Clean Energy Takes Center Stage at State of the Union

Last night's State of the Union address pushed clean energy politics to the forefront of American televisions everywhere. President Obama positioned clean energy at the core of the country's progress toward economic recovery; with the power to create jobs, help alleviate the strapped budgets of middle-class families, and maintain a competitive edge in global markets. With applause spreading across the aisle as his speech wore on, the President's support of clean energy was hard to argue with; "because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation."

DOE gets serious about Energy Efficiency standards

It has been rumored that some energy efficient appliances may not perform quite as efficiently advertised. Though against the law, the issue has received little attention. Until now.  In response to the sub-standard performance of a certain freezer, the US Dept of Energy has commited to step up enforcement of energy efficiency standards for appliances. Yesterday, the Dept received energy use data on 600,000 residential appliances in order to determine compliance with standards and protect the Energy STAR brand.

One small step for freezers, one big step for consumer protection!

Bonds for Energy Efficiency in WA Schools

Dunshee wants $860m in bonds for energy-efficient schools
Posted by Jim Brunner, Seattle Times

"House Capital Budget Chairman Hans Dunshee today rolled out a proposal to issue $860 million in state bonds to pay for energy-efficiency upgrades at schools across the state.
The idea is to put people back to work while also making public schools more energy efficient through new lighting, insulation and other upgrades. Dunhsee, D-Snohomish, said that such efficiency projects have been proven to pay for themselves in the long run.
He estimates his bill would create 38,000 jobs and save $190 million in energy costs.
"That's the mom, apple pie and baseball of politics," Dunshee said at a news conference this afternoon.

click here for the full article

A Matter of Constitution

Sightline Institute's Roger Valdez picks up on some old-school laws that may hold our state back from innovative energy efficiency financing opportunities. You Say You Want a Constitution

$500,000 Awarded for Credit Enhancement!

The City of Bellingham and the Opportunity Council have been awarded $500,000 for energy efficiency credit enhancement through the Washington State Energy Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds will be combined with existing commitments of $750,000 to seed a loan program for energy efficiency projects as part of the local Community Energy Challenge.

Click here for the press release

Washington State Gov. Chris Gregoire announced award recipients on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The 5 Ws (and an H)

WHO: The Opportunity Council and Sustainable Connections

WHAT: Making Whatcom County the most energy efficiency community in America!

WHEN: January 2010-December 2012

WHERE: Bellingham and Whatcom County

WHY: Energy efficiency creates green jobs, saves consumers money, reduces green house gas emissions, and strengthens our local economy.

HOW: By providing a One Stop Energy Shop for all energy efficiency needs.

Where has all my heating gone?

This handy diagram from the EPA may have the answer. This picture shows the typical places where cold air sneaks in and warm air eeks out.  Experts estimate that the average house loses 30% of its conditioned air to the great outdoors. If the average household spends $1,810 on energy bills every year thats $543 just slipping through the cracks! Luckily, air sealing is inexpensive and extremely effective.