requires companies report to the EPD on how the line’s construction will affect the environment.

EPD geologist Jim Kennedy says his agency is satisfied with Colonial Pipeline’s findings.

“There were, of course, stream crossings that we were interested in and there were some streams that had some listed species that we concerned about and there were some soil areas that could be highly eroded by water and they have described how they’re going to map these things, and how they’re going to deal with any issues that may arise."

Kennedy says most of the new line will run parallel to two existing pipelines and less than 10 percent will touch undisturbed land. The EPD approval paves the way for eminent domain allowing Colonial to negotiate with landowners to purchase 25 foot easements.

Colonial pipelines connect Georgia to refineries on the Gulf Coast and provide 70 percent of the state’s gas, diesel, and other petroleum products.

State Gas Prices Climb Over Week's Time

Georgia’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas stands at $1.82 this morning--13-cents lower than the national mark. The AAA Fuel Gauge Report shows Georgia’s current price is 4-cents higher than it was a week ago. The highest average mark for a gallon of regular unleaded is found in Savannah at $1.87. Augusta has the lowest average--a price of $1.75.

State Fines 30 Ga. Gas Stations for Price Gouging

More than 30 Georgia gas stations have paid fines to the state office of consumer affairs over alleged price gouging in the wake of gulf coast hurricanes last fall.

Some stations have to pay up to $10,000 in fines to the state, while others must refund money to customers who can prove they bought gas during the price spike.

The list includes a $20,000 fine against nine Tennessee-based Pilot travel center stations.

The stations are among 200 the state is investigating over complaints of unfairly raising gas prices when hurricanes shuttered several gulf coast oil refineries and left several southern states without enough gas.

Under state law, businesses have to prove they were making the same profit with their elevated prices as they were before the governor activated the anti-gouging statute.

(AP)

Gas Prices Drop Slightly

Georgia’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is down 3 cents from a week ago--to a mark of $1.78 average. The AAA Fuel Gauge Report reports the current state average is down 5 cents from a month ago. Compared to Georgia’s $1.78 for regular unleaded, the current national mark is 13-cents higher at $1.91.

Survey: State of Georgia Scores High in Web-Access

The state government is making progress in providing "sunshine law" public information on the Internet, but conditions are still partly cloudy in Georgia, according to a survey by The Associated Press.

The survey of 20 categories, ranging from death certificates to political campaign contributions and expenses, was part of a national campaign by the American Society of Newspaper Editors to gauge Online access of public information in all 50 states. It was conducted in February as a runup to Sunshine Week, March 15-21.

It did not include the Web site www.open.georgia.gov, which was unveiled at the beginning of the year as a gateway for information and documents concerning state expenditures to provide services to its citizens.

That site "speaks to the level of transparency that state government is trying to achieve," said Michael Clark, communications director of the Georgia Technology Authority.

The AP survey found some excellent Online resources in some cases, and stumbling blocks on other agency Web sites.

For example, the State Ethics Commission site was found to have "exemplary" search engine technology to find personal financial disclosure reports from state officials. It is easy to search, understand, download or print information such as campaign contributors and lobbyist reports.

On the other hand, reports on inspections of hospitals, nursing homes and child care centers are available through the Office of Regulatory Services in the Department of Human Resources -- only not online. Visitors to the site, http://ors.dhr.georgia.gov, are directed to write to the offices at an Atlanta address to obtain the information at 25 cents per page.

The survey found a lot of comparable statewide school test data at the Department of Education site, http://www.gadoe.org, but it was difficult to find without some familiarity.

But anyone seeking internal and external audit reports can find a search engine that is top notch and easy to navigate at the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' http://www.audits.state.ga.us/index.html.

State Department of Transportation records of projects and contracts were equally easy to find at the GDOT Office of Contract Administration, http://tomcat2.dot.state.ga.us. The site offers detailed descriptions of proposals, bids and awards for both contractors and consultants.

Authors of the survey report said Sunshine Week surveyors "discovered some states that are doing a fantastic job of providing information to the public; some are outstanding only in certain categories. The survey teams also found some states weren't so good, and others that are working on getting better."

Georgia was ranked in the top third among the 50 states with its Internet access to public information. With data supplied in 14 of the 20 categories, the state tied with five others in 10th place. Texas ranked the highest, with all 20 catergories, followed by New Jersey with 18.

The information least likely to be found online were death certificates and gas pump overcharge records, each found on the Web sites of only eight states. Also infrequently posted online were schools' building inspections and/or safety ratings, which are posted by only nine states, and school bus inspection reports, 12 states.

Clark, of the Georgia Technology Authority, said one obstacle to complete disclosure is that there is no one agency in charge of what information must be displayed online.

"For some agencies, we provide the content management system," Clark said. "You're looking at the IT infrastructure, and we don't have authority over the content. We provide the tools. What they do with it is up to them."

He said he has found "there's a great deal of information out there on the state Web sites. I don't know if I have a strong sense of what gaps exist. That's not something that I've researched."

Overall, Clark said, the agencies are doing a better job of providing services online than they did when he started with the Technology Authority in 2000.

In a national survey by the Brookings Institution that grades state Web sites in overall design and efficiency, Georgia improved from a rank of 38 two years ago to No. 2 in the nation in the latest, Clark said.

"It's a continual evolution in making more available," said Bert Brantley, spokesman for Gov. Sonny Perdue.

"There's a push and a pull between having information and records available" and the use of taxpayer money to make it available, Brantley said.

He said the Open Georgia Web site contains things like salaries and payments to contractors that always has been available but difficult to access. But it costs money to select information that can be uploaded easily to a site that can be searched by the public.

(AP)

State Gas Price Average Falls

Georgia’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is down to $1.81 a gallon. That mark stands about 13 cents lower than the national price. The AAA Fuel Gauge Report reports Savannah with the highest metro area price--$1.83. Augusta has the lowest metro average of $1.73. Georgians last year at this time were paying an average $3.19 a gallon.