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President Obama's annual State of the Union address included proposals for clean energy tax credits, a clean energy standard, and energy efficiency assistance for manufacturers and businesses. The president also announced two initiatives to advance the deployment of clean energy technologies.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced the 20 teams, representing 13 states and Washington, D.C. plus 3 foreign countries, that will compete U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013, which will be held in California for the first time.

DOE has announced the launch of the second year of its "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" program, which cuts fees and paperwork for start-ups licensing DOE laboratory technologies.

Voting is underway in DOE's "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" challenge. A public vote and expert review will select the top start-up companies.

The U.S. Department of Defense has released a study showing that four military bases in the California desert could generate 7,000 megawatts of solar energy.

The Clean Energy Trust has announced the 16 semifinalists for its first student clean energy challenge.

DOE grant recipient Energy Impact Illinois is trying to find the funny in energy efficiency with a series of videos starring "Big Bill" and "Little Bill."

The Obama Administration has announced the launch of new online tools designed to help consumers download household energy use data, and thereby save energy and money. Two California utilities are the first to launch the new online tools, but others are expected to follow later this year.

DOE has released two assessments of potential U.S. electricity production from waves and tidal coastal currents. The reports find the greatest potential for wave energy development along the West Coast and strong tidal resources along both U.S. ocean coasts.

DOE has announced two university research opportunities to advance its SunShot Initiative. One will back university projects to improve heat-transfer fluids for concentrating solar power systems, while the other is a postdoctoral program in solar energy.

DOE is offering up to $3 million in funding to administer its Superior Energy Performance program, which aims to improve energy efficiency in U.S. industrial facilities.

A biosolids plant in Austin, Texas, is using an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to replace old equipment with modern biogas generation equipment.

DOE's Building Technologies Program is helping to keep winter outside by partnering with Traco to develop new window technology.

The Acting Undersecretary of Energy has spotlighted a Colorado electric-drive manufacturer as part of efforts to highlight the Obama Administration's support for innovation by the U.S. car industry.

The United States topped the world in clean energy investment in 2011, according to a new analysis by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Solar technology led the way globally with a 36% surge.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has published a notice of proposed rulemaking to ensure fair leasing opportunities for solar and wind energy development on public lands.

California has adopted the first-in-the-nation rules to reduce wasted energy in battery chargers.

The record number of electric-drive vehicles displayed at the 2012 Detroit auto show underscores U.S. innovation. DOE has undertaken a variety of projects to support the manufacture of electric motors.

DOE offers a number of tools that can help consumers save money and fuel.

Wisconsin has surpassed its home energy efficiency goal established with the DOE under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.