Recovery Act Fuels Municipal Efficiency Efforts

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG), funded with $3.2 billion under the Recovery Act, marked the first time federal dollars have targeted municipal energy efficiency jobs and programs. The money is allocated to municipalities across the country, as well as indirectly through states and a competitive application process, allowing eligible cities and counties to support vital energy efficiency programs intended to create green jobs, save energy, and improve the economy. Energy efficiency projects range from far-reaching city-planning and financial strategies, to retrofits and energy audit programs for existing buildings, to recycling and job-creation initiatives. It encourages cities to establish a baseline of energy use by which to measure future energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The money is expected to start flowing in early 2010. Many cities have had well-developed energy efficiency programs for many years. ACEEE’s report, Energy Efficiency Program Options for Local Governments under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, includes synopses of over 40 municipal programs, all of which were instituted prior to the passage of the stimulus bill. The report provides effective models for cities implementing stimulus-funded energy efficiency programs. Case Studies: Proven Programs St. Paul, Minnesota In the 1990s, […]

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