NHRA Race Gets an Electric Twist with NEDRA

LAUREL, MARYLAND, January 30, 2012 – The National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA), a non-profit corporation and Specialized Chapter of the Electric Auto Association (EAA), is proud to announce we have become an NHRA Alternative Sanctioning Organization (ASO). NEDRA has joined the ranks of other prestigious NHRA ASOs including the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) and the American Drag Racing League (ADRL). Of note is that only three of the six NHRA ASOs are automobile drag racing associations, the other five are for motorcycles. To become an ASO, NEDRA’s Class and Safety Rules were reviewed and approved by the NHRA. According to Josh Peterson, the NHRA Racing Administration Vice President, the NHRA ASO program is designed to enable independent sanctioning organizations to conduct drag racing programs not offered by the NHRA at NHRA Member Tracks. See the NHRA’s website for inclusion of NEDRA as an ASO:
http://www.nhraracer.com/content/general.asp?articleid=46995&zoneid=175

Ford Uses Kenaf Plant Inside Doors in the All-New Escape, Saving Weight and Energy

Ford uses Kenaf Plant

Drivers of the all-new Ford Escape may be surprised to find out there is a plant inside the door.
Ford Motor Company announced it has started using oil from a tropical plant called Kenaf, to replace some of the petroleum-based oil that used to appear in door bolsters.
Specifically, Ford will be incorporating Kenaf into the door bolsters of the all-new Escape, saving weight and energy. Kenaf Plant Makes the All-New Escape Greener: Kenaf plant makes the all-new Escape greener and a trip to the pump cheaper. (01/26/2012)
A little more on Kenaf… Kenaf is a tropical plant that looks similar to bamboo and is related to cotton. It is also used in eco-friendly cosmetics and the fiber is an alternative to wood for paper and cardboard.

PACE Energy Finance Program: Benefits for Homeowners

Suburban home with solar panels and workers installing energy-efficient upgrades using PACE financing, with neighbors talking nearby.

PACE Energy Finance Program Gets a New Chance Starting today, the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program has a chance for revival. Moreover, over the next 60 days, a bipartisan coalition of business leaders, environmentalists, property owners, and policymakers can speak up. They can tell federal regulators why PACE makes both economic and environmental sense. […]