EERE State Energy Program Conservation Update

Financing Renewable Energy Projects on State and Local Government Property with Clean Renewable Energy Bonds

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Clean Renewable Energy Bonds can be a low-cost way to finance renewable energy projects on state and local government property. The federal government has recently extended the CREBs program, making available $2.4 billion in new funding. But applications to obtain the funds must be submitted by August 4, 2009. Learn how to issue bonds and use this innovative financing for your renewable energy projects.

Colorado Passes Solar-Friendly Legislation

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter recently signed two pieces of legislation into law that will streamline the financing for homeowners seeking to purchase a solar system and encourage homebuilders to make new homes "solar ready" by allowing new home buyers to choose pre-wired for solar as a standard option.

Oklahoma to Develop Wind Industry Safety Curriculum

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Using funding from a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Energy Program, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is developing a wind industry safety training curriculum to support the state's burgeoning wind industry.

New Nebraska Law Creates Statewide Net Metering

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

A new Nebraska law establishes a statewide net metering program. Utility customers with renewable energy generators at their locations can receive monetary credits for the electricity they produce beyond what they consume.

17 Kentucky Buildings Rated ENERGY STAR; Governor Plants for Biofuels

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Several Kentucky buildings, some of which were built as early as the 1930s, have earned the ENERGY STAR rating. In addition, the governor planted the inaugural plug of Miscanthus, a grass that will be used as a biofuel.

Arizona Opens the Solar Technology Institute

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Science Foundation Arizona has opened the Solar Technology Institute and is investing $4 million in five new solar technology initiatives. The institute is a collaborative effort between the state's solar industry and Arizona state universities that is expected to expand leadership in renewable energy.

ENERGY STAR Provides Tools for Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Campaign

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

ENERGY STAR is emphasizing cost and energy savings as it continues its campaign to encourage consumers to properly recycle their old fridges and freezers and replace them with energy-efficient models.

California Preparing for 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards Implementation

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

New building standards take effect in California on August 1, and the California Energy Commission has prepared online and print materials to help the state's 538 local building departments administer the new standards.

Utah Will Spend $4 Million to Double the Number of Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

The State of Utah will spend $4 million to more than double the number of alternative-fuel vehicles in its fleet by the end of its 2010 fiscal year.

Connecticut Will Buy 17% of Power from Renewable Sources

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell announced a green power purchase for 84 million kilowatt-hours this spring, moving the state closer to her goal for state agencies to obtain 20% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2020.

Mississippi Plant will Convert Landfill Waste to Ethanol

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

A Canada-based company is planning to build and operate a plant in northern Mississippi that will use waste from a local landfill to create fuel that can power cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

Wyoming Board Approves Leases for Seven Wind Farms Totaling 3,458 Megawatts

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

The Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners approved leases for 14,776 acres to seven wind projects, including 7,614 acres for a 2,000-megawatt wind farm north of Cheyenne. The leases will help the state exploit its huge potential for wind energy generation.

Michigan Pursues Efficiency, Advanced Battery Energy Storage for Electric Vehicles

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Michigan tax breaks are helping to attract companies that produce lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Meanwhile, at least one city is setting green building standards for municipal structures.

Wind Power, Energy Efficiency Gaining Strength in Hawaii

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

The State of Hawaii has signed an agreement with the Hawaiian Electric Company, the state's largest electric utility, to move forward on the 2008 Clean Energy Initiative. At the same time, private companies propose to supply the Island of Oahu with wind energy via undersea cable transmission. Meanwhile, Hawaiian state parks are cutting costs by being more energy-efficient.

North Carolina Utility to Invest $50 Million in Distributed Solar Program

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

North Carolina approved an innovative solar program proposed by Duke Energy to lease rooftops from homeowners for photovoltaic installations. The utility will invest $50 million in the program, which is the first of its kind in the Southeast.

New Hampshire Task Force Calls for 80% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

A governor-appointed task force in New Hampshire has issued a climate action plan that calls for an 80% reduction in the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as a means to fight climate change and bolster the state's economy.

Montana Allows Utilities To Own Community Renewable Energy Projects

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Montana passed a bill allowing investor-owned utilities to own community renewable energy projects, and requiring public utilities to purchase at least 75 megawatts of electricity output from community wind installations by 2015.

State News Published on the EERE Web site May-June 2009

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Here we provide links to all the news stories published on the State Activities & Partnerships Web site during the past two months, along with directions on how to subscribe to the EERE State News Weekly Report.

Massachusetts Identifies Renewable Projects for CREBs, Forms Efficiency Council

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Massachusetts has identified several renewable energy projects that may qualify for low-cost financing through Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, while the state's utilities are gearing up their energy efficiency programs.

South Carolina Opens Two Fueling Stations on its Hydrogen Highway

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

South Carolina's plans for a state Hydrogen Highway as a hub for research and industry are becoming real. Two hydrogen fuel stations opened recently—one in Columbia and one in Aiken.

New York Helps Nonprofit, Commercial Fleets Convert to Alternative Fuels

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

A New York State project provides funding to private and nonprofit vehicle fleets in New York City to help make the transition to alternative fuels.

Greensburg, Kansas, Wind Farm to Break Ground in Summer 2009

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Greensburg, Kansas, rebuilding as a green community after a catastrophic tornado destroyed the town in 2007, will soon be powered by a 12.5-megawatt wind farm.

Indiana Campus to Get Largest U.S. Geothermal Heating and Cooling System

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MDT

Work begins in June 2009 on the nation's largest geothermal heating and cooling system, on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. The facility is expected to be fully operational within 10 years.