EERE Network News
May 13, 2009
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News and Events
DOE Requests $2.3 Billion for Efficiency, Renewable Energy in FY 2010
The president's budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2010 includes $2.3 billion for the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. That represents a 6.4% increase above appropriations for FY 2009, not counting Recovery Act funds.
Interior and Ag Departments Propose More Renewable Energy Funding
In their budget requests for fiscal year 2010, the U.S. Department of Interior is proposing $50.1 million for a new Clean Energy Future Initiative, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking for $68 million for the Rural Energy for America Program and $17 million for the Biorefinery Assistance Program.
DOE to Invest Up to $33.5 Million in Wind Energy Projects
DOE announced on May 12 that it will invest $25 million in Recovery Act funds in a Wind Technology Testing Center in Massachusetts. DOE also announced on May 6 that it will award up to $8.5 million in conventional funds to 53 new wind energy projects located in 24 states, plus the District of Columbia.
DOE and HUD Sign Agreement to Streamline Weatherization Process
Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, signed an agreement to coordinate energy retrofit programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
DOT Awards $742.5 Million in Recovery Act Funds to 11 Transit Projects
The U.S. Department of Transporation (DOT) is awarding $742.5 million in Recovery Act funds to 11 transit projects located in nine states. In addition, the DOT is including $1.83 billion for transit projects in its budget request for fiscal year 2010.
Maryland Aims for a 25% Cut in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2020
Maryland has approved legislation that requires the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 25% below 2006 levels by 2020. Achieving that goal may be tricky, as the legislation also restricts greenhouse gas reductions for the state's manufacturing plants.
Energy Connections
EIA: Expectations Dim for a Near-Term Growth in Oil Demand
DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) now expects global oil demand to fall by 1.8 million barrels per day in 2009. The drop will keep energy prices low, which is good for consumers' pocketbooks, but it presents more challenges for energy efficiency efforts and biofuel producers.