EERE Network News
February 04, 2004
News and Events
President's Budget Retains Funds for Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy
Despite tight fiscal constraints in President Bush's proposed budget for fiscal year 2005, DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is slated to receive a 1.2 percent increase in funding. President Bush released his proposed federal budget on February 2nd.
DOE Budget Proposal Boosts Hydrogen Fuel Initiative Funding
DOE's proposed budget for fiscal year 2005, released on February 2nd, includes a 43-percent increase in funding for the President's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative. Four DOE offices and the U.S. Department of Transportation will contribute their efforts to the initiative.
2005 Budget Includes Tax Credits for Renewables and Energy Efficiency
President Bush's proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2005 includes tax incentives for the purchase of hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles and residential solar heating systems. Tax credits are also included for energy produced from clean and renewable energy sources.
DOE and States to Jointly Fund 13 Energy Efficiency Projects
DOE and state governments will provide a total of $17 million for 13 news energy efficiency projects through the innovative State Technologies Advancement Collaborative. Since many of the projects are multi-state collaborations, the 13 projects actually involve 31 states.
Twelve States Form Alliance to Leverage Clean Energy Funds
The Clean Energy States Alliance, a new non-profit organization, joins together seventeen "clean energy" public funds from 12 states to promote clean energy projects and companies.
EnergySmart Schools Program Earns School Board Association Endorsement
DOE's program to reduce energy use in schools has been unanimously endorsed by the Board of Directors of the National School Boards Association. About 25 percent of the energy used in U.S. schools is wasted, a situation that the EnergySmart Schools program aims to remedy.
Energy Connections
Voluntary U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reductions Increased in 2002
More than 228 U.S. companies and organizations participated in 2,027 voluntary projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2002. Their combined efforts caused reductions equal to 3.9 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, up from 3.2 percent in 2001.
