The stock market takes a pounding on high energy prices; U.S. corn production on target for a big harvest; and harvesting landfill methane for low-cost energy.

Stocks off $2.1 trillion this year: A USA Today report estimates that the U.S. stock market has lost over 2 trillion dollars so far this year — most of it during the month of June. The big reason, according to Tobias Levkovich, chief investment strategist at Citigroup: energy prices, which are squeezing consumer spending and driving up the cost of doing business across virtually every sector. Crude oil closed at $141.82 Tuesday, up 85 cents from Monday’s close. (USA Today)

Greentech Investments Jump 60%, U.N. Reports: Despite foundering stock markets, CleanTech investment continues to expand vigorously. That’s according to a new United Nations report, which estimates the green technology sector ballooned by 60 percent last year. Investors pumped $148 billion into renewable energy projects in 2007. Wind power was the biggest winner, tagging some $50 billion in fresh investment. But the solar sector experienced the greatest growth, increasing 90 percent to $28 billion. The report was compiled by the United Nations Environment Program. (Greentech Media)

US Corn Harvest Could Be Second Highest Since 1944 Despite Floods and Cool Spring: Despite record flooding in the Midwest and a relatively cool spring, corn is so far on track for a banner production year. While this year’s harvest is forecast to trail 2007 by about 9 percent, it’s still the second largest in over 60 years. Nevertheless, corn prices have soared in recent months, forcing some ethanol producers out of the game. Heartland Ethanol is the latest casualty, canceling plans to open seven new production facilities in Illinois and drawing up plans to dissolve the company. (Green Car Congress)

Use Of Recycled Landfill Methane Catching On: Landfill gases — once considered a nuisance — are now being commercially exploited for energy. In Pittsburgh, the city’s five landfills are being tapped for methane gas, which is produced by decomposing organic material. The recycling program has a dual purpose: capturing energy which would have been otherwise wasted, and keeping methane — a powerful greenhouse gas — from entering the environment. Michael Rind of Waste Management, one of the companies pioneering landfill energy development, claims his firm now produces enough power from waste gas to meet the needs of over one million homes. (Environmental Leader)

Subaru to Develop New EV: Subaru is the latest car manufacturer to throw their hat into the electric vehicle ring. The company says it is partnering with Tokyo Electric to produce a plug-in version of their Stella microvan. The electric Stella will reportedly sport a lithium ion powerpack, have about a 50 mile range, and incorporate a new quick-charge technology designed to get EVs back on the road in approximately 15 minutes. (Good Clean Tech)