EERE Network News
January 04, 2007
News and Events
President Bush Approves One-Year Energy Tax Credit Extension
The wide-ranging Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, signed into law on December 20th, provides a one-year extension of the production tax credit as well as credits for solar and energy efficiency projects. It also extends the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds program.
California Utility Signs Record 1,500-MW Wind Power Contract
Southern California Edison has agreed to buy all the power from a 1,500-megawatt (MW) wind power project located in the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area north of Los Angeles. The project developers plan to build the facility over the next 5 to 10 years, in increments of about 100 MW.
New York Awards $25.1 Million for Two Cellulosic Ethanol Plants
New York is providing more than $25.1 million to two companies to help them construct pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plants within the state. One plant will be built next to a biomass power plant and will use wood chips as fuel; the other will use a combination of paper wastes and wood chips.
EPA Approves California's Zero Emissions Vehicle Program
You might be driving a car that's labeled as a "PZEV" without even knowing what that means. The label is an offshoot of California's Zero Emissions Vehicle regulations, which will now be allowed to take effect, thanks to a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
President Bush Signs Data Center Energy Efficiency Bill
A new federal law will require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study the energy use of computer data centers, the workhorses that power the Internet. The law follows a number of actions relating to data centers, including a DOE meeting with Silicon Valley executives.
EU and United States Renew Energy Star Agreement
While the Energy Star is a familiar label in the United States, it is also being used in the European Union (EU), thanks to a five-year agreement signed in 2000. The recent renewal of that agreement will set more stringent standards for imaging equipment and computers, including efficient power supplies.
Energy Connections
EU Proposes to Cap Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aircraft
The governing body of the European Union (EU) is proposing to set caps on greenhouse gas emissions from international flights beginning in 2012. The European Commission proposes to give airlines tradable emissions allowances based on their emissions over the past three years.
