E2 Morning Roundup: Google bets on offshore wind, climate animates Senate debates and more

The Consumer Energy Alliance report profiles efforts by the farm industry, energy companies, manufacturers and others to shrink their footprint.

For instance, it notes that Dow Chemical has invested about $1 billion in sustainability programs and has seen a $5 billion return; Nucor Steel has sharply cut mining waste by reusing scrap steel; while the homebuilding industry has boosted the percent of new homes that garnered the Energy Star certification, reaching nearly 20 percent in 2009 compared to 12 percent the prior year.

The report suggests a bargain: It calls on policymakers to embrace conservation while expanding access to traditional energy sources — including currently restricted offshore oil and gas. The group’s members include oil companies, utilities and a range of manufacturing, transportation and other interests.

In case you missed E2 Wire yesterday

Check out our Monday posts:

China’s CNOOC buys into Texas oil project

Bingaman: Collapse of nuke plant deal shows need for ‘green bank’

Ethanol groups lay out draft policy blueprint

Manchin shoots hole through climate bill in TV ad

Report: Reid aide profited from stock bet


Tips, comments or complaints? Please send them to ben.geman@digital-staging.thehill.com and dgoode@digital-staging.thehill.com

Follow us on Twitter: @E2wire and @DarrenGoode