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Harrisburg:  Ben Franklin Technology Partnership announces the availability of funding to support research to develop technology that will impact the production, consumption, conservation, and environmental impact of energy use in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation beyond through its Translational Research in Energy Support Program (TRESP).  The ultimate goal is to produce technology that reduces the energy intensity of commercial, industrial, and residential activities and uses domestically available resources to meet the Commonwealth’s and nation’s energy needs with a very low environmental impact (including carbon dioxide, particulate, and other harmful pollutants and outcomes).  The TRESP funding is intended for any specific research effort within the broad spectrum of energy and its related fields that would tend to further progress toward the ultimate goal.

Eligible applicants include research institutions (such as universities and public laboratories) and other not-for-profit organizations that engage in, sponsor, facilitate, or otherwise promote research and development in energy and energy-related fields (such as alternative energy, energy conservation or efficiency, improvements to existing energy technologies, clean technology, green building technology).  Awards are expected to range from $10,000 and $250,000 with a one-to-one match required.  The period of peformance is July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.  For a downloadable copy of the funding application, click here.

Washington (February 9, 2010):  Today, top executives in the renewable energy sector gathered to applaud 2009’s strong renewable energy development but emphasized the need for Congress to swiftly enact key policies to continue accelerated growth across the entire sector in order to add jobs and boost economic growth in 2010.

Executives stressed that if these policies are not enacted, the renewable energy sector could face a downturn in investment and jobs in 2010. Participants in today’s press conference represented the full scope of the renewables sector, including Denise Bode, CEO, American Wind Energy Association (AWEA); Linda Church Ciocci, Executive Director, National Hydropower Association (NHA); Robert Cleaves, President and CEO, Biomass Power Association (BPA); Karl Gawell, Executive Director of the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA); and Rhone Resch, President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

The renewable energy leaders called for Congress to pass a strong national renewable energy standard (RES) with clear near- and long-term goals, along with expansion and extension of credit incentives, and comprehensive legislation. These policies will maintain American competitiveness and attract tens of billions of dollars of investment in clean energy production and manufacturing facilities. A major new study conducted by Navigant Consulting, Inc. reveals that a 25% by 2025 national RES would result in 274,000 more renewable energy jobs than a no-national RES policy scenario.

New York from Wall Street Journal online from 2/12/2010:  The City of Boulder prides itself on being an eco-conscious town. So how come it's been so hard to get residents to reduce their dependence of fossil fuels? WSJ's Stephanie Simon reports.  This story illustrates how difficult it is to get residents even in a "green" community to change their lifestyle choices.  Click here to see the video.