EERE Network News
June 02, 2010
News and Events
Transportation Department Awards $80 million in High-Speed Rail Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation has delivered nearly $80 million in grants to five states for high-speed rail projects. The grants will go toward projects in California, Florida, New Mexico, New York, and Wisconsin, with the bulk of the funding going to Florida's Tampa-to-Orlando rail line.
Mississippi State University Wins Year Two of the EcoCAR Competition
A team from MSU has stripped an SUV and packed it full of batteries, motors, electronics, and a small diesel engine, achieving the efficiency equivalent to 118 miles per gallon of gasoline. Their effort took first place in the EcoCAR competition, hosted by DOE and General Motors Corporation.
Nissan Breaks Ground on its U.S. Battery Plant for the All-Electric Leaf
In December, Nissan will start shipping its all-electric Leaf from its factory in Japan to buyers in the United States, but by 2012, both the car and its batteries will be produced in Tennessee. Nissan recently broke ground for the factory that will produce lithium-ion batteries for the Leaf.
AWEA: Growth in U.S. Wind Power Slows in First Quarter
So far, 2010 is a year of slow growth for the U.S. wind power industry, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Analyses from other groups suggest that 2010 as a whole may yield less new wind capacity than 2009, although the U.S. wind market should resume its acceleration by 2012.
Florida Regulators Approve a 100-Megawatt Biomass Power Plant
The Gainesville Regional Utilities and American Renewables have received regulatory approval for a 100-megawatt biomass power plant. The companies intend to start generating power from urban wood waste, wood processing wastes, and logging residues by late 2013.
Energy Connections
NRC Reports: United States Should Act Now to Cut Greenhouse Gases
Three new reports from the National Research Council (NRC) conclude that climate change is occurring, is largely caused by human activities, and poses significant risks. The NRC concludes that the United States should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to develop an adaptation plan.
