EERE Network News
December 14, 2005
News and Events
DOE Sends Energy Saving Teams to Six Facilities in Five States
Federal Energy Saving Teams recently visited six federal facilities in five states, including a medical center, a courthouse, a prison, a major federal center, and two military facilities. The facilities are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, South Carolina, Alabama and Colorado.
New Energy-Saving Campaign Emphasizes "The Power is in Your Hands"
When it comes to saving energy, the power to do so is in your hands; hence the name of a new energy-saving campaign. The Alliance to Save Energy and the American Gas Association launched the campaign on December 13th with support from a broad-based coalition that includes DOE.
Twenty-Six States and D.C. Join the Energy Star Challenge
As part of the Energy Star program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is challenging building owners across the country to improve their energy efficiency by 10 percent or more. More than half the states and the District of Columbia are helping to throw down the gauntlet.
Massachusetts and Connecticut Offer Renewable Energy Funding
Support for renewable energy projects is growing in the Northeast: Connecticut is offering $21 million to support clean energy projects, while Massachusetts is offering loans of up to $500,000 for clean energy businesses. The offers apply to fuel cells and most types of renewable energy.
USDA Announces Farm Energy Strategy and Awards Biomass Funding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to help farmers and ranchers deal with high energy costs. It has launched an Energy Council, awarded $1.2 million in biomass grants for small businesses, and aims to direct $1.4 billion in loans and guarantees towards renewable energy projects.
Geothermal Power Plants Moving Ahead in Idaho and Utah
A company in Idaho has just signed a contract for the construction of a 10-megawatt geothermal power plant, with options to build two more, while western utility has agreed to buy the power from a 42-megawatt geothermal power plant in southwest Utah.
Site News
Alliance to Save Energy Launches State Energy Efficiency Index
The Alliance to Save Energy recently launched a Web site that makes it easy to find out about energy efficiency policies in your state, including energy efficiency funds and tax incentives.
Energy Connections
EIA Boosts its Long-Term Projections for Oil Costs
Oil prices have recently been hovering around $50 to $60 per barrel, a situation that DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects will be the norm by 2025. Those higher prices will slow energy demand and carbon emissions while stimulating ethanol and biodiesel production, says EIA.
