EREC
Education Materials Ready For the Classroom: The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC), in conjunction with the Department of Energy's "Energy Awareness Month", is pleased to announce "Hands On" Energy Education Kits for elementary, middle, and high School teachers! To receive a free kit, you may contact EREC by calling toll free 1-800-DOE-EREC (363-3732), or by writing EREC, P.O. Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Contact: Sharron Brown, 1-800-DOE-EREC

U.S. Department of Energy/Kansas City Support Office
Publication Available: U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Resources to Support Market Development: Resource Guide is a document produced for the International Alternative Fuels and Clean Cities Conference, Milwaukee, held in June. The Resource Guide was developed to focus on the difficulty of identifying resources that are available to finance the cost differential of alternative fuels/vehicles, support the fueling infrastructure and locate factual information about alternative fuels and vehicles. Each fuel provider, agency and association produces similar information that is repetitive in nature. The primary purpose of this initial Resource Guide is to demonstrate that resources are available in a user oriented way. The guide is divided into six sections for easy reference: 1) Clean Cities Information; 2) Glossary of Alternative Fuels Terms; 3) State-by-State Alternative Fuels Resources; 4) Summary of State Alternative Fuels Resources; 5) Funding Resources/Financial Incentives and General Resources; and 6) Alternative Fuels Information Sources. Copies of the Resource Guide may be obtained from the National Alternative Fuels Hotline from Jim Hamilton, P. O. Box 12316, Arlington, VA 22209 or call 1-800-423-1DOE or (816) 423-1363. Fax requests (703) 528-1953.

Contact: Benjamin Watson, (816) 426-4770

U.S. Department of Energy/NREL
Solar Sprint for Middle Schoolers: U.S. DOE and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are pleased to announce the fifth annual Junior Solar Sprint competitions! This national program was developed in 1990 to generate enthusiasm for science and engineering at the middle school level; to improve seventh and eight grade students' knowledge of science and engineering concepts and renewable energy issues; and to encourage young people to consider technical careers. For more than 40 years, DOE and its predecessor agencies have sponsored programs to improve students' knowledge of science, mathematics and technology. The Junior Solar Sprint is just one of more than 800 programs aimed at preparing students to participate effectively in our growing technology-driven economy. Throughout the spring, organizations such as DOE facilities and its contractor laboratories, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), public utilities, state energy offices, and middle schools themselves host competitions encouraging students in their communities to rise to the challenge set forth by the Sprint. Last year, more than 60,000 students participated in 47 regional competitions in 25 states. In 1995, we expect to host Junior Solar Sprint competitions in 35 different states with more than 75,000 students participating! We are committed to students getting excited about science. The Junior Solar Sprint has demonstrated tremendous potential for helping for fulfill this goal. That's one half of the story. The other half is you. The Sprint works because of the involvement of science enthusiasts, teacher, parents and the students themselves. By hosting or supporting the Junior Solar Sprint competitions, you can help us increase the number of students who can benefit from this program. Internet address: kratzg@tcplink.nrel.gov.

Contact: Gloria Kratz, 1-800-NEW-ENGY

Arizona
Solar/Education Program Selected: The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office has been selected for inclusion in the Environmental Success Index for its Solar Information and Education Program. The index is a database for communities to use to learn about successful environmental programs. The Solar Information and Education Program developed a Solar Energy Education Packet for Teachers grades 4-6 for use during the week of Sun Day/Earth Day, April 18-22, 1994. The program, in association with the non-profit group Citizens for Solar, stages an annual solar potluck and solar exhibit/fair in Tucson. Other activities promote solar energy usage through publications and an award-winning video series. Four documentaries produced in-house explore passive solar energy and photovoltaic uses.

Contact: Jim Arwood, (602) 280-1410

Alternative Fuels Conversions Underway: The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office provided $2.9 million of SECP and other funds to school districts in Maricopa County to convert fleet vehicles to alternative fuels. The districts must convert 18 percent of their entire fleets to natural gas, propane, electric, solar, hydrogen or alcohol that is at least 85 percent by volume by Dec. 31, 1994. The legislation creating the funding program and conversion mandates was in response to meeting National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Contact: Amanda Ormond, (602) 280-1410

Colorado
Green Team Formed: When President Clinton announced his intent to make the White House a national showcase of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, many Coloradans were chosen to lead the charge. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado played a key role in an intergovernmental agency team to conduct energy audits and implement the project. NREL staff also applied their specialized expertise in renewable energy. The American Institute of Architects assembled a volunteer team of national experts called the "Green Team." Colorado's expertise was represented on eight of the 13 working groups: Greg Franta of ENSAR Group led the "Building Envelope/Glazings" committee; Nancy Clanton of Clanton Engineering headed the "Lighting" group; Amory Lovins worked on the "Heating" team; Andrew Jones of the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) assisted on the "Water" committee; Christine Anstead of ENSAR Group was co-leader of the "Materials/Finishes/Fixtures/Furniture" group; Robert Lopenske of the National Park Service Center was involved on the "Grounds/Landscape" team; Robert Simmons of the EPA assisted on the "Cultural Change/Human Factors" committee; and Dianna Lopez of RMI worked on the "Organization" team. Also, Bill Browning of RMI chaired the "Green Team." As a result of this massive design effort, more than 50 energy efficiency, renewable, and environmental upgrades and improvements were completed by Earth Day 1994, with many more expected in the future.

Contact: Linda Smith, (303) 620-4292

Illinois
Conference Scheduled: The Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources is sponsoring a major conference on energy-efficient residential construction. The conference will be held at the Lisle Hilton in Lisle, Illinois on February 27th and 28th. The Conference will be cosponsored by ENR and the Energy Resources Center of the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Contact: Jan Halford, (217) 785-3412

Iowa
Code Meets Federal Requirements: The State of Iowa has adopted the codified version of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1-1989 as the nonresidential state building energy code and the 1992 Model Energy Heating Code as the residential state building energy code. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources cooperated with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Iowa Building Code Commissioner and the Iowa State Advisory Council to accomplish this. Iowa is in compliance with the commercial and residential building code requirements of the federal 1992 Energy Policy Act.

Contact: Craig Stark, (515) 281-4739

Kentucky
Grant Awarded for CNG Refueling Infrastructure: The Office of Alternative Fuels at the U.S. Department of Energy awarded a grant of $105,000 to the Kentucky Division of Energy and the Louisville-based IMW Atlas Corporation to facilitate the construction of three compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling stations in Kentucky. The goal of the project is to speed up the establishment of a refueling infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles across the state. The funds will help private firms pay for the natural gas compressor and metering equipment at refueling stations that are accessible to the general public.

Contact: Geoffrey Young, (502) 564-7192

Massachusetts
Governor's Energy Award Honors Innovators: Four innovative, energy-related projects have been awarded the 1994 Governor's Energy Award. The Division of Energy Resources created the award to recognize significant energy-related, Massachusetts-based achievements in efficiency, economic development, environment, technology and education. The award program is intended to increase public awareness of new and useful energy-related initiatives so that successes may be replicated by others. The 1994 Governor's Energy Award recognized outstanding projects in four categories. The award for Industry and Business was presented to the 100 Federal Street Energy Efficiency Project in Boston. A utility/private sector partnership transformed this 1.36 million square foot commercial building into a model of state-of-the-art energy efficient engineering. The efficiency measures save more than 7.5 million kwh annually -- enough electricity to power the lights and appliances in more than 1200 homes each year. The award for Renewable Energy was presented to the Richard F. Wheeler Wind Generation Site in Princeton, MA, the longest continuously operating municipal utility wind generation site in the U.S. The project was created from town residents' search for an environmentally sound power source. The 1994 Transportation award was won by the Cambridgeside Galleria Shuttle Bus System, which links a busy urban mall to public transportation at no cost to the riders. Sponsored by Lotus Corporation and New England Development, with active participation by the City of Cambridge, the shuttle reduces urban traffic congestion and air pollution. The Energy Education award was presented to "How Many Light Bulbs Does it Take to Change a People?", a comprehensive, interdisciplinary student activity package for middle school teachers. The interactive curriculum impresses upon students the value and techniques of energy and environmental conservation. Since 1990, more than 290 schools have used the curriculum, which was developed through a collaborative effort of New England Electric System Companies, Conservation Law Foundation and the Writing Company.

Contact: Susan Gedutis, (617) 727-4732

Michigan
Pilot Project Held Using Foundation Insulated Forms: The Michigan Public Service Commission, in cooperation with the Greater Lansing Home Builders Association, sponsored a pilot project using foundation insulated forms in the summer of 1994. The purpose of the pilot was to demonstrate that using insulated forms for concrete foundations is both a viable option in meeting the new energy code and an acceptable building method in the marketplace. Three local builders participated in the pilot, demonstrating both the Lite-forms and the 3-10 Polysteel System. Each builder received $1,000 for incorporating the insulated forms in the construction of a new residential home.

Home Energy Ratings Pilot Project Underway: In 1993 the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), Competitive Utility & Energy Resources Division, in cooperation with members of the American Society of Home Inspectors, provided free home energy ratings. This pilot examined the reactions to the service, and the subsequent home energy improvements planned by the home buyers. In the summer of 1994, the MPSC offered the same service, but the objective was to determine what level of incentive is needed by the home inspector to collect the required data. The results of the 1994 pilot indicated that the $50/home paid in the 1993 pilot was reasonable and sufficient to attract the interest of the home inspectors and that some home inspectors would be willing to collect data for less than $50/home. Although the number of completed home energy ratings (139) was only 60 percent of the 230 home energy ratings possible, we were able to determine that $40-$50 is a reasonable fee to pay the home inspector to collect the required data. A survey was also completed in November, 1994 to determine if the participants from the 1993 program followed through with their plans to install energy-efficient equipment as reported in a 1993 survey. The 87 percent (13 of the 15 surveyed home buyers planning to make improvements) installation rate suggests that the energy savings projection was in fact reasonable. The remaining 13 percent (2 of the 15) still plan to make the improvements when they can afford it. The results of the project suggest that there is strong potential for energy efficiency improvements in existing housing and that a home energy rating can influence new home buyers to make energy improvements to their homes.

Contact: Rose Hughes, (517) 334-7235

Minnesota
Clean Fuels Project Underway: The Department of Public Service has organized a task force to establish a statewide network to encourage and support the expanded use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). The mission of the task force is to pull together a coalition of private and government sector groups to meet and discuss Minnesota's goal to be the first entire state to be designated a member of the United States Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program. To achieve Clean City designation under the DOE program, participants are asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This is a non-binding agreement to make an effort to promote the use of AFVs. Minnesota's communities, businesses, organizations and others who join the program will then be part of a national network, able to share information on pioneering innovations in alternative transportation fuels.

Contact: Lou Clark, (612) 296-7606

Mississippi
Energy Research Center Received Grant: The Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, Energy Division has awarded a $500,000 grant to the Mississippi Energy Research Center (MERC) to generate, implement, and coordinate energy-related developments and demonstration programs in Mississippi. This award provides new seed monies to identify problems encountered by Mississippi industry and provide research and energy saving solutions. The MERC will disseminate the results of all research to energy utilities, appropriate industries, and energy professionals. The MERC, located at Mississippi State University, was established under the Mississippi Board of Institutions of Higher Learning.

Contact: Jesse Graham, (601) 359-6600

All States Conference Meets Goals: The Mississippi Energy Division was honored to have served as host on behalf of the USDOE for the 1994 SECP Conference, October 17-20, 1994, at the Broadwater Tower, Biloxi, MS. Comments from the more than 260 registered attendees indicate that the conference was successful in meeting its agenda goals and objectives under its theme, "Building Bridges for an Energy Efficient Future." Attendess feel that the conference sessions were very informative, presenters were well-prepared and well-informed, and agenda topics were practical and had a good mix. The 1994 SECP Conference National Planning Committee is commended for a job well-done. On behalf of the State of Mississippi, the Energy Division invites you to contact our office and/or visit our state as nationally we work together toward building an energy-efficient future.

Contact: Dot Lambert, (601) 359-6600

North Carolina
Energy Efficiency through Television: To follow up on a number of television newscasts appearances last winter on energy efficiency, the N.C. Energy Division decided earlier this year to expand its energy awareness program through television programming. In October, the Division began a television series on various energy-related issues affecting state residents. The first one-hour show gave viewers an understanding of the energy regulatory process in North Carolina. The November show had a "how-to" format that provided a wide variety of measures that homeowners and businesses can take to save energy and reduce their energy bills. The how-to show was timed to encourage energy conservation measures before the serious cold weather set in. Other TV shows slated for the future include discussions on daylighting, renewables, energy efficiency on the farm and another how-to show for the summer season. The shows are done through the North Carolina Agency for Public Telecommunications, a state agency.

Contact: Juan Santos, (919) 733-1922

Oregon
U.S. Bank Receives Energy Excellence Award: The Oregon Department of Energy awarded U.S. Bank of Oregon an Energy Excellence Award in recognition of the bank's leadership in promoting energy conservation to low-income households. Since 1980, U.S. Bank has helped more than 2,800 Oregon households finance weatherization measures with low-interest loans offered through the State Home Oil Weatherization (SHOW) program. The measures improve the energy efficiency of homes, which helps cut monthly utility bills and makes homes more comfortable. In many cases, the money saved on energy bills is greater than monthly SHOW loan payments, so many measures pay for themselves. And, the savings continue over the life of the measures, far longer than the loan terms. In addition to low-interest loans, SHOW offers each Oregon household that heats with oil, wood, propane, butane, or kerosene one free home energy audit, the first step in saving energy and cutting costs. During the audit, trained energy specialists inspect a home with the homeowner or renter, and make recommendations on efficiency measures. The audit also estimates the cost of weatherization measures and their potential savings. The 6.5 percent annual percentage rate loans finance the efficiency measures recommended in the audits including new, energy-saving windows or high-efficiency, replacement oil furnaces. Other SHOW services include a free furnace efficiency test and cash rebates of up to $400 for money-saving insulation or a new high-efficiency oil burner. Potential borrowers can call toll-free from their homes during the day, evenings, or on Saturdays to arrange financing for the measures recommended in the energy audit.

Contact: Suzanne Dillard, (503) 373-7565 or Sally Sederstrom, (503) 378-8356

South Carolina
Grants Available for Schools & Hospitals: The South Carolina Energy Office has announced the availability of up to one million dollars in grants for South Carolina schools and hospitals for energy conservation improvements. These grant are administered by the State Energy Office and funded through the Institutional Conservation Program, to be used for energy conservation measures such as energy management systems, insulation, and conversion to energy-efficient lighting. Grant recipients are required to provide a 50 percent match of funds.

Contact: Renee Sharpe, (803) 737-8030

Texas
Capitol Rideshare Underway: The Texas Capitol Rideshare Program is underway in Austin. The program provides state employees with various alternatives to single occupancy vehicle travel to and from the Capitol Complex area. It is the largest program of its kind ever implemented by the State of Texas. The General Services Commission, under contract with the State Energy Conservation Office, administers the program, which is designed to save energy, reduce traffic congestion, and help prevent Austin from becoming a non-attainment zone for air quality.

Recycled Paper Buydown Underway: Texas has initiated a "recycled paper buydown" program to encourage the use of recycled paper products in schools and local governments across the state. The program allows political subdivisions in Texas to purchase recycled paper products and receive a rebate of the price difference between the recycled product and a comparable virgin paper product. The program is administered by the General Services Commission under contract with the State Energy Conservation office.

Contact: Kevin Kennedy, (512) 463-7792

Wisconsin
Communities Get Grants for Alternative Fueled Vehicles: Seventeen Wisconsin municipalities recently were awarded grants totaling $181,021 to help purchase alternative fueled vehicles. Nearly 100 vehicles around the state will participate in the fifth grant cycle of Wisconsin's Local Government Alternative Fuels Grant Program. A total of 99 vehicles--32 compressed natural gas (CNG) and 67 propane--will take part in the program. Awards for CNG vehicles totaled $66,534. The City of Kenosha will be purchasing four optimized original equipment manufactured (OEM) dedicated CNG heavy duty trucks--three refuse collectors and one street sweeper. Since the start of the program in 1991, a total of $660,215 has been awarded for 345 alternative fueled vehicles. Funding for the program is made available from the Oil Overcharge Fund administered by the Wisconsin Energy Bureau in the Department of Administration. The state recently awarded its first alternative fueled vehicle bid for 100 vehicles. The bid will help the state meet the governor's "2,000 by 2000" initiative to have 2,000 state-owned alternative fueled vehicles on the road by the year 2000. Municipalities can piggyback off the state's bid with a state-offered cooperative municipal purchase agreement, saving themselves money and administrative time. Grant recipients were selected on the basis of overall ability to succeed, diversity of fuels, and economics. Participants are required to participate in user convenience surveys, life-cycle costing and emissions testing at the new University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Alternative Fuels Laboratory. The lab is one of the few in the nation able to conduct the stringent emissions test specified by the U.S.EPA.

Contact: Jeff Knight, (608) 267-7693

Renewable-Fueled Vehicles Enter State Fleet: In response to upcoming federal mandates, the State of Wisconsin recently purchased 44 flexible-fuel Ford Tauruses optimized to run on a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline (E85). Flexible fuel means the vehicles can run on any combination of the two fuels up to 85 percent ethanol. With this purchase, Wisconsin now has 59 E85 vehicles in its state fleet. Fifteen E85 Chevrolet Luminas are being tested side by side with 12 gasohol (10 percent ethanol blend) and 12 conventionally-fueled Luminas as part of the state's fleet demonstration program. The vehicles are used for normal fleet duties, and evaluated for economics, user convenience and environmental benefits. The Tauruses were part of the state's first alternative fuels bid. The Alternative Fuels Task Force recently received authorization to test biodiesel in the next phase of the demonstration program. Biodiesel is a biodegradable, renewable, domestically produced, clean-burning fuel. It is typically derived from the oils and fats of plants such as soybeans. Biodiesel is usually blended at 20 percent, with 80 percent diesel fuel.

Contact: Mary Wertschnig, (608) 267-2715

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