EERE Network News
October 22, 2008
News and Events
Defense Act Encourages Military Fuel Economy, Renewable Energy Use
President Bush signed the defense authorization act on October 15. A key provision of the act should lead to more fuel-efficient military vehicles, while another provision aims to reduce fuel use for deployed troops by generating some of their electricity from wind and solar energy.
Operation Change Out Saves $11 Million at U.S. Military Bases
The Energy Star Operation Change Out campaign has led 84 military bases to install almost 360,000 compact fluorescent lighs at nearly 41,000 military housing units since Earth Day 2007. The three leading military bases are located in New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.
Investment Outlook Mixed for Clean Energy Technologies
While venture capital for clean energy startups is at record highs, and tens of billions of dollars are being pumped into new projects, clean energy companies looking to expand or to gain investments from public markets are drawing from a relatively dry well, according to a new report.
DOE and EPA Release the 2009 Fuel Economy Guide
The Toyota Prius continues to lead the U.S. auto market in terms of fuel economy, followed by many of its hybrid competitors. New fuel economy leaders include the smart fortwo and the clean diesel-fueled Volkswagen Jetta. Four clean diesels are now available and will earn you federal tax credits.
Hybrid Technologies Gain Ground in Heavy Trucks
The annual Hybrid Truck Users Forum, held in mid-October, demonstrated that hybrid electric technologies are starting to be adopted by the commercial truck industry. Among the stars of the show were a Kenworth hybrid with a lithium-ion battery pack and two plug-in electric utility trucks from Dueco.
Pennsylvania Requires Utilities to Pursue Energy Efficiency
A newly approved energy efficiency bill in Pennsylvania requires the state's utilities to help their customers reduce their electricity use by 3% by 2013. The bill also requires the installation of smart meters, which could allow the use of real-time pricing to help cut peak power demands.
Energy Connections
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Growing Rapidly, Particularly in Asia
Burning fossil fuels and manufacturing cement are two of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and those emissions have increased 38% since 1992. A separate study found that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is increasing at an accelerating pace.
