Alternative energy
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)…...
DOE launched H2USA to develop hydrogen fuel infrastructure, advance fuel cell electric vehicles, and diversify the transportation energy portfolio. On May 13, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) launched H2USA, a public-private partnership to advance hydrogen infrastructure, increase affordability of fuel cell electric vehicles, and provide more energy options for the transportation sector. The partnership includes stakeholders from…...
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…...
Senators have sought GAO investigation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor research program, in view of the constrained budget environment that could cut funding for U.S. fusion energy programs. On May 3, 2013, Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) wrote to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) seeking information…...
The first Chinese-owned U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing facility, in collaboration with the City of Lancaster, CA, will deliver ten zero-emission electric buses for public transportation in Long Beach by May 2014. On May 1, 2013, Mayor R. Rex Parris of Lancaster, California, and officials of China-based BYD Motors announced the launch of two BYD manufacturing…...
BLM issued a regulation to prohibit mining claims in public lands with pending applications for renewable energy projects or those identified as potential sites for renewable energy development. On April 30, 2013, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published a regulation to the Federal Register to temporarily segregate public lands set aside for renewable…...
Senate bill proposes a new federal agency to oversee nuclear waste management, and permits an interim storage facility until selection of a permanent repository. On April 25, 2013, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chairman of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, along with Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released a discussion…...
The revised Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act would allow renewable energy projects to access financing and tax advantages that are currently available only to fossil fuel energy projects. On April 24, 2013, a group led by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced an expanded version of the Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act introduced in 2012 to…...
New York City’s all-electric taxi pilot program lays the groundwork to attain Mayor Bloomberg’s goal of a one-third electric taxi fleet by 2020. On April 22, 2013, New York City (NYC) Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), and Nissan launched an electric taxi pilot program by adding six Nissan LEAF electric vehicles…...
New York State approved a privately funded power transmission line to supply 1,000 MW of Canadian hydropower to New York City. On April 18, 2013, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the Champlain Hudson Power Express, a $2.2 billion transmission line project that would supply 1,000 MW of clean power to New…...
The five-year biofuel research program extension aims to develop viable biofuels for the aviation sector, boost rural economies, and lower carbon emissions. On April 15, 2013, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a five-year extension of an agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue research…...
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…...