Solar Decathlon 2009

(Pictured here is Carnegie Mellon University's 2007 Entry.)

The U.S. Department of Energy hosts the Solar Decathlon this October in Washington, DC. The Solar Decathlon is a competition between 20 teams of university students from around the world that design, build, and effectively demonstrate a solar-powered house.

Projects are judged not only on their energy efficiency, but also on aesthetics. Students must design a home from the ground up, build it, and implement functioning technologies. The teams will construct the homes on the National Mall October 8-16, creating a "Solar Village." The houses will be open to the public from October 9-13.

Universities represented include: Cornell University, Iowa State University, Penn State, Rice University, Team Alberta (University of Calgary/SAIT Polytechnic/Alberta College of Art & Design/Mt. Royal College), Team Boston (Boston Architectural College/Tufts University), Team California (Santa Clara University/California College of the Arts), Team Missouri (Missouri University of Science and Technology/University of Missouri), Team Ontario/BC (University of Waterloo/Ryerson University/Simon Fraser University), The Ohio State University, The University of Arizona, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, University of Illilois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Virginia Tech.

See a preview of Virginia Tech' entry here: http://www.lumenhaus.com/

To learn more about the Solar Decathlon, visit: http://www.solardecathlon.org/

First Offshore Wind Leases Awarded by DOI

The US Department Interior Department for the first time awarded leases for wind power exploration off the coasts of Delaware and New Jersey. Fisherman's Energy of New Jersey LLC, Deepwater Wind LLC and Babcock & Brown's Bluewater Wind LLC are the three companies announced by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar as winning the five contracts.

Salazar called it a major step forward in President Obama's new energy frontier.

“The development of clean energy will be a major part of our economic recovery and will help lay the foundation for long-term economic security for our families, our state and our nation,” said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ).

The final framework for states and companies with renewable energy initiatives was announced by the President and the Secretary on Earth Day, and the program becomes effective June 29.

Delmarva Power in Delware has already signed a purchase agreement with Bluewater Wind for up to 200 MW. The state's offshore wind have the potential to produce enough power to supply 1.2 to 1.5 million homes. The wind technology will be placed six to 18 miles off shore.

To learn more about the Offshore Energy & Minerals Management programs, visit: http://www.mms.gov/offshore/renewableenergy/regulatoryinformation.htm

Recycle Your Car!

The "Car Allowance Rebate System" (CARS) was signed into law by President Obama recently. CARS is a government funded program that helps individuals purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle.

First, don't try and trade in your 1960 Edsel, the trade-in must be less than 25-years old (not that anyone would trade-in an Edsel, there were only 2,856 produced that year).

You must also purchase or lease a new vehicle to qualify.

The gas-guzzling trade-in must get 18 MPG or less to qualify.

And, the car must have been registered and insured continuously a full year before the trade-in (so no junk yard trade-ins, I suppose).

Ford recently announced its roll-out of the program.

To learn more, see: http://www.cars.gov/

Green Dream Jobs

SustainableBusiness.com offers a comprehensive job search database for Green Collar™ jobs. Visit the site to post job openings or to search for your very own Green Dream Job: http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/greendreamjobs.main

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is now moving through the U.S. House of Representatives. According to the Sierra Club, this is the "Right Long Term Plan" that puts the U.S. on a path to cut carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The plan also supports energy efficient building codes including appliance and lighting guidelines.

The bill would provides funds for the development of electric vehicles, as well as capping emissions.

To read the full text of the bill (available for download), visit: http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1560

To learn more from the Sierra Club, visit: http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=adv_aces