EERE Network News
November 18, 2009
News and Events
United States and China to Cooperate on Clean Energy
The United States and China have announced a range of clean energy initiatives, including the establishment of a U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center. designed to boost joint research and development of clean energy technology, as well as energy efficiency and electric vehicle initiatives.
Ex-Im Bank to Boost Renewable Exports with $250 Million in Financing
The U.S. Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank is launching a $250 million facility to finance the export of U.S. renewable energy products. The bank will also encourage various lending institutions to adopt policies to promote clean energy exports.
DOE and USDA Award $24 Million in Biomass Grants
DOE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have awarded more than $24 million to support 12 projects aimed at boosting biofuels and products produced from biomass. The projects will advance biomass feedstocks and conversion techniques and analyze the potential for biofuel production.
DOE and USDA Offer $4 Million for Biomass Genomics Research
DOE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are soliciting genomic research projects designed to develop new plant feedstocks for use in biofuels.
DOE Delivers $40 Million to Florida and Maine for Clean Energy
As part of DOE's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, Florida and Maine will receive more than $40 million in Recovery Act funds to spend on energy projects that lower usage, reduce carbon pollution, and create green jobs.
AIA Report Notes Surge in Green Building Programs
The number of U.S. cities with green building programs has increased 50% since 2007, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA). And in a reflection of this trend, the number of new homes earning the Energy Star label has topped the one million mark.
Energy Connections
Study Says Climate Change Could Displace 150 Million People by 2050
Climate change is already attributable to the deaths of more than 300,000 people per year, according to a new study, and by 2050, as many as 150 million people could be forced from their homes. A separate study finds that many people in the U.S. Southeast could be among the displaced.
