The Week in CleanTech, Sunday edition: U.S. gas prices soar in the wake of Hurricane Ike; Democrats are ready for a drilling deal; and Apple’s green Nano.

Gas Prices Rise as Industry Assesses Storm Damage : Gasoline prices rose an average of five center per gallon across the U.S. Saturday as oil companies took stock of damage cause by the arrival of Hurricane Ike along the Texas coast. About 23 percent of the nation’s oil and gas supplies flow through offshore platforms and transit stations along the northern Gulf, many of which have been shuttered since the passage of Hurricane Gustav last week. Many gasoline distributors — especially along the Gulf Coast — are experiencing supply shortages, and motorists are encountered gas lines and closed pumps on Saturday. Prices of $4.99 a gallon in Knoxville and $5.49 in Tallahassee were also reported by angry drivers. (New York Times)

Democrats Reluctantly Embrace Offshore Drilling: Congressional Democrats seemed poised to capitulate on two decades of opposition to offshore oil and gas drilling. The move comes during a tight election year, spurred by a concerted effort by Republicans and petroleum industry lobbyists to make drilling a front-burner issue. While critics point out new drilling would do nothing to lower consumer pump prices, supporters are pressing for an agreement to allow offshore platforms within 50 miles of states which welcome development, and 100 miles out anywhere in unprotected U.S. waters. (New York Times)

60% of US Wind Turbines Behind on Maintenance, Not Enough Technicians to Do the Work: Looking fora green collar job? Consider getting into wind turbine maintenance. A new survey shows that while the United States is now the world leader in total windpower wattage, up to 60 percent of all installations are badly behind on routine engineering and site construction. The report — sponsored by Renewable Energy World, points out that there are simply not enough qualified turbine engineers and installers to go around. Meanwhile colleges are scrambling to prepare graduates in the field of renewable energy. (Treehugger)

Mercedes to Launch New ‘BlueEfficiency’ Diesel: The 2009 model year is shaping up as a bellwether for next-generation “clean diesel.” Mercedes is the latest to enter the new diesel derby, announcing Wednesday that it will soon be producing a 2.2-liter four-cylinder powerplant dubbed “BlueEfficiency.” The turbocharged engine is expected to bang out 204 horsepower and achieve 45 MPG. Europeans can expect BlueEfficiency C-Class sedans in the near future. Mercedes hints that a version of the engine might eventually make it to North American roads. (Edmunds)

Apple Debuts a Greener, Less Toxic iPod Nano: Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced a refreshed line of iPod media players Tuesday. Of particular interest to Greens: Apple’s latest Nanos feature improved environmental friendliness. Jobs says the new design will have a recyclable metal case, feature arsenic-free display glass, and will avoid the use of PVCs, Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs), and mercury. (EcoTech Daily)

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