Smart Grid

Senate Bill to Improve Energy Productivity

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…...

NYC’s Potential for Combined Heat and Power Development

A new report identifies NYC’s potential for combined heat and power deployment and suggests potential solutions to overcome regulatory and technical barriers.  On May 30, 2013, the Columbia Center for Climate Change Law and Modi Research Group released a report examining the potential for combined heat and power (CHP) development in New York City.  Based…...

U.S. Army’s First Microgrid Enters Demonstration Phase

The U.S. Army’s first grid-tied microgrid at a Texas military base will enable off-grid operation, reducing its carbon footprint and meeting energy efficiency goals. On May 16, 2013, the U.S. Army introduced the military’s first grid-tied microgrid at the Fort Bliss, Texas base.  The $2.4 million project received funding from the Department of Defense’s (DOD)…...

Taxation Group Report Outlines Energy Tax Reform Proposals

Energy tax reform proposals released by the House Ways and Means Committee outline potential modifications to federal tax code for fossil fuel production, renewable energy tax credits, and energy efficiency provisions. On May 6, 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released the Joint Committee on Taxation report detailing tax reform suggestions to 11 Tax…...

NY Energy Highway Plan on Track

NY Energy Highway Task Force has initiated actions towards implementing the state’s $5.7 billion electric grid modernization plan, allowing participants to move forward with assigned tasks. On April 30, 2013, the New York (NY) Energy Highway Task Force announced a progress report of assigned tasks and actions to move forward with the state’s $5.7 billion electric…...

U.S. and China Launch Joint Initiative to Fight Climate Change

U.S. and China have committed to take cooperative action to combat climate change using practical emissions reduction measures and low-carbon initiatives, setting a powerful example to the rest of the world. On April 13, 2013, the U.S. State Department announced the U.S. and China will launch a Climate Change Working Group, recognizing the need for…...

FY 2014 Budget Proposal: Significant Investment in Clean Energy Development

In his FY 2014 budget proposal, President Obama increases spending on clean energy development, seeking to expedite R&D and boost cost-competitiveness and deployment of clean energy technologies.   President Barack Obama’s FY2014 budget plan released on April 10, 2013, proposes increases in spending for clean energy production and deployment.  The budget aims to support cost-competitiveness…...

Bipartisan Policy Center Releases Energy Policy Recommendations Report

A recent report from the Bipartisan Policy Center outlines common ground energy policy recommendations that build on energy abundance and efficiency accomplishments of the U.S.    On February 27, 2013, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) released a report proposing a set of recommendations intended to serve as a blueprint for establishing strong and diverse energy resource portfolios…....

Business Roundtable Releases Report Outlining Recommendations for Energy Policy

Chief executives of leading U.S. companies released a report outlining recommendations for a comprehensive energy policy framework that would capitalize on the nation’s strengths to enhance self-sufficiency, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. On February 25, 2013, Business Roundtable, a national association of corporate executives, released a report outlining recommendations to devise a comprehensive energy policy…...

SOTU 2013: President Obama Pushes For Climate Change Action

President Obama outlined bold actions to combat climate change, elaborating on his inaugural vow to address the issue.  Obama further pledged to use his executive power to tackle climate change challenges if Congress denied action. At his State of the Union (SOTU) speech on February 12, 2013, President Obama cast a bold vision on climate change…...

Climate Change Debate Intensifies

Divided opinions over climate change issues delayed approval of the draft oversight plan in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  Democrats called to amend the draft plan to hold hearings on climate change science, an issue that Republicans have long opposed. On February 6, 2013, democrats in the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced a…...