EERE Network News
November 19, 2008
News and Events
DOE and EPA Release an Energy Efficiency Action Plan for States
DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have released an updated version of the National Action Plan Vision for 2025: A Framework for Change, which lays out a proposed energy efficiency action plan for state policy makers.
EPA Sets Renewable Fuel Requirement of 10.21% for 2009
Next year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require most U.S. refiners, importers, and non-oxygenate blenders of gasoline to displace 10.21% of their gasoline with renewable fuels such as ethanol. The percentage increased significantly because of the expected drop in gasoline demand.
California Streamlines Approvals for Renewable Energy Projects
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed an executive order that will expedite the approval of renewable energy projects in the state. The governor also put the wheels in motion to require utilities to draw on renewable energy for 33% of their electricity supply by 2020.
Reliability Report Warns of Transmission Needs with Wind Power Booming
Wind power capacity in the United States is expected to increase several-fold over the next decade, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation is concerned that utilities won't build transmission lines fast enough to meet the growing energy supply.
BLM Offers Geothermal Leases in Utah, Idaho, and Oregon
Utah, Idaho, and Oregon have significant geothermal energy resources, even though only three geothermal power plants have been built in the three states. To encourage more development, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will offer nearly 200,000 acres for lease in December.
DOE Reaches Agreement with LG Electronics on Refrigerator Energy Matters
Under the terms of a new agreement between DOE and LG Electronics, the company will voluntarily suspend 10 LG refrigerator models and Kenmore-brand "TRIO" French Door models from the Energy Star program and will offer a free, in-home modification to make the models more energy efficient.
Site News
Format Change for the Online Version of EERE Network News
To make it easier to link to, bookmark, and share our stories on social networking sites, the EERE Network News has revised its online format. The new format features short blurbs for each story, with a link to the full story.
Energy Connections
Dropping Energy Prices Offer Good News for U.S. Consumers
The slumping economy has caused oil prices to drop off significantly since this summer, and consumers will benefit not only at the pump, but also when they pay this winter's heating bills. The decrease in energy demand will also help to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
