On Monday, Department of Energy (“DOE”) Secretary Steven Chu announced plans to provide $256 million to support energy efficiency improvements in major industrial sectors across the American economy. The funding is authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is targeted at reducing energy consumption in manufacturing and information technology industries (“IT”), while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
DOE News
DOE Announces Significant Increase in Funding for Smart Grid Projects
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On May 18, 2009, DOE Secretary Steven Chu announced that the Department is increasing the maximum award available under the Recovery Act for Smart Grid programs. Secretary Chu and Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke also announced the first set of 16 interoperability standards for the Smart Grid.
Plan Estimates $80 Billion Needed to Bring Wind Power to Eastern US
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On Monday, several regional grid operators and organizations announced the Joint Coordinated System Plan (“JCSP”) report, which estimates that over $80 billion in new transmission is needed to support 20% of the electricity consumed in the eastern U.S. coming from wind generation. 20% is the wind energy contribution that the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) recommended in its Eastern Wind Integration and Transmission Study.
Obama Designees Give Sneak Peak at New Agenda
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
Confirmation hearings were held this week for President-elect Obama’s designations for EPA Administrator (Lisa Jackson) and head of the Energy Department (Steven Chu). The confirmation hearings now underway for these two designees provide an inside look at the policy choices that may soon become law once the Obama Administration takes over on Tuesday.