Fourteen Local Schools Chosen to Implement PEco Environmenetal Education Program

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fourteen local elementary and middle schools will participate in the third year of the PECO Environmental Education Program. Designed to educate regional students about energy efficiency and environmental conservation, 20 local elementary and middle schools have already participated in the program since its beginning in 2009.

This year’s schools are: E. N. Pierce Middle School in Chester County; Tinicum School in Delaware County; E. B. Barth Elementary, East Norriton Middle, Gotwals Elementary, and Upper Merion Area Middle Schools in Montgomery County; and Creighton Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Greenberg Elementary, James Rhoads Elementary, M. H. Stanton Elementary, Southwark Elementary, Universal Daroff Charter, and Universal Institute Charter Schools in Philadelphia.

Designed in cooperation with the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED), and in partnership with The Franklin Institute, the project-based curriculum uses hands-on activities to explore the relationship between energy efficiency, conservation and environmental preservation.

The program begins with a curriculum workshop for teachers at The Franklin Institute. Following the classroom learning, teachers and students tour an electric generating station, and put their knowledge to practical use by completing an energy efficiency/conservation community project.

The schools are chosen through a competitive application process that is based on the number of students who would benefit from the program, how each school would implement the curriculum, and information on their planned community project.

In addition to the curriculum training and educational materials, the students also will participate in a school energy audit and receive home energy audit kits. Each school also will receive $1,500 in funding from PECO.

The PECO Environmental Education Program is part of a five-year major environmental initiative aimed to make PECO more environmentally friendly through energy efficiency and other cutting-edge efforts. The comprehensive $15 million program began in 2008, included the opening of PECO’s first ‘green building’ in West Chester, the installation of a green roof and a new Crown Lights system at the company’s Center City headquarters, work to secure Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for many company work sites, the increased use of hybrid and biodiesel vehicles, support for community environmental projects, and enhanced tools and programs to help customers use energy more efficiently.

These environmental efforts contribute to and support Exelon 2020: A Low-Carbon Roadmap, the comprehensive environmental plan of PECO’s parent company. Exelon 2020 sets the goal of reducing, offsetting or displacing more than 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2020. The corporation will do this by reducing or offsetting the company’s carbon footprint, helping customers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and providing more low-carbon electricity in the marketplace.
NEED is the nation’s leading provider of energy education programs and materials to schools. Their mission is to promote an energy conscious and educated society. All NEED learning activities are correlated to Pennsylvania science objectives.

Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC). PECO serves 1.6 million electric and 486,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania and employs about 2,400 people in the region. PECO delivered 84.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 38.1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2009. Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region's most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations.

If you are a member of the media and would like to receive PECO news releases via e-mail please send your e-mail address to PECO.Communication@exeloncorp.com

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ExxonMobil Expands Worlds Largesst Carbon Capture Plant in Wyoming

Plant capable of capturing a volume of carbon dioxide equivalent to taking more than 1.5 million cars off the road

* Increases regional supply of carbon dioxide needed to extend the productivity of aging oil fields
* 50 percent more carbon dioxide available for enhanced oil recovery and other industrial applications

LABARGE, Wyo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ExxonMobil announced today the completion of an expansion to the world’s largest carbon dioxide capture plant. Located near LaBarge, Wyoming, the expanded plant will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance oil production in the United States.

“This expansion will result in lower greenhouse gas emissions and help maximize the recovery of Wyoming’s oil resources”

“This expansion will result in lower greenhouse gas emissions and help maximize the recovery of Wyoming’s oil resources,” said Randy Broiles, vice president, Americas, ExxonMobil Production Company. “ExxonMobil is a leader in the research, development and application of carbon capture technologies. These technologies could play a significant role in the future management of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.”

The $86 million expansion includes the installation of compressors to capture 50 percent more carbon dioxide for potential use in enhanced oil recovery and other industrial uses. Enhanced oil recovery involves the injection of carbon dioxide into reservoirs to produce additional oil and gas. The carbon dioxide for this project is captured from the natural gas streams produced from fields in Wyoming. The gas streams contain significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other components that are removed at the LaBarge processing plant.

With the expansion, the plant has the capacity to capture approximately 365 million cubic feet per day of carbon dioxide from the gas streams - equivalent to the amount emitted by more than 1.5 million cars.

The captured carbon dioxide is sold to companies for enhanced oil recovery, helping to extend the productive lives of mature oil fields and producing more energy supplies for America.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Plans and projections in this release are forward-looking statements. Actual future results, including emissions reductions, resource recoveries and the impact of new technologies, could differ materially due to factors including changes in long-term oil or gas prices or other market conditions affecting the oil and gas industries; changes in law or government regulation; technical difficulties; future technological developments by ExxonMobil or others; and other factors discussed under the heading "Factors Affecting Future Results" in the “Investors” section of our website at www.exxonmobil.com.

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Sunlink RMS Selected by Cupertino Electric for 1 MW Installaton at Port of Los Angeles

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunLink® Corporation today announced the installation of its non-penetrating rooftop solar module mounting solution by Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) at the recently completed 1 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic project at the Port of Los Angeles’ World Cruise Center in Los Angeles, Calif. CEI built the landmark project using the SunLink Roof Mount System (RMS), the leading commercial rooftop mounting solution, installed on over 180 MW of projects at 900 sites across North America.

“We chose SunLink for the Port of Los Angeles project because of the company’s ability to offer a non-penetrating solution that met the Port’s specifications”

“We chose SunLink for the Port of Los Angeles project because of the company’s ability to offer a non-penetrating solution that met the Port’s specifications,” said Meisa Kassis, Project Manager, Cupertino Electric, Inc. “By using SunLink’s ballasted mounting solution, we were able to meet the Port’s requirements and preserve the long-term integrity of the roof.”

“We were pleased to work with CEI and the Port on this milestone project for Los Angeles,” said Christopher Tilley, CEO, SunLink. “As the market leader in commercial rooftop installations, we bring a vast amount of expertise and proven technology to ensure a safe, easy-to-install and cost-effective solar power system.”

The Port of Los Angeles solar project is part of the City of Los Angeles’ “Solar LA Program,” one of the world’s largest solar power projects undertaken by a single city. Over its lifetime, the solar system will reduce the Port’s carbon footprint by nearly 22,838 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of cutting the annual greenhouse gases of 4,367 cars, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

About SunLink Corporation

SunLink Corporation provides commercial photovoltaic mounting solutions and balance of system components that reduce total installed cost and improve system design flexibility. Leading integrators and installers have chosen SunLink’s commercial rooftop and ground-mounted systems on 180 MW of projects at over 800 sites across North America. SunLink's experienced engineering team provides comprehensive customer service for each installation. Our fully customizable racking systems support modules from nearly every manufacturer. For more information visit www.sunlink.com.

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Solar Trust of America Recives Draft Term Sheet from Department of Energy

Largest Solar Power Facility in the World to Create Over 7,500 Jobs

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Trust of America, LLC (Solar Trust), a leading U.S. integrated solar solutions company, today announced that its development subsidiary, Solar Millennium, LLC, has received a draft term sheet for a loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Blythe Solar Power Project (Blythe) in California under its 1705 program for Innovative Technologies. The draft term sheet is an important financial milestone in the realization of what will be the world’s largest solar facility and a significant catalyst to the development of a manufacturing supply chain for solar thermal technology in the U.S.

“We are very pleased with the proactive response of the DOE loan guarantee team regarding the Blythe project and the improvements the DOE has made to support this critical program for innovative renewable projects in the U.S.”

Blythe has had significant bipartisan support at the local, state and federal levels, and was selected by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar as a priority solar project for environmental approvals, consistent with incentives in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). Located in Riverside County, where the October unemployment rate was at 14.7 percent, Blythe is the first parabolic trough solar facility approved on U.S. public land.

Blythe is fully permitted for up to four 250 megawatt (MW) plants that together will deliver 1,000 MW of renewable generating capacity to the grid, or enough electricity to annually power more than 300,000 single-family homes. The draft term sheet corresponds with the development of the first two of four power plants.

“This project construction is expected to create over 1,000 direct jobs in Southern California, 7,500 indirect jobs in related industries throughout the United States, and more than 200 long-term operational jobs at the facility itself. It will play a key role in stimulating the American economy,” said Uwe T. Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Solar Trust of America and Executive Chairman of project development subsidiary Solar Millennium, LLC.

Solar Trust is seeking to finance the first two units at Blythe (combined capacity of 500 MW) in 2011 utilizing the Department of Energy’s loan guarantee program. John Clapp, Solar Trust of America’s Chief Financial Officer, said that receipt of the term sheet is an important milestone as the DOE and Solar Trust work towards a conditional commitment and eventual financial close for the financing of the first two units at Blythe. “We are very pleased with the proactive response of the DOE loan guarantee team regarding the Blythe project and the improvements the DOE has made to support this critical program for innovative renewable projects in the U.S.,” he said.

Clapp went on, “We also anticipate that other government agencies involved in the Loan Guarantee program will move quickly to support fully permitted projects, such as Blythe. The DOE’s Loan Guarantee program, along with the Treasury Department’s Cash Grant program, are both critical components of renewable energy financing for utility-scale solar projects in today’s market environment.”

Receipt of the DOE draft term sheet builds on two other important milestones in the project’s history that affect its construction and operation: the license granted to Solar Trust of America on September 15 by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Record of Decision (ROD) issued by the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on October 25.

According to statistics from the DOE, upon completion, the Blythe facility will increase the solar electricity production capacity of the U.S. by more than double.

About Solar Trust of America, LLC

Solar Trust of America, LLC is an integrated industrial solar solutions company strategically positioned to support the critical need for renewable energy generation in the United States. The company’s Project Development, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), financial resources and operational management expertise ensures the delivery of a fully integrated concentrated solar power solution using commercially viable and proven parabolic trough solar thermal energy technology. For more information about the company visit www.SolarTrustOfAmerica.com.

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Biofuels Digest Readers Rank Military Interest

Biofuels Digest Readers Rank Military Interest, Biobased Product Value Streams as Strongest Drivers for Biofuel Industry in 2011

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. military’s interest in secure domestic sources of renewable biofuels and biofuels producers’ search for commercial value streams in renewable chemicals and biobased products will be the top trends for 2011, according to respondents of the BIO/Biofuels Digest “11 Hot Trends for 2011” poll. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and Biofuels Digest today jointly released the results of the poll, which was officially launched Nov. 9, 2010, at the Advanced Biofuels Markets 2010 conference in San Francisco.

“push for domestic biofuel production as a secure fuel source.”

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section, said, “The biofuels industry is optimistic that the economy will recover this year, increasing opportunities for advanced biofuel producers to finance construction of new projects. Production of renewable chemicals and biobased products as additional value streams should make these projects attractive investments within the renewable sector. The industry also believes that Congress has a role to play, by crafting energy and tax policies that recognize production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products as vital to the nation’s economic competitiveness as well as national and energy security.”

The “11 Hot Trends for 2011” poll asked respondents to select those they believed should be listed as hottest among 11 trends originally suggested by members of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section. Respondents were also asked to rank the biofuel feedstocks that would see the fastest growth rates and the sectors that would show the most interest in biofuels. Lastly, respondents were asked to predict whether Congress would bring up new energy legislation and the fate of future industry financing.

With more than 290 responses, the poll revealed the following as top trends for 2011:

* More than half of respondents (51 percent) agreed that the U.S. Department of Defense would “push for domestic biofuel production as a secure fuel source.”
* Nearly half of respondents (47.5 percent) believed that biofuel producers looking “for additional value streams,” would drive development of biobased products, while 37 percent believed new federal policies would be the driver.
* Nearly 30 percent of respondents believed that new federal policies would push construction of advanced biofuel refineries, in part responding to efforts by other countries to seize the lead in the sector.
* Municipal solid waste (24 percent), algae (23 percent) and woody biomass (19 percent) received the most votes as the feedstock that will experience the fastest growth rates.
* The military was cited by 39 percent of respondents as having the fastest growing interest in biofuels, with oil companies (23 percent) and chemical producers (20 percent) also ranking highly.
* More than a quarter (27 percent) of respondents predicted Congress would pass an energy bill with some biofuel tax provisions and an additional 17 percent predicted a bill with substantial support for biofuels. However, fully 41 percent of respondents predicted that nothing would happen with a new energy bill in 2011.
* Respondents were also optimistic about the economy, with 43 percent predicting that capital and debt financing for projects would again become available in 2011. An additional 35 percent predicted that biofuels would become the dominant area of investment among renewable technologies. Still, more than 17 percent of respondents predicted that venture funding would dry up.

For full results from the survey, please contact Paul Winters, Communications Director, BIO at 202-962-9237 or pwinters@bio.org or visit Biofuels Digest, the world’s most widely read biofuels daily.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech NOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtech NOW.

The Advanced Biofuels & Climate Change Information Center presents the latest commentary and data on the environmental and other impacts of biofuel production. Drop in and add your comments, at http://biofuelsandclimate.wordpress.com/.

Upcoming BIO Events

Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
December 11-14, 2010
Honolulu, HI

BIO Asia International Partnering Conference
January 24-25, 2011
Tokyo, Japan

BIO CEO & Investor Conference
February 14-15, 2011
New York, NY

BIO-Europe Spring 2011
March 14-16, 2011
Milan, Italy

BIO International Convention
June 27-30, 2011
Washington, DC

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EnergyOne Technologies Announces New Managment Team

LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EnergyOne Technologies Inc., a provider of renewable energy solutions and next generation technologies, announced today that the Company has appointed co-founder Michael Jones as its President and co-founder Michael Van Steenburg as its Chief Technology Officer.

Mr. Jones comes from the electric utility industry with over 30 years of experience and has an extensive background in renewable energy, risk management, regulatory administration, power contracts, utility finance, and engineering and construction. In 2008, Mr. Jones founded Pacific Bluegrass Solar and served as CEO until its merger with EnergyOne in 2010. In 2002, Mr. Jones founded Phoenix Motorcars, a manufacturer of full size, freeway speed Electric Vehicles and raised over $40 million in private equity investments. In 2007, Phoenix Motorcars was invited to the White House to meet with former President George Bush to discuss electric vehicle technologies, with the President test driving the all electric sport utility truck. Phoenix Motorcars was awarded the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Innovators Award for 2008. Mr. Jones holds a Degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University.

Mr. Van Steenburg is a veteran technology expert who has managed several technology companies and led teams of engineers on all types of advanced technology development programs over the past 20 years. He has created and developed a substantial amount of intellectual property in the green technology area, ranging from structurally insulated panel systems to advanced electric motor drive systems for electric vehicles. Mr. Van Steenburg’s previous companies have been suppliers to many Fortune 500 companies and currently have development contracts with large OEMs. He holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is in the process of completing his MBA.

One of our most important responsibilities is to communicate with shareholders in an open and direct manner. Comments are based on current management expectations, and are considered "forward-looking statements," generally preceded by words such as "plans," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," or "intends." We cannot promise future returns. Our statements reflect our best judgment at the time they are issued, and we disclaim any obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements as the result of new information or future events. All State Properties Holdings, Inc. urges investors to review the risks and uncertainties contained within its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Reseach and Markets: Analyzing Mirco Fuel Cells

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/78bd05/analyzing_micro_fu) has announced the addition of the "Analyzing Micro Fuel Cells" report to their offering.

The race for developing a long term solution to increasing usage of fossil fuels in the automotive sector and the rising effect of greenhouse gases has a new participant Fuel Cell Technology.

The advent of Fuel Cells though yet to achieve mass commercial successes has presented new clean opportunities for meeting energy requirements. The rising fuel prices globally and the increasing environmental concerns with the rampant applications of fossil fuels in the transportation industry is forcing the development of alternatives like the Fuel Cell.

Aruvians Rsearchs report Analyzing Micro Fuel Cells - analyzes the recognition, development and advancement of fuel cell technology in the scientific arena wherein it was clearly demarcated in 1900s that fuel cells will be supplying energy and automotive power in the future. The report further provides a view on the basics of a fuel cell; its structure hardware and the working principles of a fuel cell.

The report analyzes the ground breaking invention of Micro Fuel Cells and the cost constraints as well as the overall competitive market activity in this sector along with the market scenario for Micro Fuel Cells.

A comprehensive outlook on the potential for Micro Fuel Cells is also provided in this report

Key Topics Covered:

* A. Executive Summary
* B. Introduction
* C. Types of Fuel Cells
* D. Looking at Micro Fuel Cells
* E. Challenges in the Growth of Micro Fuel Cells
* F. Market Profile of Micro Fuel Cells
* G. Market Forecast
* H. Appendix
* I. Glossary of Terms

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Spire Solar Systems to Present at Advanced Energy 2010 in New York

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) integration services for solar systems, and capital equipment and turn-key manufacturing lines to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules, announced today its Vice President of Spire Solar Systems, Mr. David Hebert, will present PV Solar from Process to Deployment at Advanced Energy 2010 on November 9, 2010 at the New York Hilton in New York City.

Mr. Hebert will be on a panel from 2:15 – 3:30pm on Track B in Sutton Parlor North with contemporaries from Woongjin Energy, Yingli Solar, and Abakus Solar AG. Mr. Hebert will discuss the evolution of Spire Corporation, its extensive value chain, and how it has become a market leader in the industry.

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Mueller Water Products to Present at Robert W. Baird 40th Annual Industrials Conference

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Greg Hyland, president, chairman and chief executive officer of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE: MWA) will present at the Robert W. Baird 40th Annual Industrials Conference. The presentation will take place Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. CST in Chicago.

The presentation will be webcast live, with a replay available in the investor relations section of the Company’s Web site, www.muellerwaterproducts.com. The replay of the presentation will be available for approximately 90 days.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, plan, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:

* the demand level of manufacturing and construction activity;
* our ability to service our debt obligations; and
* the other factors that are described in the section entitled “RISK FACTORS” in Item 1A of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. We do not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after we file this press release, except as required by law.

About Mueller Water Products, Inc.

Mueller Water Products, Inc. manufactures and markets products and services that are used in the transmission and distribution of safe, clean drinking water and in water treatment facilities. Our broad product portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, pipe fittings, water meters and ductile iron pipe, which are used by municipalities, as well as the residential and non-residential construction industries. With latest 12 months net sales through September 30, 2010 of $1.3 billion, the Company is comprised of three operating segments: Mueller Co., U.S. Pipe and Anvil. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company employs approximately 4,800 people. The Company's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MWA. For more information about Mueller Water Products, Inc., please visit the Company's Website at muellerwaterproducts.com.

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Proterro CEO Kef Kasdin to Present on “Development of a Fermentation-Ready Sugar Feedstock for Biofuels Production” at 2010 Pacific Rim Summit

Proterro is the developer of Protose sugar, a fermentation-ready sugar feedstock that will enable the economical and scalable production of biofuels. The biggest barrier to market adoption of biofuels is the high cost of cultivating, harvesting, transporting and processing of feedstock. Through its novel, patent-pending biosynthetic process, Proterro can resolve the feedstock challenge for biofuels by delivering on-agriculture-based, fermentation-ready sugar at a dramatically lower cost than sugarcane, corn or other energy crops. Proterro’s Protose sugar is a fortified sucrose that is stainable, inexpensive, geoflexible, fermentation-ready feedstock. It can be used to produce a variety of commercial scale fuels through standard industrial fermentation methods.

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PennFuture – FirstEnergy/Allegheny Energy Partial Settlement Means $2 Million for Green Electricity, Energy Efficiency; Customers Will Benefit Directly from Agreement

HARRISBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) today announced that it and 19 other parties had reached a partial settlement with FirstEnergy and Allegheny Power that will provide $2 million for renewable energy development and conservation programs. This agreement comes after PennFuture and the other parties intervened before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) regarding the proposed merger of the two companies.
 
“This agreement will help build the clean energy economy in Pennsylvania with money for jobs and development, as well as direct help to customers in cutting their bills,” said Jan Jarrett, president and CEO of PennFuture. “We gained funding for clean renewable energy, and energy conservation. Much of this money will go to bring pollution-free solar energy to our state.

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