* On Friday, 62 Senators approved Keystone XL. Fourteen of the 62 had voted for an amendment acknowledging that humans contribute significantly to climate change (the vote was 50-49). And nearly all of them had voted to acknowledge that climate change is no hoax and is happening now (98 to 1). [Scientific American]
* "Running on renewable energy, Burlington, Vermont powers green movement forward" Burlington, the state's largest city, recently became the first of its size to use 100% renewable energy for its residents' electricity needs. In a state known for socially conscious policies, the feat represents a milestone. [PBS NewsHour]
* Solar power has become the poster child of renewable-energy champions, leaving power sources such as biomass, hydro and wind in the shade. Small hydro isn't dead, however, and small hydro projects can supply both energy and income through net metering, where the circumstances are right. [The Durango Herald]
* A new expert body has been formed to advise governments and organisations around the world on how best to ditch fossil-fuel and nuclear-energy systems and make the switch to 100% renewables. The group will focus on adopting a combination of energy efficiency and decentralized renewable energy systems. [CleanTechnica]
* The state of Florida has been something of a solar power laggard, despite abundant sunshine. Politics has been the main barrier. Now, however, Florida Power & Light has announced plans to add at least 220 MW of new solar power capacity by the end of 2016, and plans to retire some of their fossil-fuel plants. [Solar Love]
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