NASEO News

FEDERAL UPDATE

Home Star Legislation Reintroduced in Senate

Legislation authorizing the Home Star energy efficiency retrofit program was reintroduced in the Senate.  The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee issued a press release, summary, and text of the legislation on May 27, 2010.  NASEO is reviewing the details of the bill, and will form a new task force to discuss and work on implementation details.  For more information, please contract Jeff Genzer at: JCG@dwgp.com. 

DOE to Invest $6 Million in Midsize Wind Turbine Technology Development

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced the availability of up to $6 million to advance midsize wind turbine technology in order to boost the speed and scale of midsize turbine deployment. DOE will provide the funding over two years to accelerate the development, testing, and commercialization of domestically manufactured, midsize wind turbines with rated generating capacities between 100 kilowatts and 1 megawatt. Through this funding opportunity, DOE will leverage private-sector technology investment by providing cost-shared partnerships to qualified projects in support of the Administration's drive to create clean-energy jobs, and promote economic development and energy independence. DOE anticipates making up to four initial grants under this competitive solicitation.  For more information and a link to the funding opportunity announcement, please click here.

DOE Launches the High Efficiency Windows Volume Purchase Program

The U.S. Department of Energy announced the launch of the Highly-Insulating R-5 Windows and Low-e Storm Windows Volume Purchase Program, part of a multi-year integrated strategy to transform the market for high efficiency windows. The initiative will facilitate the broader deployment of these windows by pairing manufacturers with buyers looking to purchase large volumes of windows and by setting performance expectations for two new types of energy efficient windows. This will provide support for window manufacturers to help overcome the initial costs associated with producing windows at an even higher efficiency level while connecting volume buyers with pre-cleared suppliers.  Please click here for more information.

New Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released new guidance for its ENERGY STAR New Homes classification. Included in the guidance is the new implementation schedule, which details when each set of requirements will be enforced over the previous version. To read more about ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes, please click here.

President Obama Orders Fuel Efficiency Standards for Trucks

President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum on May 21, directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to create the first national policy to increase the fuel efficiency of medium- and heavy-duty trucks while decreasing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The directive will target new trucks from the 2014-2018 model years. U.S. trucks consume more than two million barrels of oil every day and average 6.1 miles per gallon, while emitting 20 percent of the GHG pollution related to U.S. transportation. The President also called for an extension of the groundbreaking fuel efficiency and GHG emissions policy he announced on May 19, 2009, which covers cars and light-duty trucks in the model years 2012 to 2016.  Please click here to read more.

NREL Study: Western Grid Can Handle Increased Wind and Solar Power

A new study shows that it would be possible for the Western power grid to draw 35% of its electricity from wind and solar energy sources by 2017. The Western Wind and Solar Integration Study (WWSIS), released by DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on May 20, examines the benefits and challenges of integrating wind power, solar photovoltaic systems, and concentrating solar power onto the grid. The study concludes that while additional infrastructure isn't needed, key operational changes are required to meet this target. The report focused on the power system operated by the WestConnect group of utilities in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming.  Please click here for more information and a link to the study. 

NASEO UPDATE

NASEO Building Energy Code Coordination and Strategic Implementation Workshop and Response to DOE Solicitation

On April 26-27, 2010, NASEO, in conjunction with the Energy Foundation, hosted the "Building Energy Code Coordination and Strategic Implementation Workshop" in Washington, DC.  The meeting of approximately 65 attendees from around the nation included facilitated discussion of building energy code issues and consideration of a path forward to address such topics as code adoption, implementation, and enforcement.  A final report from the workshop is available by clicking here.

The workshop was held to assist State Energy Offices and other stakeholders in making progress on code advancement and implementation, and to offer a forum for their input on national code development activities.  In addition, the event informed responses to a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) request for information (Federal Register Notice Vol. 75, No. 76) regarding current model codes. 

NASEO provided a response to the DOE request for information utilizing some of the information discussed during the meeting.  The NASEO letter to DOE was submitted on May 21, 2010.  The letter includes a brief list of key items on how DOE can better assist states and local jurisdictions with building codes, as well as a list of additional organizations that endorse the reflected comments.  Please click here to view the letter.

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS

California Energy Commission Awards $29.6 Million in Stimulus Funds for Clean Jobs Training, Energy Upgrades

In three separate awards, the California Energy Commission approved $29.6 million to provide workforce development, create clean jobs and improve energy efficiency throughout California. Funding for the projects comes from the federal America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The three programs - EnergySmart Jobs, Energy Technology Assistance Program (ETAP), and the Downtown Oakland Targeted Measure Project - were awarded funding from the California's State Energy Program (SEP) for energy programs focused on existing commercial and residential building energy efficiency (and water efficiency) retrofits. To learn more about each of the programs, please click here.

Hawaii Selected as an Early Launch State for Nissan LEAF Vehicle

Due to Hawaii's strong commitment to clean energy and a recognized leader in the introduction of electric vehicles (EV), Nissan North America Inc. has selected Hawaii to be one of its initial launch markets in the U.S. beginning in early 2011. Nissan and the State of Hawaii are working towards a partnership to promote the development of an electric vehicle network. As part of the collaboration, Nissan has committed to make the highly anticipated all-electric Nissan LEAF available to Hawaii consumers. To read more about the Nissan-Hawaii partnership, please click here.

Maryland Governor O'Malley Signs Four Energy Bills into Law

Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law a series of five bills that will promote green job creation for our workers and sustainability across Maryland. Governor O'Malley's 2010 Energy Agenda focused on increasing renewable energy production and tax credits for Maryland families and workforce. To read more about the bills, please click here.

2009 Minnesota Solar Installations Nearly Triple Previous Record Set in 2007

A record number of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were installed in Minnesota in 2009, according to the Minnesota Utility Solar Integration Rankings compiled by the Minnesota Department of Commerce's Office of Energy Security (OES). The rankings found a record 72 new solar electric systems with a combined record capacity of 784 kilowatts (kW) were installed in 2009.  The previous high was reached in 2007, with 56 installations at 286 kW. The data shows that both the total number of installations and size of installations have increased; more Minnesotans are buying larger solar arrays. To read more about the findings, please click here.

Missouri Launches Two Programs to Encourage Industrial Energy Efficiency

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering up to $11 million in funding under Energize Missouri Industries to improve the energy efficiency of industrial and commercial customers throughout Missouri. Through the Energize Missouri Industries initiative, the department has created the Industrial Energy Efficiency Program and the Best Price Efficiency Program. To read more about each program, please click here.

New Jersey Refrigerator Recycling Program Increases Rebate, Energy Savings

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has increased the rebate for the state's refrigerator and freezer program from $30 to $50 to encourage more residents to dispose of older, low efficiency models. Unlike other appliance rebate programs, the recycling program does not require a new unit to be purchased. The appliances will be recycled in New Jersey, capturing most CFCs and other toxic components. More than 95 percent of the material will be returned to the industrial sector after recycling. To read more about the program, please click here.

North Carolina Awards Last of Federal EECBG Funding

North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue announced that an additional $4.9 million in federal Recovery Act funding for energy efficiency block grants has been awarded to 58 projects in 52 local governments to help save on utility and fuel bills and create jobs. The grants mark the last distribution of money from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program in North Carolina, for a total of about $11.9 million to 104 local governments, public school systems and community colleges.  To read more about the projects in the final round of funding, please click here.