Energy News
DOE gives $153m for green energy
Obama Administration Awards More than $153 Million for State Energy Programs in Seven States and Territories Funding Will Speed Adoption of Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies in Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New York, and the Virgin Islands
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $153 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New York, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under DOE’s State Energy Program, states and territories have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is part of the Obama Administration’s national strategy to support job growth, while making a historic down payment on clean energy and conservation.
“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help to put Americans back to work and move us toward energy independence,” said Secretary Chu. “It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly.”
The following states and territories are receiving 40 percent of their total State Energy Program (SEP) funding authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act today: Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New York, and the Virgin Islands.
With today’s announcement, these states and territories will now have received 50 percent of their total Recovery Act SEP funding. The initial 10 percent of total funding was previously available to states to support planning activities; the remaining 50 percent of funds will be released once states meet reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act.
Under the Recovery Act, DOE expanded the types of activities eligible for State Energy Program funding, which include energy audits, building retrofits, education and training efforts, transportation programs to increase the use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles, and new financing mechanisms to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy investments.
The Recovery Act appropriated $3.1 billion to the State Energy Program to help achieve national energy independence goals and promote local economic recovery. States use these grants at the state and local level to create green jobs, address state energy priorities, and adopt emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Transparency and accountability are important priorities for SEP and all Recovery Act projects. Throughout the program’s implementation, DOE will provide strong oversight at the local, state, and national level, while emphasizing with states the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies.
Find the numbers for each state here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7607.htm
( read more )
Climate bill an energy revolution?
The Associated Press has released an in-depth article detailing how upcoming legislation could change the outlook of our energy future.
( read more )
House passes energy bill
On May 21, 2009, the Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 2454, “The American Clean Energy and Security Act,” by a vote of 33 to 25. This legislation, introduced by Chairman Henry A. Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Edward J. Markey, is a comprehensive approach to America’s energy policy that will create millions of new clean energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance America’s energy independence, and cut global warming pollution. The legislation has received wide support from electric utilities; energy companies; manufacturing, industry, and corporate companies; labor unions; and community and environmental organizations. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454 by a vote of 219-212 on June 28, 2009.
Using the link below, read in-depth documents concerning this legislation which now moves to the Senate for approval.
http://energycommerce.house.gov/
( read more )