U.S. Department of Energy/National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Free Resources Available: The 1996 NREL Information Resources Catalogue is intended to inform anyone interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies of NREL's outreach activities, including publications and services. The services section of the catalogue presents many ways in which NREL makes information available to the public, including a visitors' center, electronic networks, and information hotlines. Documents listed were published by NREL in fiscal year 1996 and include general interest publications, technical reports, conference papers, journal articles, and patents.

The catalogue is free in limited quantities and can be obtained through the document distribution service at (303) 275-4363 (phone), (303) 275-4053 (fax), or evanss@tcplink.nrel.gov (email).

Contact: Anne Jones, (303) 275-3678

Arizona
New Science Center Opens
The Arizona Science Center opened in April, 1997. The center features exciting hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, and classrooms dedicated to the advancement of science education. The center also contains more than 60 hands-on science exhibits on conventional energy resources, solar energy, and other renewable resources. The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office provided funding toward exhibits and helped review the technical information presented with the exhibits.

A touch-comparison on various insulation materials, a computer simulation analyzing home energy usage, a fully visible heat pump with clear tubing, a hands-on demonstration of evaporative cooling, and detailed experiments on how photovoltaic panels work are a few of the exhibits. These and many others give students the fundamental science concepts needed to guide and change our energy future.

Contact: Jim Westberg, (602) 280-1430

Arizona Energy Future Briefings
Briefings on a new economic development report, "Arizona's Energy Future," were conducted the week of July 14-18. The report, underwritten by the Commerce Department Energy Office and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, examines current energy consumption and expenditures and analyzes the economic and environmental benefits of solar technology and energy efficiency. Skip Laitner, an expert on the employment impact of clean energy technologies, wrote the report and conducted the briefings. Please contact the Energy Office for a free copy of the report.

Contact: Stephen Ahearn, (602) 290-1423

Energy Office Establishes Solar Energy Institute
The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office has established the Solar Energy Institute, where students can go to learn about various renewable energy sources and their link to environmental quality and economic stability. The first Institute, from July 20-26, was at a stand-alone, solar-powered camp near Flagstaff, Arizona. Eleven high school students from throughout Arizona exchanged ideas with professionals in the field of renewable energy and from the academic and corporate worlds. Students participated in tours so they could see real-life examples of the concepts they were learning. They also built a solar-powered bicycle, with Art Boyt, Manager of Solar BikeRayce USA, leading the construction project. A highlight of the week was a lecture by Barbara Kerr, the inventor of the Kerr-Cole Solar Box Cooker.

The Energy Office has received inquiries from organizations in other states about sponsoring delegates to the 1998 Solar Energy Institute. These inquiries have inspired discussions about including students from other states in next year's session.

Contact: Jim Arwood, (602) 280-1402

California
Appliance Consumers Can Find Energy-Efficient Choices on the Internet
Thanks to a new on-line database, consumers can now easily locate and compare energy-efficient appliances by using the Internet. A service of the California Energy Commission, the Appliance Efficiency Database ranks the most energy-efficient appliances available, regardless of brand, including high-efficiency central air conditioners, heat pumps, central gas furnaces, room air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, and in a very California touch, wine chillers. Entries are arranged by the most energy-efficient, based on the lowest average electricity consumption. To be included, an appliance must exceed the California and national appliance efficiency standards by at least 10%.

This user friendly service allows viewers to click on a number of simple graphics to help them refine their search. Those looking for the most efficient refrigerator-freezers, for example, can choose among drawings of bottom freezer models, various-sized top freezer models, small kitchen-unit models, and an array of side-by-side models with various capacities and features. The database gives efficiency information for specific model numbers and is updated every two weeks with new models and current information. The Appliance Efficiency Database can be found at: www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/appliances.

Contact: Claudia Chandler, (916) 654-4989

Hawaii
Hawaii Awarded $639,000 In Federal Grants

The state of Hawaii won $639,000 in four federal grants last month through a tough, national competitive process by the state's Energy, Resources, and Technology Division (ERTD). ERTD received three USDOE grants totaling $403,000, and a $236,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Hawaii projects selected for USDOE funding are: Residential Energy Efficient Building Guidelines ($255,000): An innovative approach to updating, rating, and financing energy-efficient and environmentally balanced residential home design and construction. This project will develop ways to move the housing market toward greater energy efficiency by creating consumer awareness of new technologies and design and construction strategies and by giving builders a new marketing tool in a competitive market. Hawaii Rebuild America program to support the three Neighbor Island counties as Rebuild partners ($98,000): A project to stimulate the economy by increasing the use of more energy-efficient technologies in the public and private sectors. This will lead to reduced energy costs, which in turn helps to spur investment and create jobs. The state will plan and focus its energy efficiency programs, assist Rebuild America partnerships to identify and target specific community needs for energy efficiency projects, and help partners find marketing, technical, and financial assistance to implement energy efficiency programs. Multi-tiered Alternate Transportation Fuels Outreach Program ($50,000): A project to recruit non-traditional stakeholders and accelerate alternate fuel acceptance and use in municipal and private vehicle fleets. This will be accomplished by funding alternative fuel vehicle conversions; assisting with the sponsorship of Hawaii's Electron Marathon; publishing information for students; producing displays; and participating in selected exhibitions, trade shows, and seminars.

Hawaii was the only state in EPA's Region IX, and one of eight nationally, to win the EPA grant competition. The Jobs Through Recycling Program grant will help the state create jobs while diverting waste from Hawaii landfills. The funds will be used to develop resource exchange facilities and provide technical assistance to Hawaii's counties. The resource exchange facilities help reduce waste through recovery and reuse of construction and demolition debris, residential furniture, fixtures, equipment, and similar reusable materials. The ERTD proposals were prepared in coordination with strong partnerships with other state agencies, county governments, utilities, and community organizations.

Contact: Carilyn Shon, (808) 587-3810

Iowa
Rebuild Wapello County Promotes Energy Efficiency and Economic Development
Wapello County is one of five showcase communities participating in Rebuild Iowa, a collaborative initiative sponsored by USDOE and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that is designed to help communities identify, implement, and finance cost-effective energy-efficiency improvements. Wapello County's Rebuild initiative empowers business owners to reduce expenses and boost productivity by lowering energy costs and improving the work environment. Four participants, including the City of Ottumwa, have joined the program, enrolling more than seventy buildings. Additionally, several influential industries and businesses in the community have benefited from effective energy management projects and are partnering with the county to publicize their successes. The county plans to increase program participation by challenging owners of small facilities to invest in energy efficiency and helping these clients identify ways of financing capital improvements.

Contact: Alan Pelvitt, (515) 682-3465

Iowa's Pursuit of Energy Efficiency Conference
The Iowa Association for Energy Efficiency, the Iowa Energy Center, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are all sponsors of the Iowa's Pursuit of Energy Efficiency Conference, which will be held October 14-15 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The conference's mission is to promote energy-efficient measures and practices that provide comfort, durability, affordability, health, and safety. The conference is an excellent forum to exchange ideas and network with energy professionals. The three conference tracks are residential and small commercial; industrial and large commercial; and renewable and alternative energy. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 1997 Iowa Energy Leadership Awards will also be presented at the conference. For more information about the conference and registration, please contact Roy Goettig, conference coordinator, at (319) 326-1126.

Contact: Craig Stark, (515) 281-4739

Kentucky
Special Projects Focus on AFVs
Kentucky focused its Special Project efforts in this year's State Energy Program on alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) projects. USDOE awarded $200,000 for a Clean Corridors project that helps fund Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana activities designed to strengthen the AFV infrastructure in the tri-state area. In addition, USDOE funded two AFV projects in Kentucky at $50,000 each. In one project, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District will convert 14 vans to use compressed natural gas (CNG). The second project will be the construction of a propane fuel station and the conversion of 15 trucks to use propane at Sanitation District #1 in northern Kentucky.

Contact Geoffrey Young, (502) 564-7192

Massachusetts
Renewable Energy Fund Has Broad Support
In July, the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Collaborative issued a consensus report endorsing the establishment of a renewable energy fund that will support the development of solar, wind, biomass, fuel cells, and other environmentally friendly resources for electricity consumers in the Commonwealth. The Collaborative, created in response to the Legislature's electric utility restructuring proposal, represented a full spectrum of interests, including residential and business consumers, environmentalists, utilities, academics, power marketers, government, and renewable energy developers. The Collaborative's consensus report recommends creating two interrelated funds, one for market development support and the other for investment support; leveraging fund dollars with other public and private sources; and encouraging public participation and oversight by establishing a strong advisory committee with broad representation. The report's recommendations will be considered by the Legislature in formulating the upcoming electric utility restructuring legislation.

Contact: Joyce Golin, (617) 727-4732

New York
Governor Announces Bond Act Funding for Clean Buses
New York's Environmental Bond Act continues to deliver on its promise of a cleaner New York. On August 1, Governor George E. Pataki announced the state will award $3 million for the purchase of clean-fuel buses as part of the Clean-Fuel Bus Program under the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. This bond act authorizes the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to make state assistance payments for clean-fuel buses and associated infrastructure. The state's budget for fiscal year 1996-1997 allotted $3 million for this purpose.

Eligible applicants for this program included municipalities, state agencies and departments, and public authorities. NYSERDA received 6 proposals that represented $11.5 million in requests for 220 buses and two infrastructure projects. Applications were thoroughly reviewed on the basis of emissions-reduction benefits, existing air quality in the applicant's area, economic benefits, co-funding by the applicant, and consistency with other clean-vehicle activities.

Based on this analysis, the state awarded $1.997 million to MTA-New York City Transit Authority for 10 hybrid-electric diesel buses that will operate in Manhattan; $334,333 to the Central New York Transportation Authority (CENTRO) for 7 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that will operate in Onondaga County; and $334,333 to the New York City Department of Transportation for 11 CNG buses to operate in Queens and an additional $334,333 for 11 CNG buses to operate in Manhattan.

Contact: Ruth Horton, (518) 862-1090, ext. 3306

Oregon
Oregon and USDOE Sign Hanford Agreement
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber and Hanford Site Manager John Wagoner have signed a Memorandum of Agreement outlining a formal role for Oregon in Hanford clean-up decisions that may affect Oregon. Oregon has been actively involved with Hanford issues since the early 1980s. This new agreement formalizes the relationship between USDOE and the state and guarantees Oregon the opportunity to participate in decisions on radioactive waste management and clean-up at Hanford.

The Hanford Site covers 560 square miles of southeastern Washington desert. It was built beginning in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project - the World War II effort to build an atomic bomb. For 45 years, Hanford's chief mission was the production of plutonium for use in nuclear weapons. Plutonium production ended at Hanford in 1990. Site workers are now engaged in what may be the world's largest environmental clean-up project. More than 1,500 waste sites have been identified at Hanford - ranging from small areas of surface contamination to 177 underground storage tanks that hold about 56 million gallons of highly radioactive waste. Oregon has a similar agreement with the Washington Department of Ecology, which helps regulate clean-up at Hanford.

Contact: Mike Grainey, (503) 378-5489

South Carolina
Energy Office's Foundation Leads to Passage of Standard Building Code
On June 13, 1997, Governor David Beasley signed into law the Standard Building Code as the mandatory statewide building code. The law also requires the use of the national Model Energy Code. The Standard Building Code is crucial because now all South Carolinians buying a home or commercial building in the state can be assured that safety standards have been met. Owners can also be assured that new energy standards will relieve them of wasteful energy use and unnecessary utility costs.

The lack of a uniform building code throughout the state has caused many problems. It made it more difficult for people to get insurance on their homes or businesses, and in some cases, impossible to get insurance at all. The costs of insurance in areas that had not adopted an energy code were an estimated 13 to 20 percent higher than in areas with a building code.

Building a home to the Model Energy Code costs an average of $800 more but saves $200 a year in reduced energy costs. This is a rate of return of 25 percent, much more than a home or business owner can get at a bank or lending institution.

Currently, 30 South Carolina counties are enforcing the Standard Building Code; the remaining 16 counties will have up to 3.5 years, depending on population size, to show enforcement. Since October 1995, the South Carolina Energy Office has trained nearly 400 building officials, plan reviewers, contractors, builders, architects, engineers, and county and municipal administrators on implementation of the Standard Building Code. These educational workshops will resume in September and continue through March 1998. For more information contact the South Carolina Energy Office.

Contact: Reneé Daggerhart, (803) 737-8035

FY98 State Energy Plan
The mission of the South Carolina Energy Office is to increase energy efficiency in all sectors of the state through the implementation of a State Energy Plan (SEP) that maximizes environmental quality and minimizes the cost of energy in the state. This year's SEP contains 83 projects that will help reduce energy consumption and encourage the use of renewable resources in South Carolina. Some of these projects work by directly affecting consumption, such as an energy audit service. Others, like The Energy Factbook, indirectly affect consumption by educating schoolage energy consumers.

The Energy Office added Financing to this year's plan. This measure outlines two loan programs that will eventually provide financing for public and private organizations that want to implement energy savings initiatives. Other new activities include trade shows in sustainable building products and manufactured housing; an Internet information service that will keep South Carolinians abreast of changes in energy related legislation; alternative fuels; education services and utility activities in the state; and the "greening" of Habitat for Humanity homes.

If the projects listed in this year's SEP are any indication, this year will be very exciting for the Energy Office. For information, questions, or a copy of the State Energy Plan, contact the South Carolina Energy Office.

Contact: Reneé Daggerhart, (803) 737-8035

Energy Office Wins Funding for Special Projects
South Carolina has been awarded funding for two special activities projects by USDOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. York Technical College in Rock Hill, SC, will compose a nontechnical electric vehicle curriculum entitled "Electric Vehicle Information Educational Forum." Most information about electric vehicles is technical and used only by proponents of this technology. This curriculum will be available to local community leaders and secondary school teachers. York Tech expects the package to be ready for distribution by April or May, 1998.

"Geothermal Heat Pumps: Information and Technical Assistance," was developed by the Energy Office in conjunction with Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Central Electric Power Cooperative, and the South Carolina Energy Research and Development Center. This project provides funds for both the installation of eight geothermal heat pumps around the state and onsite workshops that will certify HVAC technicians in International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) regulations and installation methods. By targeting both consumers and contractors, the Energy Office hopes to create a large market for geothermal heat pump technology while at the same time creating the infrastructure to support it.

Contact Reneé Daggerhart, (803) 737-8035

CONSERVATION UPDATE is a free monthly publication prepared by the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, Division of Energy, with funding from the United States Department of Energy, to facilitate the transfer of current State Energy Program (SEP) and technical information among the states and territories. Please submit short articles that describe successful programs, solicit ideas, share reports, studies or evaluations, or announce new publications, personnel changes, office address changes, conferences, seminars and workshops. Submittals are due by the seventh of each month. Please send submittals, address corrections, or name changes to: CONSERVATION UPDATE, Division of Energy, 663 Teton Trail, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone (502) 564-7192, facsimile (502) 564-7484, email: landry@nrepc.nr.state.ky.us. Past issues are available upon request. For more information, contact Karen W. Landry, Editor, or John M. Stapleton, Director.

Visit the Division's Web site at www.nr.state.ky.us/nrepc/dnr/energy/dnrdoe.html

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