EERE Network News
September 02, 2009
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News and Events
DOE and U.S. Treasury Award $502 Million for Renewable Energy Projects
In a move designed to jumpstart renewable energy projects, the U.S. Treasury Department and DOE have jointly delivered $502 million in Recovery Act assistance to energy companies in lieu of federal tax credits. The funds will support projects in Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
"Cash for Clunkers" Replaces 700,000 Vehicles with More Efficient Models
The "Cash for Clunkers" program ended its run on August 25, removing nearly 700,000 inefficient vehicles from U.S. roads while rolling to a hefty 58% gain in fuel economy, which was greater than expected.
DOE Awards $300 Million for Alternative Fuel Stations and Vehicles
To speed the transformation of the nation's vehicle fleet, DOE has awarded $300 million in Recovery Act funds to 25 Clean Cities projects. The projects will deploy 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles and build 542 new alternative fuel stations in more than 25 states.
DOE Awards $21 Million to Five Projects for Biomass Processing
DOE is awarding up to $21 million for projects that handle and deliver big volumes of biomass from farm residues, energy crops, forest byproducts, and urban scrap to producers of cellulosic biofuels.
USDA Awards $4.2 Million for Woody Biomass Removal
As part of a far-reaching plan to improve forest health, the USDA has awarded $4.2 million to 17 woody biomass removal projects. The USDA has also made its first matching payment to a biomass producer under the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, a 2008 Farm Bill program.
DOE Sets Energy Standards for Beverage Vending Machines
With the publication of new efficiency standards for beverage vending machines, DOE has completed five energy efficiency standards that President Obama wanted expedited. There are nearly 2.3 million beverage vending machines in the United States, and most could be operating more efficiently.
Energy Connections
United States Makes Moves to Increase its Use of Canadian Tar Sands
The U.S. State Department has approved a pipeline that will import up to 800,000 barrels per day of crude oil produced from Canadian tar sands, also known as oil sands. Meanwhile, South Dakota has approved an air permit for a refinery that will handle up to 400,000 barrels per day of the heavy oil.