EERE Network News
January 12, 2005
News and Events
Ford Commits to Four New Hybrid Vehicles in Next Three Years
Ford Motor Company's next hybrid electric vehicle is only months away, as the Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV will go on sale later this year. Ford plans to follow the Mariner with the Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV in 2007, and the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid mid-size sedans in 2008.
Ford Escape Hybrid Named 2005 Truck of the Year
A panel of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada has named the Ford Escape Hybrid the 2005 North American Truck of the Year. Ford, the new kid on the hybrid block, has sold 4,000 Escape Hybrids to date, while Toyota and Honda sold 81,206 hybrid vehicles in 2004.
General Motors Unveils the Fuel-Cell-Powered "Sequel"
GM's latest fuel-cell-powered concept car, the Sequel, achieves a 300-mile range and can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in less than 10 seconds. GM's Sequel improves on the Hywire concept by adding a powerful fuel-cell stack, 1,000-psi hydrogen tanks, and in-hub motors for the rear wheels.
Energy Star Sets New Guidelines for External Power Supplies
The Energy Star label will soon appear on external power supplies, those black boxes with a plug on them that power or recharge many of today's electronic devices. Power supplies will also carry an internationally recognized marking that will indicate how efficient they are.
USDA Publishes Rules for Federal Purchasing of Bioproducts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published the final rule to implement the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program, which requires federal agencies to purchase biobased products. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said the rule promotes energy independence.
Student's Wave Energy Invention Wins National Award
The latest winner of the premiere high school science competition in the United States may someday help meet the world's energy needs. Aaron Goldin, a senior at San Dieguito High School Academy in Encinitas, California, has invented a buoy-mounted gyroscope that captures the energy of waves.
Editor's Note on New Jersey Clean Energy Funds
This note corrects last week's story on New Jersey Clean Energy Funds
Site News
National Fuel Cell Education Program
The National Fuel Cell Education Program educates the public about hydrogen fuel and fuel cells through curriculum, a fuel cell kit, a speaker's bureau, and more. The program was founded in 1993 by Eco Soul Inc., a non-profit organization that focuses on education, energy, and the environment.
Energy Connections
Groups Push Competing Proposals for the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline
The competition is heating up to build a natural gas pipeline to bring "stranded" natural gas on Alaska's North Slope to market. A number of companies and consortiums are pushing their version of two main alternatives: to connect to the Canadian gas infrastructure or to an LNG terminal in Valdez.
