EERE Network News
February 25, 2004
News and Events
DOE Awards $5 Million to Weatherize Homes in Iowa
Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham went to Iowa on February 19th to announce the award of nearly $5 million to the state to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families. Weatherization reduces an average home's energy costs by $218 per year.
DOE Launches New Hydrogen Energy Education Effort
DOE will kickoff a six-city tour of workshops on hydrogen energy in March. Called "Hydrogen Power: The Promise, The Challenge," the tour will start in Lansing, Michigan, on March 23rd, move to Austin, Texas, on April 16th, then swing through the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and West.
Energy Star Program Aims to Cut Energy Use in Power Supplies
The Energy Star program, a joint effort of DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is launching a new effort to improve the energy efficiency of power supplies, which are used to recharge portable electronic devices and are built in to most plug-in electronic devices.
EPA Launches Partnership for Energy-Efficient Freight
EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership, unveiled early in February, aims to improve the energy efficiency of freight through such actions as the better use of rail and the elimination of unnecessary idling of trucks and locomotives. The partnership now has 52 industry partners.
Maryland Launches High-Tech Program to Boost Mass Transit
The Maryland Transit Authority plans to install a computerized system that not only lets riders know when the next bus will come, but also monitors the performance of the buses on the road. Maryland has recently launched new efficiency standards for appliances and a green building tax credit.
Ski Areas Buy Green Power, Use Solar to "Keep Winter Cool"
Ski areas and the National Resources Defense Council have teamed up for the second time for the "Keep Winter Cool" campaign to fight global warming. In addition to outreach campaigns, the ski areas are buying green power and using solar energy at their resorts.
Site News
Oak Ridge's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program
DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has launched a redesigned Web site for its Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program, showcasing the laboratory's efforts in buildings, industry, transportation, distributed energy, and renewables.
Energy Connections
Three Federal Agencies to Coordinate U.S. LNG Safety
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Coast Guard are now working together to review safety and security issues an U.S. import terminals for liquefied natural gas (LNG). The action follows a devastating LNG explosion in Algeria.
