WASHINGTON (Reuters Thu Feb 12, 2009) - After weeks of debate, Democratic leaders in House of Representatives and the Senate have reached an agreement on an economic stimulus package that would pump billions of dollars into “smart grid” projects and renewable energy.

The $789 billion package, which now must be approved by both chambers, contains $11 billion for modernizing the U.S. electricity grid and developing so-called smart grids.

He also said the government must invest in new technologies to drive down renewable energy costs over the long term.

“The country that figures out how to make cheaper energy that’s also clean, that country is going to win the economic competition of the future,” he said.

The stimulus provides $6.3 billion for energy efficiency and conservation grants.

In addition, $5 billion is slated to go toward helping to weatherize homes and $4.5 billion to make federal buildings more energy efficient.

Other energy provision in the stimulus include:

– $3.4 billion for research and development of fossil energy;

– $2.5 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy research;

– $1 billion energy efficiency programs including energy-efficient appliances and trucks and buses that run on alternative fuel.

WASHINGTON (Reuters Fri Feb 6, 2009) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it would reconsider California’s request to be given the authority to cut greenhouse gas emissions emitted by vehicles.

“EPA has now set in motion an impartial review of the California waiver decision,” Jackson said. “It is imperative that we get this decision right, and base it on the best available science and a thorough understanding of the law.”

The agency said the Clean Air Act gives the EPA the authority to allow California to adopt its own emission standards for motor vehicles due to the seriousness of the state’s air pollution challenges.

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