April 9, 2008
California Utility Inks Deal for Nearly 1,500 Solar Homes
An agreement between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and homebuilder Woodside Homes will lead to 1,487 new energy-efficient solar homes near Rancho Cordova, about 10 miles east of Sacramento, California. Another homebuilder is also launching new green homes in San Jose. More
April 9, 2008
DOE Announces New Energy Star Criteria for Water Heaters
Next year, consumers will be able to buy water heaters carrying the Energy Star label. DOE has established new Energy Star criteria for solar water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and three types of gas-fired water heaters. More
April 2, 2008
Boulder, Colorado, to be Nation's First "Smart Grid City"
The first city-wide implementation of "smart grid" technologies will occur in Boulder, Colorado, by next year. The Xcel Energy project should achieve greater reliability and lower energy costs, while allowing for improved integration of solar power, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and efficient appliances. More
April 2, 2008
Washington Nationals Start the Baseball Season in a New Green Park
The nation's capitol is now home to the nation's first green ballpark, as the new stadium for the Washington Nationals has earned LEED Silver certification. The Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Indians, and San Francisco Giants started the trend last year by installing solar panels at their ballparks. More
April 2, 2008
California Agency Reduces Zero-Emission Vehicle Requirements
The California Air Resources Board is scaling back its requirements for battery-powered electric vehicles by allowing credits for the sale of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and vehicles with hydrogen-fueled engines. The revision will affect automaker requirements starting with model year 2009. More
March 26, 2008
With Oil Soaring, Heating Fuel Prices Also Hit Record Highs
Spring is in the air, but your final winter heating bills are also in the mail, and you might not be too happy with the bottom line. With oil prices hovering near $100 per barrel, the prices for heating oil and propane are also at record highs. Hurry spring! More
March 26, 2008
Vermont Approves a Wide-Ranging Clean Energy Bill
A newly approved Vermont energy bill establishes a new $4 million fuel efficiency fund, upgrades building energy standards, and increases spending on home weatherization. But the most innovative part of the bill allows many electric meters to be consolidated under one net-metering agreement. More
March 26, 2008
New Guidelines Launched for Green Home Remodeling
If you're thinking of celebrating spring by launching a new home remodeling project, consider celebrating the planet as well by making it a "green" remodeling. New guidelines from the American Society of Interior Designers Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council will help you along the way. More
March 19, 2008
Tesla Motors Starts Production of its Electric-Only Roadster
California-based Tesla Motors has overcome some transmission problems and started production of its all-electric roadster. The two-seater sports car features lightweight construction, impressive performance, a range of about 220 miles, and a $98,000 base price. More
March 12, 2008
EIA: Record Oil Prices to Cause a Gasoline Price Spike
Crude oil prices closed at nearly $108 per barrel on March 10, setting an all-time high, even when adjusted for inflation. The high oil prices are pushing up the prices at the pump. DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects average regular gasoline prices to peak at $3.50 per gallon. More