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Energy Literacy Advocates Newsroom

Energy Literacy Advocates (ELA) is a non-partisan, non-profit, public education and advocacy group dedicated to improving the energy literacy of all sectors of our democracy in order to empower a comprehensive national energy policy that is responsible and sustainable. Stay tuned for updated energy news!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Wyoming to Get New Wind Farm


The Wall Street Journal reports that Duke Energy will build its ninth wind farm in Wyoming, on 17,000 acres of public and private lands. This move is the latest in a string of alternative energy projects taken on by Duke.


The farm will be operational by 2011 and will generate enough power to supply 50,000 to 60,000 homes.


For more details, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:01 AM 0 comments

Friday, August 28, 2009

Obama Administration Finds Support on Energy Issues

A Washington Post - ABC News poll, published today, reveals that those Americans surveyed support the Obama administration's plans for energy policy. Overall, 55 percent approved of the way the administration is handling energy issues.

52 percent of those polled support Obama's controversial cap and trade system to limit greenhouse gas emissions. 42 percent opposed the idea.

Overall, the results indicate fairly broad and steady public support for the Obama administration's agenda toward revamping US energy policy.

For the full article in the Washington Post, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:35 AM 0 comments

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Results Accumulating from "Cash for Clunkers" Program

The Transportation Department is beginning to release results from the month long Cash for Clunkers program.

Toyota was the big winner in economic terms, boasting two out of the top three models sold. Together, Japan's largest automakers - Honda, Nissan and Toyota - sold 41 percent of the vehicles in the program.

American motor manufacturers shared only 38.6 percent of the total sales.

While the program has received positive reviews for its economic stimulus, information on environmental benefits has not been finalized. Additionally, many auto dealers have complained about overall administration of the program and the delay in pay-out of funds.

To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 6:28 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Cash for Clunkers at Home? Govt Considers Vouchers for New Appliances


As Cash for Clunkers concluded this week, another voucher program is on the horizon, this time rewarding customers who purchase Energy Star appliances.


The program, which was appropriated $300 million in funds by the stimulus bill, could award vouchers of up to $200 to customers buying energy-efficient refrigerators, washers, dryers and other large home appliances.


The rebate program could begin at the end of this year. States had to apply to the Department of Energy by August 15, indicating interest in participating.


To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:56 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Cash for Clunkers Ends, but Deadline for Dealers is Extended


While the Obama administration announced last week that Cash for Clunkers would end Monday night, August 24, at 8pm ET, the deadline for car dealers has been extended. Dealers will now have until today at noon (ET) to finish filing paperwork, due to a shutdown of the Department of Transportation website.


Initial numbers show that, as of Monday, 625,000 clunkers were turned in and $2.58 billion in vouchers had been sent. Final targets are 700,000 clunkers and $3 billion in vouchers. The program has proved a huge success for the automotive industry, offering an estimated 30% boost in sales.


Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the program a success, and reported that the new cars purchased under CFC were 60% more efficient than the clunkers traded in.


For more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:01 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 24, 2009

International Energy News: Power Europe via the Sahara?

Desertec, the most ambitious solar energy project to date, is gaining support for its plans to supply European energy needs from solar energy collected in the Sahara. The project is estimated to cost $400 billion at completion.

The technology behind Desertec involves collecting energy from solar rays gathered in the Sahara desert and transmitting it via undersea cables to Europe. Supporters are promoting the project's non-carbon footprint and economic benefits for Northern Africa.

The project does face some opposition. Detractors are wary of investment in new technology in an unstable political region, and doubtful that intercontinental transmission of solar energy is more effective and efficient than local photovoltaic production.

To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 4:41 PM 0 comments

Cash for Clunkers Ends

That's right folks, today was the last day to trade in your clunker for a more fuel efficient vehicle. ELA has previously commented on the shortfalls of the Cash for Clunkers program, one of which was the short duration of the program. We needed Cash for Clunkers to be a symbol and foundation for the development and purchase of more fuel efficient vehicles for years to come. Time will tell if this might happen, but an approximately two month program seems ripe to be forgotten quickly.

This article addresses both the good and the bad of the program and is worth the read.

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posted by Jamie Lang at 3:20 PM 0 comments

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Energy News from Around the World: Australia OKs Renewable Target


Australia's Parliament passed a 20 percent renewable energy target today, mandating that at least 20 percent of the country's electricity come from renewable energy sources. Currently, 8 percent of Australia's electricity is sourced from renewables.


This new target matches the target set by the European Union in 2007.


Supporters heralded the legislation as the first major piece of climate initiative for the country. Opponents maintained that the target should have been set higher, and should have mandated cuts in carbon emissions.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 1:40 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

British Show Demonstrates Biodiesel

Curious about how biodiesel is actually made? This video from Top Gear, a British automotive television program, briefly demonstrates one way to convert used vegetable oil into diesel fuel.

If video appears as unavailable, click here to find it online.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 12:17 PM 0 comments

Monday, August 17, 2009

Oil Prices Remain Steady Despite Storm

The storms racing into United States territory have not raised oil prices, despite affecting Gulf of Mexico oil operations. Gulf productions account for a quarter of all domestic oil production.

Supplies of oil remain high, while demand is low, which has kept prices down. US inventory is 20 percent above levels last year.

For more data, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 7:01 PM 0 comments

Friday, August 14, 2009

Cash for Clunkers No Longer Limited to Inventories

Today the Secretary of Transportation allowed Cash for Clunkers vouchers to be used for cars that are not in stock at dealerships. In other words the vouchers can be used to order a qualifying car of choice.

Energy Literacy Advocates has previously commented on the need for lengthening the duration of the clunkers program in order to allow for a change in mindset to producing and driving more fuel efficient vehicles. Clearly the ability to order cars still falls far short of this goal, but at least it is a step in the right direction.

To read more about using vouchers to order a vehicle click here.

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posted by Jamie Lang at 2:13 PM 0 comments

Thursday, August 13, 2009

US Demand for Gasoline is Down

The Department of Energy reports that US demand for gasoline is down 8.2%, as compared to this time last year. Overall the DOE report predicted a 2.7% decline in demand for oil.

The price of oil, which has stabilized around $70 per barrel, fell slightly after government reports showing continued loss of jobs and lower than expected retail sales. However, many analysts forecast that oil will be a prime commodity as the economy revives, and its price could jump quickly.

For more analysis, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 12:45 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Review from the National Clean Energy Summit

The National Clean Energy Summit, held in Las Vegas this year, focused on bolstering "green" energy jobs and policy. Suggestions from the various panels could shape federal policy, including placing an emphasis on building weatherization, funding for alternative energy power plants and carbon regulation.

Promoting the Obama administration's energy policy, Energy Secretary Steven Chu emphasized the need for a carbon tax to support many of these policy goals.

Other policy discussions included mandating a renewable energy portfolio for the US electricity supply and modernizing the electricity supply grid.

While the agenda during the second National Clean Energy Summit focused largely on policy supports for the green energy industry, it featured former vice president Al Gore's case for quick action.

Gore warned that the planet's petroleum reservers are falling faster than predicted, which can only lead to more price spikes and shortages.

For a more in-depth review of the Summit, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 1:48 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

US Fuel Efficiency Made Marked Gains in July


The average fuel economy for vehicles sold jumped in July, raising from 21.4 miles per gallon to 22.1. This represents the largest gain in fuel efficiency since the new configuration of mileage estimates were issued in 2007.


The study reporting the jump attributed much of the credit to the cash for clunkers program. The jump in fuel efficiency is counter to the trend of lower gas prices, which typically encourage the purchase of less efficient vehicles.


To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 9:49 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 10, 2009

Vegas Hosts Alternative Energy Summit


Politicans and industry leaders convene on Las Vegas this week to discuss the future and prospects of the alternative energy industry. Speakers include Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and former president Bill Clinton.


The summit will also involve unions, manufacturers and researchers.


Hopes for an expansion of alternative energy jobs and products were put on hold this year, due to economic turbulence. The summit plans to craft a new agenda that provides both for the growth of the industry and an increase in clean energy.


To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:23 AM 0 comments

More Cash for "Clunkers" Approved

The Senate voted Thursday, August 6, to approve and pass a measure giving additional funding to the Cash for Clunkers, or CARS, program. The funds are expected to last until Labor Day.

For a report on the roll call vote, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:17 AM 0 comments

Friday, August 7, 2009

Cash for Clunkers Renewed

That's right, the government has approved an additional $2 Billion for the Cash for Clunkers program. Energy Literacy previously commented on the original legislation in several blog posts, the jist of which is that the program missed several key components to ensure the economic stimulus objective was complimented with a fleet increase in fuel efficiency objective.

For some interesting stories on citizens using the Cash for Clunkers program click here.

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posted by Jamie Lang at 12:47 PM 0 comments

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Senate to Vote Today on Cash For Clunkers Funding


The Senate will vote today on whether or not to refuel the Cash for Clunkers, or CARS, program with $2 billion in additional funding. It is estimated that the new funding will last until Labor Day.


The funding bill faces several amendments, including one limiting vouchers to individuals with incomes under $50,000 annually.


Data from the first week of the program reveals that the Toyota Corolla was the number one seller, beating out the Ford Focus.


For more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 10:27 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

President Announces $2.4 Billion in Funding for Electric Cars

President Obama heralded the largest invesment in electric cars yet during his visit toIndiana, promising $2.4 billion in funds. The funds will be used to acheive greater fuel efficiency in cars, and will be targeted at American-made vehicles.

To access President Obama's announcement, made during a visit to Indiana, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:25 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Addressing Greenhouse Gas from Electricity Will Need Broad Effort

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) report, released Monday, states that to address greenhouse gas generated during electricity production, a diverse answer is needed.

The report paid special attention to the pocketbooks of consumers, and found that a "full technology portfolio" is needed to avoid penalizing the average household. EPRI endorsed building 45 new nuclear reactors, increasing energy efficiency and employing carbon capture technology to help reach greenhouse gas goals.

Still, the report warns that to meet environmental goals, energy prices will have to rise, impacting households at up to $400 additional per year over the next thirty years.

To read more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:40 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 3, 2009

Clunkers Debate Continues in Senate

"Cash for Clunkers" or CARS faces an uphill battle in the Senate to receive funding approval before August recess.

CARS needs a unanimous vote in the Senate to secure funding this week.

CARS, a government program issuing vouchers of up to $4500 for the trade-in of a "gas guzzler" for a fuel efficient vehicle, ran out of funding after only one week. The House approved additional funding for the program, which now faces a Senate vote.

For more, click here.

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posted by Amanda Voss at 11:14 AM 0 comments

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