EERE Network News
February 25, 2009
News and Events
President Obama Calls for Carbon Cap, More Clean Energy Investment
In his address to Congress on February 24, President Barack Obama called for an annual U.S. investment of $15 billion in clean energy technologies to regain a leadership position in the world. The president also called for a market-based cap on carbon emissions to drive renewable energy production.
DOE to Expedite Disbursement of Funds Received via Stimulus Act
To make sure that DOE funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are disbursed quickly, Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced a restructuring of DOE's processes for reviewing applications and issuing loans, loan guarantees, and other funds.
Northwest Food Processors Aim to Reduce Energy Intensity by 25%
DOE and the Northwest Food Processors Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that sets an industry-wide target of reducing energy intensity by 25% over the next ten years.
Interior Department to Develop Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy
The U.S. Department of Interior is developing a comprehensive plan for offshore energy resources, including both conventional oil and natural gas and renewable energy resources. The agency will also expedite its final rulemaking for offshore renewable energy development.
Federal Regulators Allow Transmission Lines Funded by Wind Developers
To help independent companies build power lines to carry renewable energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is letting the companies sign agreements with renewable energy developers in the early project stages. The decision may lead to two massive projects to deliver wind power to the Southwest.
Energy Connections
Report Highights Need for Rapid Action to Minimize Climate Change
The world currently has the potential to hold global warming below 2°C, but only if world governments act quickly and decisively, according to a new report from McKinsey & Company. The report says a delay of even 10 years could make the goal nearly impossible to achieve.
