EERE Network News
April 13, 2005
News and Events
New Mexico Bills to Encourage Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Three energy-related bills in New Mexico were signed into law in early April, including a bill allowing up to $20 million in bonds to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in state and school district buildings. The other two bills encourage energy efficiency and biomass energy.
Pennsylvania Offers $10 Million for Clean Energy Projects
Pennsylvania is providing $10 million to help finance clean energy projects throughout the state. The funding is available for grants, loans, and loan guarantees for projects and research involving energy efficiency, low-impact hydropower, fuel cells, and solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal power.
Connecticut and New Jersey Launch New Green Power Programs
Both Connecticut and New Jersey are launching new programs to encourage electric power customers throughout each state to buy electricity from renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, recent solicitations demonstrate that the federal government continues to be a major green power purchaser.
Major Wind Plants Under Construction in New York and Texas
Construction is now underway on a 198-megawatt wind plant in New York and a 220.5-megawatt wind plant in Texas. Also in the works is a 100-megawatt wind plant in Texas, a 150-megawatt wind plant in Washington, and two wind plants in Colorado that will total 129 megawatts.
Wyoming Offers Ranchers Solar- and Wind-Powered Water Pumps
Wyoming is offering solar- and wind-powered stock watering systems to ranchers throughout the state. During the pilot stage of the new project, state officials hope to deploy between two and four pumps in each of the state's 23 counties.
Canadian Automakers Agree to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Canadian government announced on April 5th that it has reached an agreement with the Canadian automobile industry to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new light vehicles, which include cars, pickups, vans, and most sport utility vehicles.
Site News
California Industries Form BioEnergy Producers Association
In January, a group of California's bio-based industries formed the BioEnergy Producers Association. The association's Web site includes a library of documents relating to legislation that affects the state's biomass energy industry.
Energy Connections
EIA: Gasoline Prices to Remain High All Summer
The price of regular unleaded gasoline in the United States is expected to average $2.28 per gallon through September, with the highest average prices in May, according to DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). Crude oil prices are expected to remain above $50 per barrel through 2006.
