Solar power faces obstacles of practicality in commercial adoption
Challenges of cost and scale make businesses less likely to jump on board California’s push for solar energy.
Environment
Building a Palo Alto center that converts waste to energy pits environmentalists against each other
Palo Alto’s environmentalists are locked in debate with one another over plans to construct a compost-to-energy facility. Residents are divided over whether the city should use the land to convert organic waste into clean energy.
Planned San Jose townhomes may lead to flood and environmental hazards, critics say
A San Jose proposal to build townhomes in a residential neighborhood is being challenged by environmental advocates who say that its location in a floodplain and its proximity to creek wildlife could pose problems for residents and animals.
Cupertino’s Lehigh cement plant and quarry criticized for mercury emissions
A workplace shooting put Cupertino’s Lehigh Southwest cement plant in the national headlines in 2011. Now the plant is taking criticism for the harsh effects producing cement can have on the environment.
On the road: Wyoming antelope, more cars in Palo Alto, and romantic dinners [PODCAST]
This week’s Peninsula Report podcast takes you to Wyoming where the antelope play, to Palo Alto for an update the parking shortage and to Bay Area restaurants on the most romantic day of the year.
Conflicts on the Peninsula Report: Burning Man expansion, tree wars and UN Secretary General on Syria (PODCAST)
Peninsula Press reporters bring us stories of conflict: Burning Man seeks to expand globally through Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, and Cupertino residents fight with the city over public trees. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon gives us a glimpse into conflicts around the world.
Latest trend in landscaping — Goats for Hire [VIDEO]
Goat grazing has butted its way on the Bay Area scene as a popular groundskeeping and fire prevention tool for residents and companies across the Peninsula. View the video.
It’s better for the environment than meat, but soy comes with its own eco challenges
Raising cattle for red meat has well-known negative environmental effects, but soy is not a completely ‘green’ protein either.
Voters reject genetically modified food labeling initiative
With just over 35 percent of precincts reporting statewide, Proposition 37, an initiative to require labeling of genetically modified foods, appears headed for defeat.