Bizjournals Energy and the Environment

New York state has extended the cash rebate program for consumers who buy new, energy-efficient appliances.

Victor Patrick, chief executive of Walter Energy Inc., announced plans to retire. (WLT)

Gas prices in Denver have interrupted their slow downward drift of the last few weeks, rising 2.3 cents in the last week, according to the American Automobile Association’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report.

Crude oil hit its highest price in five weeks last week and gas prices in Florida are on the rise.

Victor P. Patrick will retire as CEO of Walter Energy, less than six months after he was appointed to the top spot and in the midst of the company moving its headquarters to Birmingham.

Massachusetts’ gas prices have dipped for the fifth straight week, according to AAA Southern New England.

Gas prices edged up 3 cents in Florida last week, as crude oil hit its highest price in five weeks, according to AAA Auto Club South.

Triad gas prices inched up slightly during the last week, though they were still lower than the highs of a month ago.

Oil and natural gas exploration company Encore Acquisition Co. posted a net loss of $21.6 million, or 40 cents per share, during the fourth quarter of its 2009 fiscal year on Monday. (ENP)

Pinnacle Entertainment, which plans to open its $380 million River City Casino in Lemay next week, will pay $2.5 million in rent to St. Louis County for the past year and $4 million in annual rent in the future.

Constellation Energy Group Inc.’s sale of half its nuclear business gave the company a $4.4 billion profit in the fourth quarter despite a 30 percent dip in revenue. (CEG)

Crude oil hit its highest price in five weeks last week and gas prices in Georgia are rising, according to AAA Auto Club South.

Retail gasoline prices in Orlando rose 3.3 cents a gallon in the past week to $2.62.

Breaking Ground Contracting Co. is mid-way through a building renovation that will take its green culture to the next level.

Duke Energy Carolinas and other nuclear power providers may soon find it easier to qualify for significant property tax breaks in South Carolina.

TAMPA — The Museum of Science & Industry plans to build an 11-acre alternative energy plant to educate visitors and provide electricity for the Fowler Avenue facility.

A bill introduced in the Arizona Legislature would establish nuclear power as a renewable or carbon-free energy source, angering solar advocates and sparking the ire of the Arizona Corporation Commission.

The solar panel has undergone an extreme makeover.

Duke Energy Corp. plans to file for frequent rate increases here and in the Midwest over the next several years. But company executives also say the states Duke serves need to fundamentally revamp how utilities are paid for power.

Duke Energy Corp.’s 2009 earnings make clear how vital the company’s cost-cutting will be this year.