Energy Feeds

DOE has announced its $25 million commitment to
support the U.S.-India Joint Clean Energy Research and
Development Center, which will focus on building energy
efficiency, second-generation biofuels, and solar energy.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
given 79 commercial building design projects the
Designed to Earn the Energy Star certification in the
past year. In total, the projects are estimated to save
more than $7 million in annual energy costs.

When Elyria, Ohio, was awarded $535,500 as part of
the DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
Program, city officials decided to take that money back
to the people by encouraging homeowners to make
energy improvements.

Almost 80% of the global energy supply could be met by
renewables by 2050 if backed by the correct public
policies, according to a new United Nations report. The
top scenarios could cut greenhouse gases
by one-third from business-as-usual projections.

(DALLAS –May 12, 2011) Today, at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention in New Orleans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 79 commercial building design projects achieved Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR certification in the past year

DOE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
have awarded $47 million to fund eight research and
development projects that will help develop sustainable,
renewable biofuels.

DOE has offered a conditional commitment for a $90
million loan guarantee to support one of the largest
high-concentration solar photovoltaic generation
projects in the world. It will be located in south-central
Colorado.

With DOE support, A123 Systems, which began as a
team of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT), grew from a small start-up company
in 2001 to an international business with more than
2,000 employees.

U.S. patents for clean-energy technologies in 2010
jumped to 1,881, up 170% over those recorded in 2009,
according to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index.

Recently the House Subcommittee on Readiness released their marks on H.R. 1540, the FY12 National Defense Authorization Bill with this press release. Energy was highlighted in the mark up. In their comments they said:

Late last month, the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) cut the ribbon on a transportable, plasma waste to energy system at Hurlburt Field in the Florida Panhandle. Terry Yonkers, the ASAF for Installations, Environment and Logistics is quoted as saying, "This is the first waste-to-energy project of this technology to go into an air base. It has been a long time in the making.".

Representatives from 25 cities around the nation
gathered for the 4th annual Solar America Cities
meeting to share findings on emerging trends in urban
energy use and to discuss solutions to local solar
barriers.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011's
Team New Jersey is incorporating the age-old
technology of concrete into their beach house design
and hopes to show others how a material often seen as
cold or industrial can be used for residential applications.

The U.S. wind power industry installed 1,100 megawatts
(MW) of new capacity in the first quarter of 2011, and it
has another 5,600 MW under construction. Overall, a
range of renewables grew in the 12 months since
January 2010, according to the U.S. Energy Information
Administration.

(Boston, Mass

(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has honored four individuals or organizations from the U.S. Virgin Islands with Environmental Quality Awards for their achievements protecting public health and the environment

(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has honored 10 individuals or organizations from New Jersey with Environmental Quality Awards for their achievements protecting public health and the environment

As you know, it's rare for me to make the same post on both blogs. But rare means infrequent, not never, and so here you go:The DC-based Center for New American Security (CNAS), host of the excellent Natural Security blog that highlights the security interconnectedness of many different domains, is having a Smart Grid Security week. You'll note their particular interest in critical infrastructure in general, and DOD in particular.

DOE has announced that $130 million will be available from
its Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy in a fourth
round of funding to support research of rare earth
alternatives and breakthroughs in biofuels, thermal storage,
grid controls, and solar power electronics.

The Biomass Research and Development Initiative has
been
jointly funded with $30 million from DOE and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture to create a group of
economically
and environmentally sustainable renewable biomass
sources
for biofuels.

DOE's Ames Laboratory in Iowa is at the center of research
to make magnets that require rare earth elements more
affordable, because they are used in green energy
technologies ranging from wind turbines to electric vehicles.

Middlebury College seems like a naturally suited location for
a U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 team. It
comes as no surprise that two years ago, architectural
studies major Addison Godine and three other students
created a proposal for the Solar Decathlon competition.

Federal participants pledge to cut federal waste, reduce "carbon footprints" and save money
SAN FRANCISCO -- The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Pacific Southwest Region has launched the West Coast Federal Green Challenge

WASHINGTON – As Earth Day approaches, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a nationwide effort to help families learn about energy saving actions that can be taken while protecting the environment and their health

DOE has officially launched the EcoCAR2 competition in
partnership with General Motors. Teams from universities will
compete in a three-year engineering challenge to reduce the
environmental impact of an existing car.

To help cut dependence on foreign oil and reach the
administration's goal of 1 million advanced technology
vehicles by 2015, DOE is taking new steps to promote electric
vehicles.

DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has
released a new study that biofuels from U.S.-grown algae
could replace 17% of the United States’ imported oil for
transportation.

DOE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)
has signed a partnership deal that focuses on the electric
power utility industries in the United States and abroad to
identify opportunities for testing and deploying ARPA-E
funded grid projects.

After finishing in tenth place during the Solar Decathlon in
2009,
the Ohio State University team is planning a bigger, more
efficient house for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar
Decathlon 2011.

(New York, N.Y.) The U.S

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released its fiscal year 2010 scorecard on sustainability and energy performance

Environmental News NEWS MEDIA ADVISORY (Kansas City, Kan., April 18, 2011) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P

WASHINGTON – Join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) April 16 and 17 for Earth Day on the National Mall. With more than 40 interactive exhibits, kids and adults can have eco-fun with hands on activities, art, music and storytelling with special guests

Project among 22 nationwide receiving funds to fight climate change (Denver, CO – April 14, 2011) With a boost of more than $300K from the U.S

(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that Tompkins County, New York has been awarded a $375,450 Climate Showcase Community grant for a project aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving human health

At the second Clean Energy Ministerial on April 6 and 7, DOE
and energy ministers from more than 20 governments
pledged renewed support for 11 clean energy initiatives
designed to accelerate a global transition to clean energy.

DOE is offering nearly $170 million in funding to support a
range of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies as part of the
SunShot Initiative. The investments will help achieve cost-
competitive solar energy by 2020.

The developer of one of the world's largest
concentrating solar power (CSP) projects has received final
approval from DOE for its $1.6 billion loan guarantee. Also,
DOE offered a $1.1 billion loan guarantee to the backer of a
utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) project.

DOE and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) are
offering $26.6 million to fund innovative hydropower projects
in four different project areas, including small hydro and
pumped storage hydropower.

California increased its current 20% renewables portfolio
standard (RPS) to 33% by 2020 as Governor Edmund Brown,
Jr. signed the legislation into law.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring 111 Energy Star partners who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in protecting American’s health and the environment through energy efficiency achievements

Only those who have served with or in the British Army might pick up the reference, but Dina Fine Maron's piece in the NYT describes the challenges faced in deploying new energy technologies outside the traditional acquisition and R&D systems. If you don't know the drill, you can't execute the facing movements required. Although quoted therein, my judgement remains objective!

Citing high fuel costs and the uncertainty of future energy
resources,
President Barack Obama outlined his energy security plan by
calling for a variety of energy efficiency and renewable
energy measures designed to reduce U.S. oil imports up to
one-third by 2025.

DOE has selected three awardees for the Sunshot Advanced
Manufacturing Partnerships, a $112.5 million effort to boost
U.S. competitiveness in the global solar photovoltaic (PV)
industry and lower the cost of solar power.

Principle Power, Inc. is using $1.4 million in funding from
DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to
develop an innovative technology with the potential to
generate electricity from the wind and waves.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has released the
results of a report that shows it could generate up to one
million megawatt hours of electricity annually and create jobs
by adding hydropower capacity at 70 of its existing facilities.

This past week I attended the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation hosted conference entitled "Operation Energy Innovation: A Stronger, Smarter Fighting Force". The intent for the program was to examine how "DOD can play a prime role in accelerating cleantech development".

What was your New Year's resolution this year? Maybe you
resolved to get back into the gym and finally lose those last
pesky pounds. Maybe you resolved to finally break down and
buy that new furnace. Or maybe you resolved do whatever
you could to save energy and money this year.

For the last few weeks, we've told you about the launch of
an "Entrepreneurial Mentor Corps," a one-year pilot program
to connect clean energy startups with mentors who can help
support these companies through early-stage challenges and
increase their chance for success. The program is a
partnership of DOE and the U.S. Small Business
Administration.

In the third annual tally of cities with the most Energy
Star-certified buildings, Los Angeles remained
atop
the
list with 510 buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) also cited Washington, D.C. and San Francisco
as leaders.

Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner,
Massachusetts, with support from DOE, made a huge
investment in renewable energy by installing two utility-scale
wind turbines on their campus in 2011. The turbines are
expected to provide an annual savings of approximately
$700,000 based on the area's current utility rates.

"Most Wanted" posters identifying bandits and desperadoes
are familiar images to anyone who has ever seen a Western
movie. If they still made those posters, and if they offered
rewards for turning in energy inefficient buildings, the Cedar
Park City Hall would have been one of the meanest outlaws
this side of West Texas.

Geothermal power holds enormous opportunities to provide
affordable, clean energy that avoids greenhouse gases like
carbon dioxide. One Utah-based startup is working on
an innovative project that could make geothermal power
even more beneficial.

On March 16, the Kansas City, Kansas School District
welcomed some newcomers to their community—47
natural gas school buses deployed as part of DOE's Clean
Cities Alternative Fuel Vehicle Pilot Program, supported by
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Take the Energy Savers Website Customer survey.

(Union, NJ) Kean University in Union, New Jersey has signed an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance environmental practices at the school

On 31 March 2011 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M at the Rayburn House Office Building, The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation will host a conference sponsored by the Information Technology Industry Council and Digital Energy Solutions Campaign, entitled "Operation Energy Innovation: A Stronger, Smarter Fighting Force".

A team at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL) has developed a suite of energy modeling tools to
help cut down on building energy consumption. The tools are
free to anyone who wants to use them.

DOE has finalized a nearly $50 million loan to support the
development of the six-passenger MV-1, a purpose-built,
wheelchair-accessible vehicle that will run on compressed
natural gas (CNG). The vehicle will be produced in Indiana by
a Florida-based company, The Vehicle Production Group, LLC.

DOE has joined with the U.S. Commerce Department's Office
of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to kickoff the $12 million
i6 Green Challenge, which aims to establish innovative
regional centers for the commercialization of clean
technologies.

PHILADELPHIA (March 15, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that more buildings than ever have earned the EPA’s Energy Star certification in 2010

(Boston, Mass. - March 15, 2011) – EPA’s New England regional office is pleased to announce that the Boston metropolitan area continued in 2010 to be ranked in the top 25 metropolitan areas in the country for ENERGY STAR Labeled buildings. Boston was ranked number 12, up from number 13 in 2009

(Medford, Mass. – March 14, 2011) The US Environmental Protection Agency is recognizing six buildings in Medford, Mass. receiving ENERGY STAR labels in 2010

(New York, N.Y.) Under the terms of an enforcement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the City of Yonkers has initiated a program to recycle fluorescent light bulbs, as well as light ballasts and electronic waste, known as E-waste

In 2007 an Army study determined that the application of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) to the exterior of temporary structures (tents, SWA huts, etc.) would reduce energy requirements by 80% for power generation at forward operating bases. The picture above is what it looks like when it is done right. The structures are warmer, cooler, sound dampening (important for night shift folks) and are healthier (less dust in the interior).

Intrepid scouts are reporting in on the annual proffering of the Posture Statements by the Joint Chiefs and Services. The Posture Statement is an unclassified summary of roles, missions, accomplishments, plans, and programs. The PS serves a broad audience as a basic reference on the state of the Military. They are required by NDAAs and are publicly available. This year’s crop paid quite a bit of attention to the challenges of energy security.

DOE has announced its offer of a conditional commitment for
a $102 million loan guarantee for a project that includes a
50.6-megawatt wind power plant and an 8-mile transmission
line near Roxbury, Maine.

Clean energy investment worldwide during 2010 totaled $243
billion, a rise of 30% from 2009 and surpassed all previous
levels since records began in 2004, according to Bloomberg
New Energy Finance.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updated its database that helps Americans understand the health and environmental impacts of electricity generation

DOE and the Department of the Interior have announced that
DOE's Solar Decathlon 2011, a competition and showcase for
solar homes designed by 20 collegiate teams, will be held
beginning in late September at the National Mall's West
Potomac Park.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced
funding recommendations for 10 new capital transit
construction projects under President Obama's fiscal year
(FY) 2012 budget request.

China and the United States are the most favorable markets
for renewable energy today, according to an analysis by
Ernst & Young, but the long-term outlook in both
countries remains unsure. The analysis blames the financial
crisis for
continued uncertainty in global renewable energy markets.

(Boston, Mass. – Feb. 23, 2011) – EPA is presenting the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a 2011 “Combined Heat and Power” Energy Star Award, for simultaneously producing electricity and useful thermal energy from a single energy source. In Dec

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing three facilities with the Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) award for simultaneously producing electricity and useful thermal energy from a single energy source, such as natural gas, biomass, coal, or waste heat

DOE has announced up to $5 million in funding to support
Graduate Automotive Technology Education Centers of
Excellence, to educate a future workforce of engineering
professionals developing and commercializing advanced
automotive technologies.

President Obama has unveiled a $12.2 billion fiscal year (FY)
2012 budget request for the Department of the Interior (DOI)
that includes $72.9 million for renewable energy programs,
an increase of $13.9 million above the 2010 budget.

Honda's natural gas-powered Civic GX has won top honors in
the 14th annual environmental ratings from the American
Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Hybrids,
electric vehicles, and "gas sippers" were also honored.

WASHINGTON – Thousands of buildings across the country are saving energy while reducing harmful air pollutants and protecting the health of Americans with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program

BMI Corporation is using a supercomputer at DOE's Oak
Ridge National Laboratory to develop an energy efficiency
technology for semi trucks. And, DOE's Argonne National
Laboratory will use an IBM supercomputer to design
ultra-efficient electric car batteries.

Public comment is being sought mid-Atlantic offshore wind
development is being accepted through March 11, the Bureau
of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement
(BOEMRE) has announced.

Global wind power capacity grew by 35.8 gigawatts (GW) in
2010, a 22.5% increase on the 158.7 GW installed at the end
of 2009, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has
reported. The U.S. wind industry built 5,115 megawatts of
wind power last year, which was about half of 2009's record
pace.

(New York, N.Y.) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Suffolk County, New York has joined EPA’s Top 50 list of the largest green power purchasers in the country

WASHINGTON – The Obama Administration today proposed a FY 2012 budget of $8.973 billion for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

DOE and the U.S. Department of the Interior have unveiled
a coordinated strategic plan to accelerate the development of
offshore wind energy, including new funding opportunities for
up to $50.5 million.

DOE has announced additional details of its new "SunShot
Initiative," which aims to reduce the total costs of
photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems by about 75% before
the end of the decade so that PV systems are cost
competitive with other forms of energy.

DOE has joined with the private sector to support
market-based efforts to develop and deploy next-generation
high-efficiency air conditioners for commercial buildings.

A concerted world effort to use energy efficiently and to shift
to electric energy technologies powered primarily by
renewable energy could wean the world off its use of most
fossil and nuclear fuels by 2050, according to a new report
from WWF.

Just got word that the U.S. Marine Energy Assessment Team (MEAT) Report is on the street and available here. According to the source, the MEAT Team mission was one of a series of actions driven by the Commandant (CMC) and the Marine Corps to address its energy challenges.

(Boston, Mass. – Feb. 2, 2011) – A new water discharge permit for the Kendall Cogeneration Station power plant in Cambridge, Mass

Vice President Biden has outlined a series of new
initiatives to support advanced technology vehicles and the
President's goal of putting one million advanced technology
vehicles on the road by 2015.

The 2011 Washington Auto Show in Washington, D.C. is
spotlighting new technology with its "Advanced Technology
SuperHighway" exhibit. The Ford Focus Electric vehicle
earned top green honors at the show.

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its list of the top 50 partner organizations using the most renewable electricity to help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and protect people’s health

The January 2011 edition of Soldiers Magazine was themed “Modernizing the Force”. The magazine described the Army’s concept for keeping pace with everything from munitions to uniforms in an era of shrinking budgets and an over stretched force. The technologies ranged from GPS guided artillery munitions to bringing back the Light Assault Weapon (LAW).

The Honorable Ray Mabus, green hawk extraordinaire, and SecNavy, provides an update of Navy efforts to achieve their very aggressive goals. He lays out four examples of how the Navy is progressing towards their five goals. What is impressive is not just what has been accomplished. What is impressive is that the Secretary is reporting, personally, to the Navy and the Nation.

The use of biofuels by the Military has been a hot button for some time. Now CNN and many other sources are reporting on a RAND Corps study that says that there is no direct military benefit from alternative fuels research.

A 290-megawatt thin-film solar project expected to be the
world's largest photovoltaic (PV) project has received a $967
million DOE loan guarantee. The project will create an
estimated 400
construction jobs.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has waived
a limitation on selling fuel that is more than 10% ethanol,
allowing up to 15% ethanol for model year 2001 through 2006
cars, SUVs, and light trucks.

In an unexpected twist for what was thought to be a failed
space mission, NASA engineers have confirmed that the
NanoSail-D "nanosatellite" had deployed its 100-square-foot
polymer solar sail in low-Earth orbit and is operating as
planned.

Environmental News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Kansas City, Kan., Jan. 21, 2011) - EPA officials today hosted a meeting with the directors of state agriculture departments of Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized six landfill methane capture projects and partners for their innovation in generating renewable energy and protecting the climate and people’s health by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

The National Council of the Housing Industry and have revealed the 2011 edition of "The New
American Home," which aims to use 42% less energy than a
similar house built to the 2009 International Energy
Conservation Code.

From the sunny climes of Pasadena and Atlanta to the chill of
Chicago winters, fuel-cell buses will be getting a real-time
test because of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA)
National Fuel Cell Bus Program.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) agree that 2010 tied with 2005 as the warmest year
on record. In fact, all of the warmest years are recent,
including 1998, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2009.

Environmental News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Kansas City, Kan., Jan. 13, 2011) - Today, EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks announced the selection of Josh Svaty, who just served as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, to be his senior adviser

Mark your calendars! As your busy social schedule begins to fill up, wanted to pass along a couple of “Keep the Date” notes for you. This year should be a pivotal one in DOD Energy. The organizations are set and the positions filled. The strategies have been written and revised or are under revision. Lets hear what they have to say!

DOE has begun accepting applications for a total of up to $74
million to support new research and development of fuel cells.

The 2011 North American International Auto Show, which will
be open to the public January 15-23 following industry
previews, has already shown a spotlight on hybrid vehicles.

The U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) has approved the
Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project in Nevada, a
concentrating solar power plant that will produce 110
megawatts.

Based in part on a new quarterly record for world oil demand
set in the third quarter of 2010, analysts at Wood Mackenzie
forecasted in December that 2010 as a whole will set a new
record high for world oil demand. Growth in Asia is boosting
the global demand for oil, according to the analysts.

I recently returned from a week in Berlin with the American Council on Germany Study Group. The purpose of the study group was to look at German efforts in regards to energy and climate change. The assembled group of Americans included folks who were less than convinced as to the anthropomorphic nature of climate change which the Germans take as gospel.

DOE has announced that it is accepting applications for up to
$184 million to accelerate the development and deployment
of new efficient vehicle technologies.

DOE and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) have
announced a comprehensive environmental analysis that
identifies proposed "solar energy zones" on public lands in six
Western states that are most suitable for environmentally
sound, utility-scale solar energy production.

DOE has finalized a $17.1 million loan guarantee using
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for the
AES Westover facility in upstate New York, site of the first
battery-based energy storage project to get the DOE loan
guarantee.

Federal tax credits and state requirements will help renewable
energy gain a growing share of U.S. power production over
the next 24 years, according to a new report from DOE's
Energy Information Administration (EIA). Also, producing more
natural gas from shale will spur growth in that resource.

As the New Year loomed, thoughts turned from sugarplums to resolutions. DOD’s resolutions to tighten its energy belt was evident in the establishment of very aggressive goals for energy demand reduction, the production of renewable/alternative power in support of installations and bringing sustainability to operational energy.

Here is a great piece by Tom Friedman on Navy efforts in clean, secure energy. He points out the challenges of developing and deploying these systems because of Congressional lobbying efforts by fossil fuel companies, a challenge not felt by Marines using renewable energy to secure their own lines of communication.

DOE has announced that it has finalized a $400 million loan
guarantee for Abound Solar Manufacturing, LLC to
manufacture state-of-the-art thin-film solar panels.

Nissan has made its first delivery of its new electric vehicle
(EV), the Leaf, to a San Francisco Bay area resident.
Meanwhile, the Chevy Volt was shipped to customers in
launch areas.

The Philadelphia Eagles have detailed plans to power
Lincoln Financial Field with a combination of onsite wind,
solar,
and dual-fuel generated electricity.

PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 9, 2010) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) with an ENERGY STAR label today for its energy-efficient headquarters at 1234 Market Street in Philadelphia

DOE has joined seven other federal agencies in launching the
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative, a
coordinated effort to promote exports of renewable energy
and energy efficiency technologies.

Ten European Union (EU) nations have signed a
memorandum of understanding to develop an offshore
energy grid linking renewable energy sources in the North
Sea.

Chevrolet has committed to investing $40 million in clean
energy projects throughout the United States during the next
three to five years.

WASHINGTON – Today marked the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an event commemorated both by EPA staff and by outside groups and individuals in a variety of ways throughout the week

Chevrolet has committed to investing $40 million in clean
energy projects throughout the United States during the next
three to five years.

The United States should prepare a federal energy policy and
update it regularly, according to a new report from the
President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

DOE has announced that 20 Mercedes-Benz advanced
technology vehicles will be deployed on California roadways
as part of the agency's Technology Validation project.

A team from London's Imperial College has finished a trip of
16,155 miles, driving their all-electric car from Alaska to the
tip of
South America. The journey took 140 days and passed
through 14 countries.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the 2011 percentage standards for the four categories of fuel under the agency’s renewable fuel standard program, known as RFS2

DOE is investing more than $19 million for five projects
aimed at optimizing the nation's electric grid. Total public-
private investment in the projects of more than $30 million
aims to increase grid reliability, efficiency, and security.

DOE has offered a nearly $50 million conditional loan
commitment to The Vehicle Production Group LLC to support
the development of the six-passenger, wheelchair-accessible
MV-1 that will run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

The Ford Motor Company has named 20 cities that will be the
first to sell its new all-electric Focus Electric passenger
vehicle when it debuts in late 2011.

Global emissions of carbon dioxide, which decreased less
than expected in 2009, could increase by more than 3% in
2010, according to a new study. Atmospheric concentrations
of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane all increased in
2009.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will hold several events kicking off a weeklong commemoration of EPA’s 40th Anniversary on Monday

Boston, Mass. – Nov. 22, 2010) – As cooler temperatures return in the northeast and many people seek to avoid high heating costs, more and more New Englanders are turning to wood as a cost-saving, renewable source of energy

The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the second
large-scale solar energy project on U.S. public lands in
Nevada, a 500-megawatt concentrating solar power facility.

The Electrification Coalition, a year-old nonprofit group of
business leaders, has released an analysis of the business
case for U.S. fleets to adopt electric-drive technology. As
many as 200,000 of the vehicles could be on the road by
2015.

DOE has launched its Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy Advisory Committee to provide advice on issues
under the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

(New York, N.Y.) Long Island’s Southampton Hospital has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance the hospital’s environmental practices

(Boston, Mass. – Nov. 15, 2010) – EPA recently presented a 2010 Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Award to Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor, Maine

This is the final post on the Army’s Energy Security Panel that featured, the HON Katherine Hammack Assistant Secretary of the Army Installations, Energy and Environment, LTG Rick Lynch, Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management/Commanding General, Installation Management Command (IMCOM), LTG Robert L. Van Antwerp, Jr. Chief of Engineers/Commanding General United States Army Corps of Engineers); and LTG Michael A.

Vice President Joe Biden has launched DOE's Home Energy
Score, a pilot program designed to give homeowners reliable
information about their homes' energy efficiency.

Voters nationwide have approved more than $1 billion in
transportation investment in 2010, with nearly half of that
coming during the November 2 elections.

Local and state building code officials have approved a
package of revisions to the commercial section of the 2012
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that
represent the largest single-step efficiency increase in the
history of the national, model energy code.

Current government commitments to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, increase the use of renewable energy, and
eliminate fossil-fuel subsidies will not be enough to avoid
significant increases in global temperatures, according to a
new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Following their appearance at the Energy Forum at AUSA on 27 Oct, Westphal and Chiarelli held a press conference where they announce that they would be headed to theater to understand their Service's energy use. Several articles have been written about it. What is unfortunate is that in a couple of the articles we find the perpetuation of a myth that needs to be busted.

Recently, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos, issued his “Commandant’s Planning Guidance” . In the guidance the Commandant envisions a globalized world, with a youthful demographic, pressured by a lack of education and opportunity.

The U.S. Army has issued two new policy memorandums to
improve its building efficiency and require more light bulbs
that are energy efficient as part of an effort to increase
sustainability.

The California Energy Commission has approved the seventh
solar power plant it has licensed in the past two months, a
663-megawatt solar dish project in San Bernardino County.

DOE is partnering with an industrial alliance to build the first
commercial-scale coal-fired power plant with carbon capture
and storage, called FutureGen 2.0. The alliance's call for a
carbon dioxide storage site hints how this technology might
function on a commercial scale.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing four facilities with the Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) award for using innovative techniques to generate power and thermal energy

From the AUSA Meeting and Convention, Washington D.C. This is the follow up to our previous post on the Army’s Energy Security Panel that featured, the HON Katherine Hammack Assistant Secretary of the Army Installations, Energy and Environment, LTG Rick Lynch, Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management/Commanding General, Installation Management Command (IMCOM), LTG Robert L. Van Antwerp, Jr.

(St. Croix, USVI) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the 2010 list of waters in the U.S. Virgin Islands that are considered either impaired or threatened by pollution

Environmental News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 27, 2010) - News media representatives and the public are invited to attend an Oct. 29 event in Iowa City, Iowa, to highlight sustainability priorities at the University of Iowa

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a
series of measures to promote production of advanced
biofuels from renewable sources. Also, USDA and the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) will develop aviation fuel from
forest and crop residues.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the
largest solar energy project ever to be built on U.S. public
lands, an 8,000 acre concentrating solar power project that
will be the world's largest such facility.

DOE, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and
the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) recognized a variety
of organizations and one individual for promoting green
power, or power generated from renewable energy sources.

DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
(EERE) is offering a brief survey about the EERE Web site.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program has announced that Morrison Residence Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) has won the first EPA National Building Competition

Sara Moore with the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System had a great article on a new northern supply route into Afghanistan. The Defense Logistics Agency felt that they could open a route from Germany that would move supplies in 30 to 50 days. Two trucks carrying two 20 ft containers each drove from German to Bagram, Afghanistan.

As part of the recent DoD Energy Leadership outreach, Ms. Sharon Burke, Director, Operational Energy Plans and Policy and Ms Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Environment and Energy made themselves available through the Department of Defense Bloggers Roundtable.

(Seattle—October 20, 2010) Portland made EPA’s elite list of Green Power Communities for the city’s extensive efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The city is the largest to achieve this designation and is top-ranked for green power usage

DOE has offered a conditional commitment for a $350 million
loan guarantee for a transmission line in Nevada that will
improve grid reliability and create more than 400 jobs.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the first
large-scale solar project on U.S. public lands in Nevada. The
50-megawatt Silver State project will be built 40 miles from
Las Vegas.

The nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient
Economy (ACEEE) has released its 2010 State Energy
Efficiency Scorecard, showing California and Massachusetts
lead all states while overall efficiency budgets have nearly
doubled since 2007.

U.S. households that heat their homes with natural gas will
see an average increase in home heating costs of about 4%
this winter, while those using heating oil will experience a
larger increase, according to the latest projections from
DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA).

(Boston, Mass. – October 19, 2010) – The Highland-Goffe’s Falls Elementary School in Manchester, N.H. has earned the Energy Star label. The Energy Star mark of excellence certifies that the school scored in the top 25percent when benchmarked against energy use in similar buildings across the U. S. ...

The week of 12 – 15 October was a banner week for leadership in DoD Energy. The Pentagon hosted an energy awareness week complete with senior leadership panels, blogger interviews and vendor displays that highlighted energy use in the rain. For the hardy few who were there on Thursday, you know what I mean. Much has already been written on the subject so I will reference those pieces and then give you my thoughts.

Responsibility Assumed: Just got off the phone with Ms Katherine Hammack, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Environment and Energy. Ms. Hammack conducted a phone interview with several bloggers as part of the DOD Live Bloggers forum.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will travel to China from October 9 through October 14. This is the administrator’s first official visit to China, where she will highlight and build on a wide range of joint efforts aimed at addressing curre...

MEDIA ADVISORY  U.S. EPA: Green Tech Takes a Giant Leap Forward at the Port of San Francisco This WeekFederal, Local Clean Diesel Funding Leads to Innovation, Advances in Technology What: On Wednesday, October 6th the Port of San Francisco will take an impressive stride forward in g...

(New York, N.Y.) The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School today marked its official move to the school’s new location on Governor’s island by signing an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work together. The college preparatory, public high school committed to a n...

It's coming up fast, and this year's theme is "Seapower Repowered: Energy as a Force Multiplier and Strategic Resource." Hosted by Navy Task Force Energy and NDIA, this event will "emphasize the importance of energy to the warfighter for enhanced combat capability" and will bring together Navy, defense, federal, and industry leaders.

From June 1948 to May 1949, the Soviet Union closed ground access to the city of Berlin in an effort to gain control of the divided city. During that period the Allied forces flew over 200,000 sorties, hauling about 13,000 tons a day into the beleaguered city. It cost the Allies 101 lives and $2 billion in today’s dollars, but it succeeded. Is it time to get ready for the Bagram Airlift?

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 24, 2010) – A total of 68 K-12 schools in Virginia have earned the Energy Star building label for superior energy efficiency. “Increasing energy efficiency is saving school districts 30 percent or more on energy bills each year,” said Shawn M. Garvin, EPA mid-Atlantic regio...

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 24, 2010) – A total of four schools in Delaware have earned the Energy Star building label for superior energy efficiency. “Increasing energy efficiency is saving school districts 30 percent or more on energy bills each year,” said Shawn M. Garvin, EPA mid-Atlantic regional...

(ATLANTA – Sept. 24, 2010) - The First Baptist Church (FBC) of Orlando has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its achievements in the fight against climate change. FBC has shown that with effective energy management practices and innovative efficiency solutions, it...

(Buffalo, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making a $20 million investment in the Great Lakes through New York State, targeting the most significant environmental problems facing the Great Lakes. These grants to 17 organizations are part of a larger group of projects throughout Grea...

(Boston, Mass. – September 21, 2010) – As more New England communities seek cost savings in a tight economy, many are looking to expand energy efficiency in schools and other municipal buildings, saving money and helping the environment. Today EPA New England’s Community Energy Challenge program has...

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has
released a new report, "Renewable Energy in America," which
summarizes the status of renewable energy implementation
in each U.S. state. The online, interactive report will be
updated quarterly.

DOE has selected seven biomass research and development
projects to receive up to $16.5 million in awards over three
years. Four projects will use the thermochemical conversion
of biomass to make biofuels, while three will investigate
sustainable methods for producing energy crops.

DOE has announced competitive awards totaling nearly $30
million so that 12 states and territories can implement energy
efficiency projects. The awards will go to Alabama, Alaska,
Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi,
Nevada, Puerto Rico, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

DOE is proposing penalties against 27 companies selling
products in the United States without certifying that those
products comply with energy efficiency or water conservation
standards. Unless companies address these claims within 30
days, DOE will file actions to demand payment of the
penalties.

The following is an attempt to translate the energy goals and mandates for the DoD in to units of energy in order to define the business case and opportunities that can bring the public and private sectors together in the name of energy security. It is a bit dense and I do not usually do math in public, but I believe it is worth the effort to get the conversation started.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that the
Department of Energy is awarding more than $5 million to
support U.S. wind energy development. Two projects
receiving a total of $3.4 million over two years will
improve short-term wind forecasting, which will accelerate
the use of wind power in electricity transmission networks.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has issued voluntary information requests to nine natural gas service companies regarding the process known as hydraulic fracturing

DOE Secretary Steven Chu today announced selections for more
than $37 million in funding to accelerate the technological
and commercial readiness of emerging marine and hydrokinetic
(MHK) technologies, which seek to generate renewable
electricity from the nation's oceans and free-flowing rivers
and streams.

DOE has announced $8.5 million in awards through DOE's
Sandia National Laboratories to help advance solar energy
deployment and grid reliability.

DOE has issued a partial guarantee for a $98.5 million loan
supporting the 49.5-megawatt Blue Mountain geothermal
project in Nevada. It is the first deal to close under DOE's
Financial Institution Partnership Program.

New Jersey has enacted a law designed to boost offshore
wind energy production by offering renewable energy
certificates for approved projects and by granting assistance
to firms that build wind turbines and components in the state.

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced
today the investment of up to $16.5 million for two major
research and development initiatives that will support the
expansion of renewable transportation fuels production.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced a partial
guarantee for a $98.5 million loan to the 49.5 megawatt Blue
Mountain geothermal project in Humboldt County in
northwestern Nevada. The loan guarantee is being issued to
John Hancock Financial Services to support a loan to a
subsidiary of the Nevada Geothermal Power Company.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging students and their parents to support the environment by shopping for back-to-school clothes and supplies at retail stores that have earned the Energy Star label

OK, I admit it. I've been writing this blog, each and every week since the first post in August 2008. That's over 400 posts. And I'm not going to mention that I write another blog or that I have a day job or kids to raise. No, I'll spare you all that. As you have guessed by now, it's a labor of love. But what I will share, is this:

The U.S. State Department has provided the Peace Corps
with $1 million to tackle energy and climate issues by
incorporating renewable energy and energy efficiency
technologies in Central and South America.

The California Energy Commission has approved construction
of the Beacon Solar Energy Project, the first solar thermal
project in the state to win approval in 20 years. It was part of
the state's 2,800 megawatts of solar approved in August.

The United States used more wind power and less fossil fuel
in 2009 than 2008, according to a new report from DOE's
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.