U.S. Department of Energy/National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Free Resources Available: The 1996 NREL Information Resources Catalogue is intended to inform anyone interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies of NREL's outreach activities, including publications and services. The services section of the catalogue presents many ways in which NREL makes information available to the public including a visitors' center, electronic networks, and information hotlines. Documents listed were published by NREL in fiscal year 1996 and include general interest publications, technical reports, conference papers, journal articles, and patents.

The catalogue is free in limited quantities and can be obtained through the document distribution service at (303) 275-4363 (phone), (303) 275-4053 (fax), or evanss@tcplink.nrel.gov (email).

Contact: Anne Jones, (303) 275-3678.

Safe Storage and Use of Combustion Ash are Topics of New Reports
Two new publications from NREL describe the environmental safety and the productive recovery and use of combustion ash. The first report describes research on the environmental consequences of storing a pile of waste-to-energy ash outdoors. The report, Municipal Solid Waste Combustor Bottom Ash Stockpile Runoff and Dust Emissions Evaluation, concludes that the lengthy outdoor storage of ash from municipal solid waste combustion will not harm air or water. The research was part of a multi-agency study on using ash as a substitute for rock aggregate in asphalt paving. Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and several state agencies in New York and New Jersey.

The second new publication is a technology brief that reviews techniques for processing ash into useful products and the effects of public attitudes and regulations on ash use. The brief, Recovering and Using Products Containing Ash from Waste Combustion, includes the results of field tests and demonstrations on the use of ash in concrete structures and asphalt roadways. Other tests conclude that there are no adverse environmental or health effects from ash use.

The technology brief is available from NREL by contacting Sally Evans, NREL Document Distribution Service, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO 80401, or by calling (303) 275-4363.

The report on the environmental impacts of ash storage is available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by asking for the publication by its name and number: NREL/SR-430-22847. The telephone numbers for the NTIS are listed below.

Sales desk: (703) 4874650

Rush service (available for an additional fee): 1-800-553-NTIS

FAX: (703) 321-8547

e-mail: orders@ntis.fedworld.gov

Send mail orders to NTIS, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161.

Contact: Patrick Summers, (303) 275-4050

Colorado
Transportation Partnerships Grants Awarded
The Denver Regional Council of Governments, Glenwood Springs, Greely, Gunnison County, Lakewood, and the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments have been awarded $265,000 in Transportation Partnerships grants to meet transportation demand and help keep communities livable in the face of growth and change. The Governor's Office of Energy Conservation (OEC) created the Transportation Partnerships grant program to help Colorado communities develop innovative approaches to growth-related concerns of transportation, land use, and the environment.

Since Transportation Partnerships began in October 1995, it has received requests for more than $1.6 million and has granted nearly $1 million to fund 32 projects around the state. OEC is offering up to $225,000, depending on the volume and quality of applications received, for the next funding cycle. Applications must be received no later than July 31, 1997 at OEC, 1675 Broadway, Suite 1300, Denver, CO 80202.

Contact: Melissa A. Petrone, (303) 620-4292

Hawaii
Department Receives Award for Model Energy Code
The state of Hawaii was given a Special Recognition Award by the U.S. Department of Energy for its leadership and contribution to the State Energy Program and its exceptional work in fostering energy efficiency and reducing energy demand. Cited specifically was the development of the state's Model Energy Code (MEC), an efficiency standard for buildings that saves energy. The award was presented at the Bi-Regional SEP Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, in April 1997.

The Energy, Resources, and Technology Division (ERTD) of the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) drafted legislation which required the counties to update their energy codes to conform to the MEC by October 24, 1994. ERTD spent approximately five years working with local building design professionals, industry representatives, and county officials to develop the Hawaii-specific MEC which is based on ASHRAE Standard 90.1. ERTD also established a building code task force with representatives from the Hawaii construction industry, engineering organizations, the American Institute of Architects, and government building departments. The division provided technical review of the MEC and conducted workshops, presentations, and meetings to gather public input. The legislature passed the measure as Act 168 bringing the state into compliance with the federal Energy Policy Act of 1992.

Since then, the city and county of Honolulu and the counties of Hawaii and Kauai have adopted the MEC. It is anticipated that the county of Maui will adopt the MEC this year. DBEDT also shares MEC materials, information, and experiences with Pacific and Caribbean island entities. The territories of American Samoa and Guam are currently developing their own versions of the MEC.

The MEC sets minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of new buildings and additions so that they can be constructed, operated, and maintained with minimal use of energy resulting in lower monthly utility costs. MEC requirements were designed to enhance the comfort and productivity of the occupants but not to constrain building functions. It also provides criteria for energy-efficient design and methods for determining compliance with the criteria.

Contact: Howard Wiig, (808) 587-3811

Iowa
Iowa Takes Leadership Position in Biodiesel Usage
The state of Iowa again demonstrated its leadership in the use of renewable transportation fuels by implementing a project where 5% biodiesel blends are used in all Iowa Department of Transportation facilities utilizing an underground storage tank. The program, which began in November 1996, will run an estimated eight months and provide the 5% biodiesel fuel to 275 light- and heavy-duty vehicles assigned to 19 facilities in Iowa. This program is being undertaken to assist the industry in building a market for biodiesel fuel and to provide the state fleet with experience in handling and using the fuel.

Contact: Ward Lenz, (515) 281-7018

Energy Efficiency Improvements and Student Performance
Anecdotal evidence suggests that energy efficiency improvements create better working and learning environments, increase productivity, and improve the well-being of building occupants. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with a grant from Pacific National Labs, is sponsoring a study that will attempt to confirm this hypothesis. Lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation improvements and improvements that positively affect air quality not only save energy, but they also improve occupant comfort and can have additional health and psychological benefits. This study will explore whether these additional benefits of energy efficiency have a positive effect on student and teacher performance in public schools. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Energy Bank Program for Public Schools has been identifying and implementing energy-efficiency improvements in Iowa's public schools since 1988, and the study will utilize the Energy Bank database which includes information on the types of improvements installed and building energy consumption for several years before and after improvement installation. In addition, information on teacher and student sick days as well as test scores from the Iowa Test of Basic Skills will be used to explore the potential relationship between energy efficiency and improved student performance.

Contact: Tom Van Maanen, (515) 281-5438

Mississippi
Junior Achievement Promotes Energy Careers
Through a grant awarded to the Junior Achievement of Mississippi, Inc., the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development (MDECD), Energy Division, promoted energy as a profession and a career choice. In classroom settings, eight consultant volunteers from the energy, natural resources, and environmental professions illustrated the numerous career choices available in the energy field today. Through this program, Junior Achievement provided practical educational experiences to high school students in the Jackson-Metropolitan Area schools, exposing them to real-life business scenarios.

Since 1963, Junior Achievement of Mississippi, Inc., has been creating partnerships between business leaders and educators. Junior Achievement's mission is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, understand business and economics, and become workforce ready. Junior Achievement staff acknowledged that this grant agreement has been an important investment in the future of young Mississippians.

Contact: Gayle Sims, (601) 359-6600

Oregon
National Grant Bolsters Renewable Energy and Salmon Recovery Efforts
The Oregon Office of Energy (OOE) is one of ten organizations to receive a grant from Sandia National Laboratories to develop and promote unique solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) systems. During this twelve-month project, OOE will be developing a model PV water-pumping system to demonstrate remote offstream cattle watering. OOE will work with a private ranching or agricultural partner to install the PV pumping system.

A design template will be made or used to accelerate the use of the system at other ranches in Oregon. Operation and maintenance needs will be detailed and standard protocols developed. A case study will be developed to promote the other applications. The private rancher will pay for the system and OOE will assist the rancher in offsetting his/her cost with a 35% Business Energy Tax Credit. Sandia will provide technical assistance, funding for design, and some funding for equipment. The work will be focused in the Columbia Basin of eastern Oregon where solar resources are greatest.

This effort is designed to provide resources for the Governor's Salmon Recovery Plan. The Oregon Salmon Recovery Plan is a landmark private/public partnership to improve salmon stocks while avoiding the litigious aspects of an endangered species listing. Removing cattle from riparian zones is one of the habitat recovery strategies in the plan. The technology and its application will be transferrable to other areas of Oregon and the country.

Contact: Mark W. Kendall, (503) 3737809 or mark.w.kendall@state.or.us

South Carolina
Utility Energy Conservation Programs Are Lagging
According to the South Carolina Energy Office's "Status of Demand Side Activities in South Carolina for 1995," the level of utility sponsored conservation activities for state electricity consumers is decreasing. The report has good news and bad news. Good news: in 1995, utility load management programs reduced the peak demand for electricity by 700 megawatts, equivalent to the production of two coal-fired power plants. Bad news: the growth in peak demand for electricity is growing faster than programs designed to reduce peak demand, meaning there may soon be a need for additional power plants.

Good news: energy conservation programs in 1995 reduced electricity consumption, and the need to burn power plant fuel by 400,000 kilowatt hours, or 0.65% of total consumption, saving consumers $27 million. Bad news: utilities are decreasing energy conservation programs. While South Carolinians are projected to benefit from a 0.94% reduction in their consumption bills as a result of utility demand side programs, that figure is less than half the current national average of 1.91 % savings from energy conservation programs. This is especially unfortunate for South Carolinians who rank eighth highest in the nation in the sizes of their average monthly household electric bills.

With electricity deregulation on the horizon, the report suggests the future of utility sponsored energy conservation programs is in question. The report provides data for almost all electric utilities operating in South Carolina, including Carolina Power & Light, Duke Power, Santee Cooper, South Carolina Electric and Gas, electric cooperatives and municipal owned utilities. For a copy of the report, contact the South Carolina Energy Office.

Contact: Reneé Daggerhart,(803) 737-8030

1997–1998 State Energy Action Plan
Each year, the South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO) is required to review the programs implemented in the previous fiscal year, decide what it has learned from those activities, and determine a course of action for the future. All these tasks are accomplished in the State Energy Action Plan. The Action Plan is required by the 1992 South Carolina Energy Conservation and Efficiency Act. It establishes not only what programs will be developed in the fiscal year but also which course SCEO will follow in the next five years. This comprehensive document establishes the tone for energy efficiency programs in all major sectors of the economy and outlines informational activities geared toward the general public.

The 1997–1998 Action Plan continues to emphasize assistance to state agencies and school districts, making them models of energy efficiency. The Action Plan also provides for SCEO activities in the commercial, residential, transportation, and utility sectors. SCEO is developing a new financing mechanism to support new programs and upgrades and hopes to have a revolving loan fund in place in the near future. To obtain a copy of the 1997-1998 State Energy Action Plan, contact the South Carolina Energy Office.

Contact: Reneé Daggerhart, (803) 737-8030

New Chemistry Lowers Power Requirements for Wood Pulping
The U.S. paper industry is under continual pressure to reduce the amount of virgin wood needed to produce pulp fiber for conversion to various grades of paper while minimizing the environmental impact of this production. The paper industry has gradually addressed these concerns through the increased use of recycled fibers, alternate bleaching chemicals, and closure of mill water systems. These advances have not completely addressed the issues of maximizing yield of pulp produced per ton of wood chips, nor production of the highest quality of pulp possible.

ChemStone, Inc., through a federal grant obtained by the South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO), is conducting mill trials of a process which, when added to the cooking chemicals used to pulp the wood chips, results in a more complete breakdown of the fiber. This process results in higher yields and cleaner pulp. This pulp is produced with a lower energy requirement, a higher chemical recovery rate, significantly fewer tons of waste going to landfill sites, and reduced bleaching requirements.

The process results in a cost benefit return of 5:1, which far exceeds any current or previous technology for wood chip chemical penetration. The increase in yield, reduced energy requirements, and reduced sulfur gases could result in a reduction of wood use by six million tons per year, a reduction in energy of more than one trillion BTUs per year.

Contact: Reneé Daggerhart, (803) 737-8030

Texas

Texas Launches Campaign Promoting Renewable Energy
The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), a division of the Texas General Services Commission (GSC), has contracted with Planergy, Inc., to design, produce, and deliver a statewide campaign focusing on the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy. Planergy, one of the largest independent energy services companies in the industry, is developing the "Texas Renewable Energy Education Campaign" in cooperation with a diverse group of organizations including Virtus Energy Research Associates, Inc. (VERA), HIXO (a nationally known advertising firm in Austin), GTT Communications, the Texas Solar Energy Society, and the Environmental Defense Fund.

The campaign was launched in February with a series of legislative briefings at the state capitol. Participants noted the potential economic and environmental contributions the renewable energy industry can make in Texas, which has a tradition of being a world leader in energy. Campaign promoters hope to create consumer awareness of the commercial availability, economic development potential, and environmental benefits of large and small renewable energy applications and educate decision makers regarding the economic development benefits of a strong renewable energy industry in Texas.

Contact: Jane Pulaski, (512) 463-1796

Texas Energy Education Development Project: Texas Wins the Energy Sweepstakes
The National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project has named Tiffany Bonner, State Director of the Texas Energy Education Development (TEED) Project, "1996-1997 Student Leader of the Year." She shares this prestigious honor with Matt Steel of Ohio.

As energy chair, Bonner and her energy committee have consistently won Outstanding Energy/Environment School Awards for their student council. Miss Bonner has also been a leader in the Summer Energy & Leadership Conference each year. She will be recognized at the NEED Project's 17th Annual Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement in Washington, DC, June 27-30, 1997.

Not to be outdone, Denver City High School, located in the Texas Panhandle, was named Top Energy School in the Nation by the NEED Project. TEED member schools participate in energy projects and activities in their schools, communities, and throughout the state all year. Energy/Environment Reports documenting the schools' energy programs are submitted to TEED for statewide competition, with the first place winning project going to NEED for the national competition. They, along with Jackson Middle School of Rosenberg, TX, chosen "Rookie of the Year," and Ault Elementary School of Cypress, TX, second place winner for elementary schools, will also be honored at the Youth Awards celebration in Washington, DC.

"Making an Energy Literate Texas" is the goal of the TEED Project, an Energy Education Outreach Program funded by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). A unique, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a "Kids Teaching Kids" philosophy in energy education, TEED works closely with its national organization, the NEED Project, and the Texas Association of Student Councils. TEED/NEED's 324 members, which include high schools, junior/middle schools, and elementary schools in Texas, are part of a 5,000-school NEED Project network in 36 states.

Contact: Glenda Baldwin of SECO , 512-463-1731, or Wanda McMurray, 1-888-TEED-TEX (833-3839)

CONSERVATION UPDATE is a free monthly publication prepared by the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, Division of Energy, with funding from the United States Department of Energy, to facilitate the transfer of current State Energy Program (SEP) and technical information among the states and territories. Please submit short articles that describe successful programs, solicit ideas, share reports, studies or evaluations, or announce new publications, personnel changes, office address changes, conferences, seminars and workshops. Submittals are due by the seventh of each month. Please send submittals, address corrections, or name changes to: CONSERVATION UPDATE, Division of Energy, 663 Teton Trail, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone (502) 564-7192, facsimile (502) 564-7484, email: landry@nrepc.nr.state.ky.us. Past issues are available upon request. For more information, contact Karen W. Landry, Editor, or John M. Stapleton, Director.

Visit the Division's Web site at www.nr.state.ky.us/nrepc/dnr/energy/dnrdoe.html

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