In June 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established new, more stringent energy conservation standards for residential furnaces, central air conditioners and heat pumps.  One component required non-weatherized gas furnaces manufactured in or imported into the United States to achieve annual fuel utilization efficiency levels of at least 90 percent in the northern region, which includes Missouri, beginning May 1, 2013.  That component of the standards has since been challenged, and will not be enforced.  To read the full statement issued by DOE on April 5, 2013, visit http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/04/f0/Enforcement_Policy_Furnace_Stds_04052013.pdf.

Are you ready for a holiday that will save you some green as you go green? You better act quickly as there are only a couple more days to take advantage of the Show-Me Green Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday in Missouri, which ends April 25.  The state sales tax is exempt on qualifying Energy Star certified new appliances, up to $1,500 per appliance.  For more information, visit http://dor.mo.gov/business/sales/taxholiday/green/.

Are you ready for a holiday that will save you some green as you go green?  April 19 through April 25, 2013 marks the Show-Me Green Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday in Missouri.  During this seven-day period, state sales tax is exempt on qualifying Energy Star certified new appliances, up to $1,500 per appliance.  For more information, visit http://dor.mo.gov/business/sales/taxholiday/green/.

Kansas City-area residents, check out www.beyondthebulb.org.  It’s the region’s “hub” for information about energy savings, conservation and efficiency investments.  It contains information for residents, businesses and contractors.

How much are your gas and electricity bills?  By combining HVAC upkeep or upgrades with programmable-thermostat settings, air sealing and attic floor insulation, you will save money and increase comfort.  Learn more at www.beyondthebulb.org.

We tend to take for granted the availability of fresh, clean water, but according to a survey conducted by the EPA’s WasterSense Program, at least 36 states in our country are anticipating local, regional or statewide shortages in 2013.  We need this resource not only for drinking, but for cooking, cleaning and other vital uses.  It’s important to know how much water we use and where we use it, and to adopt behaviors that use less.    To learn more, visit www.beyondthebulb.org.

The Missouri University of Science and Technology announces the Wayne and Gayle Laufer Energy Symposium, “Transformational Energy Systems for a Secure Energy Future,” April 3-5 at the Hilton St. Louis Airport in St. Louis, Missouri.  The symposium brings together key business and technical leaders in both legacy energy and renewable energy technologies to discuss transformational energy systems of the future.  Attendees will have the opportunity to network with experts in the field of energy, collaborate with business and research leaders, and develop a fresh perspective of hybridize energy systems.  For more information or to register, visit http://lauferenergy.mst.edu/.

Join the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy at the Missouri Rural Water Association’s 47^thAnnual Technical Conference, March 12-14, 2013, at the Branson Convention Center in Branson, Missouri.  Representatives from MDNR-DE will present projects conducted at water and wastewater treatment facilities, made possible through our energy efficiency loan program.  In addition, the division will have a booth in the exhibition area.  For more information on the conference and a full agenda, visit http://moruralwater.org/

The Toyota Prius C topped the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) 15th annual “Greenest” car ratings in a list released on Jan. 16. The compact, which debuted in the U.S. market last year, had a “Green Score” of 58 in the ACEEE measure of comprehensive eco-performance, which reflects the vehicle’s rating of 53 miles per gallon in the city and 46 MPG highway. Overall, the list was dominated by hybrid-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles.

Rounding out the top five were the Honda FIT, Prius 1.8 liter, Prius plug-in hybrid, and the Honda Civic hybrid. The Ford Focus, with a lithium-ion battery, ranked 10th. The Scion IQ and the Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo coupe were the only non-hybrid, non-plug-in vehicles on the list.

For more information, visit the ACEEE press release and the “Greenest” car list.

Did you know the Missouri State Museum, located inside the Missouri State Capitol, is working toward energy efficiency amongst its collection of exhibits portraying the state’s natural and cultural history?  In fact, the museum has retrofitted most of its lighted display cases with LED bulbs.

“LEDs are better for the artifacts and the light quality is superior to incandescent bulbs,” said Linda Endersby, director of the Missouri State Museum and Jefferson Landing State Historic Site in Jefferson City.

For more information about the Missouri State Museum and all it has to offer, visit http://mostateparks.com/park/missouri-state-museum.

The popular Residential Energy Efficient tax credit for personal federal tax was extended to Dec. 31, 2013, and made retroactive to Jan. 1, 2012, by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. A maximum tax credit of $500 may be claimed on the purchase costs of qualified energy efficient products, including building envelope improvements and heating, cooling, and water-heating equipment. The tax credit applies to purchase cost only, does not include labor, and has variable amounts for different equipment. The qualified equipment, documented by manufacturer’s certification, must be placed in service between Jan. 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2013. Additionally if you have claimed this tax credit anytime since 2006, you must deduct that claim amount from the $500.  For more information on qualified products and eligibility, please visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Energy Efficiency (DSIRE) Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit page or check out IRS Form 5695.