Energy Efficiency
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…...
A White House and DOE report calls for investments to increase the nation’s electric grid resilience and outlines strategies for grid modernization. On August 12, 2013, the White House Council of Economic Advisors and the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report emphasizing the importance of grid resilience for climate adaptation. The report, titled “Economic…...
DOE released a report examining the impacts of climate change on the nation’s energy and electricity infrastructure, including an assessment of ongoing efforts and potential opportunities to improve the energy sector’s climate resilience. On July 11, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report examining current and future impacts of climate change on…...
DOE’s revised energy efficiency standards for new federal buildings updates existing 2007 ASHRAE Standard 90.1 to the 2010 version to achieve 18.2% more energy savings. On July 9, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released revised energy efficiency standards for new federal buildings. The rule, published in the Federal Register, will take effect September 9,…...
WGA’s “10-Year Energy Vision” calls for collaborative interstate initiatives to achieve energy security by increasing energy production, improving energy efficiency, and expanding energy distribution infrastructure, among other energy goals. On June 28, 2013, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) released the “10-Year Energy Vision,” a regional plan articulating the energy goals of 19 member states, American…...
In an increasingly technology-dependent society with growing energy needs as we seek a higher quality of life, disturbances in electricity supply and quality can have severe implications daily. They can cause significant losses of information, efficiency and productivity as interruptions crash computers and the critical services reliant upon them, such as life support systems, or…...
A newly proposed Senate bill would establish the State Energy Race to the Top program aimed at doubling the nation’s energy productivity by 2030. On June 20, 2013, Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced a bill to establish a state grant program of federal incentives to boost energy productivity. The bill…...