OIT Times: 'Memoranda of Understanding' Formalize State, DOE Energy Efficiency Partnerships

September 21, 2001

The State Industries of the Future (IOF) strategy helps deliver industrial energy efficiency technologies and best practices to businesses and organizations at the state level. It helps OIT reach a great many more customers who can not participate at the national level.

To help formalize the partnership, OIT and several of its partner states have signed "Memoranda of Understanding." These provide a framework for identifying and pursuing technology, research, development, demonstration, and outreach efforts that satisfy the common goals of DOE and participating states.

The parties encourage collaborative relationships among industry, academia, and national labs to evaluate, develop, and demonstrate technologies that address the needs of a participating state industries including energy and process efficiency, operational cost-effectiveness, and environmental stewardship. The parties also provide informative outreach to potential partners about the opportunities and benefits of the IOF program.

The memorandum does not create legal rights or obligations by either party or obligate, commit or transfer funds. Either party may unilaterally withdraw from the agreement without penalty or legal remedy. Seven states have signed MOU with DOE:

Idaho
Iowa
Maine
New Hampshire
Pennsylvania
Utah
Washington

Additional MOU signings with Massachusetts, Wisconsin and West Virginia are anticipated by yearend.