CENF connects its members and visitors to the the government agencies, initiatives, and programs that are shaping the development of the clean economy.  This area is dynamic, highlighting the latest opportunities to use policy as a business tool and to leverage government activity to build your business, your networks, and your sector.  Visit frequently to keep up with the latest developments.

• Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. EERE is at the center of the Administration’s efforts relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy. EERE has implemented numerous programs under the Recovery Act and frequently announces grant and other opportunities of interest to clean economy businesses.
  • EERE American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Page. EERE maintains a web site detailing $16.8 billion worth of EERE programs being implemented under the Recovery Act. 
  • Federal Energy Management Program Renewable Energy Training and Webinars On-Demand. FEMP training is available to help Federal agencies understand and meet Federal energy management requirements with renewable energy technologies and best practices. They provide good basic background in cleantech as well.

• Recovery Through Retrofit. In October 2009, Vice President Biden released Recovery Through Retrofit, a report arising out of a joint effort among 11 departments and agencies and 6 White House offices. The report details recommendations for federal action to lay the groundwork for a self-sustaining home energy efficiency retrofit industry.

• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL works with researchers and businesses to develop renewable fuels and electricity to advance national energy goals. NREL also produces reports and collects resources of interest to clean economy leaders, including:
  • NREL Clean Energy Economy Gateway. NREL has created an open source portal to the clean economy on a wiki platform. Tools permit users to visualize the clean economy and its participants geographically and to perceive trends. Users are encouraged to upload and share data.
  • NREL: Regulatory Issues in Distributed Energy. NREL identifies and addresses regulatory barriers to the interconnection of distributed energy resources.

• National Research Council Energy Cost Report. In a report entitled “Hidden Costs of Energy: Unpriced Consequences of Energy Production and Use,” the National Research Council has quantified costs that are not reflected in the market prices of coal, oil and other energy sources, as well as the electricity and fuel produced from them. 

• USDA Climate Report. The United States Department of Agriculture issued an analysis by its Chief Economist demonstrating that the American Clean Energy & Security (ACES) Act bill passed by the House of Representatives would have a minimal negative impact on farmers in the short term and a positive long-range implications.

• Recovery Act Opportunities. Track the expenditure of stimulus funds by state, county, and city. Businesses may also see open bids and project details.