|
For more
information contact:
Cary Brazeman, 310-205-3590
cary@thecorporatestoryteller.com
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER — May 8, 2009
Federal Stimulus
Spending on Energy Efficiency, Renewable
Energy and Alternative Transportation
Programs About to Start Flowing,
NASEO Reports
- $16 Billion in Targeted
Stimulus Coming Over Time
- 56 State and Territory Energy
Offices Play Key Role in
Transforming America’s Energy Future
More than a billion dollars in
federal stimulus funding for energy
efficiency and other green projects and
programs will begin to flow from the
federal government to the states in a
matter of weeks, reports the National
Association of State Energy Officials.
This initial funding, part of the
federal economic stimulus plan signed
into law in February, is being rapidly
processed by the U.S. Department of
Energy.
Following this initial burst of funding,
NASEO expects the pace of federal
stimulus spending to accelerate in the
next several months as detailed funding
plans are reviewed and approved by the
energy department.
The National Association of State Energy
Officials, based in Alexandria, Va.,
represents State and Territory Energy
Offices. NASEO members, typically
designated by governors, are leading
state efforts to direct, invest and
manage energy spending to maximize its
benefit for the economy, including jobs,
and the long-term energy future of
America.
The federal stimulus plan dedicates $16
billion in targeted clean energy and
energy efficiency spending, including:
- $3.1 billion for the State
Energy Program for energy
efficiency, renewable energy and
alternative transportation programs;
- $3.2 billion for the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block
Grant Program, which is directed to
U.S. cities, local governments and
states;
- $5 billion for the
Weatherization Assistance Program,
which helps low-income people reduce
their energy bills by making homes
more energy efficient;
- $4.4 billion for utilities and
others involved in development of a
national “smart grid” for
electricity transmission, delivery
and use; and
- $300 million for State Energy
Offices to deliver Energy Star
appliance rebates for consumers
across every state.
The stimulus plan also includes funds
for other energy efficiency and
renewable energy research, development,
demonstration and deployment; worker
training for green jobs; alternative
vehicles; and energy retrofits of
federal buildings. These activities will
be carried out by the U.S. Department of
Energy in partnership with State Energy
Offices, local governments, state
research and technology institutions,
regional energy efficiency organizations
and others.
State Energy Offices are directly
investing and managing approximately
$3.8 billion of energy spending through
the State Energy Program, Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
Program, and Energy Star appliance
rebates to consumers.
To learn more about specific funding
plans and programs in each state,
contact specific State Energy Offices. A
complete list of State Energy Offices is
accessible at
http://naseo.org/members/states.
“State and Territory Energy Offices have
worked effectively for decades to
increase America’s energy efficiency and
use of renewable energy,” said David
Terry, Executive Director of the
National Association of State Energy
Officials. “Programs conceived and
tested at the state level have become
the foundation of national efforts to
advance key energy goals. Just as states
led the way in creating renewable
electricity standards that are being
considered for adoption at the national
level, states are leading the way on
energy efficiency, with transformative
effects.”
About NASEO
NASEO members lead America’s State
and Territory Energy Offices, which
build upon the unique resources of their
states and regions to advance key energy
goals. State Energy Offices work toward:
- Improving energy efficiency in
homes, commercial buildings,
industry and agriculture;
- Opening markets for renewable
energy, such as solar, wind,
geothermal and biofuels;
- Promoting sound residential,
commercial and institutional energy
building codes;
- Transforming the transportation
system by advancing biofuels,
plug-in hybrids and other
alternative fuels and vehicles;
- Delivering cost-effective and
verifiable greenhouse gas emissions
savings;
- Developing and testing creative
clean energy financing mechanisms,
policies and market transformation
programs;
- Supporting state research
institution innovation of
cutting-edge energy technologies;
and
- Enhancing energy assurance and
energy emergency preparedness.
Other public and private-sector
energy organizations are welcome to join
NASEO as affiliate members. For more
information, visit
www.NASEO.org.
###
|
