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Pacific Gas and Electric Co. broke ground today on a major power plant near the town of Maxwell, about 75 miles northwest of Sacramento.

The board of natural gas producer XTO energy Inc. has approved $3.3 billion to cover development and exploration initiatives, the company says. (XTO)

Doorways Supportive Housing received a $20,000 grant Thursday through the 2008 MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has made a step toward being “green” with its recent purchase of wind energy to power about 360 stores and other facilities across Texas. (WMT) (DUK)

SACRAMENTO, CA (MARKET WIRE) The public is invited to comment on the Dutch Slough Tidal Marsh Restoration Project Draft Environmental Impact report (DEIR) Dec. 11 in Oakley.

The state of Wisconsin is home to two of the top 50 most-polluting power plants in the country, according to a new report from the nonprofit Environmental Integrity Project.

Wind power advocates won a convincing battle in the Washington Supreme Court, which ruled Thursday that local county commissioners can’t block the way for wind power turbine farms.

CAMBRIDGE, MA (MARKET WIRE) On December 3, the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge, in collaboration with the MIT energy Club, will host one of New England's first conversations to discuss opportunities and challenges for startup companies seeking to advance water technology. The session will feature leaders in business, investment and regulation within the water industry.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (MARKET WIRE) EnergySolutions, Inc. (NYSE: ES) today announced that the board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.025 per share that will be paid on December 12, 2008, to stockholders of record on December 3, 2008.

LOS ANGELES, CA (MARKET WIRE) Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) today launched its annual winter assistance campaign, the Gas Assistance Fund, which provides a one-time grant of up to $100 for low-income families.