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."