EERE Network News
August 12, 2009
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News and Events
President Obama Approves a $2 Billion Extension for "Cash for Clunkers"
The "Cash for Clunkers" program, officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System, proved so popular that Congress rushed to approve an additional $2 billion in funds to keep it going. The program has also achieved fuel economy gains that were greater than were expected.
DOE Awards $2.4 Billion for U.S. Batteries and Electric Vehicles
President Obama has announced 48 projects for advanced batteries and electric-drive vehicles that were selected by DOE to receive $2.4 billion in Recovery Act funds. The funds will go to the leading companies for advanced batteries and electric drives, as well as the major U.S. automakers.
DOE Awards $377 Million to 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers
DOE has awarded $377 million to 46 new Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs), including $277 million in Recovery Act funding. Sixteen EFRCs received five years of funding up-front from the Recovery Act to study solar energy, biofuels, solid-state lighting, hydrogen production, and other energy technologies.
Northwestern Transmission Line to Carry 575 Megawatts of Wind Power
The Recovery Act is currently funding the construction of a transmission line in the Pacific Northwest that will carry 575 megawatts of wind power. A number of transmission projects are under development throughout the West and Midwest to carry renewable energy to cities.
Agriculture Department Proposes Consumer Label for Biobased Products
It may be obvious that you can buy a throw rug made from biological materials, but can you buy biobased transformer fluids and concrete sealers? Yes, you can! The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to offer companies a voluntary label that will help you identify such products.
Energy Connections
Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Projected to Drop 5% in 2009
DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) tackled energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in its "Short-Term Energy Outlook" for the first time in August, projecting a 5% drop in 2009. That follows a 3.2% drop in 2008, but don't expect the trend to continue: the EIA expects an increase in 2010.