Energy independence

May 28, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said that Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in finding solutions that will lead to the United States' energy independence, with a revamped auto industry being an integral part of that solution. The governor's remarks came during her address to the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual policy conference on Mackinac Island.    » read more »

May 20, 2009 -- WASHINGTON -- Liquid fuels from biomass and coal have the potential to reduce petroleum fuel use and CO2 emissions in the U.S. transportation sector over the next 25 years, says a new report from the National Research Council. Even with abundant resources in biomass and coal, however, substantial investments in research, development, and commercial demonstration projects will be needed to produce these alternative liquid fuels in an environmentally conscious way, and at a level that could impact U.S. dependence on imported oil.    » read more »

Only corporate R&D facility chosen among 46 designated by the U.S. DOE as “Energy Frontier Research Centers”

19 May 2009 -- NISKAYUNA, N.Y. -- GE Global Research, the technology development arm for the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of 46 new multi-million-dollar Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) being established across the country. The focus of GE’s EFRC will be on advanced energy storage technologies and the pursuit of a zero carbon emissions solution for both transportation and stationary power applications.    » read more »

Washington, DC - 05/14/2009 - As the House Energy and Commerce Committee prepares to markup the American Clean Energy and Security Act, the Pew Environment Group released national survey findings demonstrating overwhelming support for decisive action on behalf of clean energy jobs, energy independence and reducing the carbon pollution that causes global warming.

To gain bipartisan perspective on American public opinion, the Pew Environment Group has commissioned national surveys by The Mellman Group, a leading democratic firm, and Public Opinion Strategies, a leading Republican firm. Both have worked extensively throughout the United States for a range of corporations, nonprofit organizations and elected officials.    » read more »

Fort Felker to begin new position May 18, 2009

May 14, 2009 -- Dr. Fort F. Felker has been named director of the National Wind Technology Center at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Felker, a co-founder of Winglet Technology LLC, and former director of engineering analysis and test at Kenetech Windpower, begins his new position May 18.

“Dr. Felker’s 30 years of aeronautical and mechanical engineering research and technology development expertise, combined with his public and private sector experience, brings critical leadership to DOE’s and NREL’s national wind program,” said Robert Hawsey, NREL associate director of renewable electricity and end use systems.    » read more »

May 11, 2009 -- While on a net basis the United States imports nearly 60 percent of the oil it consumes, this reliance on imported oil is not by itself a major national security threat, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.

The study finds that the economic costs of a major disruption in global oil supplies—including higher prices for American consumers—pose the greatest risk to the United States.    » read more »

May 8, 2009 -- Global wind capacity increased an estimated 27,051 megawatts in 2008, with cumulative installations up almost 29 percent. The United States led in new installations, surpassing Germany to rank first in wind energy cumulative capacity and electricity generation.

A new snapshot of wind energy trends from Worldwatch Institute analyzes data since 1980 and reveals that:

* For the first time last year, wind power represented Europe's leading source of new electric capacity (with 8,877 megawatts added), well ahead of natural gas at 6,939 MW and coal at 763 MW. By the end of 2008, wind power accounted for 8 percent of EU power capacity, enough to generate 4.2 percent of the region's electricity in a normal wind year.    » read more »

May 7, 2009 -- Washington D.C. --- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today detailed President Barack Obama’s $26.4 billion Fiscal Year 2010 budget request for the Department of Energy, highlighting the Administration’s commitment to transformational discoveries, breakthrough science, and innovative technologies in the nation’s effort to secure reliable, clean, safe and secure energy, create new jobs and fight climate change.

While the budget makes important investments in energy independence and job creation, it also cuts back on programs that don’t work as well or are no longer needed.    » read more »

USDA, EPA and DOE form Biofuels Interagency Working Group to increase energy independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 5, 2009) - President Obama issued a presidential directive today to Secretary Vilsack to aggressively accelerate the investment in and production of biofuels. On a conference call with Energy Secretary Stephen Chu and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, Vilsack also announced that he will help lead an unprecedented interagency effort to increase America's energy independence and spur rural economic development.    » read more »

Signs two bills to promote wind energy growth in Iowa

April 23, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Chet Culver today signed two bills designed to expand Iowa’s wind energy industry. Senate File 456 utilizes unused tax credits to promote small wind energy projects across the state. House File 817 provides economic incentives for wind component manufacturers who are looking at building or expanding in Iowa.    » read more »

March 13, 2009 -- HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle today recognized recipients of the Governor’s Innovation Awards for their commitment to finding creative ways to make life better for the people of Hawaii and build a stronger future for our state.

“Our current Innovation Award honorees understand the importance of trying new approaches to address significant challenges facing Hawaii,” said Governor Lingle. “They are finding creative ways to develop solutions that will help increase Hawaii’s energy independence and enhance the safety of our food supply.”

The Governor’s Innovation Award recipients for January 2009 are:

Innovation by an Individual: Henry Jiao    » read more »

February 5th, 2009 -- He said hello to members of the DOE and their new Secretary, Steven Chu.

He announced new efficiency standards for common household appliances, an important shift in policy that will get us closer to energy independence.

And then President Obama issued a stark rebuke to critics of the stimulus plan and urged its swift passage.

President Barack Obama speaks at the Department of Energy: White House photo.    » read more »

January 29, 2009 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and legislative leaders today announced a comprehensive Green Jobs and Climate Action legislative package. The proposed legislation will create jobs, expand our green economy, and make important progress toward energy independence.

“Washington is well-positioned to capitalize on the unique economic opportunities surrounding the growing green sector,” Gregoire said. “These proposals will help protect our environment as well as create and support jobs, stimulate the regional economy and strengthen Washington’s competitiveness in the global economy.”    » read more »

Jan. 29, 2009 -- HARRISBURG – New investments in innovative clean energy and biofuels projects announced today by Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell will accelerate Pennsylvania’s drive toward energy independence, expand markets for emerging technologies, and ultimately make them more affordable for families and businesses.

The Governor said the state’s support for 49 projects will leverage nearly four times as much in private investment, create jobs, clean the environment, and save consumers tens of millions of dollars a year in energy costs.

He added that making these kinds of investments is critical to helping Pennsylvania weather a challenging national economic downturn.    » read more »

Ashland, Bayfield, and Washburn Join Renewable Energy Partnership

August 12, 2008 -- WASHBURN – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn are joining the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community (WEIC) Partnership.

“State and local government must lead by example, and I am proud Northwoods communities will join as partners and adopt the state’s energy goals,” Governor Doyle said. “Energy Independent Communities strengthen Wisconsin’s commitment to renewable energy leadership, and move forward energy policies that will clean our air and water, create jobs and save us money.”    » read more »