Green news harvest: Exxon CEO calls for carbon tax

• Exxon CEO advocates emissions tax -- The Wall Street Journal
  The danger of a cap and trade system, say detractors, is that the system will benefit financiers but not be effective in putting a price on polluting.
• Solar-cell maker halts construction plans for new plant in Hillsboro -- OregonLive.com
  This case illustrates two trends: the difficulty getting loans to build factories these days and the cultural mismatch between start-ups and state clean-energy officals.
• Two Austin employers announce job cuts - Austin American-Statesman
  HeliVolt, one of the most promising CIGS solar companies, has laid off about 15 people, another sign of belt-tightening among clean-tech start-ups.
• SolFocus raises $47.5 million -- press release
  The solar company, one of the first to jump on concentrating photovoltaics, also names CEO.
• Venture capitalist says U.S. losing green race -- San Francisco Chronicle
  John Doerr tells lawmakers that the U.S. lags in green tech, and columnist Thomas Friedman says lack of government leadership is foiling entrepreneurs' work.
• Prius as emergency generator saved bacon, eggs when lights went out -- Green Car Advisor
  The story of how a car battery can act as a power backup. As more electric cars get on the road, expect to see more of this.
• A123Systems to build U.S.-based lithium ion battery mass production facilities -- press release
  Leading lithium ion battery company applies for $1.84 billion in loans to expand manufacturing of car batteries.
• Markey to lead powerful energy subcommittee -- The Boston Globe
  The incoming head of House energy subcommittee calls clean tech the "next technological revolution in America."
• Suntech boasts 1GW capacity amid Tough times for solar market -- Greentech Media
  Chinese solar manufacturer hits important milestone, as higher volumes leads to lowers costs.
• America's untapped energy resource: Boosting efficiency -- Time
  News magazine lays out the case for energy efficiency and reminds us how the greenest technologies (efficiency) are often the dullest.