EERE Network News
December 13, 2006
News and Events
DOE Completes its Five-Volume Series on Best Practices for Builders
DOE's Building America program has released the final handbook in its regional series on best practices for builders and homebuyers. The new handbook focuses on best practices for energy efficiency in the marine climate zone.
DOE Issues New Rules for Efficient Appliances and Federal Buildings
DOE has issued the final rule for determining the energy efficiency of residential appliances and commercial equipment, including rules for seven product categories relating to lighting. DOE has also issued the interim final rule to set higher efficiency standards for new federal buildings.
EPA Revises Test Methods for Fuel Economy Standards
Model Year 2008 vehicles will be subjected to new test methods to more accurately determine their fuel efficiency, thanks to new rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has also designed a new window sticker, making it easier to compare vehicle fuel economies.
Nissan to Launch a Variety of Advanced Vehicles by 2010
If Nissan lives up to its current pledges, within the next decade we'll see more Nissan flex-fuel vehicles, a hybrid that uses Nissan technology, a battery-powered electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and a non-hybrid that achieves 78.4 miles per gallon. Nissan is also launching a new battery company.
New Hampshire Utility Converts Coal Plant to Wood Fuel
A two-year project to replace a coal-fired boiler with one that's fueled with wood chips reached its conclusion in early December, as Public Service of New Hampshire placed the new boiler in service. The Northern Wood Power Project will produce 50 megawatts of power from local wood resources.
Shuttle Astronauts to Wire New Solar Panels to Space Station
Back in September, a shuttle mission to the space station deployed two new solar panels. The current shuttle mission has the less appealing task of connecting them to the space station. The effort will include retracting a solar panel installed in 2000 to allow the new solar panels to rotate.
Energy Connections
NOAA Warns of Strengthening El Niño Conditions
A strengthening El Niño is expected to affect U.S. weather from January to March of 2007, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). El Niño conditions cause increase storminess and rainfall in the South while keeping much of the country drier.
