EERE Network News
October 27, 2004
News and Events
President Bush Signs New Energy Tax Incentives Into Law
President Bush has signed into law an act that expands the renewable energy production tax credit, extends the tax credit for ethanol, creates a new tax credit for biodiesel, and establishes a demonstration program to offer tax-exempt financing for green building projects on brownfield sites.
GE Energy Receives $1.3 Billion in U.S. Wind Turbine Orders
GE Energy has received orders for more than 750 megawatts of wind turbines and commitments to order another 750 megawatts. The wind turbines will go toward new projects in California, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Texas.
Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to Jump-Start Renewable Projects
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund is looking to help fund up to 100 megawatts of renewable energy projects over the next few years, as the state's electric distribution companies gear up to meet a July 2007 deadline for renewable power generation. The fund will hold a forum in mid-November.
BP Solar to Boost U.S. Production of Solar Cells and Modules
BP Solar plans to double its production of solar cells and modules at its Maryland plant by the end of 2005. The company also plans to expand a program to sell solar power systems through Home Depot stores, adding new stores in California and possibly New York, New Jersey, and Hawaii.
New BLM Policy Encourages Solar Power on Public Lands
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced on October 21st a new land-management policy to encourage the development of solar energy resources on public lands. The policy also encourages the installation of renewable energy systems at BLM facilities.
Schwarzenegger Opens Hydrogen Fueling Station at L.A. Airport
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled on October 22nd the state's first hydrogen fueling station designed for retail sales. Although intended for five fuel cell cars from DaimlerChrysler, the station was first employed to fuel the governor's one-of-a-kind hydrogen-fueled Hummer.
Site News
EPA Launches Heat Island Effect Web Site
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently launched a Heat Island Effect Web site that explains the phenomenon of heat islands, in which urban and suburban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas.
Energy Connections
IEA: World Energy Demand May Increase 59 Percent by 2030
The "World Energy Outlook 2004," published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), projects world energy demand to increase 59 percent by 2030. The report notes that policies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy could help slow that growth.
