Energy Efficiency
Earlier this month, California Air Resources Board (CARB) released a draft Update to the Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) Scoping Plan, describing the progress made towards objectives and defining priorities and activities to reduce emissions. Overview AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, created a…...
The New York Public Service Commission has approved new power lines as part of its Indian Point contingency plan. On October 17, 2013, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved three transmission projects to maintain grid reliability if Indian Point Energy Center (IPEC) closes due to license expiration in 2015. IPEC’s nuclear reactors,…...
On October 15, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to review whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas regulations for motor vehicles should also result in regulations for stationary sources. The Court’s decision could have direct implications for the EPA’s rulemaking on future power plants and would affect President Obama’s timetable for existing plants and…...
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which left at total of 8.5 million customers without power, the need for a smarter and more resilient grid has never been greater. To achieve this, the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force is partnering with affected states to rebuild smarter and stronger. The Sandy Supplemental Appropriation has allocated approximately…...
California and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate efforts on low carbon development. On September 13, 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Chairman, Xie Zhenhua signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate climate change efforts, promote efficient energy technologies, and advance low…...
This week, the Senate is poised to consider the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013 (S. 1392) – an energy bill that aims to promote efficiencies among residential, commercial, and federal buildings. The energy efficiency measures are designed to reduce energy use and environmental compliance costs, particularly related to industrial and commercial sectors,…...
On September 30, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider a major challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of greenhouse gas regulations under Section 202 of the Clean Air Act, a hearing that could affect President Obama’s timetable for existing power plants and state implementation plans. The EPA will likely face ongoing litigation on most…...
DOE’s proposed energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration appliances could save $28 billion and cut 350 million tons of carbon emissions over the next 30 years. On August 29, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed two rules aimed to improve energy efficiency standards for refrigeration systems. The proposals, which have been under the Office…...
NYSERDA has reached a major milestone, completing 50,000 home energy efficiency projects under the ENERGY STAR Program. On August 26, 2013, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced the completion of the 50,000th project under the ENERGY STAR Home Performance Program. The achievement marks a major milestone for the program, which…...
3,200 buildings are competing for Energy Star recognition in EPA’s 2013 National Building Competition. On August 20, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the fourth annual Energy Star National Building Competition to promote energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The 2013 competition has more than 3,200 participants – compared to just 14 participants in 2010 –…...
DOE will fund 12 projects to develop energy efficiency building technologies including open source software to monitor and adjust energy use. On August 14, 2013, The Department of Energy (DOE) announced 12 projects to enhance energy savings in residential and commercial buildings. DOE’s approximately $11 million investment will pair with $1 million private sector funding…...
NYSERDA has issued revenue bonds to finance loans for residential energy efficiency projects under its GJGNY Program. On August 13, 2013, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) issued $24.3 million in energy efficiency revenue bonds to finance residential energy efficiency improvement programs across the state. The revenue bonds were issued under…...