The US energy secretary Steven Chu has revealed that more than $38m in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is being awarded to four states to support energy efficiency and conservation activities.
Under the DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) programme, these states–Alaska, Kansas, Utah and West Virginia–will implement programmes that lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution, and create green jobs locally.
Mr Chu said: “This funding will allow states across the country to make major investments in energy solutions that will strengthen America’s economy and create jobs at the local level.
“It will also promote some of the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies we have – energy efficiency and conservation – which can be deployed immediately. Local communities can now make strategic investments to help meet the nation’s long term clean energy and climate goals.”
The awards to the state energy offices will be used to support state-level energy efficiency priorities, along with funding local conservation projects in smaller cities and counties. At least 60% of each state’s award will be passed through to local cities and counties not eligible for direct EECBG awards from the DOE.
The EECBG programme was funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and provides formula grants to states, cities, counties, territories and federally-recognized Indian tribes nationwide to implement energy efficiency projects locally.
Projects eligible for support include the development of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy, energy efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programmes, the creation of financial incentive programmes for energy efficiency improvements, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and installation of renewable energy technologies on municipal buildings.
Throughout the programme’s implementation, the DOE will provide oversight at the local, state, and tribal level, while emphasizing the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies. Communities will be required to report regularly to the DOE on the progress they have made toward completing projects and reaching programme goals.