U.S. electric utility Entergy and U.S.-based electric vehicle (EV) recharge technology specialist Coulomb announced July 6 a project to install 16 free EV-charge stations at college campuses in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

German engineering conglomerate Siemens AG announced July 4 what it termed the “successful” conclusion of research and development (R&D) work on “revolutionary” electric-desalination technology that slashes energy requirements by 50%.

The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) July 5 released a research report titled, Understanding Household Preferences for Alternative-Fuel Vehicle Technologies, that explores consumer preferences among four different alternative-fuel vehicles (AFV) – hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) vehicles and electric vehicles (EV).

U.S.-based Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association (MECA) on July 6 announced that sales of diesel-oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and diesel-particulate filters (DPFs) for emissions retrofits totaled 20,099 in 2010.

NYMEX light sweet crude for August delivery finished at US$98.67 per barrel (/bbl), up $2.02 on July 7, as traders and investors grappled with various economy-related components.

U.S. crude stockpiles fell by 889,000 barrels – well below analyst forecasts – and refined product stocks declined, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) report for the week ended July 1.

Three U.S. senators have agreed to repeal the US$6-billion per-year, corn-based ethanol tax break by the end of the month – but extend tax credits for cellulosic ethanol and other alternative fuels, according to a July 7 report by The Hill congressional newspaper.

Legislative branch watchdogs remain dubious of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set a revised schedule for issuing updated air-toxics standards for boilers and certain solid-waste incinerators.