Looking for a better understanding of pending climate change legislation?  Like most of us, you’ve probably read bits and pieces regarding “carbon cap and trade,” “Waxman-Markey,” and “Kerry-Boxer.”

If you’re looking for an informative breakdown of the proposed legislation, including a general overview of how the proposed cap and trade regulatory scheme would operate, check out this helpful Faegre & Benson Climate Change Law Update webcast.  The webcast contains four parts, addressing federal legislative proposals, carbon offsets, federal regulation and case law, and regional and international programs.

Have you heard of “Cash for Caulkers?”  Yesterday, President Obama proposed a home energy retrofit rebate program as an effort to create more green jobs, while lowering energy consumption through increased home energy efficiency.

Want to learn more? See the White House press release and a transcript of  the president’s remarks.

Populus is a full service sustainable design consulting firm that focuses on high performance, net-zero and near-net-zero custom residential and multi-family projects.  Populus guides architects and builders through the requirements of mandatory green building codes and optional green home certification programs, providing HERS rating, LEED for Homes Green Rater services and municipal energy code consulting.  In addition, Populus offers an Energy Code Workshop for architects and municipalities, as well as LEED for Homes training.  Visit Populus at www.popboulder.com.

We are rapidly approaching the United Nation’s climate change conference in Copenhagen (or “COP-15″, the 15th annual conference of parties).  Last week, the White House announced U.S. targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and announced that President Obama will head to Copenhagen on December 9th to attend the United Nation’s climate change conference.

What are President Obama’s targets for GHG reductions?  Initially, the U.S. will pursue a 17% reduction below 2005 levels by 2020 (to put this goal in historic context, the modest Kyoto targets were 7% below 1990 levels).  This proposed target corresponds to the GHG limits contained in the climate change legislation passed by the U.S. House.  It is worth noting that the U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would set a more aggressive target of 20% below 2005 levels by 2020.  Long term, President Obama has a stated goal of an 83% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050.  These long-term goals have been incorporated into pending climate change legislation by targeting 30% below 2005 levels by 2025 and to 42% below 2005 levels by 2030 (the same year that the Department of Energy is targeting affordable zero energy homes for all Americans).

In addition to President Obama, several top White House officials and cabinet members are also expected to attend the Copenhagen conference, including Energy Secretary Steven Chu.  For the first time in history, the United States will establish a Center at the conference where top U.S. officials will deliver keynote speeches on energy efficiency and climate change.  In a sign of the times, the U.S. Department of State has established a “COP-15″ Facebook page and website to track the event.

See the White House press release, the COP-15 Web site, and COP-15 Facebook Page.

In a parallel move, the day after the White House announced U.S. GHG targets, China announced a reduction of the “carbon intensity” of its emissions by 40%-45% by 2020.  This measure of emissions, which differs from the U.S.’s emission measurements focuses on the amount of CO2 emissions per unit of GDP.  China’s measurement would mean that total GHG emissions in China would actually increase from today’s levels, but would result in far less GHG emissions than the expected increases associated with the rapid growth of the economy in China.  To achieve these binding goals, China will focus on research, development and commercialization of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and encourage low-carbon lifestyles.  In addition, China’s Premier will attend the Copenhagen conference.

Populus is a full service sustainable design consulting firm that focuses on high performance, net-zero and near-net-zero custom residential and multi-family projects.  Populus guides architects and builders through the requirements of mandatory green building codes and optional green home certification programs, providing HERS rating, LEED for Homes Green Rater services and municipal energy code consulting.  In addition, Populus offers an Energy Code Workshop for architects and municipalities, as well as LEED for Homes training.  Visit Populus at www.popboulder.com.

How does the economic stimulus plan address residential weatherization and energy retrofits?  Yesterday, Vice President Biden released the Obama Administration’s “Recovery Through Retrofit” report.  The report lays out a plan to assist U.S. residents upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes.  The plan is to create green jobs and reduce U.S. energy consumption.  See the rest of the press release which discusses the Retrofit Ramp-up, available grant funding and innovative financing options (which are very similar to Boulder County’s ClimateSmart Loan Program):

At the same time, DOE issued a solicitation that offers $454 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds—including $390 million for a “Retrofit Ramp-Up” program—to support energy efficiency efforts throughout the country.

At a Middle Class Task Force meeting earlier this year, the vice president asked the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to develop a proposal for federal action to lay the groundwork for a self-sustaining industry for home energy efficiency retrofits. Their response comes in the October 19 report and includes these federal recommendations: provide U.S. homeowners with home energy retrofit information, including an energy performance label for existing homes; get past cost barriers by making financing more accessible, including long-term municipal loans repaid through the owners’ property tax bills, a concept known as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE); and establish national workforce certifications and training standards, creating a uniform set of national standards to qualify workers for energy efficiency retrofits. See the Recovery Through Retrofit report (PDF 485 KB). Download Adobe Reader.

DOE’s new solicitation will support the retrofit objectives with a series of “Retrofit Ramp-up” awards, ranging from $5 to $75 million, for states, local governments, and Indian tribes. DOE seeks innovative programs that are highly leveraged, are broadly replicable and scalable, can achieve cost savings when scaled up, and are likely to be self-sustaining beyond the funding period. The programs should achieve high-quality retrofits for a large fraction of the buildings within entire neighborhoods and communities, and they can include PACE programs and programs that employ Home Performance with Energy Star, a national program from DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. DOE also offered $64 million in energy efficiency grants for local governments and state-recognized Indian tribes that are not eligible for direct funding under DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Applications are due on December 14. See the DOE press release, download the full solicitation (PDF 395 KB), and see the solicitation postings on grants.gov and FedConnect.

All federal buildings to be net-zero by 2030?  That’s right!  On October 5th, as part of National Energy Awareness Month, President Obama issued an Executive Order that sets sustainability goals for federal agencies that focuses on making advancements in their environmental, energy and economic performance.

The President’s Executive Order requires that all federal agencies set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for 2020 within the next 90 days.  In addition, it requires that federal agencies increase their energy efficiency, reduce the petroleum consumption of their fleets, conserve water, reduce waste, support sustainable communities, and leverage their purchasing power to support sustainable products and technology.

Currently, the federal government is the largest consumer of energy in the United States (occupying 500,000 buildings and 600,000 vehicles).  In order to lead by example, the President’s Executive Order prioritizes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, requiring that all new federal buildings be designed to achieve net-zero energy use by 2030.  The Executive Order, among other things, sets targets to reduce vehicle fleet petroleum use by 30% by 2020 and to increase federal building water efficiency by 26% by 2020.

See the White House press release and the Executive Order (PDF 87 KB).

In proclaiming October as National Energy Awareness Month, President Obama called on the people of the United States to make clean energy choices that can rebuild our economy and make it more sustainable.  The President’s Executive Order demonstrates the government’s commitment to lead by example in implementing clean energy and advancing energy efficiency.  The President’s proclamation notes that the United States faces a turning point in its energy policy and that we can either allow climate change to wreak havoc, or we can create jobs by deploying low-carbon technologies to prevent the worst effects of climate change.  See President Obama’s proclamation.

Populus is a full service sustainable design consulting firm that focuses on high performance, net-zero and near-net-zero custom residential and multi-family projects.  Populus guides architects and builders through the requirements of mandatory green building codes and optional green home certification programs, providing HERS rating, LEED for Homes Green Rater services and LEED for Homes training.  Visit Populus at www.popboulder.com.

Today, President Obama declared October National Energy Awareness Month.  See the President’s proclamation, outlining the critical importance of energy efficiency and renewable energy to America’s future:

A more prosperous future for our Nation’s economy means making investments in energy efficiency and clean energy today. Well-funded energy research and development will not only help protect our environment and support our communities, but it will also address concerns of global competitiveness and national security. Innovation in energy technology will decrease our oil use, strengthen our economy, and reduce the dangerous pollution that causes climate change.

As American scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs bring new and improved energy technologies to homes and businesses in this country and around the world, they will be showing American leadership and vision while also making clean energy the profitable kind of energy. During National Energy Awareness Month, we recognize the contributions of individuals, organizations, and companies that are committed to advancing energy innovation and efficiency, and we promote the importance of a clean energy economy to our Nation.

The Federal Government is the largest consumer of energy in the United States, and my Administration is committed to leading by example in the use of clean energy and increased energy efficiency. Not only will we lead through our performance, we will also leverage our ability to be the kind of customer that can help turn an idea into a great American enterprise. Through State and local grants, increased funding for weatherization programs, job training programs, and policies to support clean energy businesses, we are ushering in a new era of green energy that will benefit our economic recovery, our security, and our long-term prosperity.

We face a turning point in our Nation’s energy policy. We can either remain the world’s leading importer of oil, or we can become the world’s leading exporter of clean energy technology. We can allow climate change to wreak unnatural havoc, or we can create jobs deploying low-carbon technologies to prevent its worst effects.

Throughout our history, Americans have successfully confronted challenges that have tested our determination and our capacity to change. If we are to advance energy and climate security, we must focus on energy efficiency, promote sustainable industries, accelerate job training and job creation in these areas, and set effective and achievable standards for the generation and use of clean energy. As a Nation, we will lead by innovating, adapting to the global marketplace, and investing in the kind of sustainable future we want for the generations to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as National Energy Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this month by making clean energy choices that can both rebuild our economy and make it more sustainable. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

Following American Reinvestment Recovery Act spending for clean energy projects?  Here is the latest from the Department of Energy today:

This morning, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Energy Secretary Steven Chu hosted a group of clean energy developers and manufacturers at the White House to discuss how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) is creating jobs and helping expand the development of clean, renewable domestic energy. At the meeting, Secretaries Geithner and Chu announced $550 million in new awards through the Recovery Act’s 1603 program, bringing the total to more than $1 billion awarded to date to companies committed to investing in domestic renewable energy production.

“This Recovery Act program is an example of a true federal partnership with the private sector,” said Treasury Secretary Geithner. “Not only are our Recovery dollars meeting an immediate funding need among innovative companies, they are also jumpstarting private sector investment in communities across the country—with benefits for the renewable energy industry and our economy alike.”

Said Secretary Chu: “These investments are crucial to ensuring America can compete and win in the race for the clean energy jobs of the future. With American workers and American innovation, we can and must lead the world when it comes to the new Industrial Revolution in clean energy.”

Created under Section 1603 of the Recovery Act, the program provides cash assistance to energy producers in place of tax credits. The payments improve project viability, enabling companies to create and retain jobs, and establish sufficient financing bases for projects that may otherwise not be possible, dramatically expanding and accelerating the development of renewable energy projects throughout the country. Under this program, the federal government provides a cash payment in lieu of a tax credit totaling 30% of the qualifying cost of the project; for each federal dollar spent in payments, more than two dollars are spent in private sector investments.

Today the Treasury Department will make the second round of awards, all of which will be made in half the statutorily mandated turnaround time of 60 days. The first round of awards totaling $502 million was announced on September 1, 2009. Today’s announcement provides an additional $550 million. The 1603 program is having an immediate effect on the renewable energy industry by significantly increasing the availability and liquidity of project capital in three ways:

• Recycling grants into new projects. Project developers are able to begin construction of additional projects thanks to the extra capital from the grants they are receiving.
• Increasing the flow of capital. By reversing the drop in availability of equity investment available, the 1603 program brings significant private capital off the sidelines to finance more renewables projects.
• Attracting investment for domestic projects. Large project developers allocate capital across many countries, and the 1603 program is attracting billions of dollars of additional capital towards projects in the US.

Project developers receiving awards through this program participated in today’s meeting, including Ameresco, First Wind, Horizon Wind, and Sun Edison. Also participating were several renewables manufacturers who supply these developers, including Cardinal Fastener, GE Energy, Gamesa, Solyndra, and Vestas Americas.

• At a site in Pittsburgh, California, Ameresco is using a landfill to provide power to the City of Palo Alto. Payments awarded because of this project will allow Ameresco to accelerate its development of renewable energy projects by a minimum of four more domestic projects a year.
• Solyndra is helping to provide energy to a building in downtown Denver, Colorado through solar panels on the roof, a project that would not have been possible without Recovery Act payments.
• Vestas Americas has made a significant investment in developing renewable energy in the United States. The company has allocated $1 billion for new manufacturing facilities throughout the country, and the 1603 program will allow these facilities to be fully operational by 2011.

The following is a chart of the 25 projects that qualified for awards as part of today’s announcement.

STATE	PROJECT/SUBSIDIARY	LOCATION	AMOUNT
California	Bob’s Big Boy, LLC	Burbank, California	$53,648
California	Ameresco Half Moon Bay, LLC	Half Moon Bay, California	$6,641,747
California	Ameresco Keller Canyon, LLC	Pittsburgh, California	$2,796,377
California	BioFuel Oasis Cooperative, Inc	Berkely, California	$16,858
Colorado	5135 Company	Denver, Colorado	$23,130
Florida	Conditioned Air Corporation of Naples	Naples, Florida	$50,250
Hawaii	Two Daughters	Kihei, Hawaii	$15,150
Iowa	Barton Wind Farm	Kinsett, Iowa	$93,419,883
Minnesota	BI	Minneapolis, Minnesota	$25,649
Minnesota	Spruce Tree Centre	St. Paul, Minnesota	$107,764
Missouri	Farmers City Wind Farm	Tarkio, Missouri	$84,959,857
Missouri	Ameresco Jefferson City, LLC	Jefferson City, Missouri	$2,300,244
North Carolina	Solar Billboard Property	Bolivia, North Carolina	$5,850
New Jersey	Meadowlands Exposition Center	Secaucus, New Jersey	$767,937
New Jersey	EHT Leasing, LLC	Egg Harbor Township	$118,560
New Jersey	OC Kearny	Kearny, New Jersey	$992,006
Nevada	Enel Salt Wells, LLC	Fallon, Nevada	$21,196,478
Nevada	Enel Stillwater, LLC	Fallon, Nevada	$40,324,394
New York	OP 110 E. 59th St. CHP	New York, New York	$415,774
South Dakota	Impervious Energy Systems, LLC	Whitewood, South Dakota	$31,511
Texas	Barton Chapel Wind Farm	Jacksboro, Texas	$72,573,627
Texas	Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc.	Santa Rosa, Texas	$10,232,261
Texas	Bull Creek Wind, LLC	O’Donnell, Texas	$91,390,497
Texas	Pyron Wind Farm, LLC	Roscoe, Texas	$121,903,306
Vermont	Wheeler Brook Apartments	Warren, Vermont	$19,155

$550,381,913

Today the Obama administration announced the award of $502 million in the first round of ARRA Stimulus funding to provide cash assistance to energy production companies in place of earned tax credits.  Boulder Colorado’s Movement Gym received an award for their PV System.  Read the full announcement from the Department of Energy:

Marking a major milestone in the effort to spur private sector investments in clean energy and create new jobs for America’s workers, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced $502 million in the first round of awards from an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) program that provides cash assistance to energy production companies in place of earned tax credits. The new funding creates additional upfront capital, enabling companies to create jobs and begin construction that may have been stalled until now.

“The Recovery Act is investing in our long-term energy needs while creating jobs in communities around the country,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “This renewable energy program will spur the manufacture and development of clean energy in urban and rural America, allowing us to protect our environment, create good jobs and revitalize our nation’s economy.”

Said Secretary Chu: “These grants will help America’s businesses launch clean energy projects, putting Americans back to work in good construction and manufacturing jobs. The initiative will help double our renewable energy capacity over the next few years and make sure America leads the world in creating the clean energy economy of the future.”

Created under Section 1603 of the Recovery Act, the program is expected to provide more than $3 billion in financial support for clean energy projects by providing direct payments in lieu of tax credits. These payments will support an estimated 5,000 biomass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities in all regions of the country over the life of the program. As a result of this first round of funding, more than 2,000 Americans will have access to jobs in the renewable energy industry—both in construction and in manufacturing—while moving the nation closer to meeting the administration’s goal of doubling renewable energy generation in the next few years.

The Treasury Department opened the application process for the 1603 program on July 31, 2009, and is today making the first awards in half the statutorily mandated turnaround time of 60 days. The following is a chart of projects funded as part of today’s announcement. Additional awards under the program will be announced in the coming weeks.

STATE	PROJECT	LOCATION	AMOUNT
Colorado	Movement Gym PV System (Solar)	Boulder, Colorado	$157,809
Connecticut	Solaire Development, LLC	Danbury, Connecticut	$2,578,717
Maine	Evergreen Wind Power V, LLC	Danforth, Maine	$40,441,471
Minnesota	Moraine II Wind Farm	Woodstock, Minnesota	$28,019,520
New York	Canadaigua Power Partners, LLC (Wind)	Cohocton, New York	$52,352,334
New York	Canadaigua Power Partners II, LLC (Wind)	Cohocton, New York	$22,296,494
Oregon	Wheat Field Wind Farm	Arlington, Oregon	$47,717,155
Oregon	Hay Canyon Wind Farm	Moro, Oregon	$47,092,555
Oregon	Pebble Springs Wind Farm	Arlington, Oregon	$46,543,219
Pennsylvania	Highland Wind Farm	Salix, Pennsylvania	$42,204,562
Pennsylvania	Locust Ridge II, LLC (Wind)	Shenandoah, Pennsylvania	$59,162,064
Texas	Penascal Wind Farm	Sarita, Texas	$114,071,646

$502,637,546

President Obama is speaking in Grand Junction tomorrow, Saturday, August 15th.  Organizing for America will be hosting an event to welcome the President, you can view and invitation and find out details here.