By Carl Hurst, Director, State Government, Energy Solutions Johnson Controls, Inc.
How might a state government entity – faced with deep budget cuts and a tax threshold that has already been reached– still meet its sustainability goals and raise capital to fund smart government program improvements at the same time? One potential solution: a “green sale-leaseback.” » More: Will this breakthrough help state governments fund energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives?
BizTimes.com
If the federal government implements strong energy policies that encourage alternative energy and use of cutting edge high-capacity batteries, the Midwest’s manufacturing hub stands to gain significantly, according to a report by the nonprofit Climate Group and the University of Michigan.
Several of the Midwestern manufacturers that could benefit from such federal programs are located in the Milwaukee area. They include Johnson Controls-Saft, a joint venture between Milwaukee’s Johnson Controls Inc. and the French battery producer Saft, which makes lithium-ion batteries for hybrid cars.
Read the complete story on BizTimes.com. Submit comments below.
By Craig Hannah, PE and LEED® Green Associate, Johnson Controls
It’s tough to be in local government today. Those in public utilities have the responsibility of providing clean, safe drinking water—and possibly reliable natural gas and electrical service, too—at very affordable rates. The citizens demand that their utility bills be accurate and on time, and there had better be a friendly, knowledgeable, and compassionate person to talk to at the billing office! » More: Less waste and better services without raising taxes or fees
Green Car Congress
In a talk at the opening plenary of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) conference in Washington, DC, former New York Governor George Pataki called for a 40% market penetration of electric drive vehicles in the US by the end of the decade.
Mary Ann Wright, VP and Managing Director, Johnson Controls Business Accelerator for Advanced Energy Storage Solutions, said that the significant investments in the electric drive and battery industry made last year through ARRA were a great first step, but that those investments needed to be leveraged with ongoing supportive policies, particularly in demand creation.
Read the complete story on the Green Car Congress website. Submit comments below.
Inside Charm City
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced a grant putting American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds in the federal checkbook to get people across Maryland ready for green industries jobs.
The organizations that will partner to implement “Smart, Green and Growing” include Johnson Controls
Read the complete blog on Inside Charm City. Submit comments below.
The Oak Ridger
The Anderson County, Tennessee Operations Committee recently recommended a $2.189 million project that could reduce energy consumption in county buildings over the longterm.
The project, proposed by Johnson Controls, has been a year in the making, according to officials.
Read the complete story in The Oak Ridger. Submit comments below.
U.S. Department of Energy
Thanks in part to a $300 million grant through the Recovery Act, Johnson Controls is re-opening a plant that is now being retrofitted to produce batteries that will power tomorrow’s electric cars.
Click here to watch the video on YouTube. Submit comments below.
From WisPolitics.com
Governor Jim Doyle today was joined by business leaders, labor, legislators and environmental organizations as he launched the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a landmark legislative package to accelerate the state’s green economy and create jobs. New industry-recognized research shows the package will directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025.
Read the complete news release on WisPolitics.com. Submit comments below.
Climate Progress
This month, 113 Wisconsin scientists joined together to urge Wisconsin’s senators to enact strong federal policies to combat climate change. A letter signed by the scientists was delivered December 8 to Senators Kohl and Feingold.
Read the letter in Climate Progress. Submit comments below.
From The Daily Reporter
The stimulus money for green-energy projects also is just starting to hit the streets, said Mark Wagner, vice president of government relations for Johnson Controls Inc., Milwaukee. The company received a $299 million stimulus grant to build a new battery manufacturing plant in Holland, Mich., he said.
Read the complete story on The Daily Reporter. Submit comments below.
