Daily Roundup: September 11, 2009

Serving Our Country:  In response to Obama’s declaration of Sept. 11 as a national day of service, Sierra Club members have been gearing up for community-service projects, including restoring gardens, maintaining trails, and planting trees. Sierra Club

Greenhouse Gag: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Automobile Dealers Association filed a lawsuit against the July waiver EPA granted to the state of California, allowing the state to implement stricter emission standards. Los Angeles Times

Uh-Oh in the U.K.: The United Kingdom’s new energy adviser, David McKay, speculates that the country might experience blackouts as early as 2016 because not enough alternative-energy methods have been implemented. BBC News

Deep Trouble: German officials are reviewing the safety of a geothermal plant after the project set off an earthquake in mid-August. ENN

Powering Africa: Analysts say small hydroelectric plants could help power rural African villages with minimal environmental impact. Reuters

--Julie Littman