Why it pays to be in energy. . .

The DOE announced today that it will be giving away $12.5 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money to support 80 graduate fellowships for a range of disciplines that will "help make significant contributions in discovery driven science. . . in energy and the environment."

The grant is available only to those currently enrolled in or attending graduate school, but it looks like they aim to make this an annual prize. For more info go to the DOE SCGF website.

Energy Updates 09/27/2009

•The latest in OIL news - new discoveries are the highest in almost a decade.

•New website launched - It's Your Smart Grid tells you what a smart grid is, and why you should care. (Bonus points for sweet site design.)

•More on COP 15 - this article suggests that the end result of COP 15 will be a "global federalism on climate policy," with industrialized nation setting and enforcing their own emissions reductions goals out of personal interest, obviating the need for an unwieldy international legal framework. Even China is playing ball.

This Week's Readings

American Clean Energy & Security Act of 2009

1) Everything you always wanted to know about the Waxman-Markey energy/climate bill (Grist) | link

2) Summary of International Provisions (EDF) |pdf

3) Cap-and-trade: How it works and why it's been the option of choice (Cleantech Blog) | link

4) The American Clean Energy and Security Act: By the Numbers (House Energy & Commerce Committee) | pdf

Copenhagen Climate Change Conference

1) UN Climate Conference: The countdown to Copenhagen (The Independent) | link

2) The essential pillars of a new climate compact (The Boston Globe)
| link

Rides to Solar Decathalon

There are a number of groups and organizations on campus gathering groups of students interested in visiting the Solar Decathlon competition in Washington, D.C. this fall.

If you are interested in attending this event but don't have transportation, talk to any TEF board member and we'll try to find you a ride.

Upcoming Event: Green Tour of the Medford/Somerville Campus

Join Office of Sustainability Director Sarah Hammond Creighton for a Green Tour of campus! Discover where the solar panels are on campus, what a steam trap is and the mystery behind the dish room window; amongst other interesting tidbits about the sustainability efforts at Tufts.

The tour will go from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM on Tuesday, September 29th, rain or shine. Meet at the Office of Sustainability (back of Miller Hall, across the parking lot from the entrance to Hillel).

Bring comfortable walking shoes and dress for being outside.

If you are interested, please RSVP to Tina.Woolston@tufts.edu.




NOTICE: THIS EVENT IS ORGANIZED BY THE TUFTS OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY, AND IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH TUFTS ENERGY FORUM. TIMES AND LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Week 1: GIM

TEF has officially started for the semester, with the general interest meeting last Wednesday the 23rd.

For those of you who were there, we're glad you could make it (and help us finish off 12 boxes of pizza). For those of you who couldn't make it, here are some highlights:

• TEF has a lot of activities planned for the term, from debates and guest lectures to field trips and movie screenings. As always, all are welcome.

• The TEF board is at your service--if you have requests for speakers or events, want to do research, or just have suggestions, just come talk to any of us.

• By an overwhelming majority, the discussion topic for next week was voted to be: "national and international energy legislation in the upcoming 6 months."

• Between the conference committee and our numerous events, there are lots of ways to get involved at TEF. Come to weekly meetings to find out more.

Hope to see you all next week!

Student Activites Fair

Thanks again to all 93 of you who signed up for our elist at the Student Activities Fair today! We hope to see you at our first meeting this Wednesday, September 16 in Eaton 206.