EERE Network News
April 28, 2010
News and Events
DOE Awards $452 million in Recovery Act Funds for Building Retrofits
Vice President Joe Biden has announced the 25 communities selected for up to $452 million in Recovery Act funds under DOE's "Retrofit Ramp-Up." The funds will leverage an estimated $2.8 billion from other sources for these pilot projects.
DOE Closes on its $529 Million Loan to Fisker Automotive
DOE has closed on a $529 million loan to Fisker Automotive, which will use the proceeds to develop and build two lines of plug-in hybrids. Part of the loan will go to retool a recently shuttered General Motors Corporation plant in Delaware.
DOE Offers More Than $200 Million for Solar and Water Power
DOE will invest more than $200 million over the next five years to expand and accelerate the use of solar and water power through four funding opportunities aimed at breaking technological barriers, demonstrating new technologies, and boosting clean energy jobs.
DOE and Masdar Sign a Clean Energy Pact
DOE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Masdar, a renewable energy initiative in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The agreement calls for DOE to join in research, development, and promotion of clean energy solutions with Masdar.
USDA Proposes Rules for Three Biofuels Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invited public comment on its proposed rule changes designed to increase the production of advanced biofuels and boost development of biorefineries. The USDA also has launched an initiative to increase energy efficiency by funding farm energy audits in 27 participating states.
Architect Group Names the Top Ten Green Buildings for 2010
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has selected the top ten green buildings for 2010, citing examples in six states and two foreign countries of buildings which make the best use of energy efficiency strategies such as natural daylighting, shading, and ventilation.
Energy Connections
EPA: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Down 2.9% in 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its official tally of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions for 2008, which shows a 2.9% drop from the previous year. The agency has also issued new fact sheets on climate change, plus a report on the major indicators of climate change.
