EERE Network News
July 15, 2009
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News and Events
G8 and Major Economy Leaders Agree to Slash Greenhouse Emissions
Both the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized nations and the larger Major Economies Forum have agreed that global warming should be kept below 2 degrees Celsius, that greenhouse gas emissions should be drastically cut by 2050, and that emissions should peak in the near future.
DOE, Treasury Provide Guidance on Direct Payments for Renewable Projects
Renewable energy project owners that wish to receive direct federal payments in lieu of federal tax credits can now review the guidance and application materials on the Treasury Department Web site. About $3 billion in Recovery Act funds will be available for the direct payments, which will be offered soon.
DOE Offers $300 Million for State Rebates on Energy Star Appliances
DOE is offering to provide states with up to $300 million in Recovery Act funds to support Energy Star rebate programs. The funds will support rebates for consumers who save energy by buying Energy Star-qualified home appliances.
DOE Delivers $448 Million for Weatherization Programs in 13 States
DOE awarded more than $448 million in Recovery Act funds to 13 states on July 10. Alabama, Idaho, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming will use the funds to help achieve their collective goal of weatherizing 125,000 homes.
DOE Awards $141 Million for Clean Energy in Five States, One Territory
DOE has delivered more than $141 million in Recovery Act funds to Hawaii, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, and the Northern Mariana Islands to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The funds were provided through DOE's State Energy Program.
Renewable Energy Standards Advance in Four States
Both Kansas and West Virginia have newly adopted requirements for their states' utilities to draw on renewable energy for a portion of their electricity supplies, although West Virginia includes credits for fossil energy systems. Maine and Nevada have also expanded their renewable energy standards.
Energy Connections
Economic Downturn Cuts U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Drilling by Half
A current slump in oil and natural gas drilling in the United States may make it difficult for drillers to ramp up production when the economy recovers. The American Petroleum Institute found a 46% drop in drilling in its second-quarter report for 2009.