EERE Network News
August 29, 2007
News and Events
DOE Offers up to $33.8 Million to Support Cellulosic Biofuels
DOE is offering up to $33.8 million to support the development of enzymes for converting cellulosic biomass into biofuels.
USDA Guarantees $97 Million in Loans for Biomass Projects
A wood pellet plant in Georgia, two biodiesel plants in Illinois, and the first ethanol plant in North Carolina have been approved for a total of $97 million in loan guarantees from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. An ethanol plant is also slated for Hawaii, drawing on sugar as a feedstock.
Six Western States and Two Provinces Set Greenhouse Gas Goals
The members of the Western Climate Initiative have set a goal of cutting their greenhouse gas emissions to 15% below 2005 levels by 2020. The initiative includes Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington and the provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba.
North Carolina Sets a Requirement for 12.5% Renewable Power by 2021
A new law in North Carolina requires investor-owned utilities to draw on renewable energy for 12.5% of their power supply by 2021 while requiring other utilities to achieve 10% renewable power by 2018. The bill also credits energy efficiency and features set-asides for specific energy sources.
GM Unveils an Advanced Combustion Engine that Reduces Fuel Use
An advanced engine using a combustion technology known as homogeneous charge compression ignition is being advanced by both General Motors Corporation (GM) and Ford Motor Company. GM is farther ahead, as it has built two drivable concept cars that incorporate the advanced engine.
Trade Commission Launches New EnergyGuide Label for Appliances
After a two-year review, the Federal Trade Commission has finalized a new design for the EnergyGuide label, the bright yellow label that helps consumers select energy efficient appliances. The new label places emphasis on the estimated annual operating cost rather than the actual energy use.
Energy Connections
EIA: Renewable Energy Consumption Increased 7 Percent in 2006
Wind power is the fastest-growing renewable energy technology in the United States, having produced 45% more electricity in 2006 than in 2005, according to DOE's Energy Information Administration. Overall, renewable energy use increased by nearly 7% in 2006.
