June 2009

The Department of Energy ("DOE") has released $12.93 million to fund geologic sequestration training and research. $7.93 million is available for awards to all universities, colleges, and college-affiliated research institutes and $5 million is available for awards to historically black colleges and universities or other minority institutes listed on the Office of Civil Rights’s accredited post secondary minorities institution…

 On June 25, 2009, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (“FOA”) to deploy over $4.15 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“Recovery Act”) to be used to fund smart grid projects. These funds are being deployed through two FOAs. The first FOA provides $3.4 billion to support the Smart…

Today, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) issued a Request for Offers seeking eligible renewable resources that the utility will use to meet its California Renewable Portfolio Standard requirements.  Respondents may submit one or more of three alternative proposals:

  • Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).  Respondents are asked to propose a 10, 15, or 20-year PPA

…

On June 23, 2009, the Minerals Management Service, a division within the U.S. Department of Interior, issued five limited leases to offshore wind energy developers for wind data collection on the Outer Continental Shelf.  These leases will allow for the construction of meteorological towers to collect site-specific data on wind speed, intensity, and direction.  The data collected under…

On Friday, June 25, 2009, the Department of Energy ("DOE") announced more than $304 million in Recovery Act funding to three states for their weatherization assistance programs. The DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program will enable families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level – about $44,000 a year for a family of four – to save…

Yesterday, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced more than $154 million in Recovery Act funding to four states for their State Energy Programs (“SEPs”). The funds were awarded to California, Missouri, New Hampshire, and North Carolina.
Continue Reading DOE Announces $154 million in Funding for State Energy Programs

U.S. Dept of Labor announced five grant competitions this week, totaling US $500 million, to fund projects out of Recovery funds that prepare workers for green jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. Four of the competitions are designed to serve workers in need of training through various national, state and community outlets. These …

Jere Webb, a partner in our Trademarks and Intellecutal Property Group, recently wrote the following interesting piece about green marketing claims:

It is evident that virtually every business now is trying to position itself as being “green”. For a discussion of restrictions on “green advertising”, particularly the FTC’s green ad guidelines (the “Green Guides”), and…

On June 24, 2009, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced more than $204 million in ARRA funding to ten states for their State Energy Programs (“SEPs”).

Here is a summary of how the monies will be used in Minnesota, South Carolina and South Dakota:

Minnesota has been awarded $21.7 million in federal stimulus funds for…

On June 24, 2009, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced more than $204 million in Recovery Act funding to ten states for their State Energy Programs ("SEPs"). 

Here is a summary of how the monies will be used in Florida, Idaho, and Kansas:

Florida’s SEP will fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fuels projects in the state.  …