Western Arizona Economic Development District

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

Washington, DC – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that the Department of Energy has completed energy efficiency standards for a critical group of appliances that will together save up to 1.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide once in effect. In February 2009, President Obama visited the Department of Energy to emphasize the importance of quickening the pace of energy conservation standards for appliances, while continuing to meet legal and statutory deadlines. Yesterday, the minimum energy efficiency standards for beverage vending machines – the last of the five energy conservation standards the President highlighted in his memorandum to DOE – were published in the Federal Register.

“These energy efficiency appliance standards will play an important role in lowering energy use in homes and business across the country,” said Secretary Chu. “By improving the energy efficiency of each of these appliances – from lighting to ovens to vending machines – we can save money, reduce carbon pollution and increase our energy security.”

Sep 03

Treasury, Energy Announce $500 Million in Awards for Clean Energy Projects

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON– Marking a major milestone in the effort to spur private sector investments in clean energy and create new jobs for America’s workers, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced $502 million in the first round of awards from an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) program that provides cash assistance to energy production companies in place of earned tax credits. The new funding creates additional upfront capital, enabling companies to create jobs and begin construction that may have been stalled until now.

“The Recovery Act is investing in our long-term energy needs while creating jobs in communities around the country,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “This renewable energy program will spur the manufacture and development of clean energy in urban and rural America, allowing us to protect our environment, create good jobs and revitalize our nation’s economy.”

Sep 03

DOE Selects Biofuels Projects to Receive up to $21 Million in Funding

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that up to $21 million will be made available for the selection of five projects that will develop supply systems to handle and deliver high tonnage biomass feedstocks for cellulosic biofuels production. The awards announced today are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, spur the creation of the domestic bio-industry and provide new jobs in many rural areas of the country.

“Biofuels will play an important role in America’s clean energy portfolio,” Secretary Chu said. “These projects will allow us to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, support the growth of the biofuels industry and create jobs here at home.”

Sep 03

Department of Energy Announces More than $8.4 Million for Regional Sequestration Technology Training Projects

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

Washington, DC —U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $8.4 million in funding to develop regional sequestration technology training projects. The seven projects announced today will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies required for site development, operations, and monitoring of commercial carbon capture and storage projects. Today’s funding, which includes $6.9 million in Recovery Act funds, will advance the United States in its position as the leader in technology for addressing climate change and for developing near-zero emission technologies to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from power plants.

“These projects will train workers for a clean energy economy and help position the United States as a leader in carbon capture and storage technologies for years to come,” said Secretary Chu.

Aug 28

Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $300 Million in Clean Cities Grants to Support Clean Fuels, Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON, DC – Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the selection of 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects will speed the transformation of the nation’s vehicle fleet, putting more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles on the road, and establishing 542 refueling locations across the country. The Department of Energy also estimates they will help displace approximately 38 million gallons of petroleum per year.

“The Clean Cities program is helping give state and local governments the tools they need to build a greener transportation system that will create new jobs and help to put America on the path to a clean energy future,” said Secretary Chu. “Advancing the number of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles on the road will increase our energy security, decrease our dependence on oil, and reduce pollution across the country.”

Aug 27

Obama Administration Delivers More than $101 Million for Weatherization Programs in Guam and Pennsylvania

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that the Department of Energy is providing more than $101 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand weatherization assistance programs in Guam and Pennsylvania. The funding, along with additional funds to be disbursed after the grantees meet certain Recovery Act milestones, will help them weatherize approximately 29,200 homes, lowering energy costs for low-income families that need it, reducing pollution, and creating green jobs across the country.

“These awards demonstrate the Obama Administration’s strong commitment to moving quickly as part of the country’s economic recovery — creating jobs and doing important work for the American people — while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly,” said Secretary Chu. “Today’s investments will save money for hard working families, reduce pollution, strengthen local economies, and help move America toward a clean energy future.”

Aug 26

Obama Administration Awards More than $51 Million for State Energy Programs in Alaska, Guam and New Jersey

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $51 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Alaska, Guam and New Jersey. Under DOE’s State Energy Program, states and territories have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce carbon pollution.

“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help to put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence,” said Secretary Chu. “It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly.”

Aug 26

DOE Announces $37 Million for Small Business Research and Technology

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

Washington, DC— U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that $37 million in funding from the Recovery Act will be made available to qualified small businesses through the Department’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Today’s funding announcement emphasizes the Department’s commitment to developing near-term, clean energy technologies while allowing small businesses take part in the new industrial revolution that the sustainable energy economy will bring.

“Small businesses are engines of job creation and innovation, and we need their ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit to drive a clean energy economy,” said Secretary Chu. “By helping small businesses bring clean technologies to market, we can create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce carbon pollution.”

Aug 14

Obama Administration Awards More than $119 Million for State Energy Programs in Seven States and Territories

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $119 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Alabama, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Under DOE’s State Energy Program, states and territories have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce carbon pollution.

“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help to put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence,” said Secretary Chu. “It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly.”

Aug 13

Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $38 Million in State Awards for Energy Emergency Preparedness

New post on: U.S. Department of Energy

Washington, DC – As part of its efforts to improve the nation’s energy security and electricity reliability, today Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced nearly $38 million in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to improve state emergency preparedness plans and ensure quick recovery and restoration from any energy supply disruptions. Funds will be used by state governments to hire or retrain staff and expand state-level capacities to address challenges to the country’s energy systems, including emergency situations such as blackouts, hurricanes, ice storms, and disruptions to heating supplies.

“Today’s awards provide crucial support to our state partners in modernizing the electrical grid and enhancing our energy security,” said Secretary Chu. “Enhancing the states’ ability to quickly and effectively respond to energy disruptions is a critical element in meeting our nation’s energy goals.”