DOE Awards $72 Million for Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Projects

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu late last week announced $72 million in Recovery Act funding for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to seven states and territories. Idaho, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota and the U.S. Virgin Islands will use the money to fund programs that improve energy efficiency and conservation, provide funds for the installation of renewable energy technologies on state and municipal buildings.

According to a Department of Energy press release, Idaho, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota and the U.S. Virgin Islands were each awarded $9,593,500.
Idaho plans to sub-grant to cities and counties for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including transportation efficiency programs and installing renewable energy technologies in government buildings, as well as scholarships to train local code enforcement officials in the adoption of the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.

The majority of Nevada's grant money will be used to retrofit 200 emergency vehicles with anti-idling technology. Remaining grant money will be used to install energy management systems in state buildings, replace inefficient traffic signals and street lamps in the rural parts of the state, and provide energy efficiency training for government officials.

New Jersey will use its grant of over $14 million to support activities called for in the state's Global Warming Response Act and 2008 Energy Master Plan. The New Jersey State Energy Office will administer the program and pass 70 percent of the grant money to local governments. Improved energy efficiency of state and municipal buildings is a major goal for the funding.

Oregon plans to use its grant to deploy energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout the state, the development of community energy plans as well as the development of solar-powered transportation projects.

South Dakota plans to use its grant to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings and progress toward its goal of reducing 1990 levels of energy consumption by 25 percent by 2012. Part of the grant will fund a competitive loan and grant program open to public and private entities, K-12 schools and non-profit organizations benefitting the community.

The U.S. Virgin Islands will use its grant to build renewable energy projects including a landfill gas-to-energy system, three 275 kW class 3 wind turbines and a 100 kW photovoltaic panel system to supplement power for the government-owned airport on the island of St. Croix.

These grants will be administered with Recovery Act reporting requirements for transparency and accountability. Additionally, the DOE will require grantees submit an energy conservation plan prior to spending any money.