EERE Network News
May 26, 2010
News and Events
President Obama Orders Fuel Efficiency Standards for Trucks
President Barack Obama has directed the U.S. Environmental Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation to create the first national policy to increase fuel efficiency and decrease greenhouse gas emissions for medium- and heavy-duty trucks in 2014-2018 model years.
Tesla Motors to Revive a California Auto Plant for its Model S EV
Tesla Motors, Inc. has purchased a shuttered auto plant in Fremont, California, and will start building its Model S electric vehicle (EV) there in 2012. In addition, Toyota Motor Corporation is investing $50 million in Tesla and will partner with the California automaker to develop EVs.
NREL Study: Western Grid Can Handle Increased Wind and Solar Power
DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has released a study showing that it is possible for the Western power grid to draw 35% of its electricity from solar and wind sources. The study notes that increased coordination among utilities would be needed to reach that target.
Ex-Im Bank Speeds Financing of Solar Exports for Small Projects
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has launched a new "Solar Express" initiative to streamline financing for U.S. exports to small solar-energy projects. Projects of $3 million to $10 million could be approved in only 60 days.
FERC Aims to Ease the Development of Small Hydropower Projects
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is looking to make its small hydropower licensing program more user- friendly with a new series of Web-based tools.
Energy Connections
EIA: Renewable Energy to Grow Rapidly Over the Next 28 Years
Renewable energy is expected to be the fastest-growing energy source through 2035, according to projections from DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). But coal power and natural gas consumption will also continue to rise, causing a 43% increase in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
