Posts tagged energy legislation
Power-Saver Loans Available for Energy Upgrades
Apr 22nd
Low-Cost Loans Available for Energy Improvements
A Department of Energy and US Housing Department joint pilot program will grant low-cost loans to people who want to make energy-efficient improvements on their homes. Up to $25,000 in “Powersaver loans” will be given to families to fund projects such as installing insulation, duct sealing, replacing doors and windows or HVAC systems, solar panels and other such renovations. The project not only helps homeowners lower energy bills, but it gives the local green job market a boost as well. All loans granted will be backed by the Federal Housing Administration, whose mortgage insurance will pay 90 percent of the loan amount in case of a default. Only those with acceptable credit and some equity on their homes will qualify for the loan.
New Mexico Improves Hydropower Plant
A New Mexico project will be first hydropower project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Abiquiu Hydropower initiative will increase renewable energy generation by 22 percent from the current capability of the plant, so that it will now generate 16.8 megawatts. The improvements will allow the plant to power up to 1,100 homes per year in Los Alamos County.
Ukraine Invited to G20 Meeting to Discuss Nuclear Security
Ukraine has been invited on behalf of the French Prime Minister, Francois Fillon, to participate in the next G20 summit on issues of nuclear security this May in Paris, France. After the Chernobyl accident, Ukrainian nuclear power plants have undergone a thorough safety assessment in part conducted through an EU-Ukraine-International Atomic Energy Association joint committee. More recently, Ukraine has engaged in modernizing all nuclear plants to ensure stability in the event of an earthquake and has also established a regulatory committee at the legislative level.
Energy Flair Entices Americans to Reduce Consumption
What’s the latest game that plays on Americans’ competitive spirit to get them to be more energy efficient? Energy Flair is an online competition that encourages users to save energy and uses competition as its incentive. Users can log on and create an account for free using their ever-popular Facebook or their email. Once in the game, they can see how their average electricity and gas bills compare to those of their Facebook Friends on Energy Flair, all other Flair users as well as the other statewide households. Participants upload electric copies of their bills and they can earn digital badges for reducing their energy use.
North Carolina Flooded with Energy Legislation
The North Carolina state legislature was hit with an influx of energy bills on Tuesday including proposals touting more natural gas production and others to boost offshore wind capacity. One proposal seeks to allow owners of renewable energy projects with a capacity of two-megawatts or fewer to sell power directly to customers, bypassing the utility regulations. Another proposes to create a 60-MW or smaller wind farm in northwestern NC. Obstructing its construction is the Ridge Law that bans building of tall structures on mountain ridges. Among the largest bills is the Offshore Wind Jobs and Economic Development Act, which wants to require state utilities enter long-term contracts with offshore wind farms. The proposal aims to create 2,500-MW of offshore capacity over a stretch of seven to 10 years with the first project operational by the end of 2017. Proposals have been met with enthusiasm as well as criticism, but the passage of all the bills remains questionable.
Written by Krishna Patel.
Krishna can be reached at krishna.patel@dailyenergyreport.com.
Japan Raises Fukushima Nuclear Plant Threat To “Chernobyl” Level
Apr 12th
Japan’s Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Now At Level Of Chernobyl
Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has announced that they have “provisionally” raised the threat level associated with the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant from a 5 to a 7. This is the same level that was given to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the former Soviet Union, which occurred almost 25 years ago. The rating is part of the International Nuclear Event scale that is used to quantify the severity of a nuclear crisis. Japans regulators explained that they raised the threat level to a 7 regulators because they finally have a good idea of how much radiation has been released into the environment. But they made sure that it was clear that the amount of radiation that’s been released is only about one tenth of the amount that was released during Chernobyl and no fatalities have currently been reported.
UNT to Install Turbines at Stadium
The Mean Green Village is going green. The University of North Texas is upgrading its football stadium and surrounding areas, called Mean Green Village, making it the first collegiate stadium to use onsite renewable energy. The power will be generated using three 100-kW wind turbines that will be integrated with the electrical grid that powers the football field as well as a few other buildings on the campus. The project is funded in part by a $2 million grant from the State Energy Conservation Office. The turbines are expected to offset energy consumption by about six percent, eliminating 323 metric tons of CO2 annually.
DOE Grants Loan for California Solar Power Project
The DOE announced its first solar generation loan in California , a $1.6 billion guarantee to fund the Ivanpah Solar Energy Generation System. The system involves three related concentrated solar power plants in the Mojave Desert. Sponsored by BrightSource Energy, the project is predicted to be one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power complexes. Work for the project is expected to create upwards of 1,000 jobs for California. The solar complex will produce enough energy to power 85,000 homes, offsetting 640,000 tons of CO2 annually.
Congressional Bill Ignores Autogas
President Obama has indicated his desire to reduce U.S. oil imports by one third by 2025 through the use of alternative fuels. Several parties have voiced their opposition, however, to the fact that Congress is currently reviewing only legislation that offers federal incentives for natural gas vehicles. The bill in question, the New Alternative Transportation to Give America Solutions Act of 2011, does not include provisions for those who use propane autogas. “Propane autogas powers more than 15 million vehicles in 38 countries, and is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world,” said Steve Wambold, President and CEO of Ferrellgas, which is one of the nation’s largest propane companies.
Energy Upgrades at Non-Profit Food Bank
Lusio Solid-State Lighting installed its light fixtures at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, a not-for-profit agency that has been feeding the hungry for 27 years. The agency made energy efficient upgrades upon the receipt of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funded by the DOE.
State Energy Policy Passing Faster Than Federal Legislation
Jul 5th
Marilyn Brown, Energy Policy Professor at Georgia Tech, compares the progress of federal and state energy incentives and regulations and provides a road map for developing additional legislation. She discusses that while states are moving faster to adopt incentives and regulations, the federal government is beginning to gain momentum by working to pass national legislation that will provide the right framework for the United States to become more responsible about energy consumption.
Obama Pushing For The Passing Of Energy And Climate Legislation This Year
Jul 1st
President Obama hosted a bipartisan group of Senators to discuss energy legislation, the Energy Information Administration reports that US consumption outpaced US production in 2008 and CenterPoint Energy to roll out a smart grid solution for bad weather.
Building Performance Institute Supports Home Star Bill
May 26th
Larry Zarker joined BPI in 2005 and now holds the position of Chief Executive Officer. Larry previously had his own firm, MarketEdge Consulting. He focused his practice on helping building industry clients accelerate acceptance of innovative building products and systems. Larry worked for nearly twenty years with the NAHB Research Center and served as Vice President of Marketing for over a decade. We spoke with Larry about the importance of educating the growing energy audit industry and the importance of the Home Star Bill.
The World Bank Energy Efficiency Plans In Developing Countries
May 21st
Energy efficiency is on the top of many people’s minds at The World Bank. 86% of all future energy needed will be coming from developing countries. Jas Singh, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist for the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) in The World Bank talks to us about the challenges developing countries face when trying to develop an energy efficient nation. According to Singh’s latest report, “Public Procurement of Energy Efficiency Services: Lessons from International Experience,” it is important to review the efforts made by developing countries when putting together a plan for third world countries and other developing nations. But he is clear to point out that every situation is different and it takes a lot of understanding of a specific country’s culture and personality to find the best solutions.
Chile Becoming An Energy Efficiency Leader in South America
May 20th
Honorable Jimena Bronfman, Vice Minister of Energy for Chile speaks about her administration’s efforts to promoting energy efficiency to her country. Awarded the Alliance to Save Energy EEGlobal Leadership award, Bronfman discusses the importance of promoting energy efficiency within Chile and what the next steps are toward becoming a more energy efficient country.
Oil Spill Cleanup Taking Place In Gulf Of Mexico, DER 04/26/10
Apr 26th
The Daily Energy report for Monday April 26, 2010 discusses the impact of a Gulf of Mexico oil rig explosion and the struggles of passing bipartisan climate and energy legislation.
Kateri Callahan Interview: Green Jobs & Energy Efficiency
Mar 21st
We’ve had the pleasure to speak with Kateri Callahan, President of the Alliance To Save Energy. Kateri Callahan brings more than 20 years of experience in policy advocacy, fundraising, coalition building, and organizational management to her position as the president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a non-government organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., whose mission is to advance energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security. Serving as president of the Alliance since January 2004, Callahan leads a staff of more than fifty; oversees a budget of approximately $10 million annually; and works with the Alliance Board of Directors, which includes Members of Congress, state and local officials and top corporate and NGO executives, to establish and oversee the core objectives and strategic plans for the organization.
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