EERE Network News
June 17, 2009
News and Events
Federal Agencies to Assist with Clean Energy Development in the West
DOE and the Western Governor's Association released a report on June 15 that identifies 37 "hubs" for renewable energy in the western United States, plus 17 in western Canada and in Baja California. The hubs could yield nearly 200,000 megawatts of renewable power, and DOE and other federal agencies will strive to help make that happen.
DOE Offers $240 Million for Fuel-Efficient Cars and Trucks
DOE is offering $240 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support efforts to build more fuel-efficient heavy-duty trucks, as well as more efficient engine and powertrain systems for passenger vehicles.
Ohio State University Wins First Year of EcoCAR Challenge
A team from Ohio State University has the winning design for electrifying a 2009 Saturn VUE to improve its fuel economy and cut its emissions. The team chose an extended-range electric vehicle design for its winning entry, beating out 16 other university teams. But now they have to actually build it.
U.S. Government Orders 14,105 More Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) ordered 14,105 fuel-efficient vehicles on June 1, bringing the total number of fuel-efficient vehicles purchased with Recovery Act funds to 17,205. That's about 400 fewer vehicles than expected, in part because the purchase included 600 additional hybrids.
DOE to Invest $49 Million in 24 Solar Projects and Solar Training
DOE is awarding up to $22 million in Recovery Act funds to 24 projects that will aim to cut the costs of solar cells and modules. The agency will also offer up to $27 million to develop the nation's infrastructure for solar installation training, with $5 million coming from the Recovery Act.
USDA Awards $49 Million for Biomass Energy Projects in 14 States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has selected 23 biomass energy projects in 24 states to receive $49 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The USDA previously awarded Recovery Act funds to 110 forest thinning projects, of which at least 13 planned to convert some of the recovered biomass into energy.
Energy Connections
Reports: Climate Change is Already Impacting the United States and the World
A new interagency federal report finds that climate change is already having visible impacts in the United States and could threaten many sectors of the economy, including agriculture. A series of similar reports document the current global effects of climate change, including more than 300,000 deaths per year and economic losses of $125 billion per year.
