EERE Network News
March 16, 2005
News and Events
DOE and EPA Recognize Energy Star Leaders at Award Ceremonies
DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented a number of awards in March, including the Energy Star Awards to 50 businesses and organizations and the Energy Star CHP Awards for combined heat and power projects. The EPA also issued an Energy Star Challenge.
Global Wind Power Capacity Grew 20 Percent in 2004
The world added 8,000 megawatts in wind power capacity in 2004, though most of it was in Europe. But the United States should catch up a bit this year, with a new large wind project in Texas and others planned or underway in New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Washington.
California Utility to Buy Power from Six New Renewable Energy Projects
Southern California Edison has signed long-term contracts with companies developing three new wind power plants, two biomass power facilities, and a geothermal plant in western Nevada. By 2009, the six projects could be providing 427.5 megawatts of renewable power to the utility's customers.
Appliance Efficiency Standards Signed Into Law in New Jersey
New Jersey has set new energy efficiency standards for a variety of products sold in the state, ranging from set-top boxes to very large air-cooled commercial air conditioning and heating equipment. The new law follows similar laws enacted last year in California, Connecticut, and Maryland.
Lexus Announces Hybrid SUV Pricing and EPA Mileage
The Lexus RX 400h will go on sale on April 15th with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $48,535—a price that includes a lot of premium standard features. The hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) has earned EPA fuel economy ratings of 31 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Builders' Group Presents 11 National Awards for Green Building
The National Association of Home Builders presented National Green Building Awards to 11 winners in March, including five building projects, the California Green Builder program, green building marketing in Florida, and several "advocates," including DOE's Building America partnership.
Energy Connections
Major Oil Companies Report Low Reserve Replacement Ratios
The latest annual reports from the world's major international petroleum companies indicate that the companies struggled to find enough new petroleum reserves in 2004 to replace the oil they produced. The companies noted, however, that recent trends in oil reserves may not reflect future trends.
