DOE Announces New Opportunities to Improve Commercial Building Energy Efficiency

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)  announced support for energy-saving commercial building projects as part of an ongoing effort by DOE to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the United States. With money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, DOE’s national laboratories will select and fund technical experts to provide technical guidance to commercial building owners and operators.  The goal of this Commercial Building Partnerships (CBP) initiative is to increase the energy efficiency of selected new and existing buildings.

DOE’s CBP initiative will foster collaborative relationships among the owners and operators of commercial buildings, researchers from DOE national laboratories and private-sector technical experts. Building owners receive technical expertise on how to design, build and maintain low-energy buildings that can reduce energy use and lower energy bills across their building portfolios. These collaborations help to move energy-saving strategies into the marketplace quickly and cost-effectively. Each of the CBP building projects will be documented in publicly available case studies that will provide detailed energy use data and best practices to other building operators across the country.

Three DOE national laboratories are managing this new effort: the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colo., the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, Calif., and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash.

“CBP participants will create buildings with measured energy savings of at least 50 percent for new construction and 30 percent for existing buildings,” said Paul Torcellini, group manager for commercial building research at NREL. “This initiative is unique because it demonstrates that it’s cost-effective to make buildings more energy efficient, and that energy-efficient buildings are easy to replicate.”

Applicants can apply through the laboratories for the following two initiatives:

Call for Energy Efficient Commercial Building Projects

To get involved, owners and operators of commercial buildings—retail and office buildings, for example—will submit plans for projects that will upgrade new or existing buildings, and they commit to working with the laboratories and technical experts to make these buildings significantly more energy efficient. Although they receive no direct funding, owners and operators have access to state-of-the-art technical guidance to implement energy efficiency technologies throughout the design, construction, and evaluation of their building and retrofit projects. This technical expertise includes guidance with energy modeling, assessing and choosing appropriate energy efficiency measures, and energy performance verification.

Online applications to the call for projects are due by May 10, 2010. Learn more about the call for projects and access the application.

Request for Proposals from Commercial Building Technical Experts

Technical expert teams and measurement and verification technical contractors interested in providing technical guidance to the successful applicants to the call for projects can respond to this request for proposals (RFP). Technical expert teams need to provide a broad range of technical expertise including all or some of the following areas: architecture, engineering, HVAC and controls, daylighting, lighting, energy modeling, commissioning, building auditing and data collection, and cost estimation. Using Recovery Act funding, the participating national laboratories will contract with technical experts to provide this guidance.

Completed proposals are due by May 10, 2010. Learn more about this opportunity and read the RFP.

Learn more about Commercial Building Partnerships and these new opportunities at the Building Technologies Program website.

Solar Panel Manufacturer Gets $400 Million DOE Conditional Loan Guarantee

President Obama announced on July 3 a $400 million conditional loan guarantee to Abound Solar Manufacturing for the assembly of state-of-the-art thin-film, cadmium-telluride solar panels. With this project, this new manufacturing technology will be commercially deployed for the first time ever. The project will include facilities in Longmont, Colorado, and Tipton, Indiana. The company anticipates the project will create approximately 2,000 jobs during construction, as well as 1,500 permanent jobs. In Indiana, Abound will occupy a new, unused factory originally constructed for a Chrysler auto parts supplier.

 
President’s announcement:

 

Using proprietary manufacturing technology developed jointly by DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Colorado State University, and the National Science Foundation, Abound will produce photovoltaic panels using an innovative process in which thin films of cadmium-telluride are deposited onto glass panels. The technology reduces overall product costs while yielding enhanced film quality and device efficiency and stability. When the facilities reach their expected full capacity in 2013, the company will produce millions of solar panels annually for less than crystalline silicon modules cost. Upon completion, the facilities will be able to manufacture enough panels each year to support up to 840 megawatts of new solar power. DOE has now issued conditional commitments for loan guarantees to support 13 clean energy projects. The loan guarantees are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. See the DOE press release, the DOE Loan Guarantee Program Web site

Five More States Reach Major Recovery Act Weatherization Milestone

completing weatherization work for more than 30% of the homes they have planned

The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that five more states have reached a significant milestone under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act—completing weatherization work for more than 30% of the homes they have planned. Now that New Hampshire, New Mexico, Montana, Minnesota, and Utah have each met this target, along with completing a series of monitoring and reporting milestones, the states will have access to the remaining 50% of their Recovery Act funding for the program. The Weatherization Assistance Program under the Recovery Act has weatherized more than 108,000 homes nationally, saving American families more than $47 million on their energy bills and according to state reports, supporting more than 10,000 jobs in the first quarter of this year.

“The weatherization program under the Recovery Act is creating opportunities nationwide—opportunities for energy savings and job growth. These states are helping to lead the way toward a stronger economic future with a sound foundation in clean energy,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

The five states highlighted today join seven other states nationally who met this Recovery Act milestone in the last month: Idaho, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households save energy and money by improving their energy efficiency. Local community action agencies or non-profit organizations provide whole-home weatherization services under the program. This includes conducting an energy audit in the home to identify the most cost-effective improvements and implementing solutions that range from installing additional insulation and weatherstripping, sealing windows and doors, caulking cracks in the building, and replacing inefficient heating and cooling systems. According to a recent study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, weatherization services save families an average of more than $400 in energy costs during the first year.

The weatherization program is also creating jobs and providing career training opportunities nationwide. Earlier this month, the Department announced $29 million in funding for 34 weatherization training centers, which will more than triple the number of federally funded training centers and lay the foundation for an energy efficiency workforce for years to come.

More information on the five states that have now weatherized 30% of their planned homes under the Recovery Act and met a set of monitoring and compliance milestones is below:

• New Hampshire has weatherized 985 homes under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as of May 31, 2010. New Hampshire now has access to the full $23.2 million in funding to weatherize more than 2,600 total homes with Recovery Act funding. According to the state, 110 workers were employed by state and local weatherization providers during the first three months of the year.
• New Mexico has weatherized 881 homes under the Recovery Act as of May 31, 2010. The state now has access to the full $26.8 million in funding to weatherize more than 2,700 homes. According to the state, nearly 50 workers were employed by state and local weatherization providers during the first three months of the year.
• Montana has weatherized 989 homes under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as of May 31, 2010. Montana now has access to the full $26.5 million in Recovery Act funding to weatherize more than 2,400 total homes. According to the state, more than 110 workers were employed by state and local weatherization providers during the first three months of the year.
• Minnesota has weatherized 5,268 homes under the Recovery Act as of May 31, 2010. Minnesota now has access to the full $131.9 million to weatherize more than 16,800 homes with their Recovery Act funding. According to the state, more than 450 workers were employed by state and local weatherization providers during the first three months of the year.
• Utah has weatherized 1,402 homes under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as of April 30, 2010. Utah now has access to the full $37.8 million to weatherize a total of more than 4,400 homes with Recovery Act funding. According to the state, approximately 80 workers were employed by state and local weatherization providers during the first three months of the year.

For more information, visit the Weatherization Assistance Program Web page

More than $60 Million in Recovery Act Funding to Expand Local Energy Efficiency Efforts in 20 Communities

The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that 20 communities have been selected for more than $60 million in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to implement local energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that will reduce energy use by American homes, vehicles, and businesses. Local governments, nonprofit organizations, and quasi-governmental organizations are among the recipients for the competitive grants, administered under the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program.

“These projects will stimulate the economy and create jobs on the main streets of local communities across the nation through innovative investments in energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable power generation,” said Under Secretary of Energy Kristina Johnson. “We already have proven technologies to reduce energy use at home and at work. These projects will provide access to those tools for more Americans, saving money for thousands of families and businesses.”

These awards were open to local communities that were not eligible to receive the initial, population-based formula grants under the EECBG program. The projects announced today will continue to build on the Recovery Act’s historic down-payment for a clean energy future, empowering local communities to address their clean energy priorities through projects such as residential, commercial, and municipal energy efficiency retrofits, efficiency improvements to transportation systems, and installations of renewable energy systems to reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Award selections for the competitive EECBG program targeted innovative approaches that will help demonstrate the high rate of return on efficiency and renewable energy investments, achieve significant long-term benefits for the community, and act as a model for future public or private energy efficiency efforts.

Specifically, the funding supports projects that deliver energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings and establish financing programs for energy efficiency improvements. Other activities will include transportation programs that conserve energy through trip reduction strategies and alternative transportation options, projects to increase recycling and reduce the energy demands of delivering and supplying clean water through water efficiency and conservation measures, the installation of energy efficient street lights, and the integrated deployment of renewable energy systems in conjunction with energy efficiency retrofits to existing buildings.

The award recipients were selected through a competitive review process that took into account the expected energy savings and reduced emissions impacts of the projects, leveraged investments from other non-federal sources, and whether the project could be replicated and expanded to contribute to a sustainable market for energy efficiency nationally. Projects that proposed innovative approaches and identified and addressed ways to overcome institutional, regulatory, or market barriers were also favored. As part of the accountability requirements under the Recovery Act, all grant recipients are required to submit quarterly reports on the number of jobs created or saved under the project, the energy saved, the renewable energy capacity installed, the greenhouse gas emissions reduced, and the funds leveraged.

The following communities have been selected for awards under the competitive EECBG program:

1. City of Tanana: Tanana, Alaska ($1,500,000)
2. Central Basin Municipal Water District: Commerce, California ($2,000,000)
3. County of Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara County, California ($2,401,309)
4. Eagle County: Eagle County, Colorado ($4,916,126)
5. Connecticut Innovations, Inc.: Rocky Hill, Connecticut ($4,171,124)
6. St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners: St. Lucie County, Florida ($2,941,500)
7. Indiana Municipal Power Agency: Carmel, Indiana ($5,000,000)
8. City of West Union: West Union, Iowa ($1,000,000)
9. Riley County: Riley County, Kansas ($3,000,000)
10. Town of University Park: University Park, Maryland ($1,425,000)
11. City of Wyandotte: Wyandotte, Michigan ($3,807,000)
12. Minnesota Municipal Power Agency: Minneapolis, Minnesota ($3,398,252)
13. Mid-America Regional Council: Kansas City, Missouri ($4,063,994)
14. New Mexico Recycling Coalition: Santa Fe, New Mexico ($2,795,261)
15. The Bedford-Northern Westchester Energy Action Coalition (Bedford-NWEAC): Town of Bedford, New York ($1,267,874)
16. Columbia County: Columbia County, Oregon ($3,461,319)
17. Fayette County: Fayette County, Pennsylvania ($4,100,018)
18. Rutland West Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.: West Rutland, Vermont ($4,487,588)
19. Thurston Regional Planning Council: Olympia, Washington ($2,159,021)
20. Conservation Services Group, Inc.: City of Bainbridge Island and City of Bremerton, Washington ($4,884,614)

ZeaChem Breaks Ground on a Cellulosic Ethanol Biorefinery in Oregon

ZeaChem, Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 2 for a new cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in Boardman, Oregon. Cellulosic ethanol is ethanol produced from non-edible biomass sources, such as agricultural residues, trees, or grasses. The demonstration-scale facility will produce 250,000 gallons per year of ethanol from hybrid poplar trees grown at a nearby tree farm, but it will also test the production of ethanol from other biomass sources, such as agricultural residues and herbaceous crops. The ZeaChem technology uses a chemical process to separate the sugars (xylose and glucose) from the biomass, then uses a bacteria to ferment the sugars, forming acetic acid. The acetic acid is then concentrated and chemically converted into ethyl acetate. While ethyl acetate is itself a marketable chemical product, ZeaChem intends to use a $25 million grant, awarded by DOE through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to add the capability of converting the ethyl acetate into ethanol.

To accomplish that trick requires several additional steps. First, the residues left over after the sugars are separated from the biomass will be fed into a high-temperature gasifier, forming a hydrogen-rich synthetic gas, or “syngas.” The hydrogen will be separated from the syngas and reacted with the ethyl acetate to form ethanol. Meanwhile, the remaining syngas will be burned to create steam and power for the biorefinery. As a result, the facility will have the capability to produce multiple products: a marketable biobased chemical, cellulosic ethanol, and electrical power. ZeaChem expects the steam and power produced to be essentially equal to the energy demands of the biorefinery. The company also claims that the facility could be modified to produce a variety of biobased organic chemicals, allowing the company to change its product to best respond to market conditions.

ZeaChem expects the facility to begin operating this year using its core technology for ethyl acetate production, with cellulosic ethanol production starting in 2011. The company has tested its fermentation technology at a research facility in Colorado, and it claims that numerous industry vendors have validated the additional process steps, include acetic acid concentration and ethyl acetate production. The Oregon Employment Department calculates that construction and operation of the Boardman facility will create 292 direct and indirect jobs in Oregon. See the ZeaChem press release and the technology description on the ZeaChem Web site.

Obama’s Weatherization Program Gets a $27 Million Boost from Recovery Act, 27 States Benefit

With this training, skilled workers can help expand the use of energy efficient practices in America’s homes and businesses.

The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that 34 projects in 27 states have been selected to receive $29 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to develop and expand weatherization training centers across the country. These projects will provide green job training for local workers in energy efficiency retrofitting and weatherization services. With this training, skilled workers can help expand the use of energy efficient practices in America’s homes and businesses.

“A well-trained workforce will be a crucial part of America’s clean energy economy in the years ahead,” said Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman. “These investments in efficiency training programs will help build a foundation for long-term growth in America. Energy efficiency improves the competitiveness of our economy, benefits the environment, and puts Americans back to work.”

Using innovative approaches to weatherization training and standardized training curricula, these projects will help prepare weatherization workers, supervisors, and inspectors to maintain a high degree of quality in weatherization projects and to work in the growing field of energy efficiency retrofits. The centers and programs will offer training using a combination of classroom, online, and hands-on learning tools.
This funding will support the expansion of 8 existing weatherization training centers and the establishment of 26 new training centers, more than tripling the number of DOE-funded weatherization training centers nationally. The 34 programs announced today will significantly expand access to weatherization training, while improving the quality and consistency of training nationwide. These investments will continue to build on the Administration’s efforts to expand the green workforce and build a self-sustaining energy retrofit industry that creates high-quality jobs, while improving the environment and saving energy.

Under the Recovery Act, the Obama Administration is making unprecedented investments that are helping to build America’s clean energy future, including $5 billion to significantly ramp up the pace of weatherization in the United States. The training programs announced today will support a range of public and private energy efficiency efforts, including the Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which has already funded the weatherization of nearly 200,000 homes since last February, using both Recovery Act and annual program funds.

These weatherization training centers are part of the Department’s broader Training and Technical Assistance program for weatherization, including a variety of online tools, a national training platform, certification and accreditation standards, program evaluations, quality assurance reviews, and peer mentoring.

The following organizations have been selected for funding:

Applicant	Recovery Act Funding	Total Project Value*	City	State
Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska	$961,692	$1,159,212	Juneau	Alaska
Pulaski Technical College	$1,000,000	$1,244,507	North Little Rock	Arkansas
FSL Home Improvements	$525,692	$657,137	Phoenix	Arizona
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College	$725,976	$907,470	Los Angeles	California
Century Center for Economic Opportunity, Inc.	$1,000,000	$1,310,000	Gardena	California
Colorado Governor’s Energy Office	$963,130	$1,219,149	Denver	Colorado
The WorkPlace, Inc.	$442,951	$562,951	Bridgeport	Connecticut
University of Central Florida	$486,000	$607,500	Cocoa	Florida
University of Florida	$979,421	$1,224,674	Gainesville	Florida
WorkNet Pinellas, Inc.	$1,000,000	$1,726,000	St. Petersburg	Florida
Southface Energy Institute	$949,078	$1,422,903	Atlanta	Georgia
The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois	$959,635	$1,199,544	Champaign	Illinois
Wilbur Wright College	$1,000,000	$1,200,000	Chicago	Illinois
Indiana Community Action Association, Inc.	$1,000,000	$1,250,000	Indianapolis	Indiana
Kentucky Housing Corporation	$995,756	$1,259,051	Frankfort	Kentucky
Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships, Inc.	$797,250	$956,700	Baton Rouge	Louisiana
South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc.	$705,225	$1,049,515	Framingham	Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	$964,215	$1,268,644	Dartmouth	Massachusetts
Baltimore City Community College	$1,000,000	$1,254,664	Baltimore	Maryland
Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing)	$880,010	$1,086,720	Augusta	Maine
Focus: HOPE	$848,172	$1,061,565	Detroit	Michigan
State of Montana	$970,099	$1,215,426	Helena	Montana
Bergen County Community Action Partnership, Inc.	$999,567	$1,275,103	Hackensack	New Jersey
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority	$919,579	$919,579	Santa Fe	New Mexico
Association for Energy Affordability, Inc.	$873,617	$1,102,398	New York	New York
Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development Inc.	$999,846	$1,249,846	Athens	Ohio
Oregon Energy Coordinators Association	$1,000,000	$2,923,000	Salem	Oregon
Pennsylvania College of Technology	$916,981	$1,163,972	Williamsport	Pennsylvania
Bucks County Community College	$631,260	$757,512	Newtown	Pennsylvania
Governor’s Office of Economic Development	$323,700	$438,700	Clearfield	Utah
Green Jobs Alliance	$981,260	$1,511,260	Hampton	Virginia
Community Housing Partners Corporation	$1,000,000	$1,300,000	Christiansburg	Virginia
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation	$255,198	$318,998	Madison	Wisconsin
West Virginia Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity	$1,000,000	$1,250,000	Charleston	West Virginia

*Includes applicant cost share

For project descriptions, visit HERE. For more information on the weatherization program, visit http://weatherization.energy.gov.

High-Speed Rail Gets major boost with $80 million in funding

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced on May 27 that it has delivered nearly $80 million in grants to five states as part of President Obama’s high-speed and intercity passenger rail program. The bulk of the funds—$66.6 million—will go towards program management and preliminary engineering on a planned high-speed rail service in Florida, running between Tampa and Orlando. The project will include 84 miles of track and will feature trains running at 168 miles per hour (mph).

Grants were also delivered to California, for track relocation work in support of a high-speed rail line connecting San Francisco and Sacramento; to Wisconsin, for environmental assessments of planned new stations on a 110-mph rail line between Milwaukee and Madison; and to New York State, for the planning of projects to increase the speed of the Empire Corridor to 110 mph. The 468-mile Empire Corridor connects all of New York’s largest cities. In addition, New Mexico will receive a grant to create the state’s first-ever rail plan, the first step in a project that could eventually link all the major cities in the Southwest. With the exception of New Mexico, all of the projects also received a share of $8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds that were announced in late January.  See the White House press release, the White House summary of awards (PDF 15 KB)

Recovery Act Announcement: DOE Announces Recovery Act Funding of up to $85 million for Algal and Advanced Biofuels

The 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.

Treasury, Energy Announce More than $3 Billion in Recovery Act Funds for Renewable Energy Projects

Cash Assistance Will Increase Economic Development, Promote Renewable Energy Use
Program Guidance Now Available to Businesses to Facilitate Swift Implementation

WASHINGTON – 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.

Seven States Get $288 Million Major Boost in Weatherization Funds

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that the DOE is providing more than $288 million in Recovery Act funding to expand weatherization assistance programs in Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire. 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 91,000 homes, lowering energy costs for low-income families that need it, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating green jobs across the country.

Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire 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 seven states receiving funds today submitted aggressive and innovative plans to expand their weatherization programs:

ARKANSAS – $19. 2 Million Awarded Today

Arkansas will use its Recovery Act funding to weatherize more than 6,000 homes over the next three years. The Arkansas Office of Community Services (OCS) will administer the program with 15 local organizations to provide weatherization assistance to all 75 counties across the state. These organizations, consisting of community action groups, development councils and other nonprofits, will also conduct energy audits and re-weatherization services for 500 additional housing units. This program will help to reduce energy consumption and energy bills for low-income households, while creating jobs within the state.

The Recovery Act funding will also provide training and technical assistance to the community organizations. Through the state’s training and technical assistance program, these organizations will be kept abreast of new weatherization techniques and methods.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive over $24 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $48 million.

IOWA – $32.3 Million Awarded Today

Iowa will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize more than 7,200 homes over the next three years. Approximately 18 agencies are involved in carrying out the weatherization work, including the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Mid-Iowa Community Action, and the Polk County Board of Supervisors. The community action agencies will submit monthly reports to ensure transparency and accountability. In order to increase public awareness of the weatherization program and the savings that go with reduced energy use, Clean Energy Education Savings Guides developed by the Iowa Weatherization Program will be distributed to clients’ homes.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $40 million, for a total of more than $80 million.

KENTUCKY – $28.3 Million Awarded Today

Kentucky will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize more than 8,900 homes over the next three years. The state will give priority to households with children under six years of age, and those homes where the housing conditions are substandard and the children are at a risk of being removed from the family. The state will also prioritize homes with elderly and disabled family members and low-income households that spend a disproportionate amount of their income on energy costs, along with those households that use the highest cost fuels for the amount of energy provided. The program will also analyze the primary fuel type used in the household, with homes heated with electricity receiving a higher priority than those that use coal.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $35 million, for a total of more than $70 million.

MASSACHUSETTS – $48.8 Million Awarded Today

Massachusetts will use its Recovery Act funds to weatherize more than 16,900 homes over the next three years, while ramping up a Clean Energy Center to train and support a growing energy-efficiency workforce in the state. Under the program, Massachusetts is increasing the number of auditors and other professionals that will be needed to meet the increased demand for weatherization activities. More than 25 additional auditors have already been hired, along with new private-sector employees that will work with local organizations responsible for weatherization work.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive an additional $61 million, for a total of more than $122 million.

MICHIGAN -$97.3 Million Awarded Today

Michigan will use funding from the Recovery Act to provide weatherization assistance to more than 33,000 homes over the next three years. The Michigan weatherization program, administered by the Department of Human Services, will provide home energy audits and weatherization activities that will lower energy consumption and utility bills in low-income homes across the state. Each home will receive a unique audit to determine which activities are the most cost effective. Some of the most common weatherization procedures include the repair, insulation, and sealing of ducts and the installation of insulation in walls and attics. Weatherization funds can also be used to install energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs and replace energy consuming refrigerators and water heaters.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive over $121 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $243 million.

MINNESOTA – $52.7 Million Awarded Today

Minnesota will use its Recovery Act funding to weatherize more than 16,800 households over the next three years. Weatherization is a strong tool to minimize the effects of the state’s climate for residents, who face harsh polar air and extreme temperatures throughout the year. The state’s Department of Commerce will administer the program and over 30 community action groups throughout the state will provide weatherization services in local areas with the largest groups located in Minneapolis and in Ramsey and Washington Counties. All organizations that implement the work are provided training and technical assistance workshops and conferences focused on maximizing energy savings and minimizing program costs. The funding will also be used to support the state’s energy crisis plan that assists low-income households with weatherization services in the event of a disaster.

NEW HAMPSHIRE – $9.3 Million Awarded Today

New Hampshire will utilize Recovery Act funding to help create new job opportunities and workforce development through the implementation of its weatherization assistance program and increased demand for weatherization professionals. The New Hampshire program will provide weatherization assistance to over 2,600 low-income households over the next three years. The New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning will administer the program, and subcontract to six community action agencies that will deliver weatherization services at the local level.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive over $11.5 million in additional funding, for a total of over $23 million.

Secretary Chu Announces Two New Projects to Reduce Emissions from Coal Plants

Up 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.

Obama Administration Awards More than $204 Million for State Energy Programs in 10 States

Funding 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.

EPA Helps Put America Back to Work Protecting Human Health and Cleaning Up the Environment

 (New York, N.Y)  Last Friday the EPA announced In a move that will boost the economy, create new jobs, build the foundation for long-term economic strength, and protect human health and the environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a national competition for $156 million in funding to jumpstart clean diesel projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The projects will create jobs and reduce harmful diesel pollution. Nearly $18.5 million of this funding is slated for projects in EPA Region 2, which covers New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and seven federally recognized Indian Nations. EPA is encouraging organizations and government entities to apply for the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.  Applications are due by April 28, 2009.

 ”This Recovery Act funding for projects to control diesel pollution will go a long way toward creating jobs, while significantly reducing pollution,” said George Pavlou, Acting Regional Administrator. “This is proof positive that a strong economic and environmental future not only can, but does go hand-in-hand.”

 The Recovery Act will enable investments of $30 million in funding for the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program. This funding will support the creation of national, state or local innovative clean diesel financing programs.  Additionally, $20 million has been slated under the Recovery Act for the National Clean Diesel Emerging Technology Program. This funding will support the use, development and commercialization of emerging technologies that reduce emissions from diesel engines.

 The projects may foster a variety of emissions reduction solutions such as add-on emission control retrofit and idle reduction technologies, cleaner fuel use, engine repowering and upgrades, and vehicle or equipment replacement.  All projects must provide benefits to air quality in the geographic areas that include New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and tribal lands.

The Recovery Act funding supports ongoing efforts by EPA to support projects that significantly reduce tons of diesel pollution produced, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the EPA Administrator as having poor air quality. These efforts reduce pollution from heavy duty diesel vehicles and equipment currently used on or off the road for construction or moving or transporting people and goods. EPA supports a range of diesel reduction projects focused on buses, trucks, ships and locomotives; other projects could target equipment used in applications such as construction, cargo-handling, farming, and mining.

EPA is accepting applications for funding from regional, state, local or tribal agencies or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality.  Applications will also be accepted from nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to people or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets or that have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality.  School districts, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations, cities and counties are all eligible, provided that they fall within the definition above. ARRA gives precedence to projects that can be started and completed expeditiously.

 Diesel engines emit harmful fine particles, nitrogen oxides, greenhouse gases, and toxic air pollutants. These emissions contribute to unhealthy levels of air pollution, particularly in the Northeast, where millions of residents are affected.  Fine particles can lodge deep into the lungs, can trigger asthma attacks and, over time, cause permanent damage to the lungs. Nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, the choking brown haze that settles over many areas on the hottest summer days.

 President Obama 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 http://www.recovery.gov/. 

 Interested applicants, who have additional questions about the regional competition, may contact EPA’s Matt Laurita, (212) 637-3895, laurita.matthew@epa.gov. Applicants may submit written questions via email to cleandiesel@epa.gov, or attend an information call-in session, listed at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/eparecovery/prognational.htm#rfa.

 To learn more about the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program, visit: http://epa.gov/otaq/eparecovery/progfinance.htm

 To learn more about the National Clean Diesel Emerging Technology Program, visit: http://epa.gov/otaq/eparecovery/progemerge.htm

Contact: (Media Only) Elias Rodriguez, (212) 637-3664, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov

President Obama Announces $2.4 Billion for Electric Vehicles

President Barack Obama today announced the launch of two major programs that will drive the development of the next generation of electric vehicles in the United States and support the growth of domestic jobs. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the release of two competitive solicitations for up to $2 billion in federal funding for competitively awarded cost-shared agreements for manufacturing of advanced batteries and related drive components as well as up to $400 million for transportation electrification demonstration and deployment projects.

By contributing to the reduction of petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions, these projects will advance the United States’ economic recovery, national energy security, and environmental sustainability. Today’s announcement will also help meet the president’s goal of putting one million plug-in hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015.

This funding has been divided between two new Funding Opportunity Announcements:

• Recovery Act – Transportation Electrification (DE-FOA-0000026)
• Recovery Act – Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative (DE-FOA-0000028)

To access these Funding Opportunity Announcements, please follow these steps:

1. Go to the FedConnect Web site.
2. Click on “Search Public Opportunities and Awards.”
3. Under “Search Criteria,” select “Reference Number” from the drop-down menu.
4. Type the funding opportunity number of the opportunity you are interested in reviewing-DE-FOA-0000026 or DE-FOA-0000028.
5. Click on “Search.” Select the opportunity that appears.
6. Look in the right column. Beneath a folder called “00001″ is a file called “Body.” Click on this to open the text of the opportunity.

$565 million in Recovery Act funds available to several States, Tribes for safe water, jobs

Arkansas, Louisiana , New Mexico , Oklahoma and Texas to receive funding to boost aging water and wastewater infrastructure

 ( Dallas , Texas – March 17, 2009)  State and tribal governments in Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 will receive more than $565 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for water projects that will create jobs in addition to protecting public health and the environment. EPA Region 6 is headquartered in Dallas and includes the states of Arkansas , Louisiana , New Mexico , Oklahoma , Texas , and 65 federally recognized tribes. This is the first installment of EPA funding available to support states and tribes in Region 6 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which President Obama signed into law on February 17, 2009. 

“This new funding will provide a much-needed boost to state, tribal and EPA efforts to restore an aging water and wastewater infrastructure,” said Lawrence E. Starfield, Acting EPA Regional Administrator. “Not only will it help state and local governments to finance many overdue improvements, but it will also promote green projects that provide additional benefits to the environment.”

The individual amounts directed to state and tribal governments will be delivered via existing programs:  the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and the Tribal Clean Water and Drinking Water Set-Aside programs. Arkansas will receive $50.4 million, Louisiana will receive $71.1 million, New Mexico will receive $38.9 million, Oklahoma will receive $63.4 million, and Texas will receive $341.6 million. In addition, EPA Region 6 will provide approximately $7 million for tribal water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

 These funds will supplement existing annual EPA SRF grants to the states. The states use these funds to issue loans for enhancing, upgrading and rebuilding public drinking water systems and public wastewater systems, as well as funding non-point source projects. The new law provides states with additional flexibility in loan terms by requiring that at least fifty percent of the funding be provided in subsidies such as principal forgiveness or negative interest rates. States and watershed planning organizations will also benefit from the new law through the provision of small planning grants to address specific water quality problems. At least 20 percent of the Recovery Act water funds EPA grants to states should be used for green infrastructure, water or energy efficiency improvements or other environmentally innovative projects.

The States and Federal Agencies are working to identify the best projects for Recovery Act funding. Opportunities for public comments on each state’s proposed list of projects will occur in the next several weeks. As soon as the process is complete and applications are received, EPA will provide the funding. EPA officials expect the funding to flow to the states beginning in April.

Funding for Tribal drinking water and wastewater infrastructure occurs in a partnership between EPA, Tribes and the Indian Health Service (IHS).  EPA’s funding will transfer to IHS, who manages the water-related infrastructure construction for Tribes.  IHS expects to be able to begin using the funding in April. 

While not yet scheduled, similar funding announcements for regional hazardous waste or, “Superfund,” cleanup, “Brownfields” re-development, Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) projects and Leaking Underground Storage Tanks will follow in the near future.

Additional information on EPA Region 6 recovery activities is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/eparecovery/index.htm

To learn more about national American Recovery and Reinvestment Act efforts, please visit http://www.recovery.gov/

EPA Directs Over $297 Million of Recovery Act Funding to Northwest States, Alaska and Tribes to Protect Water Quality, Create Jobs

EPA: “Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Residents Get More to Invest in Clean Water for the Future.”

(Seattle, Washington – March 12, 2009) Three Northwest States, Alaska, and Tribal governments will receive more than $297 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for clean water projects to create jobs and protect communities and the environment. The federal funding is the first installment of EPA funding available to support states and tribes under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which President Obama signed into law on February 17, 2009.

The individual amounts directed to Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and tribal governments will be delivered via existing programs: the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the Tribal Clean Water & Drinking Water Set-Aside programs. Alaska will receive $43 million, Idaho will receive $39 million, Oregon will receive $73 million, and Washington will receive $110 million.

In addition, Alaska Tribal water infrastructure will receive $27 million. EPA will provide $4.4 million for Tribal water infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.

These funds will supplement existing annual EPA grants to the states. The states use these funds to issue loans for enhancing, upgrading and rebuilding public drinking water systems and public wastewater systems, as well as funding non-point source projects. The new law provides states with additional flexibility in loan terms by requiring that at least fifty percent of the funding be provided in subsidies such as principal forgiveness or negative interest rates. States and watershed planning organizations will also benefit from the new law through the provision of small planning grants to address specific water quality problems.

According to Michelle Pirzadeh, EPA’s acting regional administrator in Seattle, the funding will go a long way to help protect Northwest water quality and families that depend on safe drinking water.

“This is great news for our communities and the environment,” said Pirzadeh. “Everyone agrees that safe, clean water is a fundamental building-block of both healthy communities and local economies. States and Tribes will use up to twenty percent of the funds for water and energy efficiency and other innovative projects. This initiative both makes an important down payment to fix our aging infrastructure and offers workers well-paid, ‘green’ jobs.”

The States and Federal Agencies are working to identify the best projects. Opportunities for public comments on each State’s proposed list of projects will occur in the next several weeks. As soon as those are final, EPA will provide the funding. EPA officials expect the funding to flow to the states beginning in April.

Funding for Tribal drinking water and wastewater infrastructure occurs in a partnership between EPA, Tribes and the Indian Health Service (IHS). EPA’s funding will transfer to IHS, who manages the water-related infrastructure construction for Tribes. IHS expects to be able to begin using the funding in April.

While not yet scheduled, similar funding announcements for regional hazardous waste (”Superfund”) cleanup, “Brownfields” re-development, Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) projects and Leaking Underground Storage Tanks will follow in the near future.

Contact Information: Mark MacIntyre: 206-369-7999; Paula VanHaagen: 206-553-6977

 For more about how American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, please visit:
http://www.recovery.gov/
For more information about EPA Programs and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, please visit:
http://www.epa.gov/recovery/index.html
For more about how American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding is helping the people and environment of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, visit:
www.epa.gov/region10/eparecovery/cleanwater.htm
For more about EPA’s work with the State Revolving Funds, visit: (SRF URL)
http://www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf/
For information about green infrastructure, see: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=298
For information about EPA’s water efficiency program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/

EPA Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)

(March 6, 2009; Washington D.C.)  –EPA.   The economic recovery plan signed by President Obama will create quality, sustainable jobs to help protect our country’s public health and our environment. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 specifically includes $7.22 billion for projects and programs administered by EPA.  These programs will protect and promote both “green” jobs and a healthier environment.

As part of the plan, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund projects have been funded $4 billion for assistance to help communities with water quality and wastewater infrastructure needs and $2 billion for drinking water infrastructure needs. A portion of the funding is targeted towards green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative projects.

The Agency is developing grant guidance to assist states in managing the Recovery Act funding. Announcements of grants will be posted on the web to ensure transparency. The state-by-state distributions for clean water and drinking water state revolving funds are also available on-line.

Visit the EPA’s recovery website for a and overview and implementation of the Recovery and Investment act.

President’s Proposed EPA Budget Provides Strengthened Environmental Protection

Administrator Jackson: ‘With these proposed resources, and the president’s strong environmental agenda, it should be overwhelmingly clear that EPA is back on the job.’

(Washington, D.C. – Feb. 26, 2009) The Obama administration today proposed a budget of $10.5 billion for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the largest in the agency’s 39-year history. The increase of $3 billion from 2008 funding levels will further ensure the protection of public health and the environment for all Americans.

“The president’s budget proposes critical resources to protect the American people and the places where they live, work and play,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We are no longer faced with the false choice of a strong economy or a clean environment. The president’s budget shows that making critical and responsible investments in protecting the health and environment of all Americans will also lead to a more vibrant and stable economy. With these proposed resources, and the president’s strong environmental agenda, it should be overwhelmingly clear that EPA is back on the job.”

Last week, President Obama announced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which includes $7.22 billion for EPA-administered projects and programs to protect human health and the environment.

Some key highlights of 2010 budget initiatives include:

• $3.9 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund grants to support approximately 1,000 clean water projects and 700 drinking water projects – this year’s largest single investment. In addition to the funds recently invested through the ARRA, this funding is a critical step in addressing the water infrastructure needs in thousands of communities across the country. EPA will work with state and local partners to develop a sustainability policy, including management and pricing, conservation, security and a plan for adequate long-term state and municipal funding for future capital needs.
• A new $475 million, multi-agency Great Lakes Initiative to protect the world’s largest fresh water resource. EPA will coordinate with federal partners, states, tribes, localities and other entities to protect, maintain and restore the chemical, biological and physical integrity of the lakes. EPA and its partners will address invasive species, non-point source pollution, habitat restoration, contaminated sediment and other critical issues.
• A $19 million increase for the greenhouse gas emissions inventory and related activities that will provide data critical for implementing a comprehensive climate change bill. EPA’s funding for climate change investments is the foundation for working with key stakeholders and Congress to develop an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions approximately 83 percent below 2005 levels by 2050.
• Strengthening EPA’s core research, enforcement and regulatory capabilities. The budget request also proposes reinstating the Superfund excise taxes that expired. Reinstating the Superfund taxes would collect over $1 billion annually to fund the cleanup of the nation’s most contaminated sites.

More information on EPA’s FY 2010 budget request: whitehouse OMB budget website

Contact Information: Enesta Jones, 202-564-7873/ 4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov