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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August 12, 2009
News and Events
President Obama Approves a $2 Billion Extension for "Cash for Clunkers"
The "Cash for Clunkers" program proved so popular that it threatened to quickly burn through the $1 billion provided for it, so Congress rushed through a $2 billion extension to the program. And so far, the program has yielded greater fuel economy gains than initially expected.
DOE Awards $2.4 Billion for U.S. Batteries and Electric Vehicles
President Obama has announced 48 projects for advanced batteries and electric-drive vehicles that were selected by DOE to receive $2.4 billion in Recovery Act funds. The funds will go to the leading companies for advanced batteries and electric drives, as well as the major U.S. automakers.
DOE Awards $377 Million to 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers
DOE has selected 16 Energy Frontier Research Centers to receive $277 million in Recovery Act funds, while another 30 centers will receive first-year funds totaling $100 million. Of the centers slated for Recovery Act funds, most are studying renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Northwestern Transmission Line to Carry 575 Megawatts of Wind Power
Recovery Act funds are now helping to build a 79-mile transmission line in Oregon and Washington that may deliver 575 megawatts of wind power from the Pacific Northwest to cities across the West. Similar transmission projects are planned across the West and Midwest.
Agriculture Department Proposes Consumer Label for Biobased Products
It may be obvious that you can buy a throw rug made from biological materials, but can you buy biobased transformer fluids and concrete sealers? Yes, you can! The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to offer companies a voluntary label that will help you identify such products.
Energy Connections
Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Projected to Drop 5% in 2009
DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) tackled energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in its "Short-Term Energy Outlook" for the first time in August, projecting a 5% drop in 2009. That follows a 3.2% drop in 2008, but don't expect the trend to continue: the EIA expects an increase in 2010.