EERE Network News
March 18, 2009
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News and Events
DOE to Invest $8 Billion in Weatherization and State Energy Grants
DOE will invest nearly $8 billion in state and local weatherization and energy efficiency efforts as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. DOE is initially releasing $780 million in funds to jump-start the weatherization work and accelerate the creation of jobs.
Appropriations Act Provides Nearly $2 Billion in New Funding for EERE
Congress and the president have approved an omnibus appropriations act for fiscal year 2009 that provides $1.93 billion for the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), a 13.5% increase. Combined with funds from the economic stimulus act, it's actually an 11-fold increase.
Interior Department Pursues Renewable Energy on Land and at Sea
The U.S. Department of Interior has made renewable energy development a top priority and has established a task force to help expedite renewable energy projects and supporting infrastructure. The department has also settled a juridictional dispute with energy regulators over offshore energy projects.
USDA Funds Energy Audits for Farms, Ranches, and Rural Small Businesses
Farms, ranches, and rural small businesses can now receive energy audits at one-quarter the usual cost, thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA will award grants to state, local, and tribal governments; electric cooperatives and public power companies; and institutions of higher learnng.
Space Shuttle Delivers Final Set of Solar Wings to the ISS
The world's most expensive solar power installation crew is now in orbit above the Earth, adding the final set of solar arrays to the International Space Station (ISS). The new set of solar arrays will allow the ISS to generate up to 120 kilowatts of usable power.
Energy Connections
Climate Congress Reports Worsening Findings on Climate Change
The latest findings from climate scientists are looking gloomier, as they project potentially massive sea level rise by 2100 and warn of a weaker-than-expected ability for societies to cope with the impacts of climate change. The findings are leading scientists to call for strict greenhouse gas targets for 2020.