FutureGen Alliance

(St. Louis Business Journal, June 25, 2009) Two companies have pulled out of the FutureGen Alliance, which plans to build a $2.4 billion coal-fueled experimental power plant in Mattoon, Ill.  Columbus-based American Electric Power Co. Inc. and Atlanta-based Southern Co., two of the nation’s largest emitters of carbon dioxide, told the Reuters news service that they were pulling out of the alliance. St. Louis-based Peabody Energy, however, said it is still involved with the project. “Peabody remains a strong advocate of FutureGen as a much-needed, high-profile project to commercialize near-zero emissions technologies,” said Vic Svec, Peabody’s senior vice president of investor relations and communications, in a statement. “Peabody is proud to be a founding member of the Alliance and will continue to collaborate with partners and the federal government to advance this project to the finish line.” Read more

Smart Grid Investment Grant Program

The Department of Energy (DOE) announces its intent to issue a competitive Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to solicit applications for grants for the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program (SGIG). The program will apply a competitive, merit-based approach for providing funds to organizations for qualifying smart grid investment projects to advance smart grid functions. In addition to providing funds for smart grid projects, DOE will allocate a portion of the funds for projects that deploy Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) technology within the transmission system infrastructure. DOE desires to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and other benefits of deployed smart grid technology. Read more

Recovery Act Announcement: DOE Issues Grant Solicitation for Development of a Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility

(EERE News, June 23, 2009) Today the U.S. Department of Energy issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “Recovery Act: Large Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility.” Secretary Chu announced that DOE will provide $45 million for the development of a dynamometer and facility to ensure the performance, durability, and reliability of utility-scale wind turbine drivetrain systems in a press release that was issued on April 29. The FOA, DE-FOA-0000112, was posted on June 23, 2009. Read more

Obama Administration Awards More than $204 Million for State Energy Programs in 10 States

Funding Will Speed Adoption of Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies

(DOE Press Release, June 24, 2009) Washington, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $204 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in ten states. Under DOE’s State Energy Program, states have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is part of the Obama Administration’s national strategy to support job growth, while making a historic down payment on clean energy and conservation. Read more

Recovery Act Announcement: Obama Administration Announces More Than $32 Million for Energy Projects in Michigan

(EERE News, June 22, 2009) U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $32 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Michigan. Under DOE’s State Energy Program (SEP), states have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is part of the Obama Administration’s national strategy to support job growth, while making a historic down payment on clean energy. “This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help 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.” Read more

Secretary Napolitano Announces $15 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Orlando International Airport

(HLS Press Release, June 22, 2009) U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced approximately $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of two new inline baggage handling systems at Orlando International Airport (MCO)—a project designed to accelerate the passenger check-in process and enhance screening capabilities and airport safety. “This new technology will strengthen security and streamline the baggage screening process at one of the country’s busiest tourist destinations,” said Secretary Napolitano. “These baggage handling systems will better equip Orlando International to detect explosives and other threats while infusing Recovery Act funds into the local Orlando economy.” Read more

Recovery Act Announcement: Obama Administration Announces More Than $16 Million for Energy Projects in Iowa

(EERE News, June 22, 2009) U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $16 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Iowa. Under DOE’s State Energy Program (SEP), states have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is part of the Obama Administration’s national strategy to support job growth, while making a historic down payment on clean energy. “This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help 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.” Read more

Secretary Napolitano Announces $26 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Screening Technology at Philadelphia International Airport

(Homeland Security, June 15, 2009) U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Napolitano today announced approximately $26 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of two new inline baggage handling systems at Philadelphia International Airport—a project designed to infuse the local economy with Recovery Act dollars while increasing security and easing check-in procedures. “These state-of-the-art baggage screening systems will enhance airport security, streamline check-in procedures for passengers and increase safety for TSA employees,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This project injects Recovery Act money into the Philadelphia economy while advancing our Department-wide focus on utilizing the latest science and technology.” Read more

Ohio Department of Transportation’s Stimulus Investments spurring Construction-Related Jobs

(Ohio Recovery, June 15, 2009) Columbus, Ohio – With the awarding of more than $36.9 million in construction contracts today, the Ohio Department of Transportation is spurring the creation and retention of hundreds of construction-related jobs by investing federal stimulus funds into 29 roadway and bridges projects across the state.Combined with the contracts awarded so far using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, ODOT has awarded more than $83.9 million in contracts for work on 52 projects – a combination of interstate, local roadway and bridge modernization projects. As contracts are awarded, construction companies begin to mobilize workers for these jobs. Jobs are also being created and retained by firms that provide materials and equipment used in highway construction, and those jobs supported by consumer expenditures resulting from wages to ‘construction oriented’ and ‘supporting industries’ employment. Read more

Secretary Napolitano Announces $6 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Jackson Hole Airport

(HLS Press Release, June 18, 2009) U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced approximately $6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of a new inline baggage handling system at Jackson Hole Airport. “DHS Recovery Act projects are utilizing the latest science and technology to secure our country while creating jobs in local communities,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This new inline baggage handling system will enhance efficiency, employee safety, and passenger security at the Jackson Hole Airport.” Read more

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