Source: Alliance to Save Energy Newsletter

Last week the House of Representatives passed their version of the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act; in it are billions of dollars in funding for energy efficiency. In a matter of days – and with the President's February 13 deadline approaching – the Senate will review its own version. In light of such momentous events, we offer you an Alliance side-by-side document comparing the energy efficiency funding in the House and Senate bills.

Source: Great Lakes IT Report
By: Matt Roush

Gov. Jennifer Granholm's call for a sharp increase in renewable energy production in Michigan is a real economic development opportunity, according to those in the industry.

"I think the renewable energy industry has been trying to grow and develop on its own, and with the support now of the governor, and as we are able to offer incentives, the public will come along," said Jennifer Alvarado, executive director of the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. "This is the strategy that the industry needs. I think the state will attract new businesses, especially those in large wind projects and those selling solar panels."

There should also be growth in renewable energy installation and maintenance companies.

The State of the State Address called on goals for 1,000 schools to reduce energy use and supplement electricity use with options like solar and wind electricity.

February 2, 2009

President Obama’s plan to launch more than 2,600 wastewater, drinking water and sewer system projects as part of his administration’s American Reinvestment and Recovery Plan is an important step in addressing the country’s serious water issues, according to a Jan. 28 press release from the Water Design-Build Council.

“President Obama and Congressional leaders recognize the urgent need to invest in modernizing America’s water system,” said Peter W. Tunnicliffe, president of the Water Design-Build Council. “Our water systems are deteriorating rapidly. Water main breaks, sewage spills, aging water pipes, and outdated treatment facilities have created serious public health and safety issues in communities across America.”

January 30, 2009

President Obama's leadership may spur the country back on track. But it will take time. And until that point, many businesses have put investment on hold and some utilities specifically are scaling back their capital expenditures.

The uncertainty has bred uncertainty. But the new administration hopes to encourage development in infrastructure and clean technologies through a mix of tax cuts and federal subsidies. The idea is that the green revolution will take hold and return the nation to the era of prosperity. Utilities will play a key role.

Jan.29, 2009 

The House of Representatives passed an $819 BILLION stimulus package that’s on its way to the Senate.  The vote went basically straight down party lines (with 12 democrats voting against with republicans).  There is wide speculation that the cost of the package will increase during Senate negotiations.

ZC examined some of the questionable items in “Stimulus Package = Crap, But Dems Approve!,” but I thought it’d be worthwhile to break down the major components of the plan so we can have a better discussion about the stimulus package.

Currently, the plan contains about $275 billion in tax cuts, and about $525 billion in direct spending and other provisions.  Here’s a generic breakdown of the package: