EERE Network News
December 03, 2008
News and Events
Automakers Commit to Fuel Economy, Electrification in Long-Term Plans
The "Big Three" automakers presented their long-term viability plans to Congress on December 2. Ford unveiled new plans to electrify its fleet and to dramatically increase the fleet's fuel economy, while GM and Chrysler leaned heavily on their own plans for electric-drive and flex-fuel vehicles.
USDA Offers Guaranteed Loans for Commercial-Scale Biorefineries
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering to guarantee loans of up to $250 million for commercial-scale biorefineries that produce biofuels from something other than corn starch. One company that plans to apply for a loan guarantee is Florida-based U.S. Sugar Corporation.
Los Angeles Pursues 1,300 Megawatts of Solar Power by 2020
The City of Los Angeles has unveiled a plan to encourage the installation of 1,300 megawatts of solar power by 2020, largely through utility requirements, but also through rebates, low-income programs, innovative financing, the sale of shares in a solar power system, and even a feed-in tariff.
California Gains its First Large LNG Fuel Production Plant
Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has opened the first large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) production plant in California. Located in the Mojave Desert, the facility will provide LNG for trucks that serve the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as transportation fleets throughout California and Arizona.
Scotland Offers $15 Million for Viable Wave or Tidal Technologies
The Scottish Government is offering a prize purse of 10 million pounds, or about $15 million, for the best demonstration of a commercially viable wave or tidal energy technology capable of powering thousands of homes. The Saltire Prize Challenge will launch in the summer of 2009.
Energy Connections
MMS Tallies 60 Gulf Oil Platforms Destroyed by 2008 Hurricanes
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has released its final damage assessment for Hurricanes Gustave and Ike, finding that 60 oil and natural gas production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were destroyed, while another 124 sustained enough damage to require months of repairs.
