Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Blog

December 11, 2014

Now's your chance to ask Energy Department experts your questions about saving energy at home. This month, we're answering your questions about air sealing. | Graphic by <a href="/node/379579">Sarah Gerrity</a>, Energy Department.

#AskEnergySaver: Answering Your Air Sealing Questions

Have questions about air sealing? Now's your chance to ask the experts at the Energy Department!

October 20, 2014

This new partnership with the Association of Science and Technology Centers aims to increase energy literacy and promote STEM education. | Photo courtesy of the Department of Energy.

Expanding Science and Energy Literacy with America’s Science and Technology Centers

The Department's new partnership with the Association of Science and Technology Centers is advancing energy literacy through museums and science centers.

September 10, 2014

With support from ARPA-E, AutoGrid Systems developed software to monitor the flow of power through the electric grid and help utilities better meet real-time electricity demands. | Graphic courtesy of AutoGrids.

ARPA-E Project Takes an Innovative Approach to the Electrical Grid

Learn how one company is creating two-way communications between power suppliers and consumers to better meet real-time electricity demands.

September 9, 2014

#WomenInSTEM: Making a Cleaner Future

Our latest #WomenInSTEM profile's career is like "a real-life videogame" -- while leaving a cleaner future for her son.

September 5, 2014

Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman (sixth from left) joins in the groundbreaking of the world's largest post-combustion carbon capture facility | Photo courtesy of the Energy Department.

Petra Nova Project Breaks Ground on World’s Largest Post-Combustion Carbon Capture Project

The Houston-area Petra Nova project is designed to capture 1.4 million tons of CO2 per year -- making it the world's largest post-combustion carbon capture facility.

September 4, 2014

For veterans and active-duty military interested in a career in the energy sector, there’s a new online course that helps service members develop the skills necessary to solve our nation’s energy problems. | Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army.

Training Veterans for Careers in Clean Energy

Learn how the University of Maryland is helping active duty service members and veterans hone their skills and prepare for careers in the energy sector.

September 2, 2014

Go Back to School with Energy.gov Resources

Whether you’re a teacher, parent or student looking to learn more about energy topics, the Energy Department has you covered.

August 28, 2014

If you've completed energy efficiency improvements and you're still looking for ways to save energy at home, it might be time to explore renewable energy options. That's why this month our energy efficiency expert is answering your renewable energy questions. | Photo courtesy of Brothers Electric.

#AskEnergySaver: Renewable Energy

Answering your questions about renewable energy -- from leasing solar panels to solar water heaters.

August 28, 2014

Pictured here is a clean diesel engine for light trucks that was part of Cummins research and development effort from 1997-2004. Supported with funding by the Energy Department, this engine is as clean and quiet as a gasoline engine, while delivering up to 30 percent better fuel economy. | Photo courtesy of Cummins.

Road to Fuel Savings: Clean Diesel Trucks Gain Momentum with Nissan and Cummins Collaboration

Learn how a new clean diesel engine could improve the fuel economy of full-sized pickup trucks by 40 percent while meeting new emissions standards.

August 25, 2014

Pictured here is one of the solar arrays that is providing New Bedford with clean, renewable energy to power its municipally owned buildings. This ground-mounted solar array is built on a brownfield site. | Photo courtesy of Con Edison Solutions.

New Bedford Builds Foundation for Energy-Centric Economic Development

How a focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy is helping one Massachusetts city prosper.

August 20, 2014

Pictured here is Ford's Lightweight Concept vehicle, a prototype that is nearly 25 percent lighter than an equivalent conventional vehicle. Using a mix of advanced materials, Ford -- in partnership with Magna International -- shaved about 800 pounds off the baseline vehicle, making a midsize sedan roughly the weight of a subcompact car. | Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company.

Road to Fuel Savings: Ford, Magna Partnership Help Vehicles Shed the Pounds

Learn how Ford is one step closer to developing an affordable, lightweight passenger car.

August 14, 2014

<div class="field field-name-field-map-byline field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item odd">Pictured here is an animation showing the basic mechanics of how an internal combustion engine works. With support from the Energy Department, General Motors researchers developed a new technology -- the Intake Valve Lift Control -- that is helping save fuel and lower emissions in the 2014 Chevy Impala. As visualized in the closeup of the graphic, the Intake Valve Lift Control can operate at two different lift and duration modes -- only allowing the optimum amount of fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber for the driving conditions. | Animated graphic by Sarah Gerrity, Energy Department.</div></div></div>

Road to Fuel Savings: GM Technology Ramps Up Engine Efficiency

Learn how a new compact technology in the 2014 Chevy Impala is having a big impact on the vehicle's fuel consumption.

July 29, 2014

A researcher evaluates methane produced in a unique conservation process. Methane is both a potent greenhouse gas and valuable energy resource.| Photo courtesy of the Energy Department.

A Path to Reduce Methane Emissions from Gas Systems

Secretary Moniz outlines steps the Department is taking to help modernize the nation’s natural gas transmission and distribution systems.

July 3, 2014

During his trip to Austin, Texas, on February 6, 2014, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz toured the Pecan Street Research Institute's Pike Powers Lab, a UT-Austin-affiliated facility with specialized capabilities for developing, testing and validating a wide range of smart grid, distributed energy and consumer electronics hardware and software. Pictured left to right: Pecan Street data group director Grant Fisher; Secretary Moniz; Pecan Street Chief Operating Officer Suzanne Russo; Pecan Street Chief Technology Officer Bert Haskell; and Scott Hinson, Director of the Pike Powers Laboratory and Center for Commercialization. | Photo by Marsha Miller, University of Texas at Austin.

Smart Grid Project Saves Money and Energy in Texas

Learn how a Recovery Act-funded project is helping consumers in Austin, Texas, save energy and money with a new smart grid system.

July 2, 2014

<div class="field field-name-field-map-byline field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item odd">Data: <a href="http://www.eia.gov/state/seds/seds-data-complete.cfm?sid=US">EIA State Energy Data System</a></div></div></div>

How Much Do You Spend?

Ever wonder how much you spend on energy a year? We're breaking down the numbers for you.

June 27, 2014

An aerial view of Air Products’ steam methane reforming facility at Port Arthur, Texas. | Photo courtesy of Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

Energy Department Sponsored Project Captures One Millionth Metric Ton of CO2

An Energy Department-funded project captured its millionth metric ton of carbon dioxide in Port Arthur, Texas.

June 25, 2014

A hurricane over the Atlantic Ocean, as seen from space by a satellite. Storms like these are projected to become more frequent as the effects of climate change worsen. | Energy Department file photo.

Our Climate Action Progress: One-Year Report

Learn about key progress made in the year since President Obama announced his plan to fight carbon pollution and prepare the United States for the impacts of climate change.

June 24, 2014

Jonathan Wiley and Eric Kuntzelman rappel more than 300 feet off the ground from a 3-megawatt wind turbine at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) near Boulder, CO. The Energy Department has made significant investments in wind testing facilities like the NWTC. By supporting the testing and validation of newly developed technologies, we are working to reduce costs for manufacturers, speed deployment of next generation technologies and promote the growth of American companies. | Photo by Dennis Schroeder.

Building a Stronger Foundation for Philanthropic Energy Investments

A series of energy finance roundtables are helping the Energy Department learn more about common barriers to clean energy investment -- and formulate solutions that advance market transformation.

June 13, 2014

Ohio State University Races to the Finish as the Winner of EcoCAR 2

After three years of intense competition, the team from Ohio State University takes first place in EcoCAR 2 for its energy-efficient, consumer-ready alternative fuel vehicle design.

June 12, 2014