NASEO News
 

State Energy Program in the News

National publications have highlighted the opportunities for the state energy offices in implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  The Washington Post quoted Maryland Energy Administration Director Malcolm Woolf in an article on the challenges of the stimulus for government officials.  The New York Times cited Utah State Energy Program Manager Jason Berry in a story detailing preparations to advance energy efficiency at the state and local level.  A Greenwire posting, “Stimulus doesn't require utility 'decoupling,' key Democrat says,” described Congressional response to requirements of the State Energy Program mandated in ARRA.   Please feel free to send any news stories of interest about your state energy office to Benjamin Deitchman.

Massachusetts Commissioner Testifies in US Senate on Behalf of NASEO

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on February 26th on recommendations for reducing energy consumption in buildings through improved implementation of authorized Energy Department programs.  Phil Giudice, the Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources in Massachusetts testified on behalf of NASEO.  Commissioner Giudice’s prepared testimony is available here.

Clean Cities Solicitation

US DOE’s Clean Cities Program strives to advance the nation's economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local decisions to adopt practices that contribute to the reduction of petroleum consumption. Clean Cities has a network of approximately 90 volunteer coalitions, which develop public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction.  The Clean Cities FY09 Petroleum Reduction Technologies Projects for the Transportation Sectors solicitation should be of interest to NASEO members.

NASEO Energy Program Best Practices Webpage

NASEO is assembling a collection of state and local renewable energy and energy efficiency programs for states to consider as they examine how best to utilize substantial funding resulting from the economic stimulus package or other funding sources.  The webpage is live, but under construction.  If you have any programs you would like NASEO to feature or other suggestions please contact Benjamin Deitchman at bdeitchman@naseo.org or 703-299-8800 ex 13.

U.S. Governors Push for 13 % Ethanol Blend Rate

From Reuters: “U.S. governors who want to see more ethanol production said on Monday they are optimistic regulators will soon boost the allowed blend rate for ethanol in gasoline to 13 percent from 10 percent. Members of the Governors' Biofuels Coalition said they want the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue a waiver to allow the sale of 13 percent ethanol blends.”  Please click here for the full article.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR National Symposium

The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR National Symposium will be held April 26–27 in Kansas City, MO, prior to the ACI National Conference. The symposium provides the best opportunity for Home Performance sponsors, interested parties, and the EPA to exchange ideas, promote best practices, and improve delivery of services.  The agenda is online.  For more information please contact Dale Hoffmeyer at the US EPA at hoffmeyer.dale@epa.gov.

2009 Summer Energy Outlook Conference