America.gov-Environment: Local Initiatives

Governors Set Sights on Clean Energy

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:45:45 GMT

Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota governor and National Governors Association chair, champions a four-pronged approach to energy that emphasizes conservation, alternative energy sources, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and commercialization of green technologies. Energy and its environmental impact are “among the most important issues facing our country and our world,” he tells America.gov.

Hollywood Helping Rebuild New Orleans with "Green" Architecture

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:22:02 GMT

When the levees broke after Hurricane Katrina, no New Orleans neighborhood suffered more than the Lower Ninth Ward, where floodwaters rose to nearly 30 feet and left houses shifted off their foundations, boats in living rooms and refrigerators on rooftops. An innovative program spearheaded by actor Brad Pitt is helping to rebuild the neighborhood with flood-resistant, energy-efficient houses.

“Cow Power” Program Converts Animal Waste into Electricity

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:22:23 GMT

“You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” an old saying has it. But a Vermont utility is accomplishing an equally remarkable transformation, turning cow manure into electric power -- and in the process both helping to reduce pollution and giving an economic boost to hard-pressed dairy farmers.

Massachusetts Town Reaps Rewards from the Wind

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:32:00 GMT

Wind power is nothing new for Hull, Massachusetts, which operates two state-of-the-art wind turbines that have become a model for local community engagement in the use of clean, renewable energy. America.gov finds out more about the history of this town’s innovative energy program and what the future may hold for it.

Minnesota Steps Up Development of Renewable Energy Technologies

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:21:31 GMT

The Midwestern state of Minnesota is stepping up efforts to develop and promote renewable energies, including wind and biofuels. America.gov looks at programs to expand the state’s renewable energy sector and how that expansion could help rural communities by creating jobs where local economies historically have depended on agriculture.

Florida Firm Focuses on Clean Energy To Replace Fossil Fuels

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:32:48 GMT

Growing global interest in the environment is leading to increased use of clean, renewable energy sources in place of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which generate greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States, a leading provider of wind and solar power is FPL Energy, a Florida-based company operating in 25 states across the nation.

California Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Goals

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:32:24 GMT

Participants in the “Advancing the New Energy Economy” California energy summit resolved to introduce more jobs in the renewable energy industry and implement training and information programs at state, city and community levels. California is at the vanguard of U.S. states promoting greater reliance on renewable energy sources.

Green Joins Glitz at Super Bowl, Indianapolis Auto Race

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:33:31 GMT

Two of the most popular and prestigious U.S. sporting events -- the Super Bowl of American football and the Indianapolis 500 car race -- are taking steps to make themselves more environmentally friendly and, in the process, educate their fans about environmental stewardship.