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The Department of Energy (DOE) this week announced that it will provide up to $4.5 million in funding in support of the X PRIZE Foundation's work to inspire a new generation of energy efficient vehicles. The funding will provide technical assistance and expand national education and outreach efforts for the competition.

"This funding will support cutting-edge, American innovation that can help us fundamentally transform personal transportation and address the global climate crisis," said DOE Secretary Steven Chu.

DOE will provide technical expertise to ensure that each of the competition designs is reviewed correctly and consistently. Funding will also support expanded outreach and education efforts that will focus on promoting public awareness of the science and engineering behind energy efficient vehicle designs. This year's award will build on previous work between DOE and the X PRIZE Foundation and establish a multi-tiered educational approach to clean energy vehicle technologies, including an online, interactive knowledge center targeted at students.

For additional information, please visit:
http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8240.htm

Robert Rains handles public policy-related energy issues for ASME. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..