EERE Network News
October 04, 2006
News and Events
DOE Releases Climate Change Technology Program Strategic Plan
The federal government is directing $3 billion toward climate change technologies, and a new strategic plan maps out the measures needed to advance climate change science, spur clean energy technologies, promote international collaboration, and slow the growth of greenhouse emissions.
California Governor Schwarzenegger Approves Greenhouse Gas Law
A new law will cut greenhouse gas emissions in California by an estimated 25 percent by 2020. Other new laws codify an accelerated renewable requirement, encourage renewable energy projects, extend incentives for distributed generation, and increase the number of hybrids allowed in HOV lanes.
Arizona Governor Signs Executive Order to Cut Greenhouse Gases
An executive order signed in September by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano sets a goal for the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2020 and to 50 percent below 2000 levels by 2040. But unlike recent legislation in California, the order lacks the force of law.
Branson Commits $3 Billion to Renewable Energy and Pledges to Cut Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Sir Richard Branson, the chairman of Virgin Atlantic, has pledged to invest all future proceeds from the Virgin Group's airlines and trains into renewable energy, a sum expected to equal $3 billion over the next decade. Branson is also pitching an effort to cut airlines' greenhouse gas emissions.
Report Details Wind Turbine Interactions with Military Radars
A new Defense Department report supports wind energy's role but notes that wind turbines can impede radar systems and operations. DOE is working with radar system operators to identify solutions, while the Federal Aviation Administration has approved several wind projects that had been delayed.
National Solar Tour Comes to 45 States and D.C. on October 7th
Tours of solar homes are being offered in most every U.S. state on or about October 7th. Tours are either free or available for a small fee. Only folks in Alaska, the Dakotas, West Virginia, and Wyoming are being left out, so if you own a solar home in one of those states, consider participating!
Energy Connections
U.S. Companies and Financial Institutions are Alert to Climate Change
A recent report from the Carbon Disclosure Project concludes that climate change has become a major concern among leading U.S. financial institutions and companies. That level of concern is also contributing to a boom in investments in so-called "clean tech," which includes clean energy technologies.
