DOE Announces Nearly $14 Million to go to 28 New Wind Energy Projects
July 17, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy Conservation
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New DOE Study Shows U.S. Leads the World in Wind Energy Capacity
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the selection of 28 new wind energy projects for up to $13.8 million in funding – including $12.8 million in Recovery Act funds. These projects will help address market and deployment challenges including wind turbine research and testing and transmission analysis, planning, assessments. Along with the new awards, Secretary Chu announced the release of DOE’s 2008 Wind Technologies Market Report, detailing $16 billion in investment in wind projects made in the U.S. in 2008 – making the U.S. the leader in annual wind energy capacity growth, as well as cumulative wind energy capacity.
“American families and businesses are struggling in a recession and an increasingly competitive global economy. The Recovery Act was designed to rescue the economy from the immediate dangers it faces while rebuilding its fundamentals, with an eye toward new industry and opportunity,” Secretary Chu said. “To help meet these challenges, the Recovery Act invests significant dollars to put people to work to spur a revolution in clean energy technologies.”
“Wind energy will be a critical factor in achieving the President’s goals for clean energy, while supporting news jobs,” said Secretary Chu. “While the United States leads the world in wind energy capacity, we have to continue to support research and development as we expand renewable energy deployment.”
DOE’s new report, a comprehensive overview of developments in the U.S. wind power market released today, found that wind power capacity increased by 8,558 megawatts (MW) in 2008. This $16 billion investment in wind projects made the U.S. the fastest-growing wind power market in the world for the fourth consecutive year. Wind power contributed 42% of all new U.S. electric generating capacity in 2008; for the fourth consecutive year, wind power was the second-largest new resource added to the U.S. electrical grid in nameplate capacity.
The report, which has been issued annually since 2007, analyzes a range of developments in the wind market, including trends in wind project installations, turbine size, turbine prices, wind project costs, project performance, and wind power prices. The report also details trends in project financing, a key concern for the wind industry in the current economic climate, as well as trends in project ownership, public policy, and the integration of wind power into the electrical grid. DOE’s report provides the wind industry, state and local policy makers, and the general public with valuable information on the state of wind power in the United States.
Some of the key findings of the report include:
- The U.S. continues to lead the world in annual capacity growth and overtook Germany to take the lead in cumulative wind capacity. For the fourth
Recovery Act Announcement: DOE Announces Recovery Act Funding of up to $85 million for Algal and Advanced Biofuels
July 17, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Renewable EnergyThe U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the availability of up to $85 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the development of algae-based biofuels and advanced, infrastructure-compatible biofuels. DOE is seeking to bring together leading scientists and engineers from universities, private industry, and government to develop new methods to bring new biofuels to market in an accelerated timeframe.
The partnerships will enable cross-fertilization between multiple disciplines and provide the breadth of expertise necessary to develop new technologies advanced biofuels that can be used in today’s fueling infrastructure such as green aviation fuels, green gasoline, and green diesel from a variety of biomass feedstocks. Partnerships may include leading scientists and engineers from universities, private industry, and government, and engage end users and other field experts such as utility specialists and aquaculturists. Effective collaborations will target an accelerated timeframe to bring new biofuels to market.
DOE expects to select two to three partnerships and fund projects over three years. Today’s Funding Opportunity Announcement targets two crucial areas:
- Algal Biofuels R&D – The primary objective of this topic area is to develop cost-effective algae-based biofuels that are competitive with traditional petroleum-based fuels.
- Advanced, Infrastructure-Compatible Biofuels R&D is focused on enabling cost-effective conversion of biomass to advanced biofuels other than cellulosic ethanol, with particular focus on bio-based hydrocarbon fuels such as green gasoline and green diesel. Such fuels could be transported and sold using today’s existing fueling infrastructure.
The FOA is available at FedConnect, and can be found by searching for Reference Number DE-FOA-0000123.
For details on this and other U.S. Department of Energy projects funded by the Recovery Act, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Recovery and Reinvestment Web site. To learn more about biomass and biofuels R&D, visit the DOE Biomass Program Web site.
Obama Administration Delivers More than $448 Million for Weatherization Programs in Thirteen States
July 10, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy Conservation NewsRecovery Act funding to expand weatherization assistance programs, create jobs and weatherize more than 125,000 homes in Alabama, Idaho, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that the Department of Energy is providing more than $448 million in Recovery Act funding to expand weatherization assistance programs in Alabama, Idaho, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These funds, along with additional funds to be disbursed after the states meet certain Recovery Act milestones, will help to weatherize more than 125,000 homes, cutting energy costs for low-income families that need it, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating green jobs across the country.
Alabama, Idaho, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington, and Wyoming will receive 40 percent of their total weatherization funding authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act today. This installment adds to the initial 10 percent of the states’ funding allocations that were awarded previously for training and ramp-up activities. Under the Recovery Act, the states may spend up to 20 percent of the funds to hire and train workers. The remaining 50 percent of funds will be released when states meet reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act.
“These awards demonstrate the Obama Administration’s strong commitment to moving quickly as part of the country’s economic recovery — creating jobs and doing important work for the American people — while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly,” said Secretary Chu. “Today’s investments will save money for hard working families, reduce pollution, strengthen local economies, and help move America toward a clean energy future.”
DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program will be available to families making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level – or about $44,000 a year for a family of four. Weatherization projects allow low-income families to save money by making their homes more energy efficient, which results in average savings of 32 percent for heating bills and savings of hundreds of dollars per year on overall energy bills. States will spend an average of $6,500 to weatherize each home.
The Recovery Act includes a strong commitment to oversight and accountability, while emphasizing the necessity of rapidly awarding funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies.
The thirteen states receiving funds today submitted aggressive and innovative plans to expand their weatherization programs:
ALABAMA – $28,720,240 awarded today
Alabama will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize more than 6,500 homes over the next three years, giving priority to elderly and disabled low-income residents, families with small children, and individuals or families who live in high energy-consuming households such as mobile homes. The Energy Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA – Energy) will administer the program, collaborating with sixteen local agencies to make services available in all 67 counties in the state.
Residents of weatherized homes will be provided with relevant educational materials, including instruction in how to properly operate new appliances along with energy saving tips such as how to set thermostats to conserve energy.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $35 million, for a total of nearly $72 million.
IDAHO – $12,136,772 awarded today
Idaho will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize or re-weatherize nearly 3,200 low-income homes over the next three years. The Division of Welfare within the Department of Health and Welfare administers the Idaho Weatherization Program. To reach eligible recipients throughout the state, the Division works through designated Direct Service Providers, each of which has more than twenty-three years of experience successfully weatherizing homes. Priority will be given to homes with elderly or disabled occupants, those with young children, or those whose annual energy bills cost are more than 10 percent of their annual income.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $15.2 million, for a total of over $30 million.
MAINE – $16,774,006 awarded today
Maine will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize or re-weatherize nearly 4,400 homes over the next three years. The Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) oversees the program with the purpose of providing low-income families with cost-effective weatherization procedures and correcting related health and safety hazards. MaineHousing works with local community action agencies and other non-profit organizations with weatherization experience to provide home energy audits and weatherization services throughout the state. MaineHousing also collaborates closely with other state agencies to maximize the return on investment in equipment, curricula, and training.
Maine developed the nation’s first Weatherization Program in 1973, and for more than a decade it has promoted a “whole house” concept that addresses both technological matters and resident education. Residents are always encouraged to contact appropriate agencies after weatherization if they have any questions, concerns, or wish to report feedback.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $21 million, for a total of nearly $42 million.
MISSOURI – $51,259,211 awarded today
Missouri will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize more than 14,600 homes over the next three years with the focus on low-income homes with the elderly, disabled and families with children. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center will administer these funds and will work with sixteen regional community action agencies, one city government, and one not-for-profit organization. Every home that receives weatherization assistance will also receive a final inspection to ensure that the work was completed properly.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $64 million, for a total of over $128 million.
NEW JERSEY – $47,528,518 awarded today
New Jersey will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize more than 12,700 homes in the next three years, providing energy savings to low-income families and elderly and disabled residents. The Office of Low-Income Energy Conservation (OLIEC) in the Department of Community Affairs will implement the state’s plan, working with 22 local agencies to weatherize homes in each of the state’s 21 counties. In addition to working with these local organizations, OLIEC will coordinate with the New Jersey Housing Mortgage and Finance Agency to weatherize eligible multi-family buildings throughout the state. And to increase the effectiveness of the weatherization program, local weatherization organizations will also work to educate homeowners about additional ways to save energy in their homes.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $59.4 million, for a total of nearly $119 million.
OKLAHOMA – $24,361,278 awarded today
Oklahoma will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize more than 7,000 homes over the course of the next three years. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) will oversee this program, partnering with 19 local community action agencies to serve all of Oklahoma’s counties. Funds will be distributed within the state based on poverty level, the elderly population, and the number of substandard housing units within an area. ODOC is committed to ensuring that every segment of the low-income population-urban and rural, farm and non-farm-receives the weatherization services they need. Weatherization work in the state will include a wide variety of cost-effective repairs and measures.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $30.5 million, for a total of nearly $61 million.
RHODE ISLAND – $8,029,446 awarded today
Rhode Island will use its Recovery Act funding to weatherize nearly 2,800 homes in the next three years. The state’s Office of Energy Resources (OER) will implement weatherization activities by working with 8 comprehensive community action programs. The Rhode Island weatherization program will provide benefits to residents across the entire state and prioritize resource allocations so that 25% of the program funding will be used for homes for elderly residents and 10% for homes for handicapped residents. Priority will also be given to emergency situations such as boiler repair and to high energy consuming units.
Rhode Island will monitor local weatherization activities with in-house reporting analysis and on-site monitoring visits to ensure that the highest quality weatherization service is provided to eligible low-income Rhode Islanders. In addition, Rhode Island will provide classroom and field training to all new staff. Training and Technical Assistance activities planned for 2009 are directed at expanding the weatherization assistance program.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $10 million, for a total of more than $20 million.
TEXAS – $130,790,293 awarded today
Texas will use its Recovery Act Weatherization Assistance Program funding to weatherize 38,000 homes in the next three years. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, which manages the affordable housing and community assistance programs in the state, is planning to temporarily double the existing network of 34 agencies who provide weatherization assistance in the state. For the new agencies, the state will contract with 20 cities that have populations of 75,000 and over and allocate funding based on the number of low-income homes.
Texas is currently working with other states and outside sources on developing new protocols and training approaches to improve the assistance provided to local organizations and to meet the increased demand for weatherization staff as a result of the Recovery Act funding. The state is also exploring the development of a Technical Training Academy for agencies. In the meantime, the state will conduct cluster workshops throughout the year to continue training the agencies on various weatherization topics, including heating and cooling systems, Lead Safe Weatherization, manufactured housing, other health and safety issues, and material installation techniques.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $163 million, for a total of nearly $327 million.
VERMONT – $6,737,030 awarded today
Vermont will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize more than 1,800 homes over the next three years, delivering the benefits of conservation to low-income, disabled, and elderly residents. The Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) will work with 5 local organizations to provide services across the state. Under the weatherization program, OEO monitors the training needs for the local agencies to ensure homes are weatherized effectively. Local weatherization organizations are also required to solicit in-kind contributions or other donations when working on rental properties. This leveraging of funds enables the program to provide weatherization benefits to additional homes.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $8.4 million, for a total of nearly $17 million.
VIRGINIA – $37,653,710 awarded today
Virginia will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize 8,600 homes over the next three years. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the Weatherization Assistance Program in all of Virginia’s localities. In selecting local weatherization agencies, the state gives preference to any community action agency or other public or nonprofit organization which has experience successfully administering the program. Local agencies will prioritize service to elderly and handicapped residents, families with children, high energy consuming households, and homes with an energy related crisis. Within those priorities local agencies are responsible for scheduling eligible clients to receive energy audits and weatherization services.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $47.1 million, for a total of more than $94 million.
WASHINGTON STATE- $23,818,030 awarded today
Washington will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize 5,000 homes across the state over the next three years. The Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) will administer the program and allocate funds to community-based non-profit agencies and local government organizations to provide weatherization services to every county and tribal nation in the state. CTED will also utilize Recovery Act funds to implement training and technical assistance programs for these local non-profit and government agencies. This training will provide local weatherization technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary for carrying out home energy audits and weatherization procedures. This program will help to reduce energy consumption and energy bills for low-income households, while creating jobs in the state of Washington.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $29 million in additional funding, for a total of over $59 million.
WISCONSIN – $56,600,853 awarded today
Wisconsin will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize or re-weatherize more than 18,400 homes over the course of the next three years. The weatherization program is administered by the Division of Energy of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. The Division awards grants to community action agencies and a variety of public and non-profit entities to deliver weatherization services across the state. Typical weatherization work includes instrumented air sealing; insulation of attics, sidewalls and other areas that define the heating envelope; refrigerator replacement; electric water heater replacement; mechanical adjustments such as cleaning and tune-up; furnace replacements when necessary; and lighting replacement with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescents. Wisconsin will supplement these measures with leveraged funds to provide freezer replacement and expanded health and safety measures that are necessary to maintain the indoor air quality in weatherized homes.
The State of Wisconsin requires local organizations to prioritize weatherization services to elderly and handicapped residents. Of the total units completed by each agency, at least 10 percent must be households with elderly residents and 5 percent must be households with persons with disabilities.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $70.8 million, for a total in excess of $141 million.
WYOMING – $4,095,704 awarded today
Wyoming will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize or re-weatherize 1,500 homes over the three-year grant period. The state will work with a combination of existing local weatherization agencies and new organizations to provide weatherization services to every county in Wyoming. Three existing contractors will provide weatherization services to the majority of the state. In seven counties not covered by the existing organizations – Carbon, Crook, Johnson, Lincoln, Sheridan, Sublette, and Weston – Wyoming will be soliciting bids to increase the weatherization capacity statewide through a fair and competitive bid process.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $5.1 million, for a total of more than $10 million.$25 million in Recovery Act Funding to California Communities to Reduce Diesel Emissions and Create Jobs
July 9, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Pollution NewsThe funds are provided under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. Under this funding competition, EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region alone received over 100 grant applications requesting $500 million to help fund clean diesel emissions projects. The awards announced today were chosen to both maximize economic impact and emissions reductions.
Recovery Act funds will go towards the following projects:
Caltrans “Retrofit Construction Equipment”
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) was selected for $951,431 in funding to install diesel particulate filters on 46 Caltrans-owned construction equipment, including crawler tractors, excavators, forklifts, graders, rollers, rubber tire loaders, surfacing equipment, sweepers, scrubbers, tractors, loaders, and backhoes. A large proportion of this equipment will be located in the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties, as well as the Bay Area.
CARB “South Coast New Switch Locomotives”
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) was selected for $8,888,888 in funding to repower eight switch yard locomotives that operate with new Tier 3 engines. The affected locomotives are owned by Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway and operate in the Southern California region.
Port of Los Angeles “Equipment and Vessels”
The City of Los Angeles Harbor Department, also known as Port of Los Angeles, was selected for $1,991,750 in funding to replace, repower, and/or retrofit a total of 27 pieces of equipment, including harbor craft, currently in operation at the port. The emission reductions achieved from this project will improve air quality and health in the surrounding areas.
Port of Long Beach “Cargo Handling Equipment”
The Port of Long Beach Diesel Emissions Reduction Project was selected for $4,008,250 in funding to implement a large-scale diesel emission reduction project involving equipment replacements, engine repowers, and/or engine retrofits for 112 pieces of cargo handling equipment including rubber-tired gantry cranes, and two harbor craft currently in operation at the port.
San Diego APCD “Lower-Emission School Buses”
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) was selected for $1,563,652 in funding to retrofit, replace, and repower 125 high-polluting school buses with newer, cleaner engines and filters. This project will reduce major diesel emissions from school buses in San Diego County, in turn improving the health of children who ride these buses.
San Joaquin Valley Unified APCD “School Bus Engine Retrofits”
The San Joaquin Valley Unified APCD was selected for $4 million in funding to install 190 diesel particulate filters on 2001 model year and newer diesel school buses. Through diesel emission reductions, the project is expected to protect the health of children who ride these buses daily. The SJVUAPCD plans to leverage funds with Proposition 1B Lower Emission School Bus Program funds.
San Joaquin Valley Unified APCD “Agricultural Equipment Engines”
The San Joaquin Valley Unified APCD was selected for $2 million in funding to repower 30 agricultural off-road equipment vehicles with new engines that meet or exceed EPA’s Tier 3 emission standards for non-road diesel engines.
Bay Area AQMD “Trucks at Port of Oakland”
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (AQMD) was selected for $2 million in funding to retrofit 81 trucks with Diesel Particulate Filters and replace 22 dirty, old trucks with cleaner, newer ones that operate at and around the Port of Oakland.In addition to helping create and retain jobs, the clean diesel projects would help to reduce premature deaths, asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments, lost work days, and many other health impacts every year.
The Recovery Act allotted the National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) a total of $300 million, of which the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program received $156 million to fund competitive grants across the nation. The Recovery Act also included $20 million for the National Clean Diesel Emerging Technology Program grants and $30 million for the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program grants.
In addition, under the Act’s State Clean Diesel Grant program, a total of $88.2 million has been provided to States for clean diesel projects through a noncompetitive allocation process,
President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17, 2009 and has directed that the Recovery Act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability. To that end, the American people can see how every dollar is being invested at Recovery.gov.
For information on EPA’s implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in California, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region09/eparecovery/cleandiesel.html
For information about EPA’s clean diesel initiatives, visit: http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel
For information about the funding recipients, visit: California Department of Transportation, http://www.dot.ca.gov/; California Air Resources Board, http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm; Port of Los Angeles, visit: http://www.portoflosangeles.org/; Port of Long Beach, visit: http://www.polb.com; San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, visit: http://www.sdapcd.org; San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, http://www.valleyair.org/; Bay Area Air Quality Management District, http://www.baaqmd.gov/.
Treasury, Energy Announce More than $3 Billion in Recovery Act Funds for Renewable Energy Projects
July 9, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Renewable EnergyCash Assistance Will Increase Economic Development, Promote Renewable Energy Use
Program Guidance Now Available to Businesses to Facilitate Swift ImplementationWASHINGTON – As part of an innovative partnership aimed at increasing economic development in urban and rural areas while setting our nation on the path to energy independence, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Energy today announced an estimated $3 billion for the development of renewable energy projects around the country and made available the guidance businesses will need to submit a successful application. Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), the program will provide direct payments in lieu of tax credits in support of an estimated 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities.
“The renewable energy program provides another important avenue for the Recovery Act to contribute to economic development in communities around the country,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “It will provide additional stimulus to economies in urban and rural America by helping to develop domestic sources of clean energy. This partnership between Treasury and Energy will enable both large companies and small businesses to invest in our long-term energy needs, protect our environment and revitalize our nation’s economy.”
The Recovery Act authorized Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009. Previously, these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project’s cost; under the new program, applicants would agree to forgo tax credits down the line in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. This direct payment program allows for an immediate stimulus in local economies.
Said Energy Secretary Steven Chu: “These payments will help spur major private sector investments in clean energy and create new jobs for America’s workers. It is part of our broad effort to double our renewable energy capacity in the next few years and make sure that America leads the world in creating the new clean energy economy of the future.”
In previous years, the tax credit has been widely used. It is considered a successful incentive for encouraging the development of renewable energy. In 2006, approximately $550 million in tax credits were provided to 450 businesses. The rate of new renewable energy installations has fallen since the economic and financial downturns began, as projects had a harder time obtaining financing. The Departments of Treasury and Energy expect a fast acceleration of businesses applying for the energy funds in lieu of the tax credit.
To expedite implementation of the program, Treasury and Energy are today making available the terms and conditions, guidance, and a sample application at http://www.ustreas.gov/cgi-bin/redirect.cgi?http://www.treas.gov/recovery/1603.shtml so that companies can prepare successful applications in advance of the launch of the web based application in the coming weeks – yet another tool designed to facilitate the timely flow of program funds to eligible businesses.
$90 Million in Recovery Act Funds to Bolster Water Services in Indian Country and Create Jobs
July 8, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Water Conservation NewsWASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s (HHS) Indian Health Service (IHS) today announced $90 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for improved access to vital drinking water and wastewater services in the American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The funds will be invested in ’shovel ready’ infrastructure projects designed to better protect human and environmental health in Indian Country and to create jobs.
“This investment is win-win. Addressing long-standing water issues in tribal communities is also going to bring in new jobs and new opportunities – helping them get through the economic downturn and build a lasting foundation for prosperity,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “EPA is committed to working with our tribal partners on solutions that benefit our environment, our health, and our economy.”
“This generous recovery act funding will make communities in Indian Country safer, healthier and stronger,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. “Everyone should have safe drinking water and sanitation facilities and we’re committed to improving the quality of life in Indian Country.”
Continuing a tradition spanning 20 years, EPA and IHS’s combined effort to improve water services in Indian Country contributed to their identification of 95 wastewater and 64 drinking water priority projects to be completed by IHS’s Sanitation Facilities Construction Program through EPA recovery act funds. The projects exceed the recovery act requirement that 20 percent of the funds be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.
According to 2007 data from the IHS, approximately 10 percent of tribal homes do not have safe drinking water and/or wastewater disposal facilities compared with 0.6 percent of non-native homes in the United States that lack such infrastructure as measured in 2005 by the U.S. Census. The water and wastewater infrastructure programs are a significant effort to improve tribal access to safe and adequate drinking and wastewater facilities. For example, a project to benefit the Tule River Tribe in Porterville , Calif. , will replace failing septic systems, which threaten public health and the environment, with a community wastewater system. The White Mountain Apache Tribe in Whiteriver , Ariz. , will benefit from an efficient surface water treatment facility, which will provide the quality of drinking water needed to protect the health of residents in over 2,000 homes.
President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on Feb. 17, 2009, and has directed that the recovery act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability. To that end, the American people can see how every dollar is being invested at recovery.gov.
More information about all the EPA recovery act water efforts: http://www.epa.gov/water/eparecovery/
Awards Totaling More than $153 Million for State Energy Programs in Seven States and Territories
July 6, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy Conservation NewsU.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 (SEP), 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% of their total 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% of their total Recovery Act SEP funding. The initial 10% of total funding was previously available to states to support planning activities; the remaining 50% 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 SEP 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.
The following states are receiving awards today:
ARKANSAS – $15.7 Million Awarded Today
Arkansas will use SEP Recovery Act funding to reduce energy consumption and advance energy independence by implementing several energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. These programs will also help create and support jobs within the state. Arkansas will use over half of its SEP Recovery Act funding to establish two loan programs to encourage industry and state buildings to invest in energy efficiency technologies. These energy efficiency upgrades will reduce utility bills for both sectors and make businesses more profitable.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive almost $20 million in additional funding, for a total of nearly $40 million.
GEORGIA – $32.9 Million Awarded Today
Georgia will implement several programs to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy across residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental sectors with SEP Recovery Act funding. Together these programs will advance the country’s energy independence and create and support jobs statewide.
The state will use a large portion of the Recovery Act funding to implement the State Utilities Retrofit Program, administered by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority. In this new program, the state of Georgia proposes to allocate $65 million to retrofit state government facilities. This funding will be used to conduct energy audits and assessments and capital projects to pay for the incremental cost difference between standard and high-efficiency technologies. Proposals for funding will be selected based on the projects’ ability to comply with state and federal energy goals and priorities, including energy independence, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the creation of green jobs.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $41 million in additional funding, for a total of almost $82.5 million.
KENTUCKY – $21 Million Awarded Today
Kentucky will utilize SEP funding from the Recovery Act to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, creating and saving jobs across the state. Kentucky will reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency and education assistance to state and local agencies, schools, nonprofits, and the commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. These programs will include energy audits and funding assistance for building retrofits in schools and public buildings to reduce operating expenses and save taxpayers money.
Recovery Act SEP funding will also be used to educate students, teachers, and administrators on energy issues, which will expand the knowledge base of younger generations and help provide an understanding of how personal habits can affect energy consumption. Equipping the public and the state’s youth with the ability to assess the effects of these habits can greatly reduce our energy dependence.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive over $26 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $52.5 million.
MISSISSIPPI – $16.1 Million Awarded Today
Mississippi will use its SEP funding through the Recovery Act to promote energy efficiency in state buildings and initiate selected renewable energy projects. The state plans to initiate a “lead by example” program to enhance energy efficiency in state buildings, including the installation of advanced smart meters to monitor real-time energy consumption. Meters that can gather energy data quickly and identify equipment problems will be installed in various state agencies. The agencies will then be able to analyze their energy use data to know exactly how much energy their facilities are using at any given time so that they can reduce consumption and unnecessary power use where possible. The state will also provide grants, loans, or other incentives to municipalities in Mississippi to purchase hybrid and alternative-fueled vehicles.
In addition, Mississippi will design and implement selected pilot projects for renewable energy installations, targeting several sectors including commercial, industrial, residential, and transportation. On a competitive basis, this program will provide incentives to public and private entities to build or expand renewable energy production or manufacturing facilities that produce energy or transportation fuels from biomass, solar or wind resources.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $20 million, for a total of $40 million.
MONTANA – $10.3 Million Awarded Today
Montana will use its Recovery Act funding to undertake projects that will improve the energy efficiency of state buildings, while expanding renewable energy use and recycling infrastructure in the state. State Energy Program funds will support energy efficiency improvements to fifty state-owned buildings and will provide for a significant expansion of the State Buildings Energy Conservation Program. The state will also use Recovery Act funds for grants to speed the implementation of new clean energy technologies that have moved into the production phase but are not yet well known or utilized in the state.
In addition, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which oversees the SEP program, will be able to increase the amount it lends in low-interest loans to consumers, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to install various renewable energy systems, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydro and biomass.
Under the State Energy Program, DEQ will also expand the state’s recycling infrastructure to help limit the quantity of recyclable materials that end up in landfills. As a result of the state’s rural nature with small population centers and long distances between communities, it is often difficult to cost effectively recycle materials. With an expanded recycling infrastructure, the state will be able to reduce the need for new materials to be mined and manufactured, which saves energy at all stages of the processing.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $13 million, for a total of $25 million.
NEW YORK -$49.2 Million Awarded Today
New York will direct its SEP Recovery Act funding to programs that will accelerate the introduction of alternative-fuel vehicles into New York communities, boost the energy efficiency of buildings across the state, increase compliance with the state’s energy codes, and expand the use of solar power.
The Clean Fleet program will provide funding for eligible entities-such as cities, counties, public school districts, public colleges and universities and others-to accelerate the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles in their fleets. Recovery Act funding will also provide financial support for energy efficiency and retrofit projects in the municipal, K-12 public schools, public university, hospital, and not-for-profit sectors.
A third project aims to achieve at least 90 percent compliance in the commercial and residential sectors for a new statewide Energy Code. With Recovery Act funding, the state will offer technical assistance and local compliance support to local municipal officials, as well as those professions who work closely with energy code buildings, such as architects, engineers, and home builders. Finally, New York will provide SEP funding to encourage installation of a range of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems across the state, and to provide training opportunities for installers.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $61.5 million, for a total of $123 million.
VIRGIN ISLANDS – $8.2 Million Awarded Today
The U.S. Virgin Islands will utilize its SEP Recovery Act funding to advance energy efficiency initiatives and renewable energy projects on the islands. The Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) will establish or expand multiple programs to reduce energy demand in buildings and the transportation sector through energy efficiency education, outreach, and financial assistance.
Buildings initiatives that will receive Recovery Act funding include an expansion of VIEO’s existing Energy Star Rebate program, which provides incentives for consumers to purchase energy-efficient products. VIEO will also direct SEP funding to the development and implementation of energy education and training programs to promote energy efficiency in the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of a wide variety of buildings and energy systems.
VIEO will also work to implement a financial incentive program for residents to encourage the purchase of hybrid and electric vehicles.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the Virgin Islands will receive over $10 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $20.5 million.
EPA Announces $19,239,100 Recovery Act Funds for Wastewater Infrastructure Projects in Delaware to Boost Economy, Create Jobs and Protect the Environment
July 4, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Water Conservation NewsIn a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, improve aging water infrastructure and protect human health and the environment for the people in the State of Delaware , the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded over $19.2 million to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. This new infusion of money provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will help the state and local governments finance many of the overdue improvements to wastewater projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state.
” Delaware now has unprecedented resources to fund more projects that will protect public health, upgrade infrastructure, and invigorate local economies,” said William C. Early, acting administrator of EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.
The Recovery Act funds will go to the state’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program provides low interest loans for water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, non-point source pollution control, and watershed and estuary management. An unprecedented $4 billion dollars will be awarded to fund wastewater infrastructure projects across the country under the Recovery Act in the form of low interest loans, principal forgiveness and grants. At least 20% of the funds provided under the Recovery Act are to be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.
Since the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program began in 1987, EPA has awarded more than $26 billion in grants, which states have turned into $69 billion of financial assistance for water quality projects. The revolving nature of the program ensures water quality projects will be funded for generations to come.
President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) on February 17, 2009 and has directed that the Recovery Act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability. To that end, the American people can see how every dollar is being invested at Recovery.gov.
Information on EPA’s implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in Delaware , visit:
http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/allocation-programs&state=DE
Information on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program visit: http://www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/
Secretary LaHood Announces Extension of California High-Speed Rail Corridor to Las Vegas
July 4, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Business and TechnologyU.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, along with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, key members of the Nevada labor community, business leaders and other elected officials, announced today an agreement between the states of California and Nevada to extend the California High-Speed Rail corridor from the Los Angeles area to the Las Vegas.
“The extension of the California corridor is another great example of regional cooperation, which will be critical to transforming travel in America and the creation of a national system of high-speed rail lines,” said Secretary LaHood. “We will continue to encourage new and innovative partnerships like this one. We believe that the development of regional high-speed passenger rail systems will create jobs, spur economic development, and provide positive environmental benefits for all Americans.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid praised the potential benefits of the Nevada-California cooperation. “Today we’ve taken a giant step towards strengthening Nevada’s economy,” Majority Leader Reid said. “High-speed rail not only provides a much needed means of transportation that will reduce congestion on I-15, but it will create jobs at a time when Nevada needs them the most, increase tourism and reduce our reliance on foreign oil.”
In April, President Obama, Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood announced the effort to transform the nation’s transportation system by developing rail infrastructure and launching high-speed passenger rail services in 100-600 mile corridors that connect U.S. communities.
The Obama Administration is moving fast to put in place this ambitious and important agenda. Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which included an $8 billion High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) highly-competitive grant program. The President has proposed a continuing $1 billion annual investment in high-speed rail.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a strategic plan for high-speed rail and recently announced guidelines for states and groups of states to apply for the economic recovery funds. DOT expects to announce the first round of merit-based grants in the fall.
To learn more about President Obama’s vision for high-speed rail in America, go to: http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/31
Cities use LED street lights to cut energy costs
July 2, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy and Energy SaversCities across the country are turning to light-emitting diode (LED) street lights to save energy and money.
USA Today reports that at least 30 cities have requested more than $104 million in Recovery Act funding to help make the change to LED street lighting. Several cities, including Ann Arbor, Mich., and Anchorage, Alaska, have already installed new, LED street lights, and dozens more are planning conversions.
Compared to traditional sodium vapor lights, LED street lights cut energy use by about 50 percent. They also produce whiter, brighter light and offer improved reliability and longer product life. Up-front cost is higher than conventional lighting, but lifetime cost is greatly reduced, primarily through energy savings and reduced maintenance.DOE has long supported LED technologies and research through its Solid State Lighting (SSL) program. The agency’s GATEWAY demonstration project showcases high-performance lighting and provides decision-makers with real-life experience and data on product performance and cost effectiveness.
Following a GATEWAY project in San Francisco, city officials installed 50 energy-efficient LED street lights as a next step in making the switch to the new, more efficient lighting. CBS-5 News video
A California utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, has announced a San Francisco-area consumer incentive plan for LED street lights. Initially, the plan applies only to customer-owned street lights, but will soon be followed by financial incentives for metered street lights as well. Other outdoor LED lighting will also be encouraged through various future incentives.
Secretary Chu Announces Two New Projects to Reduce Emissions from Coal Plants
July 1, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Pollution NewsUp to $408 million in Recovery Act Funding for New Technologies to Advance Carbon Capture and Storage
Washington, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that projects by Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Hydrogen Energy International LLC have been selected for up to $408 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The two projects selected — an existing power plant in North Dakota and a new facility in California — will incorporate advanced technologies to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
“Today’s announcement represents a major step forward in the fight to reduce CO2emissions from coal-based power plants. These new technologies will not only help fight climate change, they will also create new jobs and position the United States as a leader in carbon capture and storage technologies for many years, ” said Secretary Chu.
The selection of the two projects is part of the third round of the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI). The Department of Energy will provide up to $408 million in federal funds-$100 million to Basin Electric Power Cooperative and $308 million to Hydrogen Energy International LLC -to support the innovative demonstrations.
The CCPI is a cost-shared collaboration between the federal government and private industry to increase investment in low-emission coal technology by demonstrating advanced coal-based, power generation technologies. The goal of CCPI is to accelerate the readiness of advanced coal technologies for commercial deployment, ensuring that the United States has clean, reliable, and affordable electricity and power.
The selected proposals will employ different technological concepts to achieve a goal of at least 90 percent CO2 capture efficiency. Descriptions of the selected proposals include:
Basin Electric Power Cooperative — $100 million
Beulah, N.D.- Post Combustion CO2 Capture Project-Basin Electric Power Cooperative will partner with Powerspan and Burns & McDonnell to demonstrate the removal of CO2 from the flue gas of a lignite-based boiler by adding CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) to Basin Electric’s existing Antelope Valley Station, located near Beulah, N.D. Powerspan’s ECO2® ammonia-based technology will be used to capture CO2 on a 120-megawatt electric-equivalent gas stream from the 450 megawatt Antelope Valley Station Unit 1. The net result will be 90 percent removal of CO2 from the treated flue gas, yielding 3,000 short tons per day (1,000,000 tons per year) of pipeline-quality CO2. The ammonia based SO2 scrubbing system will also produce a liquid stream of ammonium sulfate that will be processed into a fertilizer by-product.
Hydrogen Energy International LLC — $308 million
Kern County, California- Hydrogen Energy California Project: Commercial Demonstration of Advanced IGCC with Full Carbon Capture-Hydrogen Energy International LLC, a joint venture owned by BP Alternative Energy and Rio Tinto, will design, construct, and operate an integrated gasification combined cycle power plant that will take blends of coal and petroleum coke, combined with non-potable water, and convert them into hydrogen and CO2. The CO2 will be separated from the hydrogen using the methanol-based Rectisol process. The hydrogen gas will be used to fuel a power station, and the CO2 will be transported by pipeline to nearby oil reservoirs where it will be injected for storage and used for enhanced oil recovery. The project, which will be located in Kern County, California, will capture more than 2,000,000 tons per year of CO2.
DOE Sets New Lighting Standards and Invests in Efficient Buildings
July 1, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy and Energy SaversPresident Barack Obama and Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced new energy efficiency standards for lighting on Monday, as well as DOE’s investment of $346 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to develop and deploy energy-efficient technologies in buildings.
The new standards apply to general service fluorescent lamps, used in most offices and commercial buildings, and incandescent reflector lamps, which are used for recessed lighting and track lighting. It will result in a 15% lower electricity use for general service fluorescent lamps, while decreasing the electricity use of incandescent reflector lamps by 25%.
The rule will apply to lamps manufactured for sale in the United States or imported into the United States starting in mid-2012, and in the 30 years following that, they will save consumers up to $4 billion per year, avoid the emission of up to 594 million tons of carbon dioxide, and eliminate the need for as many as 14 500-megawatt power plants.
The new fluorescent lamp standards are extended to include two types of four-foot-long lamps, while the standards for four other types of lamps require an increase of 10%-31.2% in the light output per watt.
For incandescent reflector lamps, the new standard is essentially the same as the old one for the smallest 40-watt bulb, but it requires higher efficiencies for brighter bulbs.
For the brightest bulb, at 205 watts, the new standard requires nearly one-third more light per watt than the old standard. It also sets slightly lower requirements for new “modified-spectrum” bulbs, which use a coating to achieve specific effects, such as a better approximation of natural daylight.
DOE issued the final rule for lighting standards on June 26 and will soon publish it in the Federal Register. Until then, see the final rule (PDF 1.2 KB) as published on the Web site of DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
DOE is also investing $346 million in Recovery Act funds in energy efficient technologies for buildings, of which $100 million will go towards research that approaches buildings as an integrated system, including research focused o
n the systems-level design, integration, and control of both new and existing buildings.Another $50 million will support research and development of advanced manufacturing techniques for solid-state lighting, such as lamps that employ light-emitted diodes (LEDs). DOE will also direct $70 million toward residential buildings, including technical support to help train workers to perform energy efficiency retrofits, as well as outreach to municipalities and subdivisions to encourage such retrofits. The funds will also support a major initiative to provide builders with the technical assistance and training they need to build highly efficient homes.
DOE will also direct $53.5 million to its Commercial Buildings Initiative, intending to expand its partnerships with major companies that design, build, own, manage, or operate large fleets of commercial buildings from 23 today to about 75. Another $72.5 million will help prepare the building community for new commercial building energy codes that require a 30% improvement in energy efficiency relative to the 2004 code. A portion of those funds will also support an expansion and acceleration of DOE’s Appliance Standards program, which brought you the above lighting standards, while also expanding and strengthening the Energy Star program for energy efficient products.
Obama Administration Launches New Energy Efficiency Efforts
June 29, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy Conservation NewsWill save billions for consumers, business while helping to create new jobs and strengthen American competitiveness
WASHINGTON – Building on the action by the U.S. House of Representatives in passing historic legislation that will pave the way for the transition to a clean energy economy, President Barack Obama and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced aggressive actions to promote energy efficiency and save American consumers billions of dollars per year. Today’s announcement underscores how the clean energy revolution not only makes environmental sense, but it also makes economic sense – creating jobs and saving money.
“One of the fastest, easiest, and cheapest ways to make our economy stronger and cleaner is to make our economy more energy efficient,” said President Obama. “That’s why we made energy efficiency investments a focal point of the Recovery Act. And that’s why today’s announcements are so important. By bringing more energy efficient technologies to American homes and businesses, we won’t just significantly reduce our energy demand; we’ll put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans.”
“When it comes to saving money and growing our economy, energy efficiency isn’t just low hanging fruit; it’s fruit lying on the ground,” said Secretary Chu. “The most prosperous, competitive economies of the 21st century will be those that use energy efficiently. It’s time for America to lead the way.”
More Energy Efficient Lighting
Today’s announcement includes major changes to energy conservation standards for numerous household and commercial lamps and lighting equipment. Seven percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. is for lighting.
The final rule has numerous benefits, including:
- Avoiding the emission of up to 594 million tons of CO2 from 2012 through 2042 – roughly equivalent to removing 166 million cars from the road for a year;
- Saving consumers $1 to $4 billion annually from 2012 through 2042;
- Saving enough electricity from 2012 through 2042 to power every home in the U.S. for up to 10 months;
- Eliminating the need for up to 7.3 gigawatts of new generating capacity by 2042 – equivalent to as many as 14 500MW coal-fired power plants;
- Decreasing the electricity used in GSFLs by 15%, saving consumers up to $8.66 per lamp over its lifetime; decreasing electricity used by IRLs by 25%, saving consumers $7.95 per lamp over its lifetime.
In February 2009, President Obama tasked the Department of Energy with quickening the pace of energy conservation standards for appliances, while continuing to meet legal and statutory deadlines. Today’s announcement – which takes effect in 2012 – focuses on General Service Fluorescent Lamps (GSFL), which are commonly found in residential and commercial buildings, and Incandescent Reflector Lamps (IRL), which are commonly used in recessed and track lighting. These fluorescent and incandescent lamps represent approximately 38 and 7 percent of total lighting energy use respectively.
The final rule, as issued by the Secretary of Energy on June 26, 2009, can be viewed and downloaded from the Office Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s website.
Building Efficiency Initiative
President Obama and Secretary Chu today announced a $346 million investment from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand and accelerate the development, deployment, and use of energy efficient technologies in all major types of commercial buildings as well as new and existing homes.
Residential and commercial buildings consume 40 percent of the energy and represent 40 percent of the carbon emissions in the United States. Building efficiency represents one of the easiest, most immediate and most cost effective ways to reduce carbon emissions while creating new jobs. With the application of new and existing technologies, buildings can be made up to 80 percent more efficient or even become “net zero” energy buildings with the incorporation of on-site renewable generation.
Today’s buildings consume more energy than any other sector of the U.S. economy, including transportation and industry. In addition, almost three-quarters of our nation’s 81 million buildings were built before 1979. Some were designed and constructed for limited service, and many will eventually require either significant retrofits or replacement.
Innovations in energy-efficient building envelopes, equipment, lighting, daylighting, and windows, in conjunction with advances in passive solar, photovoltaic, fuel cells, advanced sensors and controls and combined heating, cooling, and power, have the potential to dramatically transform today’s buildings. These technologies-coupled with a whole building design approach that optimizes the interactions among building systems and components-will enable tomorrow’s buildings to use considerably less energy, while also helping to reduce emissions and increase energy security.
This funding includes:
Advanced Building Systems Research ($100 million)
These projects will address research focused on the systems design, integration, and control of both new and existing buildings. Buildings need to be designed, built, operated, and maintained as an integrated system in order to achieve the potential of energy efficient and eventually net zero-energy buildings. These projects will move beyond component-only driven research and address the interactions in buildings as a whole, in order to progress development of integrated, high performance buildings and achieve net zero- energy buildings.Residential Buildings Development and Deployment ($70 million)
Expanded work in Residential Buildings will increase homeowner energy savings by supporting energy efficient retrofits and new homes while raising consumer awareness of the benefits of increased health, safety, and durability of energy efficiency. The projects will provide technical support to train workers and create jobs, developing a new workforce equipped to improve the Nation’s homes and will permit a major initiative to provide builders with technical assistance and training through states, utilities, and existing programs to increase the market share of new homes achieving substantial whole house energy savings. To address existing homes, DOE will work with municipalities with a variety of housing types and vintages as well as subdivisions with similar housing stock to encourage a large number of energy efficiency retrofits.Commercial Buildings Initiative ($53.5 million)
These Recovery Act funds will be used to accelerate and expand partnerships with major companies that design, build, own, manage, or operate large fleets of buildings and that commit to achieving exemplary energy performance. This funding will be used to expand the number of these partnerships from 23 to about 75 through a competitive process beginning in September, 2009.Buildings and Appliance Market Transformation ($72.5 million)
In order to achieve energy savings, and ultimately lead to zero energy buildings, the marketplace must be conditioned to accept the necessary advanced technologies and activities and ensure that the current technologies are performing as intended via current energy efficiency standards. Key activities include expanding ENERGY STAR to accelerate development of energy efficient products and expand the ENERGY STAR brand into new areas; preparing the design, construction, and enforcement community to implement commercial building energy codes that require a 30 percent improvement in energy efficiency over the 2004 code in 2010; and accelerating and expanding DOE’s Appliance Standards program to evaluate innovative technologies and develop new test procedures that are more representative of today’s energy use and equipment.Solid State Lighting Research and Development ($50 million)
The objective of the solid state lighting activities is to advance state-of-the-art solid-state lighting (SSL) technology and to move those advancements more rapidly to market through a coordinated development of advanced manufacturing techniques. This project will both aid in the development and reduce the first cost of high performance lighting products. Continuing advances can accelerate progress towards creating a U.S.-led market for high efficiency light sources that save more energy, reduce costs, and have less environmental impact than other conventional light sources.Recovery Act Announcement: Obama Administration Delivers More than $304 Million for Weatherization Programs in Georgia, Illinois and New York
June 26, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy Conservation NewsU.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu today announced that the Department of Energy is providing more than $304 million in Recovery Act funding to expand weatherization assistance programs in Georgia, Illinois, and New York. These funds, along with additional funds to be disbursed after the states meet certain Recovery Act milestones, will help these states achieve their goal of weatherizing more than 85,000 homes, lowering energy costs for low-income families that need it, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating green jobs across the country.
Georgia, Illinois, and New York will receive 40% of their total weatherization funding authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act today. This installment adds to the initial 10% of the states’ funding allocations that were awarded previously for training and ramp-up activities. Under the Recovery Act, the states may spend up to 20% of the funds to hire and train workers.
“These awards demonstrate the Obama Administration’s strong commitment to moving quickly as part of the country’s economic recovery-creating jobs and doing important work for the American people-while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly,” said Secretary Chu. “Today’s investments will save money for hard working families, reduce pollution, strengthen local economies, and help move America toward a clean energy future.”
DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program will be available to families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level-or about $44,000 a year for a family of four. Weatherization projects allow low-income families to save money by making their homes more energy efficient, which results in average savings of 32% for heating bills and savings of hundreds of dollars per year on overall energy bills. States will spend an average of $6,500 to weatherize each home.
The funding allocations for the Weatherization Assistance Program follow a stage-gate process: on March 12 funding allocations by state were announced and the initial 10% of total funding was available to states and territories to support planning and ramp-up activities; comprehensive state applications were due on May 12; following a DOE reviews for each state, 40% allocations are awarded; and the remaining 50% of funds will be released when states meet reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act.
The Recovery Act includes a strong commitment to oversight and accountability, while emphasizing the necessity of rapidly awarding funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies.
The three states receiving funds today submitted aggressive and innovative plans to expand their weatherization programs.
GEORGIA – $49,902,524 awarded today
Georgia will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize more than 13,600 homes over the next three years. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, which manages the weatherization program in the state, intends to leverage Recovery Act funds in partnership with the Georgia Power Company to weatherize 500 additional homes. The state is giving priority to weatherizing homes occupied by elderly residents and elderly residents with disabilities, and expects at least half of all weatherized homes will go to these high-need residents.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $62 million, for a total of nearly $125 million.
ILLINOIS – $97,010,647 awarded today
Illinois will use its Recovery Act funding to weatherize nearly 27,000 homes over the next three years, reducing energy consumption and our dependence on fossil fuels, while creating jobs locally. The funding will help expand the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program, which is administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The state will then provide subgrants to 35 existing local agencies with demonstrated effectiveness in implementing energy audits and home weatherization programs. Every housing unit that receives weatherization assistance will also receive a final inspection to ensure that the work was completed properly. In addition, DCEO will conduct random checks on subgrantee assessments and final inspections.
Under the Illinois plan, each of the 35 local subgrantees will receive funding to hire and train new employees or contractors. DCEO is also using Recovery Act funding to add 12 rounds to their existing training and certification program, and is working with the Illinois Community College Board to set up mandatory contractor training and certification. These efforts will ensure the necessary workforce to carry out weatherization assistance throughout Illinois.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive over $121 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $242.5 million.
NEW YORK – $157,874,605 awarded today
New York will use its Recovery Act funding to weatherize more than 45,000 homes over the next three years. The state Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) intends to maximize state Recovery Act funding by coordinating its weatherization program with other state agencies to improve benefits for low-income clients. Subgrantees in the state are encouraged to access other federal and state housing funds that can be used along with weatherization funds to provide comprehensive weatherization services, as well as additional repair and rehabilitation work. The state is also encouraging weatherization assistance services to be combined with non-federal sources, such as utilities, the American Red Cross, and others, to provide more complete energy-related services to low-income clients.
After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $197 million, for a total of more than $394 million.
Obama Administration Announces Availability of $3.9 Billion to Invest in Smart Grid Technologies and Electric Transmission Infrastructure
June 25, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy Conservation NewsRecovery Act Funding Will Create Jobs, Help Modernize Nation’s Electric Grid
Washington, DC – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that the Department of Energy is soliciting applications for $3.9 billion in grants to support efforts to modernize the electric grid, allowing for greater integration of renewable energy sources while increasing the reliability, efficiency and security of the nation’s transmission and distribution system, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“These investments will be used to develop a smart, strong and secure electrical grid that will help integrate renewable resources onto the grid, deliver power more reliably and effectively with less environmental impact, and create new jobs across the country,” said Secretary Chu. “By investing in updating the grid now, we will lower utility bills for American families and businesses, lessen our dependence on oil, and help advance a clean energy future for the nation.”
Secretary Chu announced the release of the final Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) for $3.9 billion in Recovery Act funds. Approximately $3.3 billion for the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program and $615 million for smart grid demonstration projects will help develop and implement smart grid technologies across the country.
As part of the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program, DOE will provide cost-shared grants to support manufacturing, purchasing and installation of existing smart grid technologies that can be deployed on a commercial scale. Funding under the Smart Grid Demonstration Program will be used to demonstrate how emerging technologies can be applied in innovative ways within the electric delivery system to provide integrated and economically-feasible solutions. The Investment Grant program is intended to enable smart grid functions on the electric system as soon as possible, while the Demonstration program is aimed at identifying and developing new and more cost-effective smart grid equipment, tools, techniques, and system configurations that can significantly improve upon today’s technologies.
The final FOAs reflect the more than 600 comments DOE received on the draft solicitations. The Department previously announced that while the maximum award limits for both programs were being increased, the Department will support projects of all sizes. Under the final solicitations, the maximum award for the Smart Grid Investment Grants will be $200 million; the maximum award for the Smart Grid Demonstrations will be $100 million.
The final FOAs are available at http://www.fedconnect.net/. Search public opportunities for the following reference numbers: Smart Grid Investment Program (DE-FOA-0000058) and Smart Grid Demonstrations (DE-FOA-0000036
Vice President Biden Applauds States for Meeting Recovery Act Milestone Ahead of Schedule
June 25, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Business and TechnologyVice President Biden Applauds States for All 55 U.S. States and Territories Obligate Half of
ARRA Highways Funding Ten Days Ahead of ScheduleWashington, DC -Vice President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that transportation projects funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) are putting people to work and building a foundation for the country’s long-term economic strength.
To date, $19 billion has been obligated to fund over 5,300 approved for highway and other transportation projects nationwide. Of those, 1,900 projects are already underway.
As part of the Administration’s effort to infuse Recovery Act funds swiftly into the economy, states are required under the Recovery Act to obligate 50 percent of their highway funds by June 29, 2009. Working in coordination with the U.S. Department of Transportation, all 55 U.S. states and territories successfully beat this deadline at least 10 days ahead of schedule.
“Our number one priority with the Recovery Act is getting folks back to work – and there is no better way to do that in these early days than by putting shovels in the ground and jump-starting projects like these that create jobs and boost local communities,” said Vice President Biden. “By delivering on these projects ahead of schedule and under-budget, we have been able to do even more than we expected — create more job opportunities more quickly, with more dollars left over to put toward more projects that put people back on the job.”
Across the country, transportation projects funded by the Recovery Act are coming in under budget and ahead of schedule. States are routinely receiving low bids for highway and airport construction projects that are 10 to 20 percent, and in some cases, 30 percent lower than expected. These lower than expected bids are allowing states to stretch taxpayer dollars, complete additional projects and create even more American jobs.
“Every state not only met the 120-day deadline, they beat it,” said Secretary LaHood. “This is a testament to the fact that we’re putting money out there quickly and helping to get the economy back on track.”
ARRA funding for highway projects may be used for restoration, repair, construction, and other activities under the Surface Transportation Program. Each proposed project must be approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Governors must certify that proposed projects meet certain conditions and that the state will use ARRA funds in addition to, not in replacement of, state funding of transportation projects.
Priority is given to projects that are projected to be completed within three years, are located in economically distressed areas, or will maximize job creation and economic benefits.
Highway Obligation Deadline Information
State: Date 50% Met Funds Put to work
Alabama June 5, 2009 $205,178,421.34
Alaska June 12, 2009 $68,800,219
Arizona April 21, 2009 $260,320,032.35
Arkansas April 17, 2009 $136,928,664
California May 1, 2009 $1,182,215,372
Colorado May 7, 2009 $210,616,018
Connecticut April 22, 2009 $175,151,318
Delaware June 17, 2009 $44,038,350.71
District of Columbia April 22, 2009 $82,565,030.43
Florida May 6, 2009 $877,594,135
Georgia June 17, 2009 $377,480,128.33
Hawaii June 19, 2009 $46,222,408.61
Idaho April 24, 2009 $88,032,562
Illinois March 10, 2009 $598,015,458
Indiana April 27, 2009 $282,946,089.96
Iowa March 11, 2009 $223,871,877
Kansas April 22, 2009 $209,905,329.6
Kentucky May 21, 2009 $165,284,312
Louisiana May 18, 2009 $198,588,287.98
Maine March 6, 2009 $91,526,422
Maryland March 20, 2009 $192,409,233
Massachusetts June 12, 2009 $173,530,958
Michigan June 2, 2009 $318,097,511.02
Minnesota April 20, 2009 $199,833,222.34
Mississippi April 23, 2009 $214,782,700
Missouri May 20, 2009 $320,569,742.4
Montana June 12, 2009 $81,262,208
Nebraska April 17, 2009 $109,207,334
Nevada June 18, 2009 $71,288,539
New Hampshire March 18, 2009 $88,022,625.99
New Jersey March 31, 2009 $365,794,829
New Mexico May 11, 2009 $143,393,729.04
New York May 26, 2009 $491,431,091
North Carolina May 8, 2009 $314,285,061
North Dakota April 15, 2009 $74,971,253.31
Ohio June 18, 2009 $338,895,927.5
Oklahoma March 16, 2009 $307,198,208
Oregon April 21, 2009 $155,807,073.87
Pennsylvania May 20, 2009 $447,678,440
Rhode Island April 7, 2009 $91,142,181.43
South Carolina April 2, 2009 $168,895,623.07
South Dakota April 1, 2009 $77,283,524.03
Tennessee April 7, 2009 $366,081,694
Texas June 12, 2009 $960,719,966.53
Utah March 12, 2009 $145,571,644.97
Vermont May 6, 2009 $53,069,059.08
Virginia June 17, 2009 $285,186,164
Washington April 27, 2009 $250,653,384
West Virginia June 4, 2009 $115,969,114.19
Wisconsin April 20, 2009 $270,422,647.78
Wyoming April 24, 2009 $98,729,721More than $30 Million of Recovery Act Funds for Wastewater Infrastructure Projects in Maine
June 25, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Pollution NewsWill Boost Economy, Create Jobs and Protect the Environment
(Boston, Mass. – June 24, 2009) – In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, improve aging water infrastructure and protect human health and the environment for people in Maine, EPA has awarded over $30 million to the Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection.
This new infusion of money provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will help the state and local governments finance many of the overdue improvements to wastewater projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state.
“These funds will help both our communities and the environment,” said Ira W. Leighton, acting regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “Clean, safe water is one of the bedrock foundations of communities and an economy that can grow and thrive. This money is an important start to upgrade our aging infrastructure, while creating well-paid, ‘green’ jobs.”
The Recovery Act funds will go to the state’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, which provides low interest loans for water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, non-point source pollution control, and watershed and estuary management.
Nationwide, an unprecedented $4 billion dollars will be awarded to fund wastewater infrastructure projects across the country under the Recovery Act in the form of low interest loans, principal forgiveness and grants. At least 20 percent of the funds provided under the Recovery Act are to be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.
Since the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program began in 1987, EPA has awarded more than $26 billion in grants, which states have turned into $69 billion of financial assistance for water quality projects. The revolving nature of the program ensures water quality projects will be funded for generations to come.
President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) on February 17, 2009 and has directed that the Recovery Act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability. To that end, the American people can see how every dollar is being invested at Recovery.gov.
More information:
Recovery efforts and the environment in New England (www.epa.gov/region1/eparecovery)
National EPA programs related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (www.epa.gov/recovery/index.html)
EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Funds (www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/)
Obama Administration Awards More than $204 Million for State Energy Programs in 10 States
June 24, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy Conservation NewsFunding Will Speed Adoption of Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $204 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in ten states. Under DOE’s State Energy Program, states 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 are receiving 40 percent of their total State Energy Program (SEP) funding authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington.
With today’s announcement, these states will now have received 50 percent of their total Recovery Act SEP funding. The initial 10% of total funding was previously available to states to support planning activities; the remaining 50% 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.
The following states are receiving awards today:
ARIZONA – $22.2 million awarded today
Arizona will use its State Energy Program funding for a series of innovative programs aimed at advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy investments statewide, while supporting renewable energy manufacturers and products made in the state. Arizona will establish a revolving loan program in order to provide a sustainable financing mechanism for small business owners who are looking to fund energy efficient building improvements or install solar projects at their facilities. The state will offer revolving loan funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in commercial buildings, along with loans to manufacturers of renewable energy or energy efficiency equipment and technologies.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $27 million, for a total of $55 million. CONNECTICUT – $15.4 million awarded today
Connecticut will use its SEP funding to create or protect jobs and save energy with several projects, including in-home energy audits and the deployment of a variety of technologies, such as alternative-fuel vehicles. In one project, Recovery Act funds will enable more residents to take advantage of inexpensive in-home energy audits designed to reduce energy bills and encourage energy efficiency. For each home, a specialist will perform an energy assessment, find and professionally seal critical leaks and drafts, replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, provide and install water conservation devices, and check insulation and appliances.The state will also use funding to support four Clean Cities coalitions – Greater New Haven, Clean Cities of Southwestern Connecticut, Norwich Clean Cities and Capital Clean Cities – to support their efforts to facilitate the adoption of alternate fuels and petroleum-reducing technologies in Connecticut.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $19 million, for a total of $38 million. FLORIDA – $50.4 million awarded today
With its Recovery Act SEP funding, Florida will advance energy efficiency efforts and encourage the production, availability and use of renewable energy and alternative fuels. Under the program Florida will create several loan and grant programs to promote investment and commercialization of various energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $63 million, for a total of $126 million. IDAHO – $11.4 million awarded today
Idaho will utilize Recovery Act SEP funding to launch a set of programs, including a Renewable Energy Business Development Program, that will help increase the use of renewable energy while creating new jobs and stimulating the state’s economy. Two initiatives encourage state schools to reduce energy costs by adopting renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Other initiatives seek to stimulate the state’s economy by creating new zoning regulations in order to attract renewable energy developers to build new projects.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $14 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $28 million. KANSAS – $15.3 million awarded today
Kansas will distribute its SEP funding to several initiatives that will benefit overall efficiency for commercial buildings, increase financial options for investing in renewable energy, and increase costs savings for individual home owners across the state. The funding will also be applied to developing a robust work force of energy auditors. A portion of the funding will go toward developing a new utility rate pricing plan as well as an energy audit rebate plan for home and small-business owners. To improve the quality and breadth of the energy auditor industry in the state, Kansas will subsidize costly technical audit equipment and also provide scholarships for additional professional training.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $19 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $38 million. MINNESOTA – $21.7 million awarded today
Minnesota will put its Recovery Act funds to use improving energy efficiency in residential, commercial and government buildings, as well as increasing the amount of renewable energy produced in state. Minnesota will award grants to small, medium, and large businesses to help provide for the design, financing and installation of various energy efficiency improvements and retrofits. The state will also administer grants to work with utilities to develop programs that leverage Recovery Act funds to promote energy efficiency with customers, such as low-interest loans and grants.Minnesota is also prioritizing community outreach and trainings for energy professionals to ensure broad participation in its SEP programs. For example, the State Energy Information Center will organize Clean Energy Resource Teams comprised of local organizations and citizens to perform outreach and communications about the programs.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $27 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $54 million. SOUTH CAROLINA – $20.2 million awarded today
South Carolina will use its Recovery Act SEP funding to provide grants and loans to improve energy efficiency in public school districts, public colleges and universities, and state agencies to reduce the burden of energy bills for taxpayers, while creating jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. South Carolina also intends to provide financial assistance to various industrial, commercial and small business entities to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. This financial assistance, along with education and training programs included in the SEP, will help create clean energy jobs in the state and make business and industry more economically stable.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $25 million in additional funding, for a total of over $50 million. SOUTH DAKOTA – $9.5 million awarded today
South Dakota will use its SEP funding to support the Energy Efficient Government program and to provide revolving energy loans to state institutions. The programs will promote energy efficiency efforts while reducing energy costs in state owned buildings, which will directly benefit state residents. The state’s energy office will administer the funds, provide technical guidance, and assure accountability and transparency for the state institutions who apply for the two programs. These programs coordinate with South Dakota’s energy goals to promote and encourage energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and alternative fuels.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $11 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $23 million. UTAH – $14.1 million awarded today
Utah will utilize Recovery Act funds to improve energy efficiency in residential, commercial, public education, and government buildings. The state will provide financial incentives to low-income housing developments and commercial and government buildings that perform energy efficiency upgrades. For instance, low income housing units will qualify for free insulation upgrades and builders working on new construction developments will qualify for rebates if they build high performance buildings. Utah will also use funding to collect more accurate data about the potential renewable energy resources in the state that can then be used to identify potential Renewable Energy Zones.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $17 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $35 million. WASHINGTON STATE – $24.3 million awarded today
Washington will use Recovery Act funding to implement two major programs: the Community-Wide Urban Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency Program and the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loans and Grants Program Fund. These two programs, along with several more to develop clean energy policy and promote energy assessments in the agricultural sector, will result in significant job creation and energy savings across the state. The Community-Wide Urban Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency Program will enhance financial and technical assistance programs by directing municipal, state, and federal funds, as well as electric and gas utility funding, toward greater energy efficiency improvements and home weatherization efforts.After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $30 million in additional funding, for a total of over $60 million. Recovery Act Projects to Address Safety Hazards and Environmental Damage at Abandoned Mines
June 23, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Pollution NewsWASHINGTON, June 23, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today $19.88 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to address safety hazards and environmental damage caused by abandoned mines. The 14 projects receiving Recovery Act funds are located in National Forests in Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Michigan, and Montana.
“The funding provided by President Obama’s Recovery Act will address safety hazards and correct environmental damage at neglected and abandoned mines around the country,” said Vilsack.
The remediation activities undertaken as part of these projects include closing mine openings and vertical shafts; recontouring open pits, trenches, and associated roads; and removing or stabilizing abandoned buildings, equipment, and hazardous materials. To enhance safety, mine openings will be gated and signs posted to prevent public entry. Watershed cleanup activities will include replacing contaminated soil and debris from ground surfaces and streams with clean soils and native vegetation and restoring streams to their original channels.
For instance, in California, Recovery Act funds will be used to remove and contain toxic waste that has been leaking into local streams and rivers for over a century from the Blue Ledge Copper Mine, killing aquatic life and posing unacceptable threats to human health. This project will remove and contain the toxic waste dumps and prevent further release of hazardous materials, creating new jobs for constructions workers, scientists, engineers, biologists, and safety specialists.
The list of projects receiving funding (by state):
Alaska (2 projects): $2.8 million
Resurrection Creek Watershed Restoration
Salt Chuck Mine Removal Action
Ariz. (3): $1.75 million
World’s Fair Mine Adit – Acid Mine Drainage Remediation
Santa Rita Abandoned Mine Safety Mitigation/Closures
North Phoenix Abandoned Mine Safety Mitigation/Closures
Calif. (5): $10.9 million
Abandoned mines – White Pine County
Abandoned Mine Safety Closures
Abandoned Mine Remediation
Tahoe National Forest Abandoned Mines
Blue Ledge Mine
Idaho (1): $3.6 million
North Idaho Abandoned Mines Cleanup
Mich. (2): $340,000
Mine Closures Upper Michigan, Phase I
Mine Closure in Upper Michigan, Phase 2 and Norwich Mine Interpretive Trail
Mont. (1): $450,000
Scotchman Mine
TOTAL: (14): $19,884.00
Additional information about these projects and other Forest Service ARRA projects can be found at: http://fs.usda.gov.
Michigan to Get More Than $32 Million for Energy Projects Under Recovery Act
June 22, 2009 by Administrator
Filed under Energy Conservation NewsU.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $32 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Michigan. Under DOE’s State Energy Program (SEP), states 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.
“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help 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.”
“These Recovery Act funds will help us accelerate existing efforts to diversify our Michigan economy, recognize savings through greater energy efficiency, and create sustainable jobs for thousands of workers,” said Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “We will continue to leverage our unique natural resources and world-class workforce to build a new energy economy, capitalizing on the enormous potential this sector offers for the future of our state and the nation.”
“At a time when Michigan families are hurting, this type of community action to promote energy efficiency will offer a much-needed boost to our economy,” said Congressman Schauer. “By making our homes and businesses more energy efficient, we can reduce the demand for electricity, lower utility bills for consumers, and move America toward energy independence.”
With $32,814,000, Michigan will focus its State Energy Program funding on four overarching, three-year goals: reducing energy consumption in public buildings by 20% by 2012, establish green communities, create markets for renewable energy systems, and create sustainable jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. These goals are designed to stimulate local and state economies and create jobs. Recovery Act funds will be administered by Michigan’s Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. Today’s announcement represents 40% of Michigan’s funding for the State Energy Program under the Recovery Act. The initial 10% of total funding was available to states to support planning activities; the remaining 50% of funds will be released when states meet reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act.
Additionally, initial Recovery Act funds will be used for implementing energy efficiency in the private sector. The state will work with two major utilities to conduct onsite energy audits in 500 homes and businesses. The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth will build partnerships with the electric utilities and Michigan’s Weatherization Program to gather and analyze data on energy conservation measures in buildings and energy efficiency in homes.
The Recovery Act appropriated $3.1 billion to SEP, giving priority to achieving national goals of energy independence while helping to stimulate local economies. States use these grants to address energy priorities and to adopt emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. SEP will invest $3.1 billion from the Recovery Act to help the nation weather the ongoing economic downturn and meet key energy goals. The national program funding is intended to be spent at the local and state level for immediate economic impact. Transparency and accountability are high priorities of all Recovery Act funding on local, state, and national levels.
