EERE Network News
EERE's newsletter, the EERE Network News, covers national and international energy efficiency and renewable energy news and events, as well as new EERE Web sites and energy facts.
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February 03, 2010
News and Events
President Obama: Federal Government to Cut GHG Emissions 28% by 2020
A 2009 Executive Order that requires federal agencies to cut their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will result in a 28% overall reduction by 2020. The figure is the aggregate of targets set by 35 federal agencies, which will comply by increasing their use of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
DOE Requests $2.4 Billion for Renewable Energy, Efficiency in FY 2011
The President's proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2010 includes $2.36 billion for the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, a 5% increase over last year's funding. The budget also includes $3-5 billion in loan guarantees for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Ag and Interior Departments Propose to Boost Clean Energy Funding
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior are proposing increased funding for clean energy programs in fiscal year 2011, including a 24% increase for Interior's renewable energy programs. But for Agriculture, the greatest boost in funds may come from a redirect of existing funding.
DOE Closes $1.4 Billion Loan to Nissan
DOE has closed a $1.4 billion loan with Nissan North America, Inc. The automaker will use the funds to build a battery pack manufacturing plant and to retool a Tennessee factory so that it can build the LEAF, an all-electric vehicle.
Transportation Department Awards $8 Billion for High-Speed Rail
The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding $8 billion to lay the foundation for a nationwide high-speed rail system. California will get funds to begin a corridor connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco, while Florida will start a Tampa-Orlando link.
DOE and EPA Join States to Speed Progress on U.S. Energy Efficiency
DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are leading an effort to create a new State Energy Efficiency Action Network, which will help states achieve their maximum cost-effective energy efficiency through targeted technical assistance.
Energy Connections
Under the Copenhagen Accord, 55 Countries Agree to Cut GHG Emissions
Countries representing 78% of all global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy use have submitted their national pledges to the United Nations. The pledges mark the first follow-up to the Copenhagen Accord, an agreement reached in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December 2009.