NATIONAL NEWS
House Approves Continuing Resolution to Fund
Government through Sept. 30, 2011
On Wednesday night, Dec. 8, the United States House of Representatives
approved a $1.1 trillion continuing resolution that will fund the federal
government through September 30, 2011. This funding Act freezes FY 2011
discretionary appropriations at the FY 2010 level, providing $45.9 billion less
than the President requested for the year. The House passed the bill by a
vote of 212 to 206. The bill makes certain adjustments from 2010 that
impact energy funding for the current fiscal year 2011. Senate action is
pending. NASEO will provide more information as it becomes available.
A summary of the House bill, is available
here. To view the bill in its entirety, please
click here.
Coalition of State Officials Agree to Collaborative Approach on Regulating
Energy Sector
NASEO, NACAA, NARUC Press Release
A broad coalition of state energy, utility and environmental officials agreed
to conduct an ongoing dialogue on clean air and energy related issues as the
federal government moves forward with new environmental regulations. Of
particular interest is implementing these environmental initiatives and reaping
the associated benefits while not compromising energy reliability. After
their first meeting, on Thursday, Dec. 2, representatives of the National
Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA), the National Association of
Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and the National Association of State
Energy Officials (NASEO) determined that strong communications among the three
associations and their respective memberships is a necessity as the nation
transitions to a clean-energy economy.
Upton Wins Race for the Gavel
Greenwire
Republican leaders have chosen Rep. Fred Upton to be the next chairman of the
House Energy and Commerce Committee. The Michigan Republican today beat
out current ranking member Joe Barton of Texas and Reps. Cliff Stearns of
Florida and John Shimkus of Illinois for the post.
U.S. House Passes Nuclear Energy Research Bill
Tennessean.com
Congressman Bart Gordon’s (D-TN) bill, the Nuclear Energy Research and
Development Act of 2010, promotes work on Small Modular Reactors, reactors that
are significantly smaller and present much lower up-front costs than large
traditional nuclear power plants.
Interior Department Eyes Possibility of Federal Rules on Shale Gas Extraction
ClimateWire
The Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently announced plans to
consider developing new policies for hydraulic fracturing on public lands. The
potential regulations would set general fracking standards and mandate companies
leasing Bureau of Land Management lands for such exploration disclose the list
of chemicals they employ to unlock shale gas.
STATE NEWS
Hawaii Dept. of Accounting and General Services Goes Solar
Lookin’ Green Magazine
Energy from a 200 kW system can power up about 40 homes in Hawaii, however,
the solar system will supply only about 10 percent of the energy used at the
facility. The $2.9M solar installation, seen from the high rises surrounding the
State Capital, also claimed to create or retain 33 (well-paid) jobs during
construction.
Maine Restaurant Uses Grant to Install Cogeneration System
Efficiency Maine
Fogarty’s Restaurant, a 50 year-old family-run business, has installed The “Vegawatt”
system which will burn waste vegetable oil to create electricity and heat for
the restaurant’s operations.
Michigan Governor’s Remarks on Wind Manufacturing Credits RES
MLive.com
Two years ago, when Governor Jennifer Granholm signed into law the renewable
energy standard requiring utility companies to garner 10 percent of their power
from renewable sources, she was hoping to create jobs just like the ones that
are now headed to Saginaw County – up to 137 direct jobs by 2014 resulting from
the first large-scale production of utility-scale wind turbines fully made in
Michigan.
Texas to Launch New Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate
Program
Recently, the State of Texas announced a December 20, 2010, launch date for
the "Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program". The program will utilize the
remaining $10 million in unclaimed stimulus funds from the April 2010 rebate
program and will remain open until all funds are distributed. Rebates are
available for eligible ENERGY STAR appliances in eight categories and will range
in amounts from $40 for room air conditioners to $1,000 for air-source heat
pumps and central air conditioners. Consumers who buy an ENERGY STAR appliance
must replace and dispose of an old appliance of the same type to be eligible for
a rebate. An additional $75 rebate is available for recycling the old appliance.
Proof of disposal or recycling is required, and details will be provided on the
rebate application form. For more information, visit the state's website
at:
http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/.
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