BACK | HOME

NASEO News

January 2004

STAC Selects 13 Projects for Award

Posted: January 30, 2004

The State Technologies Advancement Collaborative (STAC) today (January 30, 2004) announced the results of the first-ever solicitation for energy efficiency research, development, demonstration and deployment projects. The STAC Executive Committee approved funding for thirteen projects valued at $16,807,582, based upon a determination that these projects represent the best of the proposals submitted. More than $9,793,873 of the selected projects’ value represents implementation costs to be shared by non-federal government entities, and approximately $7,013,709 in funding from the STAC program—or an average cost share of 58%.

Robert S. Kripowicz, STAC Program Director, announced the results of the solicitation review. “I’m extraordinarily pleased with the quality and diversity of the selected proposals, which reflect four areas of interest: Building technologies, industrial technologies, transportation technologies and distributed energy resources. Broadly applied, the results of these projects, which involve participants from 31 states, have the potential to change the way we think about and use energy in this country. And the projects represent a range of research, demonstration, and deployment activities.” To access a complete list of the selected projects, click here.

Maryland Energy Administration Launches ENERGY STAR® Media Campaign

Posted: January 26, 2004

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) launched the Maryland ENERGY STAR Program—a comprehensive radio and newspaper consumer education campaign featuring Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.—on January 12, 2004. The Maryland ENERGY STAR Program promotes energy-efficient appliances, lighting and lighting fixtures, heating and cooling equipment and new homes. In addition to targeting consumers through this campaign, MEA will also focus attention on contractors and the state’s business community. MEA plans to facilitate training sessions designed to teach heating and cooling contractors how to properly size and install heating and air conditioning equipment. Throughout this campaign, MEA will also be seeking to create new partnerships throughout the business community in an effort to further Maryland’s ENERGY STAR Partners Initiative.

By increasing awareness of the importance of energy efficiency throughout the state, Maryland hopes that more residents will be encouraged to seek energy efficiency goods and services when they make purchasing decisions. The state also expects that these advertisements will help draw attention to a statewide sales tax break on ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators and air conditioners—set to expire later this year. For more information on the Maryland ENERGY STAR Program, click here, www.energy.state.md.us/energystar/. To Access information on NASEO’s ENERGY STAR Activities, visit the ENERGY STAR Task Force page.

Chairman Tauzin Expresses Concern Over
Natural Gas Supplies and New England Cold Snap

Posted: January 20, 2004

On January 16, 2004, Billy Tauzin Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Richard Pombo Chairman of the Committee on Resources sent a letter to Speaker Hastert expressing their concern about consumers in the Northeast being asked to conserve electricity or risk rolling blackouts because of inadequate natural gas supply capability to gas-fired electrical plants. The Chairmen reiterated their findings from the Speaker’s Task Force on Affordable Natural Gas, including “Our findings are stark: The United States is on a trajectory towards an energy future which threatens Americans’ livelihoods and quality of life, and puts at peril our national manufacturing and industrial base.” To access a copy of the letter click here.

2004 SEP Special Projects Solicitation Released

Posted: January 20, 2004

The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking applications for a variety of Special Projects under the State Energy Program (SEP). Funding of approximately $16,000,000 will be available under this opportunity in fiscal year 2004. Access the Special Projects solicitation, posted January 16, on the DOE IIPS website: http://e-center.doe.gov/.

< back to top >