DOE Awards More Than $354 Million to 22 States for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Projects

DOE has awarded more than $354 million in Recovery Act funds to 22 states for energy efficiency and conservation projects. The grants, awarded through the DOE's Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, will help finance states' efforts to lower energy consumption and increase conservation, reduce carbon pollution and create local green jobs.

Awards range in size from $9.5 million to almost $50 million. The awards go to state energy offices and will be allocated to state-level energy efficiency priorities, as well as local conservation projects in smaller cities and counties. At least 60% or more of the state awards will be passed through directly to cities and counties that are not eligible for direct EECBG money. The Recovery Act-funded EECBG program provides formula grants to states, cities, counties, territories and federally-recognized Indian tribes across the country to support local energy efficiency projects.

"This funding will allow states across the country to make major investments in energy solutions that will strengthen America's economy and create jobs at the local level," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. He added that the program also will promote "...some of the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies that we have."

The states receiving the awards are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington State, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Eligible projects include energy efficiency and conservation strategy development, energy efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programs and the development of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections and the installation of renewable energy technologies on municipal buildings.

The program has strict standards for transparency and accountability that resemble those standards mandated in DOE's State Energy Program. States are required to guarantee adequate project oversight, submit a conservation strategy to DOE and comply with environmental regulations. Also, DOE will provide oversight at the state, local and tribal levels. Under the program, communities also are required to regularly report to DOE on the progress of their projects.

Click the link below for details on the awards and projects.

   EERE news release