EERE Network News
June 14, 2006
News and Events
Western Governors Adopt Clean Energy Resolutions
An association of governors representing 18 western states and three Pacific Islands has approved a resolution to pursue a wide range of energy policies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. The policies will be based on recommendations included in a newly released report.
California and Europe Dominate in Large Solar PV Projects
A 457-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) project was recently completed in southern California, while a 901-kilowatt system is being built in northern California. Although California leads the county in large PV installations, the world record holders are being built in Europe, including an 11-megawatt system.
Minnesota and South Carolina Promote Plug-in Hybrids, Alt Fuels
Do Minnesota and South Carolina know something we don't? One state is committing to buy plug-in hybrids and the other is providing sales tax rebates, even though the vehicles aren't available yet. South Carolina is also providing generous tax credits and rebates for ethanol and biodiesel.
Chevron Enters Biofuels Business, Invests in Biodiesel Company
BP may stand for "Beyond Petroleum," but in recent months, Chevron is the oil company that appears to be moving away from its traditional energy source. Chevron launched a biofuels business unit in late May, not long after it invested in a company that's building a biodiesel plant in Texas.
Virginia Tech Takes Top Honors in Challenge X Competition
Virginia Tech has won the second of three annual competitions to improve the fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of a Chevrolet Equinox. The Virginia Tech approach was to create a hybrid vehicle that runs on an ethanol-rich fuel blend; many teams took a similar approach.
USDA Loan Program to Encourage Energy Efficient Homes
Rural development home loans to low- and moderate-income families will now encourage energy efficiency, either by loosening requirements for energy efficient homes or by allowing energy efficiency improvements as part of the loan. The approach mimics mortgages offered by other agencies.
Energy Connections
BLM Releases Map of Proposed Energy Corridors on Federal Land
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 saw a need to crisscross the West with new transmission lines and pipelines. Since much of the land is owned by the federal government, DOE and three other federal agencies are planning for these future energy corridors. A new map shows the preliminary plan.
