Sustainability-(x)

“EPAct: Alternative Fuels for Energy Security, Cleaner Air”, __US Department of__ __Energy__, 1/05, [|www.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact]

This article gives background information regarding the Energy Policy Act of 1992. (EPAct) EPAct was designed to encourage the use of alternative transportation fuels (not derived from petroleum). EPAct’s voluntary activities are being implemented through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Clean Cities Initiative. Clean Cities (1993) provides technical, informational, and financial resources to both regulated fleets and voluntary adopters of alternative fuels. This article discusses the criteria for federal fleet and alternative fuel vehicles. (AFV) According to this article, EPAct regulatory initiatives have collectively put 150,000 AFVs on U.S. roadways.-M.Garmon

“Alternative Fuels: Ethanol”, __US Dept of Energy__, 6/14/06 [|www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/altfuel/ethanol.html]

Ethanol is described as an alcohol based alternative fuel in this article. Starch crops are converted into simple sugars. Corn, barley, and wheat can be used. Ethanol can also be produced from biomass such as trees and grasses. Ethanol is blended with gasoline to increase its octane content and improve its emissions quality. Ethanol can be blended with gasoline to become E85 or E95 (flex fuel vehicle quality)-M. Garmon

DOE to Provide Nearly $60 Million for Solar Energy Research; 6/20/07; http://www.energy.gov/news/5137.htm (cassanmc) Department of Energy announces a 60 million dollar increase for solar power use across the country. Thirteen cities will receive awards to promote solar powered technologies. Additionally, 30 million will be made available for research on photovoltaic solar product research.

DOE to Provide up to $2.5 Million to Implement Solar Energy Technologies in California 6/20/07; http://www.energy.gov/news/5149.htm, (cassanmc) DOE has identified 13 cities throughout the US as Solar America Cities, identified as large cities with high electricity demand, diverse geography, population, and mature solar technology. Both Berkeley, CA and San Francisco, CA are among the 13 cities named for a grant.

Department of Energy Provides Nearly $88 Million to Low-Income Families for Home Weatherization 6/29/07 __http://www.energy.gov/news/5190.htm__ (cassanmc) Energy cost reduced for low income families through 88 million dollar grant, reducing the energy costs by $358 annually per family. Grants are awarded 3 times annually. Illinois and Pennsylvania receive the most in grant money. California ranks in the middle for grant money received.

M. Garmon-7/10/07

“Biomass Program”,__ US Department of Energy__, 6/7/07, www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass

This article defines what biomass is. (plant material) Biomass is the largest renewable energy source in the US since 2000. This article also concerns the development of biorefineries. Conversion technologies are also discussed.

M. Garmon- “Clean Cities/Biodiesel”:__ US Department of Energy,__ [|www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/blends/biodiesel.html]

Biodiesel is being combined with diesel fuel to produce fuel blends which are less harmful to the environment. Biodiesel is made by chemically reacting vegetable oils, recycled cooking grease or animal fats with alcohol. Soybean is also used, and it has a low sulfur content. Credits under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 are discussed as well.