EERE Network News
January 28, 2009
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News and Events
President Obama Issues Orders on Fuel Economy and GHG Regulations
In his first week in office, President Barack Obama has already issued marching orders to two members of his cabinet, calling for quick action on new fuel economy standards, as well as a new review of California's request to implement greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations for vehicles.
Seventy-Five Nations Join New International Renewable Energy Agency
The International Renewable Energy Agency has just been formed, but the new agency already has more member nations than the International Energy Agency, after which it is modeled. The United States has not yet joined the agency, but the Obama Administration has been invited to sign up.
The New American Home Demonstrates Energy-Saving Technologies
The official showcase home of the International Builders' Show, the annual conference and exposition for the National Association of Home Builders, demonstrates how a large, modern home in Las Vegas, Nevada, can cut its energy use to about one-fourth of the energy use of typical similarly sized homes.
Report Notes Surging Utility Investment in Smart Grid Technologies
A recent report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission notes a rapid growth in the use of two smart grid technologies: advanced meters and demand response systems. A new DOE report also finds significant energy, environmental, and practical and financial benefits to a smart power grid.
New Energy Star Labels Help to Avoid Energy-Wasting Set-Top Boxes
The shift to digital television and the growing popularity of high-definition television has brought the "set-top" box back into many U.S. homes, even if there is no longer a "set" to put the box atop. The Energy Star program is now working to assure that set-top boxes don't needlessly waste energy.
Energy Connections
EIA: Wind Power Provided the Majority of Added Capacity in 2007
In 2007, wind power beat out natural gas as the fastest-growing new source of electric generating capacity in the United States, according to a new report from DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). Biomass and solar power capacity grew too, while coal-fired capacity lost ground.