EERE Network News
August 04, 2004
News and Events
DOE Awards $94.8 Million to Weatherize Homes in 20 States
DOE announced on July 27th and 29th the award of $94.8 million to 20 states to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families.
DOE Begins Process to Set New Efficiency Standards for Energy Equipment
DOE has begun the formal process to set new energy efficiency standards for residential furnaces and boilers, commercial air conditioners and heat pumps, and electrical distribution transformers. DOE will hold public meetings in late September to solicit comments on the proposals.
United States to Help Form New International Methane Partnership
DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on July 28th that the United States will enter into a new "Methane to Markets Partnership" along with seven other countries. The partnership will develop and promote cooperation on the recovery and use of methane.
Hydropower Facility to Install Fish-Friendly Turbines
The Grant County Public Utility District in Washington State is reportedly planning to install a new hydropower turbine that is designed to increase the survival rate of juvenile salmon passing through it. The new turbine was developed with the support of DOE and the hydropower industry.
New Honda Fuel-Cell Vehicle Goes Farther with More Power
The 2005 Honda FCX features a fuel cell stack that produces 33 percent more power that last year's model, while also delivering a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy. The new fuel-cell vehicle is the first to feature a fuel cell stack designed and manufactured by Honda.
LED Traffic Lights Continue to Save Energy Nationwide
Municipalities throughout the United States continue to reap significant energy savings by installing new traffic lights that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in place of incandescent light bulbs. In recent months, LED traffic lights have been installed in cities in California, New York, and Texas.
Site News
World Renewable Energy Congress and Expo Web Site Updated
The Web site for the eighth World Renewable Energy Congress and Expo has been updated with a detailed preliminary program and an expanded list of plenary speakers. The Congress will take place in Denver, Colorado, from August 29th through September 3rd.
Energy Connections
Report: Aviation Growth Threatens Greenhouse Gas Targets
The growing use of airlines for travel could lead aviation to be responsible for 15 percent of the total contribution to climate change by 2050, according to a new report. While the report suggests shifting shorter air travel to rail instead, new energy- efficient airplanes such as Boeing's 7E7 will also help.
