Volunteers will train host-country citizens to install, operate, and maintain energy-efficient technologies, including alternative fuels, biodigesters, solar water heaters, photovoltaic devices, solar and fuel-efficient stoves, and wind or mini hydroelectric power generation. These efforts will make clean energy more accessible to rural communities, reduce carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for individuals to generate income.
This is the most recent initiative for ECPA, which has expanded since President Obama invited all Western Hemisphere countries to join during the Fifth Summit of the Americas in April 2009.
In the spring, DOE announced a series of EPCA partnerships to address clean energy and energy security in the Western Hemisphere, including launching an Energy Innovation Center for Latin America and the Caribbean, developing biomass resources in Columbia, and cooperating with Argentina on clean energy technologies. The Peace Corps' initial ECPA-related efforts will be implemented in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Suriname. See the Peace Corps press release, the ECPA Web site, and the April 21 edition of EERE Network News.
EPA, DOT Propose New Fuel Economy Labels
On August 30, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and U.S. EPA announced they are jointly proposing changes to the fuel economy labels displayed on new vehicles.
The goal of the overhaul is to provide purchasers with straightforward energy and environmental comparisons across all types of vehicles, including electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and conventional gasoline vehicles. The agencies are seeking public comment on proposed label design options and aim to complete the rule in time for the 2012 model year.
For EVs and PHEVs, EPA and DOT want to show energy use by translating electricity consumption into miles per gallon equivalent. The labels for EVs also include energy use expressed in terms of kilowatt-hours per 100 miles.
There are two new label designs for comment. One gives vehicles a letter grade from A-D to represent its overall fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions performance. It also displays expected fuel cost savings over five years compared to a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
The second option retains the current label's focus on miles per gallon and annual fuel costs, but updates the overall design and adds new comparison information on fuel economy and emissions. Both updates expand on the content of the current label by including new information on fuel consumption, tailpipe C02 emissions, and smog-related emissions.
The agencies will open a 60-day comment period following publication of the proposal in the Federal Register. See the
EPA press release, the
EPA Fuel Economy Label Web site, where you can leave a comment, and the
National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration's Fuel Economy Web site.
